U.S. Patent 12,142,000: Viewer Position Optimization

The invention

Co-invented with Francis Bato. U.S. Patent 12,142,000: “Method and system for optimizing a viewer position with respect to a display device.”

The patent describes a system that uses camera input and positioning guidance to help a viewer align with a display’s optimal viewing angle. Applications include streaming video playback, projector systems, mixed reality displays, ergonomic optimization, and improving the readability of text and captions.

Patent Figure 1: a diagram showing a display (100) projecting a viewing angle (102) toward a viewer's head, with a preferred viewing zone (110) marked, and a second diagram showing a mobile device (104) held by a person relative to a display (100). — FIG. 1 — the core concept: detecting a viewer's position relative to a display's viewing angle.

Patent Figure 2: front and side views comparing a good viewing position (90-degree angles at each corner, viewer centered) against a poor viewing position (a trapezoidal, distorted view with 115 and 75 degree angles, viewer off to the side). — FIG. 2 — comparing an optimal, centered viewing angle against a distorted off-axis position.

Patent Figure 4: an on-screen guidance UI overlay with up, down, left, and right directional arrows (420a) around the edges of a display (400) showing streaming content, prompting the viewer to reposition the device or themselves. — FIG. 4 — the on-screen directional guidance overlay that helps the viewer correct their position.

The problem space

Display technology has preferred viewing angles and optimal distances. For streaming video, for accessibility (captions, subtitles), and for immersive experiences, viewer position relative to the screen directly affects what the viewer can see and understand. The invention addresses how to guide viewers to the optimal position without requiring manual adjustment.

Patent details

Issued: November 12, 2024
Filing date: November 9, 2022
Assignee: CBS Interactive Inc.
Co-inventors: Joseph McCraw, Francis Bato
Patent number: US 12,142,000
Application publication: US 2024/0153125 A1 (May 9, 2024)

Status

Active U.S. patent. The work was conducted during my tenure at CBS Interactive and represents professional achievement in video, computer vision, and accessibility.