Mobile Device Video Conference Control via Proximity Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional video conference systems require a central user interface for control, which can be cumbersome and limited, as it needs to be physically accessed by participants and only allows interaction with one participant at a time, and different systems have different interfaces, causing confusion.

Innovation Solution

A video conference system that utilizes a mobile device as the user interface, employing proximity detection and wireless linking to allow participants to control video conference settings such as volume and self-display without a central interface, using NFC or Bluetooth for credential exchange and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a central user interface is used for controlling video conference systems, then control functionality is provided, but the system becomes cumbersome and limited as it requires physical access and only allows one participant to interact at a time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol accessibilityVSAvoidinterface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control functionality from the video conference system into separate mobile applications that can be installed on participants' mobile devices. Each mobile device becomes an independent control interface, eliminating the need for a single central interface and allowing multiple participants to control the system simultaneously from their respective devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the participant and the video conference system. The mobile application acts as a mediator that receives control inputs from the participant and transmits them to the video conference system via wireless communication, thereby eliminating the need for direct physical interaction with a central interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If different video conference systems have different central interfaces, then each system can be controlled, but confusion arises due to interface variability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoidinterface consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal mobile application that can control multiple different video conference systems. The application is designed to work with various systems through wireless communication protocols, providing a consistent control interface across different platforms and eliminating confusion caused by varying central interfaces.

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

3Reliability

If a central user interface is required for video conference control, then control is centralized, but the system becomes limited and requires physical access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol stabilityVSAvoidaccess convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical interface system with a wireless electronic communication system. Mobile devices communicate with the video conference system through wireless protocols, eliminating the need for physical access to a central interface while maintaining reliable control through digital signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables seamless participation and control of video conferences using mobile devices, eliminating the need for a central interface, allowing multiple participants to join and control settings from their devices, simplifying the process and reducing complexity across different systems.

Implementation Method 1

a proximity detector to detect the presence of a mobile device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProximity detection:

Implementation Method 2

a wireless controller to establish a wireless link with the mobile device in response to the proximity detector detecting the presence of the mobile device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless communication:

Data Source

PatentEP3061243B1Control of a video conference system using personal devices
Publication Date: 2022.09.28 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP3061243B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3061243B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3061243B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system and machine-implemented method for automatically linking a mobile device to a video conference control unit of a video conference site, providing control of the video conference control unit by the mobile device. A proximity detector and a wireless controller provide automatic linking with the mobile device. The linked mobile device adds the participant using the mobile device to a video conference and also controls video conference settings or functions without the need for a central user interface.