Hinged Dual-Screen Video Calling with Auto-Orientation Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional video calling applications often struggle to allow three or more participants to see each other on the display screens, especially when users are not in close proximity, leading to difficulties in maintaining eye contact and ensuring participants are in the camera frame.
Innovation Solution
A mobile computing device with two displays and cameras that can rotate between orientations, using a processor to switch from a one-on-one video mode to a group video mode when a back-to-back orientation is detected, allowing both displays to concurrently show video feeds from local and remote cameras, enabling all participants to see each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional video calling applications are used with multiple participants, then the number of participants can be increased, but users cannot see all participants on the display screen and lose sight of each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the video display into multiple segments by utilizing both displays of the hinged device simultaneously. Each display shows different video feeds of participants, segmenting the visual information across two screens to ensure all participants remain visible even when there are three or more people in the call.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users are not in close proximity during video calling, then physical space flexibility is improved, but it becomes difficult to ensure participants are in the camera frame and maintain eye contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a viewfinder display as an intermediary between the camera and the user. The viewfinder shows real-time feedback of what the camera is capturing, allowing users to adjust their position and ensure proper framing even when physically distant from other participants. This intermediary visual feedback mechanism bridges the gap created by physical distance.
3Device complexity
If a single display is used for video calling, then device simplicity is maintained, but concurrent display of multiple video feeds is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional display approach to a two-dimensional display configuration by utilizing both displays of the hinged device. This dimensional expansion allows concurrent display of multiple video feeds that would be impossible on a single screen, effectively solving the limitation of single-display video calling.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile computing device is provided that includes a processor, an accelerometer, and a housing with two parts, the first part including a first camera and a first display device, and the second part including a second camera and a second display device. When a predetermined trigger condition is satisfied, the processor is configured to cause the first and second display devices to each simultaneously display image data captured by the second camera, and image data received from a remote computing device.