IP Library › Granted Patent US 12,659,579
Granted Patent B2
US 12,659,579 · App. 18/543,339 · Granted Jun 16, 2026

Techniques for an overhead camera

Inventors: Scott Li (Cary, NC); Robert J. Kapinos (Durham, NC); Robert James Norton, Jr. (Raleigh, NC); Russell S. VanBlon (Raleigh, NC)
Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
H04N23/667G06F1/1686H04N23/57
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,659,579
App. No.
18/543,339
Granted
Jun 16, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for techniques for an overhead camera. An apparatus includes a processor and a memory that stores code that is executable by the processor. The code is executable by the processor to receive hinge position data from at least one hinge sensor, receive orientation data from at least one orientation sensor, and enable at least one camera in an overhead camera mode based on the hinge position data and the orientation data.

Claims (36)

1 . An apparatus comprising:

a processor; and

a memory that stores code executable by the processor to:

receive hinge position data from at least one hinge sensor;

receive orientation data from at least one orientation sensor; and

enable at least one camera in an overhead camera mode in response to the hinge position data indicating that an upper lid portion satisfies a predetermined hinge angle range and the orientation data indicating that a lower lid portion satisfies a predetermined chassis orientation.

2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one camera is located on the upper lid portion of the apparatus, the upper lid portion coupled to at least one hinge comprising the at least one hinge sensor.

3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one camera is located on an interior of the upper lid portion, an exterior of the upper lid portion, or a combination thereof.

4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the code is executable by the processor to further enable the at least one camera in response to determining that an application that uses the camera is executing.

5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the code is executable by the processor to perform at least one image correction action on content captured with the at least one camera.

6 . The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the at least one image correction action comprises a keystone correction action.

7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the code is executable by the processor to provide feedback in response to the at least one camera being positioned for overhead camera mode.

8 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the feedback comprises haptic feedback, audio feedback, or a combination thereof.

9 . The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the feedback becomes stronger as the at least one camera approaches an optimal position for the overhead camera mode.

10 . A method, comprising:

receiving hinge position data from at least one hinge sensor of a computing device;

receiving orientation data from at least one orientation sensor of the computing device; and

enabling at least one camera in an overhead camera mode in response to the hinge position data indicating that an upper lid portion satisfies a predetermined hinge angle range and the orientation data indicating that a lower lid portion satisfies a predetermined chassis orientation.

11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the at least one camera is located on the upper lid portion of the computing device, the upper lid portion coupled to at least one hinge comprising the at least one hinge sensor.

12 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising enabling the at least one camera in response to determining that an application that uses the camera is executing.

13 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising performing at least one image correction action on content captured with the at least one camera.

14 . The method of claim 10 , further comprising providing feedback in response to the at least one camera being positioned for overhead camera mode.

15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein the feedback comprises haptic feedback, audio feedback, or a combination thereof.

16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein the feedback becomes stronger as the at least one camera approaches an optimal position for the overhead camera mode.

17 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the at least one image correction action comprises a keystone correction action.

18 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the at least one camera is located on an interior of the upper lid portion, an exterior of the upper lid portion, or a combination thereof.

19 . A system comprising:

at least one camera;

a hinge sensor;

an orientation sensor;

a processor; and

a memory that stores code executable by the processor to:

receive hinge position data from at least one hinge sensor;

receive orientation data from at least one orientation sensor; and

enable at least one camera in an overhead camera mode in response to the hinge position data indicating that an upper lid portion satisfies a predetermined hinge angle range and the orientation data indicating that a lower lid portion satisfies a predetermined chassis orientation.

20 . The system of claim 19 , wherein the at least one camera is located on the upper lid portion, the upper lid portion coupled to at least one hinge comprising the at least one hinge sensor.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 8, 2024
From: LENOVO (UNITED STATES) INC.
To: LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
Reel/Frame 068219/0144 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 19, 2023
From: LI, SCOTT; KAPINOS, ROBERT J; NORTON, ROBERT JAMES, JR.; VANBLON, RUSSELL S
To: LENOVO (UNITED STATES) INC.
Reel/Frame 065914/0340 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20250203200A1 · Jun 19, 2025
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