Web camera apparatus

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a web camera apparatus.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

A web camera can be integrated into a body of a display device or can be provided as a separate accessory.

An integrated web camera has a fixed positional relationship relative to a display of the display device. The display device may be a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop lid or the like, comprising an integrated display and an integrated camera.

An accessory web camera can be a separate accessory that is clipped to a mount (e.g. bezel) of the display device. This enables the user to choose the location around the periphery of the device at which to attach the web camera.

The web camera can be operably coupled to a computing apparatus acting as a local terminal for a local user. The coupling may be via a wired interface such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, or a wireless interface.

The computing apparatus may be configured to execute a video communication application such as a video conference application or a video chat application. During a video communication session of the video communication application, live video feeds of the local user and at least one remote user may be displayed to both/all users. A problem with web cameras is that the web camera is positionally offset from the displayed video feed of the remote user, often by at least 5-10 centimetres. Therefore, the local user can either make virtual eye contact with the remote user by looking at the web camera, or can look at the video feed of the remote user, but cannot look at both at the same time. This makes natural communication difficult over video communication applications, since humans rely heavily on non-verbal communication via facial expressions and mutual eye contact.

If the web camera is hung in front of the display by a semi-flexible cable, virtual eye contact may be possible but the web camera would be shaky and the local user may have to keep the mount still.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a web camera apparatus comprising: a web camera; an anchor point; and an adjustable support mechanism coupled to the anchor point and configured to support the web camera, wherein the adjustable support mechanism is configured to enable constrained translation of the web camera relative to the anchor point so that the web camera is securable at a user-selected position in front of a display.

This provides the advantage that the web camera can be secured (rigidly held) at a position proximal to a rendered face of a remote user, during a video communication session.

In some examples, the adjustable support mechanism is configured to enable the constrained translation by enabling a single degree of freedom of translation of the web camera. In some examples, the adjustable support mechanism is configured to enable the web camera to translate away from the anchor point up to a maximum distance having a value of at least approximately seven centimetres.

In some examples, the single degree of freedom of translation is in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the anchor point or at least within 30 degrees of the perpendicular, and is approximately parallel to a plane of the display or at least within 20 degrees of the plane.

In some examples, the adjustable support mechanism comprises a slider mechanism configured to enable the constrained translation of the web camera.

In some examples, the adjustable support mechanism comprises a slidable body (e.g. rod) as part of the slider mechanism.

In some examples, the slidable body has a frontal width of less than approximately 15 millimetres.

In some examples, the web camera comprises a frontal area of less than approximately ten cm ² .

In some examples, the adjustable support mechanism is configured so that the user-selected position is continuously adjustable.

In some examples, the adjustable support mechanism is configured to secure the web camera at the user-selected position via friction.

In some examples, the slider mechanism comprises a friction interface.

In some examples, the adjustable support mechanism comprises a cable channel. In some examples, the cable channel comprises a groove and the anchor point comprises a cable feed, wherein the cable feed and the groove are configured so that a cable is fed through the cable feed into the groove when the web camera is translated away from the anchor point, and is fed out of the groove through the cable feed when the web camera is translated towards the anchor point.

In some examples, the anchor point comprises a clip.

In some examples, the anchor point (e.g. clip) comprises laterally separated left and right feet facing a first direction and at least one further foot facing a second opposite direction, to enable a user-selected mounting surface (e.g. bezel) to be received therebetween, wherein the adjustable support mechanism and optionally the further foot is relatively central and laterally between the left and right feet.

In some examples, the left and right feet are corner-shaped feet.

In some examples, the anchor point comprises anti-slip material at one or more mounting points.

In some examples, the clip comprises a thickness adjuster configured to enable clipping to a range of different mounting surface thicknesses (e.g. bezel thicknesses).

In some examples, the anchor point comprises a hinge configured to enable clipping to a range of different mounting surface shapes and/or thicknesses.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a web camera support apparatus comprising: an anchor point; and an adjustable support mechanism coupled to the anchor point and configured to support a web camera, wherein the adjustable support mechanism is configured to enable constrained translation of the web camera relative to the anchor point so that the web camera is securable at a user-selected position in front of a display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example front perspective view of a web camera apparatus;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example side view of a web camera apparatus;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example top view of a web camera apparatus; and FIG. 4 illustrates an example side section through a web camera apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The Figures illustrate a web camera apparatus 1 viewed from various sides. Cartesian axes are defined.

