Convertible Conference Computer With Adaptive Audio-Video Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conferencing devices are often dedicated and not easily movable, have high hardware costs, and lack user-specific features, failing to efficiently capture and present audio and video for multiple users during meetings or calls.
Innovation Solution
A convertible computing device with a dual form factor that can switch between personal and multi-user modes, featuring a foldable screen, multiple microphones and cameras, and intelligent detection to adapt audio and video capture and presentation based on user interaction and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated conferencing devices with multiple cameras and microphones are used, then audio and video capture quality for multiple users is improved, but device portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single computing device to perform both personal computing tasks and conferencing functions. The device switches between personal mode (single user interaction) and conferencing mode (multiple user interaction), eliminating the need for separate dedicated conferencing hardware while maintaining audio and video capture capabilities through its existing camera and microphone array.
2Reliability
If dedicated conferencing devices with specialized hardware are deployed, then audio and video presentation capabilities for multiple users are improved, but hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces hardware costs by utilizing the existing camera, microphone array, and display capabilities of standard computing devices for conferencing functions. Instead of requiring specialized conferencing hardware, the system leverages universal components already present in personal computers, laptops, or tablets, thereby eliminating the need for expensive dedicated conferencing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges personal computing functions and conferencing functions into a single integrated system. By combining these previously separate functions into one device, the patent eliminates redundant hardware components and reduces overall system cost while maintaining full conferencing capabilities through software-based audio and video processing.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single device is used for both personal and conferencing needs, then hardware costs are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing mode switching between personal and conferencing operations. The system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the detected usage scenario, adjusting audio processing, video capture parameters, and user interaction modes accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows a single device to handle diverse functions without requiring permanently configured complex hardware for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes to manage device complexity by adjusting operational parameters based on usage mode. In personal mode, the device operates with standard parameters, while in conferencing mode, it modifies parameters such as audio beamforming coefficients, video capture resolution, and microphone array processing to optimize multi-user experience, thereby handling complexity through software configuration rather than hardware complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for an adaptable computing device, including a device configuration that is convertible between a flat, personal computing orientation and a polyhedron multi-user orientation, and related software for control of audio and video features. An example configuration includes: a segmented display screen to output a display from a plurality of segments repositionable between a first orientation and a second orientation for multiple users; a microphone array and camera array located among the plurality of segments; and processing circuitry to detect a usage mode based on an orientation of the segmented display screen, and modify the audio capture and the video capture based on the usage mode. For instance, the multi-user orientation separates the plurality of segments into respective display areas on outward-facing sides of the segmented display screen, when the adaptable computing device is in a polyhedron shape in the multi-user orientation.