Patent ID: 12192631

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An information handling system camera magnetically attaches to a display panel front face. For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handling system may include random access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, ROM, and/or other types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components of the information handling system may include one or more disk drives, one or more network ports for communicating with external devices as well as various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. The information handling system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communications between the various hardware components.

Referring now toFIG.1, an information handling system10peripheral camera40magnetically attaches to a display panel front face. In the example embodiment, information handling system10has a stationary or desktop configuration that presents information as visual images at a peripheral display26. Information handling system10processes information with processing components that cooperate to execute instructions. A central processing unit (CPU)12executes instructions to process the information with the instructions and information stored in random access memory (RAM)14. For example, operating system instructions stored in non-transitory memory of a solid state drive (SSD)16are retrieved to RAM14at power up and executed to coordinate execution of applications, such as a video conference application. A graphics processing unit (GPU)18interfaces with CPU12to further process information into pixel values that define visual images presented at peripheral display26. For instance, pixel values are communicated from GPU18through a USB hub24and USB Type-C port28through a display cable30to peripheral display26for presentation as visual images. Alternatively, GPU18can communicate pixel values through a wireless interface provide by network interface controller (NIC)20, such as a WiFi, Bluetooth or 60 GHz interface. An embedded controller (EC)22manages the processing component operations on a physical level, such as the application of power, maintaining thermal constraints and supporting interactions with peripheral devices like a keyboard and a mouse.

Peripheral display26manages presentation of visual images with a timing controller32that scans pixel values across pixel rows and columns of a display panel38and a scalar34that scales visual information to the resolution used by display panel38. Processing resources available on timing controller32and/or scalar34execute logic that manages presentation of visual images, such as controlling brightness, contrast and other settings. A touch controller36interfaces with a capacitive touch sensor disposed in display panel38to detect touches made at the display panel. For example, touch controller36communicates touch inputs to embedded controller22, which further communicates the touches as inputs to CPU12for use as inputs to the operating system or applications running over the operating system.

In the example embodiment, peripheral display26presents visual images associated with a videoconferencing application executed on information handling system10and supported by a peripheral camera40magnetically attached at the front face of display panel38. Camera40captures visual images that are communicated to information handling system10through a wireless interface, such as WiFi, for presentation in a camera image window44. For example, a video conference window46presents a video conference participant at peripheral display26co-located with a position of camera40at the display panel front face so that an end user looks at the camera when addressing the video conference participant. Camera image window44presents the visual image captured by camera40for reference by the end user off axis from the location of camera40. This allows an end user to visually scan his own appearance while maintaining eye contact primarily into camera40when looking at and talking to video conference window46. A camera manager48executing on CPU12, such as part of the operating system or videoconference application, manages placement of windows at peripheral display26to promote end user eye contact with the camera, as is described in greater depth below. A camera dock42couples to the upper side surface of peripheral display26to accept camera40when an end user does not desire to have the camera coupled to the display panel front side. Camera dock42provide a charge to camera40, such as with a wireless charger, and includes an infrared curtain sensor43that illuminates the front face of display panel38with infrared light and senses reflections to determine a location of camera40at a front face of display panel38. As is described in greater depth below, the location of camera40detected by I/R curtain sensor43and/or touch controller36allows selection of a presentation location of videoconference window46so that an end user viewing a videoconference maintains eye contact with camera40.

Referring now toFIGS.2A and2B, perspective and side sectional views of camera40depict a magnetic attraction structure to couple camera40to a display panel front surface.FIG.2Adepicts an upper perspective view of camera40having the top portion of camera housing50removed to illustrate internal components. A camera module52includes a light sensor68and processing resources disposed on three separate printed circuit boards that cooperate to capture visual images through a lens54exposed at a front touch surface56of housing50. An orientation LED provides illumination as an indication of camera orientation when coupled to a display front face. Batteries60fit in camera housing50to provide power for operation of camera module52. A magnet62is disposed at a rear side of camera housing50opposite front touch surface56and between batteries60and a rear cushion surface64. In the example embodiment, camera housing50has a cylindrical shape with weight distributed towards the rear side so that magnet62provides a secure attraction against the display panel. Rear cushion surface64is, for example a thin, soft rubber material that minimizes risk of scratches to the display panel and has sufficient friction to maintain camera40at a location on the display panel against gravitational force that works to slide camera40to the bottom of the display. Front touch surface56includes a capacitive sensor that detects end user touches as inputs, such as to turn off and on visual image capture, mute the camera microphone and power the camera on and off.

