Webcam Movable Optical Zoom Lens Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing webcams with mechanical zoom features often compromise on resolution with software zoom, and manual lens changes in mobile devices are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
A webcam design that allows for a manually movable optical zoom lens, which can slide or rotate in front of the camera lens, providing fixed zoom or magnification options, and includes mechanisms for adjusting focus and lens positioning using mechanical levers and sliders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If software zoom is used to provide zoom effect, then zoom function is provided, but resolution is lost
Solution Approach 1:
An optical zoom lens is introduced as an intermediary component between the user and the camera sensor. This physical lens system provides true optical zoom by changing the focal length of light entering the sensor, rather than digitally enlarging pixels. The zoom lens acts as a mediator that preserves image quality while providing magnification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the software-based digital zoom mechanism with a mechanical optical zoom lens system. Instead of using algorithms to enlarge images (software substitution), a physical lens assembly with movable elements is used to optically magnify the scene before light reaches the sensor, thereby maintaining resolution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual lens changes are implemented in mobile devices, then zoom capability is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The zoom lens system is segmented into multiple independent lens elements that can be selectively positioned. Rather than requiring complete lens replacement, the system divides the optical function into segments (different focal length lenses) that can be independently manipulated to achieve zoom effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic lens positioning where lens elements can move between different positions to change focal length. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows continuous or stepped zoom without requiring multiple fixed lens assemblies, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a zoom lens is manually moved in front of the camera lens, then optical zoom is provided, but focus adjustment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the zoom lens positioning mechanism with the focus adjustment mechanism into a single integrated system. By combining these two functions, the user can adjust both zoom and focus through coordinated movement of the lens assembly, rather than treating them as separate complex operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable lens assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides zoom capability by changing focal length and enables focus adjustment by changing the distance between the lens and sensor. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mechanisms, simplifying operation while maintaining optical zoom capability.
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 high-quality zoom and focus adjustments with minimal resolution loss, offering a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for webcams by allowing manual lens changes and precise focus control.
Implementation Method 1
The optical lens may be a zoom lens, such that, in combination with the lens of the camera, a fixed zoom or magnification function is provided
Data Source
AI summary
A webcam with an optical lens that can manually be moved into a position in front of the camera lens. The lens may slide or be rotated to a position in front of the camera lens. The optical lens may be a zoom lens, such that, in combination with the lens of the camera, a fixed zoom or magnification function is provided. Alternately, at least a second lens may also be provided, such as to provide two fixed zoom positions. The two lenses could be moved together with a single mechanical structure, or separately with two different manual controls.