WO2015116127A1

WO2015116127A1 - Modular camera mounting assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2015116127A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/014003
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chi W. So; Jeff Johnson; Nam H. Nguyen; Juan I. Martinez
Original assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date: 2014-01-31
Filing date: 2014-01-31
Publication date: 2015-08-06

Abstract

Examples of the present disclosure provide a modular camera mounting assembly. According to one implementation, the assembly includes an outer frame capable of being mounted along edges of a display device. The outer frame includes an integrated rail formed along an edge of the outer frame and supporting at least one moveable input port. Furthermore, one or more camera modules are configured to connect with the at least one moveable input.

Description

MODULAR CAMERA MOUNTING ASSEMBLY

BACKGROUND

[0001] Videoconferencing systems provide an interactive and effective means for enabling enhanced communication between remote participants. Such systems typically involve the simultaneous and real-time transmission of audio and video streams that are associated with participating or active users. Generally, personal videoconferencing systems include a display and video capture device facing an operating user in order to capture movements within a field of view of the video capture device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] The features and advantages of the inventions as well as additional features and advantages thereof will be more clearly understood hereinafter as a result of a detailed description of particular implementations when taken in conjunction with the following drawings in which:

[0003] FIG. 1 is an illustration of the modular camera mounting assembly according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0004] FIG. 2 is a side profile view of the modular camera mounting assembly and computing device according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0005] FIG. 3 is a side profile view of the modular camera mounting assembly affixed on the computing device according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 4 is a front profile view of the modular camera mounting assembly affixed on the computing device accordance with one example of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The following discussion is directed to various examples. Although one or more of these implementations may be discussed in detail, the examples disclosed should not be interpreted, or otherwise used, as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. In addition, one skilled in the art will understand that the following description has broad application, and the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be an example of that embodiment, and not intended to intimate that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment. Furthermore, as used herein, the designators "A", "B" and "N" particularly with respect to the reference numerals in the drawings, indicate that a number of the particular feature so designated can be included with examples of the present disclosure. The designators can represent the same or different numbers of the particular features.

[0008] The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit or digits correspond to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. Similar elements or components between different figures may be identified by the user of similar digits. For example, 143 may reference element "43" in Figure 1 , and a similar element may be referenced as 243 in Figure 2. Elements shown in the various figures herein can be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number of additional examples of the present disclosure. In addition, the proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the examples of the present disclosure, and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

[0009] Today, the majority of video conferencing is accomplished through webcams located along the top edge of an associated display screen. However, videoconferencing on a monitor or display in this manner is fairly troublesome. More particularly, webcam conferencing systems do not provide an "eye contact" experience for users because the webcams are often located above the display and do not capture the eyes of the user unless they are looking directly into the camera and therefore away from the screen. For instance, if the first user is looking at the monitor, then the second or remote user will simply see an image of the first user looking down. Similarly, if the first user is looking directly into the webcam, then the first user is unable to see the screen surface and the display of the second user. - J -

[00010] One solution to the aforementioned problem is to use view synthesis or similar technologies to create a simulated forward-looking image through multiple cameras. However, this solution simply involves mounting cameras on edges of the display monitor via clips or hook and loop fasteners. Such a configuration does not provide a secure foundation and also creates a cumbersome means for readjusting the cameras, In addition, the traditional web cameras are outward-facing and have a limited field of view thereby reducing their ability to record an operating user touching the display surface.

[00011] Implementations of the present disclosure provide a method of mounting multiple cameras around a monitor or Ail-in-One (AIO) computing system through use of an add-on display frame so as to enhance video conferencing. According to one example, movable input ports are placed on rails along the edge of the display frame. In addition, camera modules are inserted into these input ports, which will provide a secure foundation while being adapted for easy repositioning based on the conferencing preferences of the user. As a result, the configuration described herein provides a robust and modular solution for improving personalized video conferencing on a device.

[00012] Referring now in more detail to the drawings in which like numerals identify corresponding parts throughout the views, FIG. 1 is an illustration of the modular camera mounting assembly 105 according to an example of the present disclosure. As shown here, the camera mounting assembly 105 includes a frame 1 1 1 , input ports 1 15a - 1 15d, and adjustable camera modules 1 10a - 1 10d.