FIG.2Bdepicts a cutaway view of camera40illustrating the configuration of camera module52within camera housing50and the spatial relationship of magnet62to rear cushion surface64. Magnet62is placed at the end of camera housing50to reduce the distance between magnet62and ferromagnetic material of the peripheral display for optimal magnetic attraction. Similarly, rear cushion surface64has a minimal thickness and compresses somewhat at contact with the display panel to optimize magnetic attraction. In an embodiment in which camera40couples to a curved display, the rear surface and magnet may have curved exterior surface that conforms to the display shape. The example has two cylindrical batteries60that fit into the interior of camera housing50to help maintain housing structural integrity. Camera module52has a charger board76that couples a charger78for managing battery charge and discharge. Charger board76interfaces with a wireless charger66disposed at a bottom surface of camera housing50to accept wireless charging signals from a wireless charging element disposed in the camera dock. Camera module52includes a controller circuit board72having a controller74with processing resources and non-transitory memory to execute instructions from managing camera operations. A camera circuit board70supports a light sensor68that captures visual images from lens54and provides the visual information to controller board72for communication to an information handling system, such as through a wireless network interface controller coupled to the controller board.

Referring now toFIG.3, a side perspective view of peripheral display26with the display panel38removed illustrates camera40interacting with a ferromagnetic backplate51to maintain a position on the display panel. Ferromagnetic backplate51shapes and supports display panel38, such as to hold a backlight in position behind the display panel. Backplate support ridges49formed in ferromagnetic backplate51help to stiffen the backplate. Magnetic attraction between the magnet within camera40and ferromagnetic backplate51holds camera40in place against display panel38. Ferromagnetic backplate51is dispersed fairly evenly behind display panel38so that camera40may be placed at any desired position across the front face of display panel38.

Referring now toFIG.4, a side sectional view depicts an example of a display ferromagnetic backplate51and backplate support ridges49that enhance magnetic attraction of camera40to a display panel. Camera40is oriented with camera module52and lens54directed away from the display panel and magnet62directed towards ferromagnetic backplate51. In the example embodiment, backplate support ridges49have a closer proximity to magnet62along a top flange61than does a bottom flange67. An angular web section65between top flange61and bottom flange67defines a pattern having top rib opening53and a bottom rib opening57that are sized to provide a relatively set amount of ferromagnetic material surface area in proximity to magnet62across the surface of the display panel located between the top flange surface61and magnet62. The depth55is set along with the angular web65to provide a desired mechanical strength of ferromagnetic backplate51while the length of top flange61and bottom flange67have a total length along with an upward and downward stretch of angular web65to have substantially the length of magnet62so that magnetic attraction of magnet62remains substantially consistent across the display panel surface. In alternative embodiments as the size of magnet62changes alternative configurations of top flange and rib opening sizes may be used to maintain a proportional arrangement of ferromagnetic material and magnet surface area. For example, multiple smaller top flange areas may be distributed within each magnet surface area in proportion to the magnet area.

Referring now toFIG.5, a block diagram depicts a system for display presentation awareness of a camera location on a display panel. In the example embodiment, a peripheral display26has a display panel38that includes a touch detection layer70disposed under a protective cover72that contacts camera40and detects positions of camera40with changes at an electric field74. As described above, magnet62presses rear cushion surface64against protective cover72in response to a proximity of ferromagnetic material of the display backplate. Touch detection layer70may detect camera40in a variety of ways. In one example embodiment, a capacitive touch detection surface used to detect end user touch inputs identifies the camera by the shape of the housing at the touch detection surface. For instance, the location is based upon force sensed at an intersection of transparent electrode layers76and78included in a glass substrate80. Force sensing, such as with Sensel detection, may be used to differentiate the camera based upon a detected force that matches the expected force of magnetic attraction. Other example embodiments detect the camera position with an infrared curtain disposed in the camera dock and aligned parallel with the display panel surface. Infrared reflections from the camera and sensed by the infrared curtain provide an angular position to the camera and, with time of flight, a distance to the camera. A similar alternative to the infrared curtain is an ultrasound or sonar detection system. In the example embodiment ofFIG.5, Hall sensors disposed behind the display cover sense the proximity of the magnet to indicate a camera position. Camera position touches detected by touch controller32are forwarded to embedded controller22, which analyzes the touches to confirm a camera presence and reports the camera position to camera manager48. Once camera manager48has the camera position, adjustments may be made to presented visual images to optimize the end user experience with camera interactions.

