Motorized Projector and Panoramic Camera for Video Conferencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video conferencing devices struggle to maintain a natural interaction between participants by ensuring that all users face the camera while projecting far-end video onto suitable surfaces, especially in environments with multiple participants and dynamic speaking scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A projection-based device with a motorized video projector and panoramic camera that can pan and tilt to project far-end video onto selected surfaces, ensuring the camera is between participants and adjusting the projection area based on user positions and speaking directions, while capturing near-end video for transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If far-end video is projected onto a fixed display surface, then the projection location is stable, but participants cannot naturally face the camera when looking at the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the projection area movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The projection surface can be dynamically repositioned based on participant locations and speaking directions, allowing the system to adapt to different interaction scenarios while maintaining natural engagement between participants and the camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spatial parameters of the projection area dynamically. By adjusting the projection surface location, orientation, and size based on real-time detection of participant positions and speaking directions, the system optimizes the natural interaction between participants and the camera without requiring complex manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the projection area is dynamically adjusted to accommodate multiple users, then participant engagement is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting participant positions and speaking directions using cameras and microphones, then autonomously selecting and adjusting the optimal projection area. This eliminates the need for manual configuration or complex control interfaces, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high adaptability to multiple users and dynamic speaking scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors participant positions and speaking directions, uses this information to determine optimal projection areas, and dynamically adjusts the projection surface accordingly. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt to multiple users and speaking scenarios while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making.
3Ease of operation
If the camera position is fixed relative to the projector, then the device structure is simple, but the camera cannot capture participants naturally when they face different directions
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes the camera positioning dynamic by allowing the camera to be selectively positioned at different locations relative to the projector. The camera can be moved to capture participants from optimal angles based on their positions and speaking directions, enabling natural video capture without requiring a complex mechanical linkage between camera and projector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the device into independent functional modules - the projector and camera can be positioned and operated independently. This modular approach allows the camera to be selectively placed at different locations to capture participants naturally, while the projector maintains its own positioning. The segmentation reduces overall system complexity compared to a rigid integrated structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A video conferencing device has a projector that can be controlled to project far-end video onto different available display surfaces. A panoramic camera is mounted so that it captures a horizontal panorama that includes near-end users. When projecting far-end video, a display surface is selected based on the position of the users. Specifically, a display surface is selected such that when gazing at the far-end video the faces of the user are visible from the panoramic camera.