[00013] In accordance with one implementation, the monitor frame 1 1 1 includes guide rails 1 13a - 1 13d or a similar mechanical feature formed along the edges 1 12a - 1 12d (i.e., top, bottom, left, right) that can be mounted on a display such as a personal computer, all-in-one (AIO) computing system, CRT monitor, notebook, or any other display screen. The frame 1 1 1 may be formed to correspond with a specific display size or comprise of adjustable features to fit multiple display sizes. For example, a size-adjustable display frame 1 1 1 may be configured such that each of the four sides of the frame 1 1 1 has a telescoping design with a slide-locking mechanism to limit movement. [00014] Still further, the display frame 1 1 1 serves as an input hub and includes one or more input ports formed along edges 1 12a - 1 12d of the frame 1 1 1 as shown in FIG. 1 . In one implementation, the frame 1 1 1 includes four Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports 1 15a - 1 15d formed along edges (1 12a -1 12d respectively) of the frame 1 1 1 . In one example, each input port 1 15a - 1 15d is wired to the frame 1 1 1 so as to allow the connected input port 1 15a -1 15d to slide laterally within the length of an attached cable 1 18 for example. Additionally, the display frame 1 1 1 may also include a primary interface port 1 16 for connecting to an associated monitor or computer display.

[00015] In one example, the modular camera assembly 105 includes multiple camera modules 1 10a - 1 10d configured to work with the integrated guide rail system of the display frame 1 1 1 . The camera modules 1 10a - 1 1 Od include secure connectors so as to remain firmly inserted within the input ports (e.g., USB) and corresponding rails 1 13a -1 13d. The camera modules 1 10a - 1 10d may represent a standard webcam, depth-sensing optical video cameras for determining multi-touch inputs on the front surface of the display device, or any digital camera capable of capturing real-time video and feeding video streams to a connected display device.

[00016] The present configuration allows each camera module 1 10a - 1 0d to slide along rails 1 13a - 1 13d, and in addition to lateral movement, each camera module 1 10a - 1 10d may also be rotated in ail directions (i.e., vertically and horizontally) so as to provide a desired optimal viewing angle for the operating user. However, implementations of the present disclosure may include any numbers of camera modules formed along each side and/or multiple rails along each frame edge. Moreover, multiple cameras may be positioned on a single rail or edge, or one rail may be used for each camera module as shown.

[00017] In one example, each camera module 1 10a - 1 10d includes a "popup" feature in which the module is integrated with the input port and protracts from the edge of the frame. That is, the camera moduie(s) may rest within a cavity of the guide rail and extend therefrom automatically (e.g., upon powering the display device) or manually via physical input from the user. Each camera module 1 10a - 1 10d may be rotated inwards so that the camera lens points to the front surface of the display surface. Accordingly, one or more of the camera modules may be used to record touches on the screen, while the other cameras may be angled away from the display surface so as to record the operating user. To this end, software associated with the camera modules allows for the capturing of multiple simultaneous video feeds of the user (and hands), which will in turn make a variety of use cases possible in view synthesis or similar technology.

[00018] FIG. 2 is a side profile view of the modular mounting camera assembly and computing device according to an example of the present disclosure. As shown here, the camera assembly 205 includes the display frame 21 1 , camera module 210, and a moveable input port 215 and an associated guide rail 213 that allows movement of the input port 215 along the edges of the outer frame 21 1 . The display frame 21 1 is configured in size to surround the outer edges of display device 220 as will be shown and discussed with respect to FIG. 3. The frame 21 1 may be comprised of a durable and/or flexible material, including various metals or plastics. Though flexibility can aid in fitting the frame around the monitor 220, a rigid frame with a telescoping design may also be used to position the frame around display device 220.

