Suction-Mounted Camera Auto-Recording on Attachment Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image capturing devices, such as those described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H11-69211, face challenges in starting image recording promptly after being attached to a windowpane, as they require a user-initiated shutter operation, leading to delayed image capture.

Innovation Solution

An image capturing device equipped with a camera unit, a suction-attachment unit, and a controller that determines and controls the output of image data based on load detection, allowing for immediate image capture and recording once the device is securely attached to a surface, ensuring prompt start-up and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the electronic camera requires a shutter operation after attachment, then the device structure can be simple, but the image recording cannot start promptly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidstart-up time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is configured to automatically start image recording in advance when attachment is detected, before the user needs to capture images. This preliminary action eliminates the delay caused by requiring a shutter operation after attachment, while maintaining simple operation through automatic detection and startup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If the device automatically starts recording after attachment, then the start-up is prompt, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestart-up timeVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses its own attachment detection capability to automatically trigger image recording without requiring external control or complex processing. The controller monitors attachment status and autonomously decides when to start recording, making the system self-sufficient and minimizing additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical shutter operation with an automatic electronic control system that detects attachment and triggers recording electronically. This substitution eliminates the need for manual shutter activation while using straightforward electronic sensing and control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If the device waits for user input to start recording, then the device structure remains simple, but the productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidimage recording efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary attachment detection and automatically initiates recording before the user needs to capture images. This preliminary action ensures that the device is ready to record immediately when attachment occurs, maximizing productivity without requiring complex additional systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11812199B2Image capturing device and image capturing method

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 JVC KENWOOD CORP

AI summary

An image capturing device according to one embodiment includes a camera unit configured to capture images of a surrounding environment and generate image data, a suction-attachment unit configured to support the camera unit and be fixed on a suction-attachment subject surface by a user, a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the image data can be output to a recording unit, and a controller configured to control output of the image data to the recording unit, based on a determination result by the determination unit.