Synchronized Camera Shutter Control via USB Type-C
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current information handling systems, such as notebook computers and external monitors, lack a universal mechanism for synchronizing the activation or deactivation of camera shutters, leading to inconsistent control over image and video feeds during applications like video conferencing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that determines the enabled or disabled state of camera components, creates and sends messages through power delivery controllers to synchronize the activation or deactivation of camera shutters across connected information handling systems and external devices using standardized communication protocols like USB Type C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If camera shutters on notebook computer and external displays are controlled independently, then each device can be controlled separately, but there is no universal activation/deactivation of the camera shutters across connected devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control mechanism where a single camera shutter control command sent from the notebook computer is received and executed by both the notebook computer and external displays. The USB Type-C connection enables bidirectional communication, allowing the notebook to send control commands to external displays and receive status information, creating a multi-functional control system that operates across different device types.
2Reliability
If camera shutters are controlled without synchronization, then each device operates autonomously, but the image and video feed control is inconsistent across connected devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the notebook computer sends camera shutter control commands to external displays and receives confirmation of the shutter status. The external displays report back their camera shutter state to the notebook computer through the USB Type-C connection, allowing the system to verify and maintain consistent image and video feed control across all connected devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a communication protocol is implemented for synchronized shutter control, then universal activation/deactivation is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the existing USB Type-C connection as an intermediary to transmit camera shutter control commands and status information between the notebook computer and external displays. By leveraging the already-established USB Type-C communication infrastructure, the patent avoids creating a completely new communication system and instead uses the existing protocol to carry additional control functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are a system and methods for synchronizing control of an information handling system, such as a notebook computer, with external devices, such as displays, where the synchronizing control is performed for similar components on the information handling and external display, such as camera shutters.