Curved Image Display With Integrated Camera for Eye Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video conference systems fail to provide dynamic and intuitive communication experiences due to restricted recording and viewing angles, lack of perceived eye contact, and inconsistent image display of participants.
Innovation Solution
A user communication device with a camera integrated within the image display surface, allowing for immersive viewing and simulated eye contact through camera positioning and image processing, combined with sound localization to enhance user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the camera is arranged next to the image display surface, then the device structure is simple, but perceived eye contact cannot be achieved and the recording angle is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is integrated within the image display surface, with the camera housing embedded in the display structure. This nesting approach allows the camera to be positioned at the center of the display surface, enabling perceived eye contact while maintaining a compact and aesthetically pleasing device design without external protrusions.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the display surface, specifically at the center point of the curved display surface rather than at the periphery. This dimensional repositioning allows the camera to capture images at a natural eye-level angle, creating the perception of eye contact with remote participants.
2Device complexity
If the recording angle is restricted, then the device structure is simplified, but gestures and expressions of participants cannot be properly captured
Solution Approach 1:
The image display surface is designed as a curved surface with a specific radius of curvature, and the camera is positioned at the center of this curvature. This curved surface configuration expands the effective field of view, allowing the camera to capture a wider angle that includes participants' faces, expressions, and gestures while maintaining a compact device structure.
3Loss of information
If multiple cameras are used to improve viewing angles, then image coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple cameras, the patent changes the parameters of the single camera system by positioning it at the center of a curved display surface and optimizing its focal length and field of view. This parameter optimization allows a single camera to achieve wide-angle coverage equivalent to multiple cameras, reducing device complexity and cost.
4Ease of manufacture
If the camera is positioned away from the display surface, then manufacturing is easier, but the immersive effect and eye contact perception are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is nested within the display surface structure, with the camera housing integrated into the curved surface. This integration maintains the immersive effect by positioning the camera at the optimal location for eye contact perception while using modular design elements that facilitate manufacturing and assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary arrangements relate to a user communication device (1) for displaying images, which has an image display surface (12), speakers (19), and a microphone (11). At least one camera (10, 10a, 10b) is disposed in at least one region of the image display surface. When the device is used, the image display surface of a first device is positioned relative to a first user (14) such that the eyes (16) of the user are directed toward the at least one camera. Subsequently, additional users (20, 21) are positioned in front of additional devices in remote locations. The images of the additional users are displayed in certain regions (4 to 9) of the image display surface of the device of the first user, such that the users all appear to be positioned around a virtual table and able to look directly at one another.