The x-axis represents distance away from the web camera apparatus 1 , and extends parallel to an optical axis OA of the web camera 4 when the web camera 4 is in its intended orientation or neutral undeflected orientation. The x- axis can extend approximately perpendicular to the plane of the display device 5. The x-axis can extend towards the user if the web camera apparatus 1 is mounted to be forward-facing, or away from the user if rear-facing.

The y-axis represents lateral distance, for example along the orientation of the anchor point 2 (e.g. clip). The y-axis can extend along the corresponding mounting surface 5 (e.g. bezel) to which the web camera apparatus 1 is mounted, when in use.

The z-axis represents vertical distance and corresponds to up from the user’s perspective if the user has mounted the web camera apparatus 1 to a top bezel 50 of their display device 5.

First, the web camera 4 is described. The web camera 4 can comprise a charge coupled device (CCD) or similar imaging sensor. The web camera 4 may be configured to detect visible light.

The web camera 4 can be sized to minimise viewing obstruction of the display 5 when positioned in front of the display 5 between the display 5 and the user. The degree of viewing obstruction can be quantified by the frontal area of the web camera 4, viewed from the direction in which the web camera 4 faces.

In some examples, the web camera 4 comprises a frontal area of less than approximately 20cm ² . In the illustrated example, but not necessarily all examples, the web camera 4 has an even smaller frontal area (<10cm ² ), having a circular or circle-equivalent diameter of approximately 3cm and therefore a frontal area of approximately 9cm ² .

As shown in FIG. 2, the web camera 4 is configured to be connected to a computing apparatus (not shown) via at least one cable 6 configured to transfer electrical power and/or video content, such as a USB cable. In another example, the web camera 4 is wireless.

The cable 6 can be flexible and non-load bearing. The web camera 4 is mechanically supported by separate means, in this case by an adjustable support mechanism 3. In the illustrated example, the adjustable support mechanism 3 comprises a slidable body 30 configured to support the web camera 4 and configured to form part of a slider mechanism along with a static slide guide 31 .

The slidable body 30 may be a slender body (e.g. Iength:frontal width>10:1 ). The slidable body 30 may comprise a cylindrical cross-section as shown in FIG. 3, or alternatively a prismatic cross-section. In other words, an extruded shape.

In the illustrations, one end portion of the slidable body 30 is configured to attach to the web camera 4. In the illustration, the bottom end of the slidable body 30 attaches to the web camera 4, and the slidable body 30 extends upwards towards the slide guide 31 .

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the slide guide 31 comprises a guide channel 310 (e.g. sleeve) through which the slidable body 30 is configured to slide. The slide guide 31 may be integrated with the anchor point 2 (described later).

The guide channel 310 in the slide guide 31 may comprise a through-hole (sleeve) extending coaxially with the slidable body 30 and having dimensions slightly enlarged compared to the slidable body 30. The length of the guide channel 310 is sufficient to brace the slidable body 30 against twisting. For example, the length of the guide channel 310 can be at least approximately 2cm, such as approximately 4cm. The length could be at least 15% of the total distance that the web camera 4 is able to be moved (referred to herein as ‘drop’ distance), for stability.

The slidable body 30 is configured to slide in a direction D which in the illustrated example is approximately parallel to the z-axis. This is also the direction of the guide channel 310. In other examples, the direction D is slightly diagonal but still less than approximately 30 degrees from the z-axis. The direction D may also be approximately parallel to the plane of the display 5 (e.g. y-z plane), so the web camera 4 does not get closer to or further from the display 5 when slid. In other examples, the direction D is non-parallel but still within approximately 20 degrees of the plane of the display 5.

In at least some examples, translation in other directions is constrained (e.g. prevented) by the slide guide 31. In the illustrations, translation in the z-axis is enabled and translation in the x-axis and y-axis are constrained. The sliding mechanism can therefore be regarded as a mechanism that allows a single degree of freedom of translation.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the slider mechanism may constrain rotation about one or more or all of the axes x, y, z. That is, the web camera 4 may have a substantially locked pan (left-right rotation about z) and/or a substantially locked tilt (up-down rotation about y). This further secures the web camera 4. Alternatively, means for enabling pan and/or tilt can be provided.