Referring now toFIG.6, an example presentation depicts a videoconference at a display with a camera magnetically attracted to the display front surface. In the example video conference presentation, a camera image window44presents the visual image captured by camera40showing the end user who is participating in the videoconference while viewing peripheral display26. An active participant who is speaking at the videoconference is presented in a video conference window46located directly under camera40so that the end user looks at the camera when looking at the speaker's visual image. Arrows84depict directions in which camera40may be moved by an end user during the videoconference. A supplemental presentation86, such as talking points, is presented at the left half of peripheral display26. In various embodiments, the camera manager adjusts the presentation of videoconference windows based upon conditions of the videoconference, the position of camera40and movement84of camera40. For example, when camera40is positioned among a group of videoconference participants, an active speaker window may snap to the location of camera40as the speaker changes so that the end user always appears to be looking at the camera and the active speaker. As another example, if the end user moves camera40, the camera manager moves an active speaker window with the camera position so that the active speaker window remains collocated with the camera. As another example, when an active speaker references a presentation, the presentation may collocate with the camera. Other types of camera and presentation coordination may be used based upon end user preferences.

Referring now toFIGS.7A,7B and7C, alternative embodiments for presentation of videoconference content based upon camera position are depicted.FIG.7Adepicts a speaker snap mode of videoconference window manipulation in response to changes in active speaker. At one side of the display the end user's camera image44is presented in a fixed position along with other video conference participant windows46and with a presentation86shown at a central location of peripheral display26. An active speaker indication88in the line of video conference participants highlights which participant is speaking while that active speaker is also presented in an active speaker window90located proximate camera40. As the active speaker changes, active speaker indicator88highlights the active speaker's videoconference window and the active speaker's visual image is snapped to active speaker window90for presentation to the end user proximate the location of camera40. The speaker snap mode keeps the end user gaze in a central location and at camera40as the videoconference dynamics change which participants are active. If an end user changes the camera position during the videoconference, the position of the active speaker window snap may adjust to the new camera position based upon user settings and preferences.FIG.7Bdepicts an example embodiment having a quick toggle option selectable by an end user to transition between a multi-user speaker snap presentation ofFIG.7Ato a more focused interaction centered on a selected end user or presentation. For example, if the end user wants to focus on a main presenter, a quick toggle selection presents a selected video conference window46at the camera location along with the end user camera image44and optionally a presentation86.FIG.7Cdepicts another example embodiment with an optional dual stream presentation. For example, camera40may attach to a stand by magnetic attraction to have an end user written presentation86presented along with a separate captured image provided by a camera40coupled to the display. Intelligent placement of camera and video conference windows may be promoted with analysis over time of end user camera interactions in different videoconference environments.

Referring now toFIGS.8A, *band8C, an example embodiment of camera40is depicted having automated orientation indications at the camera front touch surface provide by orientation LED58. When camera40couples to a front surface of a display panel, the orientation is not set by a bracket and can therefore vary about a full 360 degrees. Autoframing software in the camera can correct the captured camera image in an automated way so that an end user captured by the camera is presented in an upright orientation independent of the captured orientation, however, autoframing can reduce image resolution and can introduce latency to streaming images. To reduce or even eliminate the use of autoframing, orientation LED58provides a visual indication at the camera front face of the orientation of an image captured by the camera.FIG.8Adepicts an example of a white (or green) light provided by orientation LED58when the captured visual image has an upright orientation, such as within two degrees of exactly upright relative to gravitational orientation90.FIG.8Bdepicts an example of a yellow light provided by orientation LED58when the orientation is close to upright, such as within 2 to 5 degrees of alignment with gravitational orientation.FIG.8Cdepicts an example of a red light provided by orientation LED58when the camera orientation is greater than a defined amount off of alignment with gravitational orientation, such as greater than five degrees. The example embodiment presents different colors to indicate alignment orientation relative to gravity, however alternative embodiments may use different types of indications, such as a length of the light, a flashing versus steady light, or extinguishing the light when upright orientation is achieved so that the light does not distract an end user. In addition, an upright indication may be provided at other than a pure upright orientation. For example, an exactly inverted orientation or an exactly perpendicular orientation may also be given an upright indication where autoframing from these orientations do not impact image quality of video steam latency.

In the example embodiment, the orientation indication is driven by an accelerometer or gyroscope that detects an upright orientation relative to gravitational force. Alternatively, orientation may be detected by including an upright indication at the rear surface of camera40that is detected by the display touchscreen. In one alternative embodiment, a gimbal system is included in camera40and interfaced with accelerometer and/or gyroscope to rotate the camera module within the camera so that the camera module automatically rotates to a vertical orientation regardless of end user placement on the display by magnetic attraction. In such an embodiment, orientation LED58may illuminate to indicate when the gimbal has achieved the correct orientation.

