Adaptive Video Conference Interface for Dynamic Participant Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video conference techniques are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring multiple key presses or keystrokes, wasting user time and device energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a user interface that dynamically adjusts the display of participant representations based on changes in screen dimensions, using a grid pattern with larger and smaller regions, and concurrently displaying shared content in a two-dimensional array.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing video conference techniques are used, then communication functionality is provided, but user interface complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface efficiencyVSAvoidtime for key presses and keystrokes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects screen dimension changes and autonomously adjusts the layout of participant representations without requiring user intervention. The interface self-adapts to different display configurations, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration and reducing both time consumption and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The user interface dynamically adjusts the number and arrangement of participant representations based on real-time detection of screen dimension changes. This dynamic adaptation allows the interface to optimize its layout automatically, improving ease of operation while reducing the time needed to adjust the display configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If existing video conference techniques are used, then communication functionality is provided, but device energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice energy consumptionVSAvoiduser efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic layout adjustment without requiring multiple user inputs, thereby reducing the time users spend interacting with the interface. This self-adjusting capability improves user efficiency while minimizing the energy consumed during interface operations, as the system handles adjustments autonomously rather than through repeated user actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If screen dimensions change, then display optimization is needed, but manual reconfiguration increases cognitive burden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay adaptation to screen changesVSAvoidcognitive burden on user

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface automatically detects screen dimension changes and reconfigures the display layout without requiring user input. This self-service approach maintains high adaptability to different screen configurations while eliminating the cognitive burden associated with manual reconfiguration decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system proactively detects screen dimension changes and automatically performs layout optimization before the user needs to manually intervene. This preliminary automatic adjustment ensures the display is always optimized for the current screen configuration without requiring the user to understand or manage the complexity of layout changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20260037114A1Adaptive video conference user interfaces

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to user interfaces for managing video conference sessions. In some embodiments, a video conference interface updates when participants join and/or leave the video conference session. In some embodiments, a video conference interface includes a representation of content being shared in the video conference session.