Optical Assembly for eBook Readers with Projector and Imager
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
EBook reader devices with reflective displays, such as electrophoretic displays, are not optimized for rendering video or images, limiting user experience when consuming digital media that includes both text and video content.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly integrated into the eBook reader device, comprising a projector and an imager, allows for cooperative rendering of content on the electronic display and projection of additional video or images, with the imager detecting user inputs and calibrating projections for accurate rendering on varying surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a reflective display is used to reduce power consumption and eye strain, then energy efficiency and user comfort are improved, but the ability to render video and images is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a reflective display and a projector into a hybrid display system. The reflective display handles text content with high energy efficiency, while the projector handles video content with high visual quality. Both components work together to deliver a unified user experience that leverages the strengths of each technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system is designed to perform multiple functions: the reflective display provides low-power text rendering, while the projector provides high-quality video rendering. The system can dynamically switch between or combine these functions based on content requirements, making it adaptable to both reading and video consumption scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an optical assembly with projector and imager is added to enable video projection, then video rendering capability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The optical assembly is integrated into the cover of the eBook reader device, nesting the projector and imager components within the existing device structure. This approach adds video functionality without requiring a completely new device design, thereby managing complexity through hierarchical integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical assembly serves multiple functions: the projector renders video content, the imager captures user gestures and projected image calibration, and both components share the same housing and power supply infrastructure. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive video capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the projector projects images onto varying surfaces, then viewing flexibility is improved, but projection accuracy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The imager captures images of the projected content on the target surface and feeds this information back to the processing unit. The system analyzes the captured image to detect surface characteristics, distortions, and viewing angles, then dynamically adjusts projection parameters to compensate for surface variations and maintain accurate rendering.
Solution Approach 2:
Before displaying content on the projected surface, the system performs calibration by projecting test patterns and capturing them with the imager. This preliminary action establishes a mapping between the projected coordinates and the actual surface geometry, enabling accurate content rendering on varying surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A electronic device that includes an optical assembly containing a projector, an imager, or both is described. The optical assembly may be disposed in an accessory such as a cover for the electronic device, or the electronic device itself. The optical assembly may be attached by a flexible connector or articulated arm that, when extended, positions the optical assembly generally above a plane of an electronic display of the device. The optical assembly may project images onto the electronic display, portions of the cover, or other surfaces. An imager in the optical assembly detects user gestures or other visual inputs to initiate commands on the electronic device.