Optical Redirection Adapter for Ergonomic Camera Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of electronic devices with built-in cameras often experience ergonomic discomfort when trying to take pictures or image symbols, as the camera is typically positioned on the back side, requiring users to hold the device in a way that can lead to strain or injury.
Innovation Solution
An optical redirection adapter that attaches to the electronic device, featuring an optical element positioned to reflect light into the camera's field of view from an offset angle, allowing the device to be pointed intuitively at a target without straining the user's neck or eyes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the camera is placed on the back side of the electronic device, then the device structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the user experience deteriorates due to ergonomic discomfort and potential strain or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical element (prism or mirror) as an intermediary component between the camera and the target object. This optical element redirects light from the target into the camera's field of view, allowing the camera to capture images while the device is held in a ergonomically correct position. The optical element acts as a mediator that decouples the camera's physical orientation from the device's holding orientation, resolving the contradiction between simplified camera placement and ergonomic comfort.
2Device complexity
If the camera is positioned to face downward on the back side, then the device design is simpler, but the user must hold the device and head in an unnatural manner causing strain
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element serves as a mediator that redirects the camera's field of view without requiring physical repositioning of the camera. By introducing this optical intermediary, the system achieves ergonomic operation while maintaining the simple downward-facing camera configuration, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and user harm prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical dimension by introducing an optical element that redirects light paths. Instead of physically moving the camera in three-dimensional space, the solution operates in the optical dimension by bending or reflecting light rays, allowing the camera to capture images from a different apparent angle while remaining in its original position, thereby eliminating user strain without increasing mechanical complexity.
3Ease of operation
If an optical element is added to redirect light, then ergonomic operation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is introduced as a compact intermediary component that can be integrated into the existing device structure. By positioning the optical element in the camera's field of view and configuring it to redirect light at specific angles (such as 90 degrees), the system achieves ergonomic operation with minimal additional complexity. The optical element acts as a self-contained mediator that requires no major structural modifications.
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
Enables ergonomically sound use of the camera by redirecting the camera's field of view, reducing strain and improving usability by allowing the device to be pointed at targets in a more natural position, with the optical element reflecting light at angles such as approximately 90 degrees, maintaining image orientation and providing intuitive operation.
Implementation Method 1
the optical element reflects light into the camera's field of view from a redirection angle that is offset from the camera's field of view
Data Source
AI summary
An optical redirection adapter for an electronic device having a camera includes a housing. An optical element is attached to the housing and positioned such that, when the adapter is attached the electronic device, the optical element is positioned in the camera's field of view. The optical element reflects light in the camera's field of view from a redirection angle that is offset from the camera's field of view. The optical redirection adapter facilitates ergonomically sound use of the camera.