PC Camera Lens Cover Automation with Sensor and Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Personal computers lack intuitive and consistent systems for interacting with video communications applications, making it difficult for users to handle video streams and still images across various communication modalities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for capturing video on a personal computer, featuring a camera with a lens cover, sensor, and actuator for automatic lens opening, along with video controls placed on the computer housing, keyboard, or remote control, allowing users to easily capture video streams or still images, and manage video calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If video controls are provided through software user interface within a single application, then the application can control its own video content, but the controls are not available system-wide to other applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal video control system where a single set of physical controls (button, knob, or switch) can control video functionality across multiple different applications and contexts. The control system is designed to be application-agnostic, allowing the same physical control to initiate video capture, adjust camera settings, or respond to incoming video calls regardless of which application is currently active, thereby achieving system-wide availability without requiring separate control mechanisms for each application
2Ease of operation
If multiple video control mechanisms are provided across different applications, then users can control video in various contexts, but the interaction is not intuitive or consistent across communication modalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video control functionality into a distinct, dedicated control mechanism (physical button, knob, or switch) that is separate from application-specific interfaces. This segmented control approach allows the same intuitive physical control to be used consistently across all video-related operations, whether for capturing images, adjusting camera settings, or responding to video calls, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining a manageable control system architecture
3Reliability
If a lens cover is added to protect against inadvertent recording or damage, then the lens is safeguarded, but the camera cannot capture video without manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lens cover mechanism with the video capture control system, integrating the protective function with the operational function. The lens cover is positioned or configured such that opening it automatically initiates video capture mode, and closing it stops capture and provides protection. This merging allows the same mechanical action to serve dual purposes: protecting the lens when closed and enabling capture when opened, thereby maintaining reliability while improving ease of operation
4Ease of operation
If automatic lens opening is implemented using sensor and actuator, then the lens opens automatically for video capture, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the lens cover system automatically opens itself in response to a video capture command without requiring manual intervention to move the cover. The sensor detects when the lens cover is in the closed position and the actuator automatically opens it when capture is initiated, providing automated functionality. This self-service approach improves ease of operation by eliminating manual lens opening while the automated mechanism manages the complexity internally
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for improved video capture on a personal computer is provided. The personal computer is equipped with video controls and a camera with a privacy lens cover. A sensor for sensing when the lens cover is closed may be used along with an actuator for mechanically opening the lens cover, so that the system may optionally open the lens cover automatically for video capture applications. A user may easily capture a video stream or still images using the video controls provided. A user may also answer an incoming phone call that supports video by pressing the camera button or, optionally, the user can set a preference so that the camera is automatically enabled whenever answering a call that supports video. Additionally, the system may automatically transition to or from video anytime during a call.