Connected Device Driver for Networked Media Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional teleconference systems require each endpoint to have a built-in camera and microphone or direct connection to external devices, limiting flexibility and device compatibility in capturing and presenting audio and video input data.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a connected device driver that facilitates the capture and coordination of audio and/or video data across connected devices in a communications system, allowing input data to be received on one device and output data to be presented on another, even if the devices lack built-in cameras or microphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each endpoint requires a built-in camera and microphone, then teleconference functionality is ensured, but device flexibility and compatibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a driver layer as an intermediary component that sits between the application layer and the physical camera/microphone devices. This driver layer enables teleconference applications to access camera and microphone functionality through network connections rather than requiring direct built-in hardware, thus allowing teleconferencing on devices without native cameras or microphones while maintaining reliable communication functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The driver layer is designed to be universal and device-agnostic, capable of interfacing with various camera and microphone devices through the network. This universal interface allows the same teleconference application to operate across multiple device types (smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, PCs) regardless of whether they have built-in cameras or microphones, enhancing device compatibility and flexibility
2Ease of manufacture
If external camera and microphone devices are directly connected, then input data capture is achieved, but device compatibility and ease of operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The driver layer serves as a mediator that abstracts the complexity of connecting to external camera and microphone devices. Instead of requiring users to directly connect and configure external devices, the driver layer handles the connection management, device detection, and data flow coordination automatically, making the system easier to operate while maintaining the capability to capture input data from external devices
Solution Approach 2:
The driver layer implements self-service functionality by automatically detecting available camera and microphone devices on the network, configuring appropriate connection parameters, and managing data flows without requiring manual user intervention. This automated device discovery and configuration process enhances ease of operation while ensuring proper input data capture from external devices
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and mechanisms described herein facilitate the capture and coordination of audio and/or video data across connected devices in a communications system. The communications system may include at least two media devices in communication via a network. One of the media devices may be a media application device configured to provide one or more media applications. Another of the media devices may be a media input device configured to capture video and/or audio data. Coordination between a media application and a media input device may be facilitated by a driver layer configured to communicate with the applications.