Split Camera Alignment Detection for Thin Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of engineering extremely thin handheld electronic devices with integrated cameras is compounded by the need for precise alignment of internal componentry, which is compromised by the device's reduced rigidity, affecting the camera's optical system performance.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with a camera component divided into two separable portions, an objective portion and a sensor portion, connected by a retaining member, utilizing alignment markers and optical sensor elements to ensure proper alignment, and a computer system to indicate alignment status, allowing for realignment using linear actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the device is made thinner, then the device thickness is reduced, but the overall rigidity of the handheld device decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera component is divided into two separate portions: an objective portion and a sensor portion. These portions can be separated and reconnected, allowing the device to maintain thinness while enabling proper optical alignment when needed. The segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently for thickness while maintaining overall functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera component transitions from a static integrated structure to a dynamic separable structure. The objective and sensor portions can be moved between connected and separated states, allowing the system to adapt between thin device configuration and properly aligned camera configuration as needed.
2Length of moving object
If the device is made thinner, then the device thickness is reduced, but the precise alignment of internal componentry is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment markers are pre-positioned on the objective and sensor portions before assembly. These markers provide predetermined reference points that guide the alignment process, ensuring precise positioning of the optical components when the portions are connected, even in a thin device configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical sensor elements detect the alignment markers to provide feedback on the relative positioning of the objective and sensor portions. This feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring and adjustment of alignment, ensuring precise component positioning despite the thin device structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the camera component is made separable, then the device flexibility is improved, but the alignment detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment markers serve as intermediaries between the objective and sensor portions. These markers provide a simple visual reference system that mediates the alignment process, making it easier to detect and correct misalignment without requiring complex detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment markers create a simplified optical copy or reference pattern that can be easily detected by the optical sensor elements. This copying approach transforms the complex task of verifying precise component alignment into a simpler detection of marker positions and patterns.
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 the creation of thin, rigid handheld devices with improved camera performance by ensuring precise alignment of camera components, maintaining image quality and device usability across folded and unfolded states.
Implementation Method 1
one or more optical sensor elements of the sensor portion are configured to sense the one or more alignment markers
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1D
Figure 2
AI summary
An electronic device comprises a camera and a retaining member. The camera includes an objective portion configured to collect light from a subject, a sensor portion reversibly separable from the objective portion, and a computer configured to return an indication of alignment of the objective and sensor portions based on output of one or more optical sensor elements of the sensor portion. The retaining member is configured to couple the objective portion to the sensor portion when the objective and sensor portions are aligned and also when the objective portion is separated from the sensor portion.