Collapsible Multimedia Terminal with Four-Bar Linkage for Eye Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laptop videoconferencing systems position the screen and camera too low, resulting in unnatural eye contact, and existing solutions either compromise compactness or require cumbersome adjustments to achieve a straight ahead view angle.
Innovation Solution
A portable and collapsible multimedia terminal using a four bar linkage mechanism to elevate the screen and camera, allowing for a compact, easy-to-use system that can be expanded into a full-size desktop configuration with a single controlled motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the screen and camera are positioned low in a regular laptop format system, then the system remains compact and portable, but the view angle becomes unnatural and eye contact is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a four-bar linkage mechanism that enables dynamic adjustment of the screen and camera height. The linkage allows the screen to be elevated from a low position to a higher position, providing natural eye contact angle while maintaining the compact laptop format. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between compactness and natural view angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a base unit, a mid-section with speakers, and a top-section with screen and camera. These segmented modules are connected by revolving joints and a four-bar linkage, allowing independent adjustment of each component's position while maintaining overall compactness when collapsed.
2Ease of operation
If the laptop is made longer to elevate the screen, then the view angle improves, but compactness and desk space are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the laptop permanently longer, the patent uses a dynamic four-bar linkage mechanism that elevates the screen only when needed. The linkage allows the screen to reach an optimal height for natural eye contact during use, then collapse to a compact position when not in use, avoiding the need for increased desk space.
Solution Approach 2:
The four-bar linkage mechanism is nested within the laptop structure, with the screen and camera assembly fitting within the overall laptop form factor when collapsed. The mechanism allows the screen to be positioned high during use but returns to a compact, space-efficient configuration when collapsed, similar to nested dolls.
3Ease of operation
If a sliding mechanism is added to elevate the screen after opening, then the view angle improves, but the number of operations increases and ease of use decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the screen elevation function with the lid opening action through the four-bar linkage mechanism. When the user opens the lid, the linkage automatically elevates the screen to the optimal position in a single continuous motion, combining what would otherwise be separate operations (opening lid + sliding screen) into one unified action.
Solution Approach 2:
The four-bar linkage is pre-configured in the laptop structure, with the screen and camera positioned at optimal heights when the lid is closed. As the lid opens, the linkage automatically performs the elevation action in advance, so the screen reaches the correct position without requiring additional user operations.
4Ease of operation
If desktop videoconferencing systems are used to achieve natural eye contact, then the view angle is optimal, but compactness and portability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system that can transition between two states: a compact, portable laptop format when collapsed, and an expanded desktop-like configuration when the four-bar linkage is activated. This allows the system to provide natural eye contact angles equivalent to desktop systems during use, while maintaining the portability and compactness of laptops when transported or not in use.
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 natural eye contact during videoconferencing by optimizing the positioning of the screen and camera, providing a compact and user-friendly solution that can be easily expanded and collapsed, addressing the limitations of existing laptop systems.
Implementation Method 1
using a four bar linkage to elevate the screen and camera
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible multimedia terminal comprising three main sections—a base section, a mid section and a top section, including a screen, a camera, a microphone and a speaker system, wherein the three main sections are joined by revolving joints and that rods are arranged to the top section and the base section to guide the motion of the three sections with respect to each other from a fully collapsed position to a fully extended position.