Referring now toFIGS.9A,9B,9C,9D and9E, examples are depicted of camera dock support for holding a camera at a display, indicating a charge state of a camera, providing privacy for the camera and passing display illumination through the camera.FIG.9Adepicts a front elevation view of camera40placed in camera dock42with alignment LED58indicating an upright alignment. Lens54is exposed to capture visual images while in camera dock42and front touch surface56is exposed to accept touch inputs, such as inputs that command camera power on or off, camera image capture off, microphone mute or other desired inputs. At the bottom side of camera40a red charging indicator LED92illumination is provided to indicate that the camera is charging. As is described in greater depth below camera orientation in camera dock42is automatically biased to place orientation LED at an upper side with the camera having a vertical orientation relative to gravity so that wireless charging is aligned. Charging indicator92presented at the front face of camera40is provided by a red LED placed at the rear of camera dock42that projects illumination through a translucent material at the outer surface of camera housing50.FIG.9Bdepicts camera dock42with the camera removed. A cradle94has a semicircular shape matched to the radius of the camera housing so that the camera rests securely in camera dock42to receive a wireless charge. A privacy back support94is raised from cradle96and has a circular shape matched to the camera radius. A charging indicator LED92is disposed at the rear side of cradle96at the intersection with privacy back support94and aligned to direct illumination into the camera housing so that the translucent camera material presents the illumination at the camera front face.

FIG.9Cdepicts camera40rotated180degrees as indicated by arrows98in camera dock42to secure the camera against capture of unauthorized visual images. Camera40rests in camera dock42to have rear cushion surface64exposed at the front of camera40. Camera40may still charge in the reversed position, as is described in greater depth below, and charging indicator LED92is visible through housing50when illuminated. When camera40reverses in camera dock42the camera lens presses against privacy back support94so that image capture is prevented. In addition, a microphone at the camera front face is physically blocked so that audible sounds are muted. In one embodiment, camera40detects a reversed position, such as with a magnetic relationship related to wireless charging or blocking of light at the lens, and commands a power down or disabled state for the camera module and microphone. In an alternative embodiment, a microphone may be placed at the rear face of camera40so that audio capture may be selected when visual image capture is disabled. Reversing camera40in camera dock42provides an end user with a definitive visual indication of a secured camera and a simple mechanical interaction to rapidly reactive the camera by reversing the camera orientation. In one alternative embodiment, the camera settings may allow an end user to select whether the microphone is muted or disabled based upon the position of camera40in camera dock42. In another alternative embodiment, a camera setting allows an end user to disable camera40when camera dock42has a predetermined position, such as at the top of display26, whether or not camera40docks in a front-facing or rear-facing orientation. In such an embodiment, a default setting may have camera40remain active when in a front facing position so that the camera supports videoconferencing when docked. In another alternative embodiment, camera40may disabled by disconnecting from a wireless interface, such as WiFi, so that captured visual images cannot be communicated but are still captured.

FIGS.9D and9Eillustrate an additional usage case for camera40with a translucent housing50that presents light entering at the housing rear as visual light at the housing front side. Camera housing50acts as a light pipe that allows an underlying display presentation to transfer colors through the outer edge of camera housing50for a variety of visual effects. For example camera housing50is an extruded single piece that is seamless and has a light guide translucent plastic to promote light transmission. In one embodiment, light transmission may be further encouraged with a reflective coating at the interior surface of camera housing50. FIG. D illustrates an example of camera40disposed on a display between a break of first and second colors so that the camera blends into the display presentation with underlying color presented at the respective portions of the housing.FIG.9Eillustrates an example of camera disposed on a display having a uniform color of a light presentation so that camera40blends into the display as part of the display and less disruptive to an end user. Coordination between the display and camera provides additional functionality for camera40by presenting information related to camera operations with the display at the rear side of camera40so that the information is presented at the camera housing. As an example, display26may guide an end user to an upright orientation of camera40by presenting an orientation indication behind the camera that shows through the light guide of the camera housing. For instance, a touch screen capacitive sensor may provide a camera location so that the information is presented proximate the camera. When an end user touches the camera to change the orientation, additional information may be presented at the display to help, such as an arrow to indicate a rotation direction to upright and a user interface on the display for the amount of rotation. During a videoconference, content posted by the camera is of particular interest to the end user, such as window with an active participant or a presentation, so that alerts provided with illumination at the camera housing are helpful for getting prompt end user attention. For instance, a low battery or dropped call indication may be provided with a red or yellow light that illuminates from behind the camera and through the camera housing. In alternative embodiments, other alerts may be provided and a touch at the camera may be used to bring presentation of related information to the display, such as battery charge state and a list of video conference participants.

