Concurrent Video Conference Audio Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current video conferencing systems do not allow users to adequately participate in multiple video conferences simultaneously, requiring users to choose between conflicting meetings due to technological limitations.
Innovation Solution
A device with a processor, microphone, speaker, and display that executes instructions to manage concurrent video conferencing by controlling audio volume and microphone transmission between different conferences, enabling users to actively participate in one conference while passively attending another, with features like keyword notifications and customizable audio settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user attempts to participate in multiple video conferences simultaneously using current systems, then the user can join multiple conferences, but the user cannot adequately participate in each conference due to audio and microphone conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches audio routing and microphone transmission based on the active conference state. When a user joins multiple conferences, the system automatically manages which conference receives audio output and microphone input at any given moment, allowing seamless transition between conferences without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The video conferencing system acts as an intermediary between the user's audio devices (microphone and speakers) and multiple conference platforms. It manages the routing of audio signals, determining which conference receives microphone input and which conference audio is played through speakers, thereby resolving the conflict of resource allocation.
2Loss of information
If the system outputs audio for multiple conferences simultaneously at equal volume levels, then all conference audio is audible, but the user cannot distinguish which conference is active or prioritize one conference over another
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different audio characteristics to different conferences based on their active state. The active conference receives full-volume audio output and microphone transmission, while inactive conferences have their audio muted or significantly reduced. This creates distinct local audio qualities that clearly indicate which conference is currently active.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system transmits microphone input to all conferences simultaneously, then all conferences can hear the user, but the user cannot have meaningful two-way communication in multiple conferences at once
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls microphone routing based on which conference is currently active. When Conference A is active, the microphone transmits only to Conference A. When the user switches to Conference B, the routing dynamically changes to transmit only to Conference B. This dynamic switching enables effective two-way communication in the active conference while maintaining the ability to quickly switch between multiple conferences.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a first device includes a processor, a microphone accessible to the processor, a speaker accessible to the processor, a display accessible to the processor, and storage accessible to the processor. The storage may include instructions executable by the processor to facilitate concurrent video conferencing for first and second video conferences and to receive user input selecting the first video conference. Based on the user input, the instructions may be executable to control the speaker to output audio for the first video conference at a greater volume level than audio for the second video conference and to transmit input from the microphone to a second device associated with a participant of the first video conference but not to a third device associated with a participant of the second video conference.