Interactive 3D Animations in Video Conferencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current video conferencing and messaging systems are limited by a 'screen barrier' that prevents interactive and real-time communication, allowing only non-interactive, one-way user experiences with pre-defined animations that do not respond to human actions or emotional expressions.

Innovation Solution

The system utilizes motion-capture technology to capture gestures and generate personalized, dynamic, and real-time animated sequences that can move across screens, allowing users to create and interact with customizable 2D or 3D objects, breaking the screen barrier through advanced augmented reality tools and contextual awareness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If pre-defined, pre-rendered animation assets are used in video conferencing, then the system implementation is simple, but the user experience is limited and non-interactive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem implementation simplicityVSAvoidanimation customization and interaction capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static, pre-rendered animation assets into dynamic, real-time generated animations that respond to user gestures and expressions. Motion capture technology continuously captures user movements and generates corresponding animated sequences on-the-fly, making the animation system adaptive and interactive rather than fixed and passive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to create their own personalized animations through gesture capture and motion-to-animation conversion. Users serve as both the controllers and the content creators, generating custom animated sequences that represent their actions without requiring pre-defined asset libraries or complex external configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If real-time motion capture and personalized animation generation are implemented, then user interaction and personalization are enhanced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanimation personalization and real-time interactionVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal motion capture and animation generation system that can handle multiple types of gestures, expressions, and animation styles through a single integrated platform. The system processes various input modalities (hand gestures, facial expressions, body movements) and generates diverse animation outputs using unified algorithms, reducing the need for separate specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces motion capture technology and automated animation generation algorithms as intermediary layers between user physical actions and visual representation. These intermediaries automatically translate raw gesture data into polished animated sequences, reducing the complexity burden on the user while maintaining high interaction quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If animations are confined to individual video feeds, then each user's video processing is independent and simple, but the screen barrier prevents cross-user interaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo processing independenceVSAvoidcross-screen animation movement and interaction
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges previously isolated video feed systems into an integrated multi-user animation space where animated sequences can traverse between screens. The system combines motion capture data from one user with video feed rendering for another user, enabling animations to move across screen boundaries and creating a unified interactive experience rather than separate isolated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds a new dimension of cross-screen spatial interaction by enabling animations to move between different video feeds and user spaces. This transforms the traditional two-dimensional video display into a multi-dimensional interaction environment where animated objects can traverse across screen boundaries, adding depth and connectivity to the video conferencing experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Use of energy by moving object

If video messaging is non-real-time and one-way, then system resources are conserved, but user engagement and emotional connection are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem resource consumptionVSAvoidreal-time interaction and emotional expression
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time feedback loops where users immediately see animated representations of their gestures and expressions during video messaging. This instant visual feedback creates an engaging, conversational experience that encourages continued interaction, transforming one-way video delivery into a dynamic exchange where senders can observe receiver reactions in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9866795B2System and method for interactive animations for enhanced and personalized video communications
Publication Date: 2018.01.09 CALDWELL BLAKE
  • US9866795B2 patent drawing
  • US9866795B2 patent drawing
  • US9866795B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A videoconferencing system and method using personalized, 3D interactive animations across screen barriers. Via auditory, behavior, visual, or computer-inputted cues, preloaded images, sounds, and gestures as well as customized images, sounds, and gestures can be manipulated and sent into and across one or more videoconference feeds in the form of animated sequences. These images, sounds, and gestures can be mapped onto the images of users' faces or other features within the video feed frame.