Mobile Device as Video Endpoint Remote Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication systems for audibly impaired users, such as those using infrared remote control devices, are cumbersome for textual inputs and difficult to manage, often leading to inconvenience and loss of control during critical moments.
Innovation Solution
A video endpoint system that enables audibly impaired users to control communication functions using a mobile electronic device as a remote control interface, allowing commands to be sent through a private network for in-call functions, including video and text inputs, via a software distribution server that transforms the mobile device into a remote control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If infrared remote control devices are used to control video endpoint functions, then the user can navigate integrated user interfaces, but it becomes awkward and cumbersome for textual inputs and difficult to keep track of the remote control device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functionality with the user's mobile electronic device (smartphone, tablet, or computer) that they already carry and are familiar with. The mobile device runs a control application that provides remote control capabilities for the video endpoint, eliminating the need for a separate infrared remote control device. This integration improves ease of operation while reducing device management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile electronic device serves multiple functions: it acts as a remote control for the video endpoint, provides a full keyboard interface for textual inputs, displays communication information, and can function as a notepad or other auxiliary tools. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated specialized remote control devices.
2Reliability
If specialized remote control devices are provided for video endpoints, then users can control communication functions, but the devices are often needed most right when they cannot be found
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the user's existing mobile electronic device that they already carry on their person for communication and other purposes. This device naturally accompanies the user wherever they go, ensuring control availability is tied to the user's presence rather than a separate physical remote control that can be misplaced.
3Adaptability or versatility
If infrared remote control devices are used for video endpoint control, then basic navigation is enabled, but textual inputs become awkward and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile electronic device application replicates a full keyboard interface on the user's smartphone, tablet, or computer screen. This virtual keyboard provides comprehensive text input capabilities that are much easier to use than the limited controls on traditional infrared remote devices, while maintaining compatibility with the video endpoint's control protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Communication systems, video endpoints, and related methods are described. A video endpoint is configured to receive commands corresponding to functions of the video endpoint from a mobile electronic device responsive to a user interacting with a remote control interface of the mobile electronic device. The functions include in-call functions. A method includes performing the functions responsive to receiving the commands from the mobile electronic device. A method of transforming a mobile electronic device into a remote control device for the video endpoint includes storing computer-readable instructions at one or more servers. The computer-readable instructions are configured to instruct the mobile electronic device to provide the remote control interface and transmit the commands to the video endpoint. A communication system includes a software distribution server including a data storage device including the computer-readable instructions, and one or more communication elements configured to transmit the computer-readable instructions to the mobile electronic device.