Virtual Camera Indicator for Video Conference Eye Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Participants in video conferences often look away from their cameras to focus on computer screens or visual stimuli, creating an awkward feeling similar to looking away from others in conversation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that determines the position of a camera and displays a computer-generated element proximate to it, encouraging users to reposition their faces towards the camera, thereby maintaining eye contact and improving the appearance of engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If participants look at computer screens to see visual data during video conferences, then they can access shared visual information, but they create an awkward feeling by looking away from other participants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overlays a virtual camera indicator on the display screen, adding a new dimensional layer of visual information. This allows participants to simultaneously see both the shared visual data and the camera indicator that guides their eye contact, resolving the contradiction between accessing visual information and maintaining natural appearance by looking at the camera
2Loss of information
If participants focus on computer screens during video conferences, then they can view shared visual content, but their face turns away from the camera creating disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual camera indicator acts as an intermediary element between the shared visual content and the participant's face. It provides a visual cue that mediates the participant's gaze direction, allowing them to maintain engagement appearance while still accessing visual content through the screen
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method for causing a user to look into a camera are described. In some aspects, a position of a camera coupled with a computing device is determined. A computer-generated element is displayed proximate to the determined position of the camera. The computer-generated element is presented for causing a user of the computing device to reposition a face of the user toward the determined position of the camera.