Video Call Docking Station With Motorized Camera Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video calls conducted on smartphones or tablets face limitations such as restricted audio range, difficulty in accommodating multiple participants, and user discomfort due to the need to hold the device for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A personal device docking station that establishes a bidirectional audio feed, includes adjustable arms and motorized rotation heads for camera orientation, and features speakers and microphones to enhance video conferencing capabilities, allowing users to position devices comfortably and maintain audio connectivity without holding them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a personal device is held for extended video calls, then the user can maintain direct control and viewing, but user discomfort and fatigue increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the personal device from the user's hands and places it on a docking station with a rest pad. The device is held stationary by the docking station's support structure, freeing the user from holding it and eliminating hand fatigue while maintaining the call throughout the duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking station acts as an intermediary between the user and the personal device. It provides the mechanical support and positioning functions that would otherwise require the user to hold the device, while maintaining the device's operational connection for video calls.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the personal device camera is positioned for single-user viewing, then the viewing angle is optimized, but multiple participants cannot engage simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station incorporates motorized rotation heads that enable dynamic adjustment of the personal device's orientation. The device can be rotated horizontally and tilted vertically to redirect the camera view toward different participants, allowing the system to adapt to various multi-person configurations rather than being fixed for single-user viewing.
3Length of moving object
If the audio feed is limited to the personal device speakers, then the device portability is maintained, but the audio range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the personal device with the docking station's audio system. The docking station includes speakers that receive and output the audio feed from the docked personal device, creating a combined audio system with extended range. This allows audio to be heard throughout the room rather than just near the device.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the rest pad is fixed in position, then the device placement is simple, but various device sizes cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The rest pad incorporates adjustable arms that can be positioned at different locations and angles. These arms provide flexible support points that can accommodate various device sizes and shapes, allowing the rest pad to adapt to different personal devices rather than requiring a fixed rigid structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal device docking station can include a base, a neck with a stationary and non-stationary portion and a rest pad that can hold a personal device such as a smartphone or tablet. When a personal device is docked in the docking station, bidirectional audio feed is established between the personal device and the docking station. A user can receive audio feed from the docking station's speakers and transmit audio feed via a plurality of microphones. The rest pad of the docking station can have a window or cutout that aligns with the camera of the docked personal device. The non-stationary portion of the neck can include multiple motorized rotation heads that allow for horizontal and vertical rotation of the rest pad and docked device.