Stereoscopic Lens Docking Station for 3D Image Capture

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices with single lens modules cannot capture both transverse and vertical three-dimensional images, and those with stereoscopic lens modules are thicker, more expensive, and less common, limiting user options.

Innovation Solution

A detachable stereoscopic lens docking station with a sliding second lens module and transmission interface that connects to a single lens module device, allowing the device to capture three-dimensional images by integrating images from both lenses, and optionally includes a battery module for power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mobile phone includes a stereoscopic lens module for capturing three-dimensional images, then the device can capture 3D images, but the thickness of the mobile phone increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve3D image capture capabilityVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the stereoscopic lens system into two separate modules: a first lens module integrated into the mobile phone and a second lens module integrated into a protective cover. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and enables the mobile phone to maintain its original thin profile while still achieving 3D image capture capability when the cover is attached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second lens module is nested within the protective cover structure, which then attaches to the mobile phone. This nesting approach allows the additional lens functionality to be incorporated without increasing the base mobile phone's thickness, as the second lens module is housed within the cover's structure rather than being integrated into the phone body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a mobile phone includes a stereoscopic lens module, then the device can capture three-dimensional images, but the device becomes more expensive and less common

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve3D image capture capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cover serves multiple functions: it protects the mobile phone from damage and simultaneously houses the second lens module for 3D image capture. This multi-functionality allows the same component to provide both protection and enhanced imaging capability, reducing the need for separate specialized hardware and lowering overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows dynamic configuration where the protective cover with the second lens module can be attached or detached based on user needs. When 3D image capture is required, the cover is attached; for normal use, it can be removed. This dynamic approach provides 3D capability on demand without requiring the mobile phone to permanently incorporate expensive stereoscopic hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the first lens and second lens are fixed in certain spacing, then the device structure is simplified, but the device can only capture transverse three-dimensional images and cannot capture vertical three-dimensional images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelens positioning structureVSAvoidimage capture orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a movable mechanism that allows the relative position between the first lens module and the second lens module to be adjusted. The movable member can shift the second lens module to different positions, enabling the lens spacing and orientation to be dynamically changed between transverse and vertical configurations, thus capturing both orientations of 3D images while maintaining a relatively simple fixed structure when in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9158087B2Stereoscopic lens docking station

Publication Date: 2015.10.13 WISTRON CORP

AI summary

A stereoscopic lens docking station used for detachably connecting to an electronic device. The electronic device includes a first lens module and a first transmission interface. The stereoscopic lens docking station includes a chute, a second lens module, and a second transmission interface. The chute is located next to the first lens module. The second lens module can slide along the chute to a position corresponding to the first lens module. The second transmission interface is used for communicating to the first transmission interface, and for electrically connecting to the second lens module, allowing the electronic device to control the second lens module to capture an image, and obtain the image; whereby the two images captured by the first lens module and the second lens module can be integrated to form a three-dimensional image.