Referring now toFIG.10, a block diagram depicts an example camera implementation having an audio mute during camera movement. An accelerometer100disposed in the camera housing and configured as a gyroscope detects movement and rotation of camera40as described above. As an end user moves camera40at display26as indicated by arrows84, a controller74in camera40tracks the accelerations and rotations of camera40to detect movement. Mute logic102executing on controller74and interfaced with microphone104of camera40commands a mute of microphone104during movement of camera40to reduce the risk that unwanted noise related to the camera movement is communicated from the camera. A mute indicator106presented at display26provides the end user of feedback of the mute state when commanded. For example, camera40communicates the mute state to an embedded controller of an information handling system presenting camera visual information to change mute indicator from green to red during microphone mute. In one embodiment, camera40has a touch detection sensor included in the housing that can be used to command a mute before movement of the camera begins. In alternative embodiments, other indications of camera movement may be provided, such as movement detected by a touchscreen, Hall sensors, doppler, an infrared curtain and user presence detection sensors. In embodiments where the movement is detected exterior to the camera, mute logic102may execute on a processing resource of an information handling system, such as an embedded controller, by either manipulating information received from the camera or commanding the camera to mute. In one alternative embodiment, rather than muting all sounds captured by the camera, mute logic102may instead reduce the volume of captured audio or apply a filter that filters out sounds typically associated with camera movement.

Referring now toFIGS.11and12, a block diagram depicts an example camera implementation having a video stream feed disabled during camera movement. As with the audio mute described with respect toFIG.10, movement of camera40may be detected by accelerations, a touch at the camera housing or external indications like movement detected at a display touchscreen. In the example embodiment, camera40has a camera housing50with an outer touch detection surface108that detects an end user grasp. A controller74inside of camera40executes a video mute logic110that pauses a camera video feed when touch detection surface108indicates an end user grasp associated with a movement of camera40. In the example embodiment an end user shown in a camera image window44is shown as a dark image at detection of movement84while other video conference windows46continue to present videoconference content. In an alternative embodiment, an avatar of the end user may be presented during movement, or an image captured by the camera just prior to the movement. In one embodiment, outer touch surface108includes a touch detection surface that the camera front face that, when touched, selectively enables and disables capture of visual images with camera40. For example, a tap at different predefined portions of outer touch sensor108may command different operations, such as camera image capture enable and disable, audio capture enable and disable, camera power on and off, video call start and finish and other operations. In one embodiment, the functions provided by touches at camera outer surface touch sensor108may be indicated by different color illuminations provide through housing50translucent material and light presented that the display, such as a green color on one side of the housing where touch turns on video capture and red color on an opposite side where touch turns of video capture. Other colors and accompanying display user interface instructions presented proximate the detected camera position may command other functions, such as audio mute. In another example embodiment, a camera light sensor68, such as an ambient light sensor, commands functions when an end user covers the camera to darken the level of light.

Referring nowFIGS.13A and13B, an upper perspective exploded view depicts camera dock42aligned to couple to a display26upper side at a Type-C USB connector port114. In the example embodiment, camera dock42has a lower surface configured to conform against an upper surface of display26and having a Type-C USB connector112that aligns with and fits into Type-C USB connector port114to couple camera dock42to display26.FIG.13Bdepicts a detailed view of reinforcement material116disposed around Type-C USB connector port114to provide reinforcement against forces that might be applied to camera dock42. In addition to providing physical support to camera dock42, the USB interface provides power and communication to camera dock42to manage wireless charging of the camera when in the dock. In one alternative embodiment, a short range wireless personal area network (WPAN) included in camera dock42may support communications with the camera when the camera rests in the camera dock, such as 60 GHz wireless interface, so that a docked camera can interface with an information handling system without WiFi. When camera dock42is not installed, the USB port is available to support cabled interfaces with other peripherals.

