Interactive Avatar Animation for Low-Bandwidth Video Calls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing video communication technologies face bandwidth limitations due to the high data requirements of live video transmission, particularly in 2G/3G and finite bandwidth of 4G wireless technology, leading to degraded video call quality.

Innovation Solution

The use of interactive avatars that are animated based on user inputs and audio transformations, reducing data transmission needs by using graphical representations that can be modified to convey user expressions and speech, while preserving user anonymity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If live video transmission is used for communication, then real-time visual interaction is achieved, but bandwidth consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoiddata transmission volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses avatar copies instead of transmitting actual live video feeds. Avatars are simplified graphical representations that replicate user expressions and actions through animation, dramatically reducing data transmission requirements while maintaining communication quality and real-time interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms video data into a different parameter representation by converting complex video frames into avatar animation parameters. Instead of transmitting full-resolution video streams, the system transmits simplified animation control data that drives avatar movements and expressions, significantly reducing bandwidth consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If avatar animation commands are transmitted to modify avatar display, then user interaction and expression conveyance are enhanced, but communication data requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavatar interaction capabilityVSAvoidcommunication data

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments avatar animation control into discrete, standardized commands that can be transmitted efficiently. By breaking down complex animations into individual action commands (e.g., head movement, facial expression, body posture), the system achieves high avatar adaptability and interaction capability while keeping each command's data size minimal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250227204A1Communication using interactive avatars

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Generally this disclosure describes a video communication system that replaces actual live images of the participating users with animated avatars. A method may include selecting an avatar; initiating communication; detecting a user input; identifying the user input; identifying an animation command based on the user input; generating avatar parameters; and transmitting at least one of the animation command and the avatar parameters.