Camera View Overlays for Multi-View Visitor Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices require users to pause or navigate cumbersome interfaces to view camera feeds, leading to a cognitive burden and inefficient use of processor and battery power.

Innovation Solution

Implementing efficient methods and interfaces that allow seamless integration of camera views with content display, distinguishing between known and unknown visitors, and reducing redundant user inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users pause or navigate through cumbersome interfaces to view camera feeds, then camera viewing is achieved, but user productivity decreases and cognitive burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera viewing operationVSAvoiduser productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the camera feed display with the existing content display by overlaying the camera view as a picture-in-picture window or integrating it into the content area. This merging eliminates the need to pause or navigate away from the current content, allowing users to view camera feeds seamlessly while maintaining their primary task flow, thus preserving productivity while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If seamless integration of camera views with content display is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera view integrationVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the display area into distinct regions, with the camera feed occupying a separate overlay window or designated area while the main content remains in its original space. This segmentation allows both the camera view and content to coexist without interfering with each other's functionality, achieving seamless integration while maintaining a manageable level of interface complexity through clear spatial organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If camera feeds are continuously displayed without pausing content, then ease of operation improves, but processor and battery power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous camera viewingVSAvoidprocessor and battery power
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic updates of the camera feed rather than continuous full-resolution streaming. The camera view can be updated at lower frame rates or only when changes are detected, while still maintaining visual continuity for the user. This periodic action reduces processor load and power consumption while preserving the seamless viewing experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Productivity

If redundant user inputs are reduced, then productivity improves, but interface functionality may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser efficiencyVSAvoidinterface functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal control mechanism where a single user input (such as a tap or gesture on the camera overlay) can trigger multiple functions including pausing/playback control, switching between camera views, or accessing camera settings. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate controls needed, improving productivity while maintaining comprehensive interface functionality through consolidated interaction points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4042674B1Camera and visitor user interfaces
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 APPLE INC
  • EP4042674B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4042674B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4042674B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to camera and visitor user interfaces. In some examples, the present disclosure relates to techniques for switching between configurations of a camera view. In some examples, the present disclosure relates to displaying indications of visitors detected by an accessory device of the home automation system. In some examples, the present disclosure relates to displaying a multi-view camera user interface.