Retractable 360 Camera with Ballscrew Mast for Privacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video conferencing systems lack a practical solution for a 360-degree camera that can be easily extended and retracted to maintain participant privacy during and after sessions, as current cameras either need to be disconnected or physically removed when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A retractable 360-degree camera device utilizing a ballscrew assembly and helical ribbon cable, allowing the camera to be extended to eye level during use and retracted out of sight when not in use, integrated with a mobile video conferencing station and multiple computer monitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is placed in the middle of the group to capture 360 degree interaction, then the video conferencing capability is improved, but the camera remains visible and participants may feel uncomfortable when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is mounted on a retractable mast that can dynamically extend to positioning arms during video conferencing and retract below the tabletop when not in use. This dynamic positioning allows the camera to be visible and functional only when needed, eliminating participant discomfort during non-conferencing periods while maintaining full 360-degree capture capability when active.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera assembly is nested within the conference table structure, with the camera positioned on a mast that retracts into the table body. The positioning arms extend from beneath the table surface, allowing the camera to be deployed from a hidden state to an active recording position without occupying permanent visible space.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the camera is physically removed when not in use, then participant privacy is protected, but the device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system automatically transitions between deployed and retracted states through motorized control of the retractable mast and positioning arms. This eliminates the need for manual physical removal or connection/disconnection of equipment, as the camera autonomously positions itself below the tabletop when not in use and deploys when needed, maintaining privacy while reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system self-manages its deployment and retraction through automated control mechanisms integrated into the conference table. The system independently handles the extension of positioning arms and the raising/lowering of the retractable mast without requiring user intervention, thereby protecting privacy while minimizing setup and teardown time.
3Measurement precision
If the camera is extended to eye level during use, then the viewing angle and recording quality are improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is mounted on a retractable mast that extends vertically to position the camera at or above tabletop height during video conferencing, providing optimal eye-level recording angles. The mast retracts below the tabletop when not in use. This dynamic vertical adjustment mechanism uses motorized linear actuators integrated into the conference table structure, achieving high recording quality while keeping the mechanism concealed and relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable mast is nested within the conference table structure, with the camera positioned on the mast that can extend upward from the table body. The positioning arms that support the mast are also nested within the table, extending outward only when needed. This nesting arrangement achieves eye-level camera positioning with minimal visible mechanical complexity.
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
Enables seamless recording during video conferences while ensuring participants' privacy by hiding the camera when not in use, enhancing user experience and convenience through a stable and versatile setup.
Implementation Method 1
a ballscrew shaft positioned within the interior void of the tube... rotation of the ballscrew shaft moves the camera mast in an upward and downward direction along a length of the ballscrew tube
Implementation Method 2
a ball nut positioned around the outer surface of the ballscrew tube and directly engaging the ballscrew shaft, the second end of the camera mast operably coupled to the ball nut
Implementation Method 3
at least one ribbon cable folded in a helical, accordion pattern and encircling the outer surface of the tube, the at least one ribbon cable having an end electrically connected to the camera
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable camera device is described which removes a camera from view when not in use. The device may include a tube having two ends, an interior void and an outer surface, a ballscrew shaft positioned within the interior void of the tube, a camera mast assembly movably coupled to the tube and engaging the ballscrew shaft, a camera, having a 360° viewing angle, coupled to an end of the camera mast, and at least one ribbon cable folded in an accordion pattern and encircling the outer surface of the tube. The at least one ribbon cable has an end electrically connected to the camera. The ballscrew shaft engages the camera mast so as to move the camera mast in an upward and downward direction along a length thereof.