Dynamic Networked Camera Selection for Video Conference Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video conferencing systems require participants to remain stationary in front of a camera, limiting mobility and underutilizing available networked cameras that could provide continuous and dynamic video feeds.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that dynamically selects networked cameras to capture and transmit audio and video data of participants, using a server to analyze real-time feeds from registered cameras, allowing participants to move freely while maintaining a clear video feed by switching between available cameras based on location and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If participants hold a camera or remain stationary in front of a video conferencing camera, then a stable video feed is obtained, but participant mobility is limited and camera resources are underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables any networked camera within range to serve as the active video feed source, not just a single dedicated camera. Multiple cameras are registered and can be dynamically selected based on participant location, making the video conferencing system universal across different camera resources and locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different camera feeds based on real-time participant location data. Instead of a static camera assignment, the active camera feed changes dynamically as participants move through different physical spaces, maintaining video stability while enabling mobility.
2Productivity
If a single dedicated camera is used for video conferencing, then video feed quality is maintained, but available camera resources are underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows multiple networked cameras to be registered and utilized for video conferencing, transforming underutilized camera resources into productive assets. Any registered camera can potentially become the active feed source, maximizing resource utilization across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors participant location and camera coverage areas, using this feedback to automatically select the most appropriate active camera feed. This closed-loop feedback mechanism manages the complexity of multiple cameras by making selection automatic and location-driven.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple networked cameras are monitored for participant visibility, then participant coverage is improved, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-registering multiple cameras and defining their coverage areas before the video conference begins. This advance preparation reduces real-time complexity by having camera metadata and coverage zones already established, enabling faster adaptive selection during the conference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary server that manages camera registration, stores coverage area information, and handles the logic for selecting active feeds based on participant location. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the complexity of managing multiple cameras and their coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for dynamically selecting one or more networked cameras for providing real-time camera feeds to a video conference. The systems and methods may include identifying one or more networked cameras associated with an area of a conference participant. A server may analyze real-time camera feeds from the identified cameras, and select a video feed having a view of the participant. The server may provide the selected feed to the video conference via a conference bridge, and continue monitoring camera feeds of cameras associated with the participant's area for another camera feed having a better view of the participant. Networked cameras may include fixed and mobile cameras owned and operated by individuals that are not associated with the participant, but who have registered their cameras with the server for use in video conferences.