Optical Assembly Redirecting Front Camera for Biometric Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile devices with front-facing cameras are limited in their ability to perform biometric applications such as iris or facial recognition, as they require a subject to be stationary and directly in front of the camera, restricting their usability and applicability.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a passive optical assembly, including prisms or other elements, that modifies the optical pathway of the front-facing camera to redirect illumination and imaging towards a rear-facing direction, allowing for biometric data capture from subjects not directly in front of the device without the need for rear-facing hardware modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a front-facing camera is used for biometric recognition, then the device can perform biometric functions, but the subject must be stationary and directly in front of the camera, limiting usability
Solution Approach 1:
An optical assembly acts as an intermediary between the front-facing camera and the subject. This assembly includes optical elements that redirect light paths, allowing the camera to capture images of subjects not directly in front of the device while maintaining biometric recognition capability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical assembly introduces additional optical dimensions by redirecting light at angles, enabling the camera to perceive subjects in three-dimensional space from multiple angles rather than being constrained to a single frontal plane
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rear-facing camera is added to enable biometric recognition from various angles, then usability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The front-facing camera is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it can still capture frontal images and now also captures images of subjects at various angles through the optical assembly, eliminating the need for separate rear-facing camera hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The optical assembly serves as a mediator that enables the existing front-facing camera to achieve capabilities previously requiring additional hardware, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility
3Adaptability or versatility
If full integration of new hardware is performed to enhance biometric capabilities, then functionality improves, but design and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biometric enhancement is segmented into a separate optical assembly that can be independently designed, manufactured, and integrated. This modular approach simplifies the manufacturing process compared to fully integrating new camera hardware into the device
Solution Approach 2:
The optical assembly functions as an intermediary module that bridges the existing camera hardware with enhanced biometric capabilities, avoiding the need for complex redesign of the device's core hardware architecture
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances the flexibility and applicability of mobile devices for biometric applications by enabling the capture of biometric information from subjects at various angles, improving usability and functionality without altering the existing hardware, and is cost-effective and easily installable on standard devices.
Implementation Method 1
operating an optical assembly that is movably coupled to the device, the optical assembly being configured to modify an optical pathway of at least the camera
Implementation Method 2
modifies the optical pathway of the front-facing camera to redirect illumination and imaging towards a rear-facing direction
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a device to obtain biometric information from a subject includes the step of orienting a device relative to a subject such that a first portion of the device faces the subject, wherein a second portion of the mobile device comprises a camera, the first and second portions being different sides of the device. The method may further includes the steps of operating an optical assembly that is movably coupled to the device, the optical assembly being configured to modify an optical pathway of at least the camera in a direction of the subject and acquiring imaging data of the subject using the camera. The method may further includes the steps of analyzing the acquired imaging data to generate biometric information corresponding to the subject and generating a report using the biometric information.