The slidable body 30 therefore enables the web camera 4 to be lowered to a user-selected position, such as a position that enables mutual eye contact during a video call. Lateral positioning could be controlled by repositioning the anchor point 2 along bezel 50.

The length of the slidable body 30 determines how far the web camera 4 can be moved. The length may be sufficient to enable the web camera 4 to translate (slide) away from the anchor point 2 up to a maximum ‘drop’ distance having a value of at least approximately 7cm. In some examples, the value is less than approximately 20cm.

In some examples, the length of the slidable body 30 is selected from the range approximately 8cm to approximately 25cm. Alternatively, for larger displays, the length can be another value selected from the range approximately 10cm to approximately 50cm. The frontal width of the slidable body 30 is significantly less than the frontal diameter of the web camera 4, to reduce viewing obstruction. The frontal width may be less than approximately 15mm.

In the illustrated example, but not necessarily all examples, the slidable body 30 is a straight linear rod with a substantially uniform cross-sectional area/shape, extending in the z-axis. The slidable body 30 may be straight and linear and substantially uniform in cross-sectional area/shape along the whole of its length, or at least along the portion of its length that functions as part of the slider mechanism.

The slidable body 30 may comprise a rigid material such as metal or a hard polymeric material. The slidable body 30 may be configured not to be functionally deformed by the user. Too much elasticity could cause pendulumlike oscillation/resonance of the web camera 4 if the user moves the display 5/mount. In addition, the length and tightness of the guide channel 310 can damp out oscillations.

In order to prevent the slidable body 30 from falling through the slide guide 31 under gravity, the web camera apparatus 1 is configured to enable the web camera 4 to be secured at a user-selected position.

In the illustrated examples, the friction between the guide channel 310 and the slidable body 30 defines a friction interface that is sufficient to overcome gravity. The friction at the friction interface can be predetermined based on friction coefficient and/or normal force. For example, the slidable body 30 and/or the guide channel 310 may comprise a textile at the friction interface where they contact. In some examples, the textile comprises felt. A textile material provides quiet and smooth operation. In other examples, a different material is used. An advantage of a friction interface as opposed to an interference interface is that the position of the web camera 4 is continuously adjustable, and tooling/manufacturing time are reduced.

In other examples, an interference joint is provided, with a series of discrete adjustment positions.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the friction may be user-controllable via a biaser (not shown) such as a button, for varying the normal force between the guide channel 310 and the slidable body 30. This reduces the compromise between holding force and ease of repositioning.

FIGS. 2 to 4 also illustrate an optional cable management solution so that the cable 6 for the web camera 4 does not get in the way of the display 5.

The slidable body 30 and the cable 6 may be configured for the cable 6 to run along the slidable body 30.

In the illustrated examples, the slidable body 30 comprises a cable channel 301 running axially along the slidable body 30 towards the slide guide 31 . In FIG. 3, the cable channel is a groove 301 . The cable channel 301 can be rear-facing so the cable 6 is not visible from the front.

A further optional feature of the cable management solution is a cable feed 311 of FIG. 4, wherein the cable feed 311 and the groove 301 are configured so that the cable 6 is fed through the cable feed 311 into the groove 301 when the web camera 4 is slid down, and is fed out of the groove 301 through the cable feed 311 when the web camera 4 is slid up.

FIG. 4 shows the cable feed 311 as an aperture within the slide guide 31 of the slider mechanism, although the cable feed 311 could be provided on another part. The interior-facing end of the aperture 311 is aligned with the groove 301 . The cable 6 enters the groove 301 through the aperture 311 . Sliding the slidable body 30 down draws more cable 6 through the aperture 311 and into the groove 301.

FIGS. 1 -4 also illustrate how the anchor point 2 can be implemented. In this example the anchor point 2 is a clip. In another example the anchor point 2 is a hook or any other means for rigidly connecting the web camera apparatus 1 to a user-selected mounting surface such as a bezel 50 of the display 5.

The user can control the lateral position of the web camera 4 by deciding where to attach the anchor point 2.

The illustrated anchor point 2 has several features to provide additional stability and to resist oscillation. One of those features is the way in which the illustrated feet 25 of the anchor point 2 are configured, as described below.

