Retractable Optics for Video Conferencing Camera Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video conferencing systems often suffer from inadequate fields of view and perspective distortion due to camera placement, which obstructs the display and exaggerates facial features, especially when the camera is close to the user.
Innovation Solution
A retractable optics system with a camera and optics element, such as a mirror, positioned above the display, allowing the optics element to retract and increase the optical distance, minimizing obstruction and distortion while maintaining eye contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the camera is positioned close to the user to capture facial features, then the image capture quality is improved, but perspective distortion increases and facial features are exaggerated
Solution Approach 1:
A retractable optics element (mirror or lens) is introduced as an intermediary between the camera and the user. When extended, it optically redirects light paths to achieve a closer effective focal distance without physically placing the camera close to the user's face, thereby capturing detailed facial features while avoiding perspective distortion. The optics element acts as a mediator that decouples the physical camera position from the optical focal distance.
2Measurement precision
If the camera is positioned above the display to maintain eye contact, then the field of view is improved, but the display is obstructed when not in video conferencing mode
Solution Approach 1:
The optics element is made dynamically retractable, allowing it to extend only when video conferencing is active and retract when inactive. This dynamic positioning enables the camera to maintain an elevated position above the display for optimal eye contact and field of view during calls, while the retracted optics element clears the display area for other uses, thus resolving the conflict between video conferencing performance and display versatility.
3Measurement precision
If the optics element is extended to increase optical distance and reduce distortion, then image quality is improved, but the display area is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The optics element transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration, extending only when needed for video conferencing to achieve the necessary optical distance for high-quality image capture without distortion. When retracted, it minimizes its physical presence, maximizing the available display area for other purposes. This dynamic adjustment resolves the spatial conflict between optical performance and display accessibility.
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
This configuration provides an optimal field of view, reduces perspective distortion, and allows the display to be used for other purposes when not in video conferencing mode, ensuring high-quality image capture without blocking the user's view.
Implementation Method 1
An optics element is provided and configured to interface with the camera. The optics element reflects the image data associated with the end user positioned in front of the display.
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 also includes a display and an optics element configured to interface with the camera. The optics element reflects the image data associated with the end user positioned in front of the display. A retracting mechanism is also provided and is configured to retract the optics element in a direction such that the camera moves to an inactive state and the optics element is removed from a view of the display from the perspective of the end user. An effective optical distance from the camera to the end user is increased by manipulating a position of the optics element. In more detailed embodiments, the camera can be configured above the display such that its lens points downward toward the optics element.