Dual Camera Display Mobile Video Conferencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer-level mobile electronic devices are unable to facilitate multiple distinct local participant viewpoints during video conferencing, limiting them to person-to-person conferencing without easy integration of group-to-group or group-to-individual interactions.
Innovation Solution
Employing front and back facing cameras on mobile devices, along with front and back screens, to enable simultaneous display and interaction of multiple participants during video conferences, allowing for dual-camera video call endpoints that support both viewing and being viewed by remote parties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single camera and single display are used in mobile devices, then the device structure remains simple, but only person-to-person video conferencing is supported without group-to-group interaction capability
Solution Approach 1:
The video conferencing system is segmented into two independent camera-display units (front and back), each capable of capturing and displaying video independently. This segmentation enables multiple distinct local participant viewpoints to be captured simultaneously, transforming single-device conferencing into multi-party group conferencing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-camera single-display configuration to a dual-camera dual-display configuration, adding spatial dimensionality. By placing cameras and displays on opposite sides of the device, the system captures video from multiple spatial perspectives simultaneously, enabling group-to-group video conferencing without increasing temporal or functional complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras and displays are employed to support group video conferencing, then group-to-group interaction is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each camera-display unit serves multiple functions: the front camera captures the user's viewpoint, the back camera captures the remote group's viewpoint, and both displays show relevant video feeds. This multi-functionality enables the same hardware components to support both person-to-person and group-to-group conferencing modes without requiring additional specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two camera-display units into a single mobile device housing, merging front and back facing cameras with front and back displays. This consolidation achieves group video conferencing capability while keeping the physical form factor manageable, balancing enhanced functionality with acceptable device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for managing a mobile device to selectively act as a two-party endpoint in a videoconference with a remote party. The disclosed technique, by way of example, entails receiving first user video and audio from a first camera and mic located on the front of the mobile device and receiving second user video and audio from a second camera and mic located on the back of the device. Remote user video and audio are received at the device, and the remote user video and audio, and second user video and audio are conveyed via a first display screen and first speaker located on the front of the device. Similarly, the remote user video and audio, and first user video and audio are conveyed via a second display screen and second speaker located on the back of the device.