The anchor point 2 comprises a first leg 26 (e.g. front) and a second leg 22 (e.g. rear), which are arranged at opposite sides of the mount/bezel 50. The legs 22, 26 comprise feet 25. At least one of the legs 26 comprises left and right feet 25L, 25R, i.e. laterally splayed feet. The adjustable support mechanism 3 (e.g. slider mechanism) is relatively central between the left and right feet 25L, 25R.

Therefore, any yaw (z) or roll (x) from the adjustable support mechanism 3 can be resisted by the splayed left and right feet 25L, 25R to hold the web camera apparatus 1 in the required orientation.

Further, the left and right feet 25L, 25R may be corner-shaped, e.g. right-angled with an x-axis toe and a z-axis toe, to further improve yaw and roll resistance and to receive a corresponding corner of a display bezel 50 or equivalent mount. In the illustrated example, it is the first, front leg 26 (closest to the user) that comprises the left and right feet 25L, 25R. Additionally, or alternatively, the second leg 22 can comprise the left and right feet 25L, 25R.

A further optional stability feature is the inclusion of anti-slip material at one or more mounting points, i.e. at the locations on the feet 25L, 25R that contact the mount/bezel 50. In some examples, the anti-slip material comprises polymeric material. In some examples, the polymeric material comprises thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

In the illustrated example, the second leg 22 (e.g. rear leg) comprises a single foot 24.

The feet 24, 25 of the first and second legs 22, 26 face opposite directions so that a mount/bezel 50 can be received therebetween.

The foot 24 of the second leg 22 may not be corner-shaped to suit a wider variety of mounting locations. In the illustrated example, the foot 24 of the second leg 22 is relatively central between the left and right feet 25L, 25R of the first leg 26.

The foot 24 of the second leg 22 may comprise anti-slip material.

The foot 24 of the second leg 22 may be configured as a thickness adjuster such as a screw, which can be tightened or untightened to change the x-axis separation of the front and rear feet 25, 24, to enable clipping to a range of different mount/bezel 50 thicknesses with adequate clipping force.

The first and second legs 22, 26 may be biased towards each other by a spring (not shown). In other words, the anchor point 2 may comprise a sprung clip. The illustrations also show a further adjustment feature comprising a hinge 20 between the first and second legs 22, 26. The hinge axis of the hinge 20 may be parallel to the y-axis. The hinge 20 may be a barrel hinge or the like, rather than a living hinge. The hinge 20 enables the angle between the legs 22, 26 to change to accommodate different shapes (and thicknesses) of the mount/bezel 50.

If the anchor point 2 is a sprung clip, the spring may bias the first and second legs 22, 26 towards each other about the hinge 20.

For convenient clipping/unclipping, the second leg 22 may provide a mechanical advantage for releasing the foot 24. For example, the second leg 22 can act as a class 1 lever with an input towards the top end (e.g. thumb grip 23), the foot 24 towards the bottom end, and the fulcrum (hinge 20) therebetween. Unclipping comprises releasing the foot 24.

Regarding the relationship between the design of the anchor point 2 and the design of the adjustable support mechanism 3, the Figures show a further stability-improving feature. The adjustable support mechanism 3 is slightly inboard of the first, front leg 26. By positioning the adjustable support mechanism 3 between the first and second legs 22, 26, the adjustable support mechanism 3 is not cantilevered in front of the anchor point 2. This results in a closer centre of mass and less torque on the anchor point 2.

In the illustrated example, the slide guide 31 of the slider mechanism is slightly forward of the feet 25L, 25R of the first, front leg 26 so that the slidable body 30 and web camera 4 are in front of the display 5. The first leg 26 is tilted diagonally forwards so that the top of the first leg 26 is slightly forward of the slide guide 31.

The illustrated first, front leg 26 defines an arch shape wherein the top of the arch meets the front of the slider mechanism. Alternatively, the first leg 26 could have a different shape. The slidable body 30 of the slider mechanism may extend down through the hollow interior of the tilted first leg 26 (e.g. arch).

Further, the web camera 4 may be held at a predetermined distance less than 5 centimetres in front of the display 50, to keep the centre of mass centered and to reduce viewing angle sensitivity.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, the imaging sensor of the web camera 4 may be configured to detect electromagnetic radiation other than visible light. Although the illustrations refer to a slider mechanism with one degree of freedom of translation, in other examples an additional degree of freedom of translation may be provided.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.