Referring now toFIGS.14A,14B and14C, a system is depicted that aligns a camera in a camera dock to coordinate wireless charging of the camera. The example embodiment has different arrangements of magnets having opposing polarities that cooperate to align camera40in an upright position of camera dock42. The particular arrangement of magnets used for a particular camera may depend upon the location of wireless charging for camera40from camera dock42. In the example embodiment ofFIG.2Bhaving wireless charging located in the center of camera40, symmetrical arrangements of magnets of opposing polarity are included at opposing ends of camera40and camera dock42to ensure an upright orientation with alignment of wireless charging. As illustrated byFIG.14B, when camera40rests on camera dock42, magnet62has polarity so that interactions with magnets124work to rotate camera40in an upright position and to hold the rear side of housing50against the privacy rear wall of camera dock42to compress rear cushion surface64. For example, magnet62has a north pole at an upper side of housing50and a south pole at the lower side of housing50to interact with an upper magnet124of camera dock42having a south pole and a lower magnet124of camera dock42having a north pole. When camera40is reversed in camera dock42, magnets126at the front face of camera40having opposite polarities to magnets124align the camera to an upright position in the privacy orientation so that wireless charging aligns in a central lower location of camera40against a central upper location of camera dock42. In an alternative embodiment that does not have a centrally located charger, a central set of opposing polarity magnets120and122are aligned in camera40and camera dock42symmetrically positioned to provide upright alignment whether camera40is place in a forward-facing or privacy position. As is depicted byFIG.14A, in another alternative embodiment two magnets120are placed in camera dock42aligned with each of two magnets placed in camera40at an offset angle so that a central area has room to hold wireless chargers in alignment when camera40docks in camera dock42.

Referring now toFIG.15, a flow diagram depicts a process for enabling user presence detection based upon camera context. For example, an infrared camera or user presence detection sensor included in camera40selectively illuminates a field of view with infrared light to determine in an end user is present and wakes an information handling system when the user is present, such as with the WINDOWS HELLO recognition. In some circumstances, an end user may desire personal security that disables the wake functionality, such as to prevent unauthorized or malicious users from hacking camera access to determine user presence. In the example embodiment, camera40has settings that define when user presence recognition is enabled based upon camera context, such as only when camera40is docked or magnetically attached to a display front face. In other situations, user presence detection is disabled to prevent unauthorized access and provide the end user with a definitive visual indication of when user presence is enabled. In an alternative embodiment, user presence detection may be set so that it only operates when the camera is on the display or in the dock. An end user may set the context for enabling and disabling user presence detection with a camera user interface.

The process starts at step130with a determination of camera context, such as whether the camera is docked, coupled to the display, in a privacy dock position or magnetically coupled to a stand. At step132a determination is made of whether to enable user presence detection based upon the sensed context, such as by comparing the sensed context against camera settings. If user presence detection is set to enable for the detected context, the process continues to step136to enable user presence detection and returns to step130to continue monitoring camera context. If at step132the context does not match a setting to enable user presence detection, the process continues to step134to disable user presence detection and returns to step130. In one alternative embodiment, user presence detection context may include recency of an end user presence so that context analysis is adjusted based upon how an end user has interacted with an information handling system. For instance, if an end user has a camera placed on a stand and aligned to capture an image at a desktop, a wave in front of the camera may initiate user presence detection for a one minute period after a screen saver activates after which user presence detection is disabled. An end user may select such context based upon preferences.

Referring now toFIGS.16A,16B,16C,16D, and16E, examples of camera user experiences are depicted for different camera operational modes and contexts.FIG.16Adepicts camera40coupled to a peripheral display26with user presence detection enabled.FIG.16Bdepicts camera40in a privacy mode have the lens aligned against the camera dock back support. In the privacy mode user presence detection is disabled both because the user presence detection lacks a field of view and because the camera turns off user presence detection. In an alternative embodiment having other user presence detection devices, such as doppler systems or a time of flight sensor in a portable information handling system that interfaces with display26, the privacy mode may be detected by the information handling system to command privacy at some or all other camera and user presence detection devices associated with the display, such as devices integrated in a portable information handling system interfaced with the display.FIG.16Cdepicts an example embodiment where an end user activity at a display adjusts the context for user presence detection enablement and disablement. When an end user has a high degree of activity at an information handling system user presence detection may remain enabled based upon the activity for a predetermined time even where camera context might otherwise disable user presence detection.FIG.16Ddepicts an example of camera40placed in camera dock42with the field of view at the front of the display26. Camera40detects the dock based upon the magnetic attraction and/or wireless charging to maintain the camera in an active viewing mode. An end user may also control the activity of camera40by touches at the camera housing. For example a touch in a first position can turn camera video capture on and off, while a touch in another position may turn user presence detection on an off. Touch inputs at camera40are supported by the touch input surface as described above.FIG.16Edepicts an embodiment having camera40magnetically coupled to a stand140that holds camera40over a viewing area of a desktop, such as for sharing documents in a videoconference. In a document sharing mode or when attached to stand140, user presence detection is disabled. In an alternative embodiment, user presence detection may be enabled in some situations, such as for a short time period after a screen saver presentation at a display.

