Multi-camera video conference via mobile device registry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video conferencing systems are limited in their ability to accommodate multiple camera views, particularly in scenarios where users need to show objects or environments beyond the front-facing camera, such as during technical support or service calls, which can be costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method that registers multiple cameras with a mobile device, allowing them to be integrated into a video conference call, enabling the display of both the user and the object or environment in a split-screen format, with the communication server managing camera associations and video streams to facilitate remote technical support and service calls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a front-facing camera is used for video conferencing, then face-to-face communication is enabled, but the ability to show objects or environments beyond the user's face is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The video feed is segmented into multiple independent camera views that can be displayed simultaneously in a split-screen format. Each camera (front-facing and secondary) operates independently and can be selected or combined according to the communication needs, allowing users to switch between face-to-face mode and object展示 mode without physical camera repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides a universal video conferencing solution that handles multiple communication scenarios through a single camera setup. The front-facing camera serves dual purposes: direct face-to-face communication and object/environment display when combined with secondary cameras, eliminating the need for specialized equipment for different communication types
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are integrated into video conferencing, then remote technical support capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication server acts as an intermediary that manages camera registration and association automatically. The server receives registration information from multiple cameras, associates them with the mobile device, and handles the complex logic of camera selection and combination, freeing users from manual configuration while enabling sophisticated multi-camera functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual camera representations in the registry that mirror the physical cameras' capabilities and associations. These virtual copies allow the system to manage multiple camera instances through standardized interfaces, simplifying the integration process and enabling flexible camera assignment without direct physical configuration
3Reliability
If specialized video conferencing equipment is used, then communication quality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive, dedicated video conferencing equipment with affordable mobile devices and standard cameras. Rather than investing in costly specialized hardware, users leverage existing mobile phones or tablets with built-in cameras, significantly reducing equipment costs while maintaining adequate communication quality for technical support scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables mobile devices to perform multiple functions: they serve as both the primary communication endpoint and the registration manager for secondary cameras. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized conferencing equipment, achieving cost reduction while preserving communication reliability through the device's existing reliable connectivity and processing capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, multiple cameras are logically associated in a guest registry with a mobile device. One of the cameras may be internal to the mobile device, and one of the cameras may be external to the mobile device. A network device accesses the guest registry in response to a request from the mobile device. The request may be a request for a conference call, or the request may be a request for service. A conference call is initiated in response to the request. The network device receives video data from the multiple cameras associated with the mobile device and establishes a multiple party conference call including the multiple cameras and an external device.