Multi-Camera Video Conference Device with Document Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current camera systems for video conferences lack the ability to provide both a wide overall view of a space and detailed views of specific portions, as well as function as document cameras, which limits their versatility and effectiveness in capturing both participant and presentation content during meetings.
Innovation Solution
A camera device and system equipped with multiple cameras, including a wide-angle lens for overall views and long-focus lenses for narrow views, combined with a mechanical assembly that allows adjustable positioning and flipping angles, enabling the cameras to serve as both video and document cameras, and a processor for digital panning, tilting, and zooming to generate high-quality video streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single camera is used for video conferences, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to provide both wide overall views and detailed document views is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single camera system to perform multiple functions: capturing wide overall views of the conference space, capturing detailed document views, and providing narrow views of specific portions. The camera housing integrates multiple cameras (wide-angle and long-focus lenses) that can be positioned at different angles to serve different purposes within one unified device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the camera system into multiple independent camera units housed within a single housing. Each camera (wide-angle lens for overall views, long-focus lens for document views) operates independently but is coordinated through a unified mechanical assembly and control system, allowing specialized functions while maintaining system integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed camera positioning is used, then the ease of operation is high, but the ability to adjust for different viewing angles and document positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics through the mechanical assembly that allows the camera housing to be adjusted to different positions and angles. The sliding mechanism enables the camera housing to move along rails, and the tilting mechanism allows adjustment of viewing angles, transforming a static camera system into a dynamic one that can adapt to different conference setups and document positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system. The processor receives input signals and automatically controls the mechanical assembly to position cameras and adjust angles, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining adaptability to different viewing requirements.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are added to provide wide and narrow views, then the view coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing multiple cameras within a single integrated camera housing. The housing contains both wide-angle and long-focus cameras in a compact arrangement, with each camera positioned to capture specific views. This nested structure allows multiple viewing functions to be contained within one unified device rather than requiring separate camera systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple camera functions into a single integrated system. The mechanical assembly combines positioning mechanisms for both cameras, and the control system manages both cameras through a unified interface, consolidating what would otherwise be separate camera systems into one cohesive device that provides comprehensive view coverage.
4Productivity
If manual camera positioning is used, then the ease of operation is high, but the ability to smoothly track participants and presentation content is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated control system. The processor receives input signals (such as audio or video data) and automatically controls the mechanical assembly to track participants and presentation content, enabling smooth, coordinated movement of cameras without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through the processor that receives input signals and uses them to automatically adjust camera positioning and angles. The system continuously monitors the conference environment and adjusts camera positions in real-time to maintain optimal framing of participants and presentation materials, creating a closed-loop tracking system.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a camera device and system for video conferences and method of using the same and, more particularly, a camera device and system including multiple cameras providing a wide overall view of a space and a series of narrow views of different portions of the space, and a mechanical assembly which enables the camera device and system to serve both as a video camera and also as a document camera.