[00019] In addition, a cable ribbon 219 may be formed on a rear inward side of the frame 21 1 (primary interface port) and extend therefrom so as to provide a physical connection to the one or more peripheral ports 225 of the computer or display 220. When connected, the outer display frame 21 1 serves as a port extender and the display device 220 powers the plurality of input ports 215 positioned around the edges of the outer frame 21 1 (via internal electrical cabling within the frame 21 1 ). Furthermore, measured guides may be included for allowing easy alignment of the camera 210 and input port(s) 215. The guides for aligning the camera modules 210 may include painted markers, mechanical elements whereby the camera clicks into place, or ruler markings formed on the outer frame 21 1 .

[00020] The display device 220 further includes computer-readable storage medium 227, which may represent volatile storage (e.g. random access memory), non-volatile store (e.g. hard disk drive, read-only memory, compact disc read only memory, flash storage, etc.), or combinations thereof. Furthermore, storage medium 220 includes firmware or software 229 that is executable by a processing unit 225 associated with the display device 220 and, that when executed, causes the processing unit 225 to perform some or all of the functionality described herein. For example, the storage medium 227 and software 229 may include instructions for combining incoming video streams associated with each of the plurality of camera modules using known video encoding techniques, and/or detecting the location of a user's finger or stylus proximate to the front surface 222 of the display device 220 using three- dimensional coordinate mapping and known computer vision techniques associated with depth-sensing optical cameras for example.

[00021] FIG. 3 is a side profile view of the modular mounting camera assembly affixed on the computing device according to an example of the present disclosure. The present illustration depicts a user 350 operating the display device 320 and camera mounting assembly 305. As shown here, the display frame 31 1 surrounds the outer perimeter of the display device 320. Moreover, one or more camera modules 310 may be inserted into an input port 315 formed along an edge of the outer frame 31 1 .

[00022] In one example, each input port 315 is associated with an independent guide rail 313. According to one implementation, the guide rail 313 represents an inner channel formed parallel with an edge of the frame 31 1 for directing movement of a corresponding input port 315 positioned therein. In addition, each guide rail 313 may include a stop element for limiting the range of an attached camera's movement along the edge of the frame 31 1 . As shown in exploded view 335, the input port 315 is formed within the channel of the guide rail 313 and may move laterally (as indicated by directional arrows) along the edge of the frame 31 1 corresponding with the guide rail channel 313.

[00023] In the present example, camera module 310 is positioned on a top area of the display device 320. However, the assembly described herein is modular and the camera module may be positioned in any available input port 315 and along any edge of the display frame 31 1 . Furthermore, as depicted in FIG. 1 , the camera mounting assembly may include multiple camera modules formed on multiple edges of the display frame 31 1 . According to one implementation, and as shown in exploded view 333, the camera module 310 includes a lens and image sensor portion 308 including supporting circuitry for recording real-time images within a field of view 31 1 of the lens, in addition to an outer housing 307 and male input connector 310 for mating with the input port 315 of the display frame 31 1 . In one example, the camera lens 308 is configured to rotate horizontally and vertically within the outer housing 307 so as to enable video recording at various angles with respect to the normal surface. As mentioned earlier, embedded software enables the connected display device 320 to combine the video streams to generate a single video stream in which the operating user 350 appears to look directly at the display 320, and also detects the location of a body part or tool with respect to the front surface 322 of the display 320 while in a touchscreen operating environment.

[00024] FIG. 4 is a front profile view of the camera mounting assembly affixed onto the computing device accordance with one example of the present disclosure. Here, the module camera mounting assembly 400 is positioned around the entire periphery of the display device 420. The outer display frame 41 1 is designed to mount around the edges of the monitor 420 and includes integrated guide rails that support movable and cabled input ports (e.g., USB ports). Although four sides are shown such that the frame fits on a desktop monitor in one example, the module assembly and frame 41 1 may include only three sides or edges in order to fit on a laptop computer.

