Portable Image Capture Device Handle Assembly Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for capturing and analyzing images of paper documents, such as bills, are time-consuming and prone to human error due to the need for manual data entry and the limitations of mobile phone cameras in varying lighting conditions, and existing devices are bulky and not portable.

Innovation Solution

A portable image capture device with a main body, image capture assembly, and handle assembly that concentrates light sources for stable illumination, allowing single-handed operation and easy data transmission to electronic devices for processing, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing user burden.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mobile phone camera is used for image capturing, then the device is portable and easy to operate, but the image quality is poor due to insufficient light control and focusing time requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveportability and ease of operationVSAvoidimage quality and clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a dedicated image capture assembly with controlled lighting, a separate processing unit, and a portable housing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the image capture assembly gets proper lighting control while the housing remains portable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediate processing unit is introduced between the image capture and final analysis. This unit receives images from the portable device, performs initial processing and enhancement, then transmits processed data to the analysis system, thereby bridging the gap between portable capture and high-quality analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a conventional image capture device is used, then image quality can be improved, but the device volume is large and not portable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The image capture assembly, light sources, and processing components are nested within a compact handheld housing. The device incorporates a nested structure where smaller functional units are integrated into each other - the camera module is nested within the housing, light sources are nested around the capture area, creating a space-efficient design that maintains functionality while reducing overall volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Device complexity

If manual data entry is used for bill processing, then no special equipment is needed, but the process is time-consuming and prone to human error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of processVSAvoiddata processing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service through automated image capture and data processing. The portable device automatically captures bill images, the processing unit enhances and analyzes the images to extract data, and the results are transmitted without requiring manual data entry. This self-service automation eliminates human error and significantly improves processing speed while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of data entry is replaced with an electronic system. Instead of physically typing or transcribing data, the system uses electronic image capture, digital signal processing, and automated data extraction algorithms to replace the mechanical action of manual entry, thereby improving efficiency and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a zoom camera with adjustable focal length is used, then flexibility in capturing distances is improved, but focusing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in capturing distancesVSAvoidfocusing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary focusing actions automatically and rapidly using motorized lens adjustment mechanisms. The system pre-adjusts the focal length based on detected object distance before the actual image capture, eliminating the need for manual focusing adjustments during the capture moment. This preliminary automated action reduces the time penalty associated with variable focal length adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10684536B2Portable image capture device having handle assembly disposed on main body and portable image capture system using such portable image capture device

Publication Date: 2020.06.16 AVISION

AI summary

A portable image capture device includes a main body, an image capture assembly and a handle assembly. The main body includes a top surface, a bottom side disposed opposite the top surface, and an internal space disposed between the top surface and the bottom side. The image capture assembly disposed in the internal space faces the bottom side and performs image capturing. The handle assembly includes a handle part and a start button disposed beside the handle part. The handle assembly is disposed on the main body, and the image capture assembly is separated from the handle assembly and disposed under the top surface and above the bottom side so that a user uses one single hand to operate the portable image capture device and control image capturing timings.