Dynamic UI Layout for Multimedia Conference Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multimedia conference systems have statically configured user interfaces that can be inadequate for dynamic communication scenarios, leading to user discomfort, as they lack the ability to automatically adjust layouts based on the type of communication session.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that analyze audio and video data to determine the type of communication session, such as monologue, discussion, or dialogue, and automatically control the representation of endpoints in the user interface, selecting appropriate layouts to reflect the conversational scenario.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a statically configured UI layout is used in a multimedia conference system, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but the UI cannot adapt to different communication scenarios, leading to user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic UI layout adjustment by continuously monitoring audio activity levels of different endpoints and automatically reconfiguring the visual representation of participants based on their current speaking status. The system transitions from a static layout to a dynamic one that adapts in real-time to communication scenarios, resolving the contradiction between UI adaptability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by analyzing audio activity data from endpoints and using this information to automatically adjust the UI layout. The audio activity analysis provides continuous feedback about who is speaking, and this feedback drives the automatic reconfiguration of visual representations, enabling the UI to adapt to different communication scenarios without manual intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual selection or configuration of layout is allowed, then the UI can be customized for specific scenarios, but this causes discomfort and inconvenience to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting communication scenarios through audio activity analysis and autonomously selecting the most appropriate UI layout. Instead of requiring users to manually configure layouts, the system serves itself by making intelligent decisions about layout configuration based on real-time audio data, thereby maintaining layout customization capability while eliminating the inconvenience of manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction of manual layout selection with an automated acoustic field-based system. Audio activity analysis substitutes for manual user actions, using sound data to drive layout configuration decisions. This substitution eliminates the need for users to physically interact with layout controls while maintaining adaptability to different communication scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If audio activity-based automatic layout switching is implemented, then the UI adapts to communication scenarios automatically, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the audio activity analysis system for multiple purposes: it not only drives UI layout adjustment but also provides insights into communication dynamics and participant engagement. This universal approach allows the same audio analysis infrastructure to support both automatic layout switching and other communication quality metrics, thereby managing system complexity through shared functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for use in a multimedia conferencing system comprises an audio analysis processor (340), a session type classification processor (310) and a user interface controller (300). The audio analysis processor (340) is configured to analyze audio data of a communication session with multiple participating endpoints. The session type classification processor (310) is configured to determine a type of the communication session on the basis of the analysis of the audio data. The user interface controller (300) is configured to control a representation of the endpoints in a user interface on the basis of the determined type of the communication session, e.g., by sending control data (CD) to the endpoints.