Transparent Optical Element in Convertible Base for Camera Pass-Through

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional convertible computers lack a rear-facing camera in tablet mode due to the keyboard base obstruction, and existing cameras have relatively low resolution compared to rear-facing cameras, limiting functionality in both laptop and tablet modes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a transparent optical element in the keyboard base that maintains the imaging specifications of the rear-facing camera, allowing it to function as a macro or telephoto lens, and providing light pass-through without interfering with the user's experience in laptop mode, and aligning it with the camera using a magnetic device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a keyboard base is added to enable laptop mode, then the device gains laptop functionality, but the keyboard base obstructs the rear-facing camera in tablet mode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaptop functionalityVSAvoidcamera obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using a transparent optical element (thin film) integrated into the keyboard base. This thin transparent layer allows light to pass through to the camera while maintaining the keyboard base's structural function, thus eliminating the obstruction problem while preserving laptop functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies this principle by introducing a transparent optical element as an intermediary between the keyboard base and the camera. This intermediary component allows light to pass through the keyboard base area to reach the camera, enabling the camera to function in tablet mode while the keyboard base remains intact for laptop mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a front-facing camera is used in laptop mode, then the device can capture images, but the resolution is relatively low compared to rear-facing cameras

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidcamera functionality in tablet mode

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by making the rear-facing camera serve dual purposes: it functions as a low-resolution front-facing camera when the device is in laptop mode (with the keyboard base in place), and as a high-resolution rear-facing camera when the device is in tablet mode (with the transparent optical element allowing light pass-through). This eliminates the need for separate cameras for different modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the keyboard base is made transparent to allow light pass-through, then the camera can function in tablet mode, but the structural integrity and user experience in laptop mode may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera functionalityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using a transparent optical element that is integrated into the keyboard base structure. This thin transparent film maintains the structural integrity of the keyboard base while allowing sufficient light pass-through for the camera to function, thus preserving both structural reliability and camera functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 a functional rear-facing camera in tablet mode with preserved or enhanced light-gathering and imaging capabilities, maintaining image quality and user experience across both laptop and tablet modes.

Implementation Method 1

a transparent optical element in the keyboard base that maintains the imaging specifications of the rear-facing camera but provides light pass-through

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

aligning it with the camera using a magnetic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic alignment: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9942466B2Transparent lens element in convertible base for camera capture pass-through

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

A convertible computer includes a transparent optical element in the keyboard base that provides light pass-through for the camera but does not interfere with the user's experience. The transparent optical element may include a transparent glass or plastic element that maintains the imaging specifications of the rear-facing camera. In some implementations, the transparent optical element can maintain the f-number of the optical system that includes the camera and the transparent optical element and may not affect image quality of images captured by the camera. In some arrangements, the transparent optical element can include an optical system that can increase the light-gathering ability of the camera (e.g., decreases f-number), effectively converting the camera lens into a macro lens. In other arrangements, the transparent optical element can include an optical system that can improve the imaging of distant objects (e.g., increases f-number), effectively converting the camera lens into a telephoto lens.