Referring now toFIG.17, an example system and method are depicted for managing camera security with viewing and privacy docking configurations. In the example embodiment, camera40is depicted in a front-facing position having a field of view of camera lens54directed from camera dock42towards the front side of a display panel and in a rear-facing position having a rear cushion surface64facing outward by camera lens54is blocked by a privacy back support94extending up from the curved surface of cradle96. Around the perimeter of camera lens54, an orientation indicator58, ambient light sensor150and microphone152are arranged. Ambient light sensor150detects ambient light, such as ambient light brightness, color and temperature for use in adjusting the image capture settings of the camera module. Microphone152captures audio sounds, such as to support an audiovisual image stream for camera40. Magnet62holds camera40against privacy back support94when front facing and magnets near camera lens54holds camera40against privacy back support94when rear facing. A second microphone152exposed at rear cushion surface64is available to record audio when camera40is rear facing to secure against capture of visual images.

Security logic executing on a processing resource156of camera40coordinates operational status of microphones152, camera module52, wireless charging receiver66and a Hall sensor154to secure camera40based upon context, including a front or rear facing orientation of camera40in dock42. As an initial matter, a touch detection surface of camera40allows an end user to select video, audio and privacy modes of operation for camera40based upon a touch at housing50and/or the front surface of camera40around the perimeter of camera lens54. For example, a single or double tap around the perimeter of camera lens54commands a video capture pause while a second single tap commands video capture resumption. In an audio-only mode, microphone152may similarly be commanded between pause and resume of audio capture. Having a unique tap pattern to command pause and resume allows the security commands to be made across the entire body of camera40where a touch detection surface is available. Alternatively, specific touch areas may be defined for association with each command, such as an area of approximately the size of a finger for each desired function.

An example of the security logic is depicted as a flow diagram starting at step160where a determination is made of whether the camera is in a viewing or privacy mode. The privacy mode may be detected by blocking of light to the camera lens, by blocking of sound at the front microphone152, by an orientation of the wireless charging receiver66relative to the wireless charger, by a Hall sensor that detects a magnet of dock42or other indications. The viewing mode may similarly be detected by light at camera module52and/or ambient light sensor150and orientation is dock42for charging or detection of a magnet by Hall sensor154. At step158when the camera is in the viewing mode, the camera module and microphone are powered on. At step162when the camera is in the privacy mode, the camera module and microphone at the camera front are powered down to enhance security provided by blocking of the camera lens. At step164, the rear microphone may selectively be powered up to provide capture of audio only information by camera40. In one example embodiment, microphone152at the rear side of camera40is powered off when the front side microphone is powered on. In various embodiments, camera40may maintain a WiFi interface with an information handling system when in the privacy mode, such as by communicating a static image or audio while the camera module and microphone are powered down. Communicating static information maintains the WiFi connection so that camera40is able to rapidly recover from the privacy state to transmit a video stream without first having to reestablish the wireless communication interface.

Referring now toFIG.18, a flow diagram depicts a process for managing camera audio and video streams by a user tap at the camera housing. The process starts at step166with a stream of video and/or audio from the camera module to an information handling system, such as through a wireless local area network interface. At step168, a single tap is detected at the camera housing to indicate a transition to a privacy mode. In response, at step170a static image is inserted into the video stream, such as store pictured of an end user captured in the video stream or a black image that shows a blank content. The static image maintains a wireless interface with the camera and information handling system so that a rapid recovery to transmit the video stream is provided when commanded. At step172, detection of another single finger tap at the camera housing command a resumption of the video stream at step166.

Referring now toFIG.19, a flow diagram depicts a process for managing audio and video pauses during movement of a camera. When an end user moves camera40to different positions of a display panel, interactions of end user grasps working against magnetic attraction can result in jumpy movement patterns and disruptive sounds that may be communicated through the camera video stream to other video conference participants. To minimize the impact of such movements, the camera monitors for indications of movement and responds to such indications by pausing audio and/or video of the camera as appropriate. An indication of movement of a camera may come from a touch at the camera housing, a blocking of camera module or ambient light sensor light by a hand grasp, detection of accelerations at the camera, detection of an end user breach of an infrared curtain in front of the display, and/or detection of movement of the camera at a touch detection surface of the display panel. In the example embodiment, at step174detection of an acceleration of the camera by an accelerometer within the camera provides an indication of movement. In alternative embodiments where movement is detected external to the camera, such as with a display panel touch screen, the detection of movement may be communicated to the camera or the muting of video and audio may be performed external to the camera, such as with code on an information handling system or display controller. At step176the microphone is muted and a static image is inserted into the video stream based upon detection of the camera movement. As describe above, a preset static video or sound track may be communicated from the camera to keep the wireless interface prepared for rapid transition to active audiovisual stream information. In another alternative embodiment, a filter may be applied to the audio captured by the microphone that quiets the sound and filters out sounds typical with camera movement. At step178, context is monitored to detect a completion of the camera movement, such as an end to detect accelerations. In one embodiment, the camera microphone audio and camera module video stream may be monitored internally at the camera even though not communicated outside of the camera so that completion of movement is detected by the audiovisual information. Once motion completion is detected, the process continues to step180to resume the microphone and video stream communication from the camera.

