Dynamic Mobile Camera Integration for Video Conference Context
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video conference systems often struggle to convey a sufficient contextual understanding of events and topics during a session due to limitations in camera positioning and functionality, as fixed cameras may not capture essential details like documents or objects effectively.
Innovation Solution
The system dynamically adds the camera of a mobile device in proximity to the video conference endpoint, allowing it to be used as an additional media source, enabling participants to provide close-up views of documents or objects by detecting and authenticating the mobile device using ultrasound or short-range wireless signals and integrating its camera output into the video conference media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed cameras are used in video conference endpoints, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the ability to capture contextual details and flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the video conference endpoint with a mobile device that has adjustable camera capabilities. The mobile device is integrated into the endpoint system, allowing the fixed endpoint to access the flexibility of mobile cameras while maintaining the simplicity of a unified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed cameras to dynamic camera positioning by incorporating a mobile device with adjustable cameras. The mobile device can be physically moved and repositioned to capture different angles and contexts, providing dynamic adaptability to the video conference system.
2Loss of information
If fixed cameras are used in video conference endpoints, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to convey contextual understanding is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fixed video conference endpoint with a mobile device that has superior camera positioning capabilities. This combination allows the system to capture contextual details like documents and objects on the table while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances the contextual understanding of a video conference by allowing participants to share close-up views, improving the quality of the video conference experience by utilizing the mobile device's camera as an additional media source, thereby overcoming the limitations of fixed endpoint cameras.
Implementation Method 1
detecting and authenticating the mobile device using ultrasound or short-range wireless signals
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, upon detection of a mobile device within a proximity of a video conference endpoint and authentication of the mobile device at a server managing the video conference endpoint, the server may receive information regarding a camera of the mobile device. The server may then receive the output of the camera from the mobile device. Finally, after receiving the output of the camera, the server may send the output of the camera to the video conference endpoint as part of media to be presented by the video conference endpoint. The server may also send the output of the camera to one or more other endpoints participating in a video conference managed by the server.