Single Camera Sensor Multi-Port Front View Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
During video calls, users often appear to be looking away from the camera due to the inherent position of integrated cameras or external cameras, leading to awkward interactions, with conventional solutions being either manually intensive or excessively expensive for multi-camera implementations on smaller devices.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a single camera sensor that receives image data from multiple imaging ports positioned around a device, determining the primary port capturing the user's front view, and broadcasting only that image data to ensure a consistent front-facing view is displayed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple cameras are positioned around the device to capture front view, then the user's front view is always captured, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging ports into a single camera sensor system. The single camera sensor receives image data from multiple imaging ports positioned around the device, combines this data, and determines the primary port capturing the user's front view. This consolidation achieves reliable front view capture while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent camera systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera sensor performs multiple functions by receiving image data from multiple imaging ports. Instead of requiring separate cameras for each port, the single sensor universally captures images from all ports and determines the optimal port for front view capture, making the system multi-functional without increasing camera quantity.
2Device complexity
If a single camera is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to capture front view from any position is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a dimensional aspect by positioning multiple imaging ports around the device in different spatial locations. The single camera sensor then selects from these multiple dimensional positions to capture the front view, effectively adding spatial versatility without adding multiple camera systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary between the multiple imaging ports and the single camera sensor. It receives image data from all ports, determines which port captures the user's front view, and directs the appropriate data to the camera sensor for broadcasting, enabling adaptability without direct multi-camera complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple cameras are implemented, then front view capture is improved, but the cost and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple cameras into a single camera sensor. By merging multiple imaging ports into one sensor system with intelligent port selection, it achieves reliable front view capture while reducing the quantity of camera components from multiple cameras to just one.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple physical cameras, the system creates virtual copies of the imaging capability through multiple imaging ports that feed into a single camera sensor. The processor selects and broadcasts data from the appropriate port, effectively copying the front view capture function without duplicating the camera hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment provides a method, including: receiving, at a camera sensor associated with an information handling device, image data from a plurality of imaging ports, wherein the plurality of imaging ports are positioned around the information handling device; determining, using a processor, a primary imaging port from the plurality of imaging ports, wherein image data captured at the primary imaging port shows a front view of a user; and broadcasting, responsive to the determining, the image data from the primary imaging port. Other aspects are described and claimed.