Endpoint Filter for Video Conference Privacy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional video conferencing systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust multimedia stream clarity and privacy settings during sessions, limiting user control over visibility and availability checks without disturbing the callee.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of client software filters at endpoints that can modify multimedia streams to reduce clarity, allowing for Peek Presence mode, where users can check availability and privacy settings, and switch between filtered and unfiltered modes using filters that adjust stream clarity and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional video conferencing systems transmit multimedia streams directly without filtering, then communication quality and clarity are maintained, but user privacy and control over visibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts filter application based on call state and user preferences. Filters can be applied selectively during different phases of communication (e.g., presence checking vs. active conversation) and can be modified in real-time, transforming the static communication model into a dynamic one that adapts to user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different filtering characteristics are applied to different parts of the communication interaction. The caller and callee can have different filter settings applied to their respective video streams, allowing each party to control their own visibility independently while maintaining communication quality for the other party.
2Productivity
If users establish direct video conference connections, then communication efficiency is improved, but the ability to check availability without disturbing the callee is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary presence checking before establishing full communication. Users can apply filters during the initial connection phase to check if the callee is available and willing to communicate, and only if this preliminary check succeeds will the full unfiltered communication be established, preventing unwanted disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows partial communication establishment with filtered streams for presence checking purposes, rather than requiring full communication establishment. This partial action enables users to gather availability information without committing to full communication, improving ease of operation while maintaining productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If filters are applied to reduce multimedia stream clarity, then privacy and security are improved, but communication quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filter application is dynamic rather than static. Users can switch between filtered and unfiltered modes during communication based on their current privacy needs, and the system adjusts the level of filtering dynamically. This allows privacy protection when needed while maintaining full communication quality when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
Filtering is applied selectively to specific communication channels or time periods rather than uniformly to all communication. Different privacy levels can be applied to different participants or different phases of the same communication session, allowing privacy protection without universally degrading communication quality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the system provides multiple filtering modes for privacy control, then user control over visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filtering mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides presence checking capability, enables privacy control during communication, and allows selective visibility management. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating multiple privacy and communication management features into a single unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
Users independently control their own filter settings and visibility preferences without requiring complex coordination with other participants. Each user's filter configuration is self-contained and automatically applied to their video stream, simplifying the overall system architecture despite providing multiple filtering options.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a method is provided for receiving, by a first endpoint, a request for a video conferencing session from a second endpoint, and determining whether the first endpoint is in a peek accepting mode, and when the first endpoint is in a peek accepting mode acknowledging the request, activating a first filter by the first endpoint, providing a first multimedia stream from one or more first media source associated with the first endpoint, modifying the first multimedia stream, by the first filter, to produce a first modified multimedia stream, and transmitting the first modified multimedia stream by the first endpoint to the second endpoint.