Referring now toFIGS.20A,20B,20C and20D, examples depict display backplates51having adjacent crossbeams182sized to provide uniform magnetic attraction to a camera of a defined dimension. As was described above with respect toFIGS.3and4, the formation of ridges in backplate51enhances the structural strength of the backplate, allowing for a thinner and lighter ferromagnetic metal material than in a flat surface. In order to provide a uniform magnetic attraction of the camera across recessed areas of the ridge construction where the distance between the magnet and ferromagnetic material is increased, the size across the recessed areas is established to correspond with the size of the magnet and camera housing, such as the diameter of the camera cylindrical housing. For instance, when the full sine function of the ridge construction is the diameter of the cylindrical housing, the magnetic attraction remains uniform for the camera at different positions of the sine function.FIG.20Adepicts an example embodiment having plural adjacent horizontal crossbeams182with the recessed areas formed to support an even distribution of magnetic attraction across the display panel.FIG.20Bdepicts plural adjacent vertical crossbeams182that also provides a uniform magnetic attraction but has the beam construction in a vertical direction.FIG.20Cdepicts a backplate51construction having a mixture of vertical and horizontal crossbeams182. In various embodiments, the crossbeams may extend an entire length or width of the backplate or only a portion of the length or width.FIG.20Ddepicts an example of a magnetic attraction user interface184that presents at the display panel to highlight for an end user the best locations for magnetic attraction of the camera. In one alternative embodiment, these areas of preferred or enhanced magnetic attraction may be provided by adding ferromagnetic material in a recessed area of a cross beam at a closer distance from the display panel.

In alternative embodiments, alternative types of user interfaces may be presented at the display panel that cooperate with the camera housing light guide material to enhance an end user experience. For instance, as is described above., the camera housing is manufactured from a light guide material, such as a cast or extruded acrylic, that provides a path for light illuminated at the display to pass through the housing for presentation at the front of the camera. In one example embodiment, the display presents green color behind the camera when the camera is active and capturing visual images so that the camera housing appears green; yellow behind the camera when the camera is paused so that the camera appears yellow, and red behind the camera when the camera is stopped or off so that the camera appears off. Green, yellow and red colors may alternatively indicate battery charge, such as with a percent of battery remaining shown by an amount of the cylindrical housing that is illuminated. The battery status may be further emphasized by presenting the ring on the display around the circumference of the display housing or flashing up a small user interface box near the position of the camera on the display without disrupting other display content.

Referring now toFIG.21, an example system and method are depicted for managing camera module orientation when magnetically attracted to a display panel. As is described above, the cylindrical housing provides a convenient small form factor, however the circular shape does not provide a reference for an upright vertical orientation of camera module52. Although autoframing may be used to digitally correct an offset orientation, it introduces a delay in video processing and detracts from image resolution. In the example embodiment, in addition to providing an orientation indicator58that provides a visual indication of an upright vertical orientation, a gimble actuator190is provided to internally rotate camera module52relative to housing50of camera40. The example depicts a rack and pinion arrangement of gimble actuator190, that provides a precision correction of camera module52vertical alignment, such as less than five degrees, after the end user achieves a rough alignment with alignment indicator58. In an alternative embodiment, gimble actuator190may rotate camera module52a full 360 degrees within the camera housing.

To manage camera orientation, a processing resource156tracks accelerations with an accelerometer186to determine an orientation relative to gravity, tracks visual images captured by camera module52to determine an offset from an upright vertical orientation by analysis of the visual image, presents the relative orientation with the orientation indicator58and commands rotation of gimble188. The orientation logic starts at step192by detecting the orientation and continues to step194to present the orientation at the orientation indicator194, such as with different colors to indicate the amount of offset from upright vertical orientation. At step196, once the orientation is within a defined accuracy, a gimble correction is performed to help obtain a more precise upright vertical orientation, such as by establishing a exact upright vertical orientation by reference to the accelerometer or by analysis of the visual image captured by the camera. At step198, autoframing to digitally correct alignment offset may be performed as needed to obtain an upright vertical image. As is described above, vertical alignment may allow for 90, 180 and 270 degrees of alignment offset at which autoframing correction will have minimal processing and introduce minimal distortion.

Although the present invention has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.