Portable Device External Camera Detection for Video Conferencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Participating in video conferences using portable communication devices can be awkward due to the need to hold the device in a specific orientation for camera focus, which is not conducive to a good user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine the presence of external video cameras, such as surveillance cameras, in the vicinity of the portable communication device, allowing the use of their video feed for a video conference, and presenting a list of available cameras to the user for selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the portable device's built-in camera is used for video conferencing, then the video stream can be obtained, but the user must hold the device in a specific orientation which is awkward and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the video capture function from the portable device itself and utilizes external video cameras instead. The system detects available external cameras in the vicinity and allows the user to select one for video conferencing, thereby separating the video capture task from the portable device's physical handling requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism that identifies external video cameras in the user's vicinity. This intermediary system acts as a bridge between the user's need for video conferencing and the available external camera resources, enabling automatic camera selection without requiring the user to manually position or hold the portable device
2Ease of operation
If external video cameras are detected and used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to camera detection and selection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting and identifying external video cameras in the vicinity without requiring manual user input. The portable device autonomously queries for available cameras, receives responses, and presents options to the user, thereby minimizing the operational burden despite the added detection complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by detecting and caching information about available external cameras before the video conferencing session begins. The system proactively identifies cameras in the vicinity and prepares a list of available options, so that when the user initiates a video conference, the selection process is already streamlined and ready
Data Source
AI summary
A portable communication device may determine whether a video camera is in a vicinity of the portable communication device. If so, video taken by the video camera may be used in a video conference conducted from the portable communication device.