Retractable Camera System for Unobstructed Video Conferencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video conferencing systems face challenges such as mechanical parts obscuring display views, dust accumulation on camera lenses, and poor image quality due to small apertures and noise issues in low light conditions, which affect the user experience and image data capture.
Innovation Solution
A retractable camera system with a motorized retracting mechanism that moves the camera out of the way when not in use, providing an unobstructed view and protecting the camera from dust, combined with illumination cues to indicate video conference status, and a telescopic stand for adjustable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the camera is permanently positioned in front of the display, then image capture is always available, but the display view is obstructed and dust accumulates on the lens
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is made dynamically movable between a retracted position (when not in use) and an extended position (when video conferencing is active). This dynamic positioning allows the system to maintain reliable image capture when needed while eliminating display obstruction and dust accumulation when the camera is not actively capturing images.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera is retracted to a safe position beforehand when video conferencing is not active, preventing dust accumulation on the lens and display obstruction before they occur. The system proactively positions the camera to avoid harmful effects rather than reacting to them after they occur.
2Manufacturing precision
If the camera aperture is made larger to improve image quality, then more light is captured, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical solutions (larger aperture) with an illumination-based solution. LED lights are positioned to illuminate the subject, allowing the camera to capture sufficient light with a smaller, less complex aperture, thereby improving image quality without increasing device size or complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
An illumination system acts as an intermediary between the light source and the camera sensor. The LED lights provide additional light that reflects off the subject and enters the camera, enabling high-quality image capture with a smaller aperture by mediating the light path rather than relying solely on a large aperture.
3Productivity
If the camera remains exposed, then it can capture images immediately, but dust accumulates on the lens reducing image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The camera lens is dynamically covered by retracting the camera body when not in use. This dynamic covering protects the lens from dust accumulation while maintaining image capture readiness when needed, as the camera can quickly extend to its capturing position when a video conference session starts.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided in one example and includes a camera configured to receive image data associated with an end user involved in a video session. The apparatus further includes a display configured to interface with the camera. The camera and the display cooperate such that the apparatus can initiate the video session involving the end user, and activate a retracting mechanism configured to move the camera such that the camera is retracted from a view of the display and the camera moves to an inactive state.