GUI Management for Group Video Calls
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Solution Overview
Problem
In group video calls, the physical proximity of participant videos and shared content on a computer screen leads to cognitive fatigue and reduced attention span due to the need for frequent switching between faces and content, causing less information processing and distraction.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that combines participant videos, host video, and shared content into one single slide, allowing control over slide presentations and positioning of participant videos through cursor movement, enabling users to focus on both presenter and content simultaneously while maintaining effective communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If participant videos are displayed close to shared content on the screen, then the viewer can see both faces and content simultaneously, but the viewer experiences cognitive fatigue and reduced attention span due to frequent switching between faces and content
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is divided into distinct functional zones: a content display area for shared screens and a separate participant video area (gallery view). This spatial segmentation allows the eye to rest on one type of information at a time rather than constantly switching between closely positioned faces and content, reducing cognitive fatigue while maintaining visibility of both elements.
2Ease of operation
If participant videos follow the mouse cursor movement during screen sharing, then the presenter can be seen while navigating, but the view of the shared screen may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
A virtual pointer or cursor indicator serves as an intermediary element that follows the mouse movement and indicates where the presenter is pointing on the shared screen. This allows participants to understand the presenter's focus without requiring the presenter's video feed to physically follow the cursor, thus maintaining both presenter visibility and unobstructed view of the shared content.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple participant videos are displayed on the same screen as shared content, then all participants can be seen, but important parts of the shared screen may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
Participant videos are arranged in a gallery view that utilizes the vertical dimension of the screen, positioning video thumbnails along the edges or in a dedicated sidebar area. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple participant videos to be displayed without horizontally obstructing the shared content area, maintaining both participant visibility and content accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are used to manage GUI for group video calls. The method ensures effective communication and control over shared video content during group video calls. The method enables to combine feed videos from a plurality of attendee accounts and other shared video content to be displayed in one single slide. Further, the method allows control over slide presentations and positioning of participant videos by cursor movement of the host account holder or the presenter. This allows the participants to follow the presenter, while viewing the presentation slides and other feed videos. Furthermore, the method allows users to switch mouse cursor control and feed video positions between the presenter and the participants by clicking on the video on a primary slot. Additionally, the host has special controls that may be passed to a selected number of participants and the participant feed videos are arranged in two sections.