Portable Image Capture Device With Pivoting Upper Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable image capture devices are bulky and lack versatility, as they require a glass flatbed design and are limited in portability and functionality, unable to efficiently capture both business cards and other images without compromising size or image quality.
Innovation Solution
A portable image capture and camera device with a pivoting upper panel that can be rotated to function as both a business card reader and a digital camera, utilizing digital camera technology and built-in text recognition software, eliminating the need for a glass plate and enabling compactness and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a glass flatbed design with scanner head is used to capture images, then image capture capability is achieved, but device size becomes bulky and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the glass flatbed from the device structure entirely. Instead of using a traditional glass plate surface for document placement, the invention uses a document holder that positions documents directly in front of the image sensor, eliminating the need for a glass flatbed component and reducing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can capture images of documents placed on the document holder, take photographs of distant objects through the camera lens, and store images in memory. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate dedicated scanning and photographing devices, achieving versatility without requiring multiple bulky components.
2Measurement precision
If CCD technology with mirrors and lenses is used for imaging, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical mirror system with a direct optical path from the document/camera scene to the image sensor. The document holder positions documents at the optimal focal distance from the sensor, eliminating the need for multiple mirrors and complex mechanical positioning mechanisms while maintaining image quality.
3Productivity
If automatic document feed feature is added to portable scanners, then scanning efficiency is improved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the automatic document feed mechanism entirely from the device. Instead of incorporating complex feed rollers and automation systems, the invention uses a simple manual document holder where users place documents for capture, significantly reducing structural complexity while maintaining the core image capture function.
4Loss of information
If text recognition software is integrated into the device, then data capture capability is improved, but processing time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes integrated text recognition software that automatically processes captured images to extract and store text data. The system self-services by performing OCR (optical character recognition) on captured documents, converting images into searchable and editable text formats without requiring external processing equipment, thereby improving data capture capability while managing energy consumption through efficient on-device processing.
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
The device achieves a compact, slim design capable of capturing images of business cards and other objects, with integrated text recognition and storage capabilities, allowing for seamless data transfer and operation as both a card reader and digital camera.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging element is comprised of a charge-coupled device chip, CCD, having an array of photosites which convert light photons into an electrical charge
Implementation Method 2
The light source is comprised of an array of light emitting diodes, or LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
A portable image capture and camera device is provided including a device body, and an upper panel displaceably engaged to the body, and having an image capture module disposed thereon. A lower panel is also displaceably engaged to the body, for receiving and supporting a subject when the lower panel is deployed to an open position. The upper panel is translatable to deploy from a stowed position to a first deployed position to image a subject disposed on the lower panel (card reader mode), and to a second deployed position to image objects remote from the device (camera mode).