Center-Mounted Webcam Assembly for Direct Eye Contact
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current webcams are typically positioned away from the center of a computer monitor, leading to an averted view of the user, which disrupts the in-person experience during virtual interactions and hinders non-verbal communication.
Innovation Solution
A center-mounted webcam system with a semi-rigid flexible conduit and adjustable clip that allows the camera to be positioned at the center of the monitor, enabling vertical and lateral adjustments for optimal viewing angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the webcam is positioned away from the center of the monitor, then the camera does not obstruct the user's view of the display, but the user's eyes are directed away from the webcam, presenting an averted view to participants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible conduit that adds dimensional flexibility to the webcam mounting system, allowing the camera to be positioned in three-dimensional space rather than being constrained to a fixed planar position. This enables the webcam to be centered on the monitor while accommodating cable routing through the flexible conduit, resolving the contradiction between center positioning and cable management.
2Ease of manufacture
If the webcam is positioned at the center of the monitor, then the user can look directly at the camera for natural visual communication, but the camera may obstruct the user's view of the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the webcam specifically at the center of the monitor bezel, while the flexible conduit is routed through a separate path (through the monitor or along the back) to avoid obstruction. This localized positioning strategy allows the camera to occupy the optimal visual communication position without blocking the display area, as the flexible conduit can be routed independently through the monitor structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid mounting structure is used for the webcam, then the camera position is stable, but the camera cannot be adjusted for optimal viewing angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static rigid mounting to a dynamic adjustable system by incorporating a flexible conduit that allows the webcam to be positioned and adjusted to various angles and locations. The flexible conduit maintains stability when positioned while enabling adaptability during installation and reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between stability and adjustability.
Data Source
AI summary
Webcam systems and mount assemblies are disclosed that can dispose a camera at or near a middle of computer monitor whereby a user is viewed by the camera from a face-front position, and wherein the position of the camera is vertically and laterally manually adjustable (without tools) to facilitate a variety of positions according to need or desire. The webcam systems and mount assemblies further may be used with any of a tablet computing device, a laptop computer, a free-standing computer monitor, etc., and may be mounted to any edge or an adjacent structure while permitting disposing the camera at or near a center of the monitor.