Magnetic Camera Attachment on Portable Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable information handling systems face challenges with integrated cameras due to limited lens size and presentation area, leading to suboptimal video conference experiences. Additionally, peripheral cameras are difficult to position with larger displays, resulting in unnatural image capture angles and potential interference with desktop usage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that magnetically couples a peripheral camera to a portable information handling system display, utilizing ferromagnetic material on the display to secure the camera. This setup includes a dock for wireless charging, a capacitive sensor for tap inputs, and a thermally conductive housing to manage heat and extend battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a peripheral camera is placed on a bracket coupled to the display perimeter, then the camera can be positioned away from the display, but the end user views the display area away from the camera field of view axis resulting in an unnatural image
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is repositioned from the peripheral display bracket to the front surface of the display, changing the spatial dimension of camera placement. This allows the camera to be aligned with the display center, capturing the end user's face directly when they view the display, thereby resolving the unnatural image issue while maintaining peripheral display functionality
2Measurement precision
If the camera is placed on a stand in front of the display, then the camera can be positioned optimally for image capture, but the stand blocks the end user's viewing and interferes with desktop surface usage
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is merged with the display structure by attaching it to the front surface of the display. This integration eliminates the need for a separate stand, allowing optimal image capture alignment with the display while completely freeing up the desktop surface for uninterrupted viewing and usage
3Area of stationary object
If a peripheral camera is used with a peripheral display, then a larger viewing area is provided, but the larger display perimeter increases the angle at which the camera views the end user relative to the end user gaze
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is positioned at a specific location on the front surface of the display (rather than at the perimeter), creating a local optimal capture zone. This allows the display to maintain its large peripheral viewing area while the camera, positioned centrally on the front surface, achieves accurate alignment with the end user's gaze direction
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
The magnetic coupling allows for a higher quality camera lens without increasing the system's weight, extends battery life through efficient power management and wireless charging, and ensures uniform thermal dissipation, all while providing optimal image capture and reduced desktop interference.
Implementation Method 1
A portable information handling system display having a magnetically attached camera... magnetically couples a peripheral camera to a portable information handling system display, utilizing ferromagnetic material on the display to secure the camera
Implementation Method 2
a thermally conductive housing to manage heat and extend battery life... ensures uniform thermal dissipation
Implementation Method 3
a capacitive sensor for tap inputs
Implementation Method 4
a dock for wireless charging
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system having an integrated display magnetically couples a peripheral camera to the integrated display with a ferromagnetic material disposed behind only a portion of the display, such as less than 10 percent of the integrated display area. In one embodiment, a ferromagnetic plate is disposed in the housing behind the display, the plate only a fractional area of the display. In another embodiment, a ferromagnetic material, such as an opposing polarity magnet of substantially the same circumference as the peripheral camera, is disposed behind the display and housing to attract the peripheral camera through both the display and housing. When the peripheral camera is detected at the display, one or both of the peripheral camera microphone and an integrated microphone of the information handling system are used to capture audio.