Wireless Headphones with Pivoting Dual Camera Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless headphones with integral cameras lack a self-facing camera and forward-facing camera configuration, along with an extension arm and microphone, which are essential for efficient video conferencing and are not economically viable.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a pivoting arm with a self-facing camera and microphone, a forward-facing camera, and a toggle button to switch between camera settings, integrated into wireless headphones for video conferencing, utilizing a battery-powered processor and wireless communication module for connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wireless headphones include only basic audio functions, then manufacturing cost is low, but functionality for video conferencing is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevideo conferencing functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines audio headphones with video conferencing capabilities by integrating cameras, microphones, and wireless communication modules into a single device. This merging of functions allows the product to serve both audio listening and video conferencing purposes, resolving the contradiction between maintaining low manufacturing costs and providing comprehensive video conferencing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless headphones are designed to perform multiple functions: audio playback, audio recording, video capture through self-facing and forward-facing cameras, and wireless communication. This multi-functionality enables a single device to replace multiple separate products, achieving versatility in video conferencing while managing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireless headphones include self-facing camera and forward-facing camera, then video conferencing capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera functionalityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the camera system into two separate camera modules: a self-facing camera and a forward-facing camera. This segmentation allows each camera to be optimized for its specific function while being integrated into the headphone structure. The modular approach manages device complexity by organizing multiple camera functions into distinct, manageable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The camera modules, microphones, and control buttons are integrated within the headphone structure, with components nested within the housing. This nesting approach allows multiple functional elements to be compactly arranged without significantly increasing the external dimensions or visual complexity of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If wireless headphones include extension arm with microphone and camera, then video conferencing quality is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevideo conferencing qualityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a movable arm that can be adjusted to different positions and angles. This dynamic positioning capability allows the microphones and cameras to be optimally positioned for video conferencing quality while maintaining flexibility in assembly and adjustment. The movable design enables reliable audio and video capture without requiring complex fixed mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If wireless headphones include toggle button for camera switching, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera switching convenienceVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The toggle button provides a simple, intuitive interface that allows users to switch between camera modes (self-facing and forward-facing) without requiring complex menus or multiple controls. This self-service control mechanism enables easy operation while maintaining simplicity in the control system, avoiding the need for sophisticated software interfaces or multiple buttons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11490187B1Wireless headphones with integral camera

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 MOORE ERIC

AI summary

Wireless headphones with integral camera including a headphones assembly and a pivot arm assembly are disclosed. These assemblies in conjunction with one another provide a simple solution for video or teleconferencing. The headphones assembly includes speakers within a speaker housing surrounded by ear pads. The speakers are placed on either end of an adjustable headband to fit various user head sizes. The exterior of the speaker housing includes audio control buttons and a pivot arm mounted thereon. The pivot arm includes a forward-facing camera at an exterior distal end with respect to the speaker housing. The pivot arm also includes a self-facing camera with a microphone on the interior of said distal end. The included cameras can be toggled via a toggle button mounted to the pivot arm as well. The pivot arm is adjustable via a telescopic portion to modify camera angles.