Dynamic Video Stream Positioning in Shared Virtual Meeting Spaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Video meetings lack immersive and functional experiences due to fixed video streams and the absence of interactable spatial elements, limiting participant interaction.

Innovation Solution

A shared virtual meeting environment is created within video meeting sessions, allowing participants to interact by rendering a shared virtual space where video streams are overlaid and repositioned based on user interactions, enabling immersive and functional collaboration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If video streams are fixed in layout during video meetings, then system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but participant engagement and collaboration effectiveness deteriorate due to lack of interactivity and immersion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidparticipant engagement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic video stream positioning where video streams are no longer fixed but can be repositioned within the shared virtual space based on user interactions. The system determines action points for each user and repositions video streams in proximity to these action points as users interact with virtual objects, transforming the static layout into a dynamic, interactive environment that enhances participant engagement while maintaining operational simplicity through automated positioning logic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by monitoring user interactions within the shared virtual space and automatically repositioning video streams in response to these interactions. When a user interacts with a virtual object at an action point, the system detects this interaction and repositions the corresponding video stream to maintain proximity to the action point, creating a responsive feedback loop that enhances collaboration without requiring manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If interactable spatial elements are added to video meetings, then participant engagement and collaboration are enhanced, but device complexity and system resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticipant engagementVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the shared virtual space into discrete action points associated with each user, rather than implementing a fully continuous interactive environment. Each action point serves as a specific interaction location where users can engage with virtual objects, and video streams are positioned relative to these segmented points. This segmentation approach enables interactivity while managing system complexity by providing structured, manageable interaction zones rather than unrestricted spatial freedom

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces action points as intermediary elements between users and the virtual environment. These action points serve as mediators that facilitate user interactions with virtual objects and trigger video stream repositioning. By using action points as intermediaries, the system enables complex interactive functionality while abstracting away the underlying complexity from users, maintaining ease of operation despite the added interactivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If video streams are repositioned dynamically based on user interactions, then immersion and functionality are improved, but processing requirements and system resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveimmersionVSAvoidprocessing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements partial repositioning action by only moving video streams when specific user interactions occur at action points, rather than continuously monitoring and adjusting all video streams. The repositioning is triggered selectively based on user interactions with virtual objects, performing the necessary action only when needed. This approach provides immersive dynamic positioning while reducing processing requirements by avoiding unnecessary continuous adjustments of all video streams

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20240305747A1Collaborative virtual spaces

Publication Date: 2024.09.12 RINGCENTRAL INC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for rendering a shared virtual meeting environment during a video meeting session. The shared virtual meeting environment comprises a shared virtual space which is accessible to the meeting participants and includes video streams for each of the respective meeting participants. The video streams may be repositioned within the shared virtual space based on user interaction within the shared virtual space.