Adjustable Webcam Mounting for On-Screen Eye Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current webcam positioning systems fail to allow users to maintain eye contact during video conferences, as webcams are typically offset from the screen, leading to disconnection in human interaction, as users either look at the screen content or the camera, breaking eye contact with the other party.
Innovation Solution
A camera-positioning apparatus using transparent materials with adjustable and sliding mounts allows the webcam to be positioned anywhere on the screen, ensuring reciprocal viewing alignment, enabling users to look directly at the screen and maintain eye contact with others during video calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the webcam is positioned offset from the screen display, then the webcam can be mounted separately, but users cannot maintain eye contact with the other party during video conferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the webcam mounting structure with the screen display itself by integrating adjustable mounts directly onto the display frame. This merging allows the webcam to be positioned at multiple locations including directly on the screen bezel, enabling eye contact capability while using a unified structure rather than separate offset mounting components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements adjustable and repositionable mounting mechanisms that allow the webcam to be dynamically positioned at various locations on the screen display. The mounts can be adjusted vertically, horizontally, and angled to achieve optimal eye contact alignment, transforming a static offset position into a dynamic, user-configurable positioning system.
2Ease of operation
If the webcam is positioned directly on the screen display, then users can maintain eye contact, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mounting system into separate modular components including adjustable brackets, mounting clips, and positioning mechanisms that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (positioning, securing, angling) making the overall complex structure manageable and configurable without requiring a completely integrated complex design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal mounting structures that can accommodate different webcam models and screen display types. The mounting system serves multiple functions: securing the webcam, positioning it at various locations, angling it for optimal view, and allowing easy adjustment and repositioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components.
3Area of stationary object
If the webcam is mounted on a separate structure, then the screen display remains unobstructed, but the webcam cannot be positioned in reciprocal viewing alignment with the screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning mechanisms that allow the webcam to be adjusted and repositioned to achieve precise viewing alignment with the screen display. The adjustable mounts enable vertical, horizontal, and angular adjustments, allowing the webcam to be positioned exactly where needed for reciprocal viewing alignment while maintaining screen display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates alignment features and adjustment mechanisms that provide visual feedback during positioning. The mounting system includes reference marks, adjustable positioning stops, and flexible mounting configurations that allow users to visually align the webcam with the screen display content, ensuring reciprocal viewing alignment through iterative adjustment and visual verification.
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a method of positioning a movable webcam connected to a computer relative to a screen display of the computer while imaging a user in select, reciprocal viewing alignment with the screen display. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a screen display mounting for supporting the movable webcam in a variety of positions relative to the screen display, securing the movable webcam to the mounting for imaging the user, and then positioning the mounting in relationship to the screen display for supporting the movable webcam in a select screen display region substantially coextensive with the image being observed by the user. The viewing of the image by the user facilitates the viewing of the user viewing the image in select, reciprocal viewing alignment therewith.