Ad Hoc Client Audio Support via Ultrasonic Beacons for Virtual Conferences
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In virtual conferences, participants distant from available microphones may be difficult to hear due to inadequate audio capture, leading to poor audio quality and reduced participation.
Innovation Solution
The system allows ad hoc client audio device support by enabling personal devices, such as smartphones, to connect to video conferencing equipment using ultrasonic signals, allowing these devices to function as microphones for the conference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed microphones are positioned in specific locations, then audio capture quality is improved for participants near the microphones, but participants distant from the microphones become difficult to hear
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables any client device in the conference room to function as an audio input device by receiving ultrasonic beacons and establishing wireless connections. This transforms fixed microphones into a universal system where multiple devices can serve the audio capture function, ensuring all participants regardless of location can be heard.
Solution Approach 2:
Ultrasonic beacons serve as intermediaries between the video conferencing system and client devices. These beacons transmit connection information wirelessly to client devices, enabling them to establish audio connections without physical microphone cables, thus bridging the gap between fixed infrastructure and mobile participants.
2Measurement precision
If personal devices are used as microphones, then audio quality for distant participants is improved, but connection establishment becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Client devices autonomously receive ultrasonic beacons containing connection information and automatically establish wireless connections to the video conferencing system. This self-service mechanism eliminates manual connection setup, reducing complexity while enabling personal devices to function as microphones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces physical microphone cables and manual audio routing with wireless ultrasonic communication. Client devices receive connection instructions via ultrasonic waves and automatically establish audio connections, substituting mechanical connection methods with wireless protocols to simplify the process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple client devices are supported as audio inputs, then participant accessibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The audio input system is segmented into multiple independent client devices that can individually connect via wireless connections. Each device operates independently to receive ultrasonic beacons and establish connections, allowing flexible multi-device support without requiring a monolithic complex system architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution improves audio quality by allowing participants to use their personal devices as microphones, ensuring they can be clearly heard by others in the virtual conference.
Implementation Method 1
The system may allow the users to connect to the video conferencing equipment using a personal device, such as a smartphone, and use the microphone on their personal device as a microphone for the video conferencing equipment. To connect to the video conferencing equipment, the user may launch a video conferencing application on their personal device and select an option to connect to a video conferencing room. The personal device will then receive ultrasonic sound from the video conferencing equipment
Data Source
AI summary
One example method for ad hoc client audio device support for virtual conferences includes transmitting, via a first communication channel by a virtual conference device connected to a virtual conference hosted by a virtual conference provider, a first signal, the first signal including connection information to enable a network connection between a remote client device and the virtual conference device; receiving, by the virtual conference device via a second communication channel, a request to connect from the remote client device; connecting to the remote client device using the second communication channel; receiving, via the connection to the remote client device, an audio stream from the remote client device, the audio stream captured by a microphone of the remote client device; and providing the audio stream to the virtual conference.