[00025] Moreover, a plurality of camera modules 410a -- 41 Od are positioned along each edge and inserted into input ports of the frame 41 1 as discussed above. The camera modules 410a - 41 Od may be outward-facing towards the operating user or may extend and rotate inwards toward the display surface for touch input on the display surface. For example, two camera modules 410a and 410c may be rotated inward to allow detection of a finger or stylus proximate to a front surface of the display device 420 (i.e., touchscreen environment), while simultaneously two camera modules 410b and 41 Od face forward to detect the operating user's face and/or objects further away from the display surface for example. [00026] Examples described herein provide a modular camera mounting assembly. Moreover, many advantages are afforded by the assembly according to implementations of the present disclosure. For instance, the present configuration provides a built-in ability to mount one or more cameras on a single display or AIO computing device as needed, thus allowing for a modular and more aesthetically-pleasing design. Additionally, the moveable input ports may support multiple USB camera modules and provide a secure foundation for each camera in addition to easy means for repositioning the camera module as desired. Still further, the attached camera modules may be rotated to allow for recording of movement proximate to the display surface while also recording objects further away from the display surface thereby overcoming the limited field of view associated with previous webcam conferencing environments.

[00027] Furthermore, while the disclosure has been described with respect to example embodiments, one skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications are possible. For example, although the present examples depict an AIO computer as the display device, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the display device may be a television monitor, laptop device, netbook, smartphone or similar graphical display system conducive to videoconferencing with remote users.

[00028] Not ail components, features, structures, characteristics, etc. described and illustrated herein need be included in a particular embodiment or embodiments. If the specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic "may", "might", "can" or "could" be included, for example, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to "a" or "an" element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to "an additional" element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element. In addition, the term "having" and "including" is synonymous comprising.

[00029] It is to be noted that, although some examples have been described in reference to particular implementations, other implementations are possible according to some examples embodiments. Additionally, the arrangement o order of elements or other features illustrated in the drawings or described herein need not be arranged in the particular way illustrated and described. Many other arrangements are possible according to some examples.

[00030] The techniques are not restricted to the particular details listed herein. Indeed, those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that many other variations from the foregoing description and drawings may be made within the scope of the present techniques. Accordingly, it is the following claims including any amendments thereto that define the scope of the techniques.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED !S:

1 1 . A modular camera mounting assembly comprising:

an outer frame capable of being mounted along the edges of a display device, wherein the outer frame includes an integrated guide rail formed along an edge of the outer frame and supporting at least one moveable input port, and one or more camera modules configured to connect with the at least one moveable input port associated with the integrated guide rail of the outer frame.

{ 2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the display device represents an all-in-one (A!O) computer and includes at least one peripheral port for coupling with the outer frame.

1 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the one or more camera modules include a connector portion for pairing with the at least one moveable input port of the outer frame.

1 4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one moveable input port is configured to extend the functionality of the at least one peripheral port associated with the AlO computer.

1 5. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the outer frame includes a plurality of guide rails integrated with each edge of the outer frame for allowing lateral movement of a plurality of camera modules when inserted into a corresponding moveable input port.

{ 6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the outer frame includes three edges for surrounding the outer perimeter of a notebook computer.

1 7. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of camera modules are rotatable while positioned within the input port of the outer frame such that an associated field of view may be changed.

1 8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the display device includes software for allowing multiple input video streams associated with the plurality of camera modules to be combined into a single video stream associated with an operating user.

1 9, A modular camera mounting assembly for a display device, the assembly including:

a display frame having a plurality of integrated guide rails supporting a plurality moveable input ports formed along edges of the display frame, and

5 a plurality of camera modules configured to connect with the plurality of moveable input ports of the outer frame,

wherein the guide rails allow for lateral movement of each camera module

8 with respect to the edge of the outer frame when connected with the plurality of moveable input ports.

{ 10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the display device represents an all-in-one (AIO) computer and includes at least one peripheral port for connecting with the display frame.

1 1 1 . The assembly of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of camera modules are rotatable and include a connector portion for mating with the plurality of input ports of the display frame.

{ 12. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the plurality of moveable input ports are configured to extend the functionality of the at least one peripheral port of the AIO computer.

1 13. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the display device includes software for allowing multiple input video streams associated with the plurality of camera modules to be combined into a single video stream associated with an operating user.

{ 14. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the display frame includes four adjustable edges for surrounding the outer perimeter of the computer monitor.

1 15. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the display frame includes three edges for surrounding the outer perimeter of a notebook computer.