Video Call Camera Switch Icon for Multi-Angle Feed Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems limit views to a single or two viewpoints, making it impractical for observers to gain comprehensive insights from multiple angles, especially in scenarios where movement is hindered or camera installation is impractical.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for forming an ad-hoc mesh network among devices to allow users to select and view data feeds from any device in the network, using a feed manager to identify and switch between available feeds, and generate a switch icon for easy selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a single or two viewpoint camera system is used, then the system complexity is low, but the comprehensive insight of the scene is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple camera feeds from different devices into a unified interface. The system merges video streams from multiple sources and presents them through a single switch icon interface, allowing users to access multiple viewpoints without managing separate camera systems. This resolving the contradiction by combining information from multiple sources while maintaining simple user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch icon serves multiple functions: it displays available camera feeds, allows switching between different viewpoints, and provides access to multiple devices' cameras through a single interface element. This multi-functional design enables comprehensive scene observation without requiring complex separate controls for each camera, thus improving information access while controlling system complexity.
2Loss of information
If multiple cameras are installed to provide multiple viewpoints, then the comprehensive insight of the scene is improved, but the ease of installation and operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual representation of multiple camera feeds through a single switch icon interface. Instead of requiring physical access to or installation of multiple cameras, the invention copies and transmits video feeds from remote devices, presenting them as if they were local cameras. This allows comprehensive scene observation without the complexity of installing and managing multiple physical cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feed manager and switch icon as intermediary elements between the user and multiple camera feeds. The feed manager handles the complexity of discovering, managing, and coordinating multiple camera sources, while the switch icon provides a simple interface for users. This intermediary layer shields users from the complexity of multiple camera installations while enabling access to comprehensive scene information.
3Loss of information
If physical movement is required to change viewpoints, then additional camera installations are avoided, but the productivity and speed of obtaining different perspectives deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of physically moving to different locations with an electronic/digital solution. Instead of requiring the observer to physically relocate to access different camera feeds, the system uses digital signal transmission to deliver multiple viewpoints to a single device. The switch icon enables instant switching between feeds, substituting physical movement with electronic feed switching, thus improving productivity while maintaining access to multiple perspectives.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method shares data feeds among devices. The method includes identifying a plurality of devices including a first device, where each device of the plurality of devices is within a vicinity of the first device. The method also includes forming an ad hoc network that includes each device of the plurality of devices. The method further includes determining a plurality of available data feeds, where each data feed is associated with one device of the plurality of devices. The method includes building a switch icon, where the switch icon includes a view of each available data feed, and the switch icon is configured to allow access to any feed of the plurality of feed and display a selected feed from the switch icon. The method includes sending the switch icon to each device in the ad hoc network.