Persistent Video Layout Management for Multi-Device Conferencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing videoconferencing systems lack user-configurable and persistent media conferencing layouts, which are inconsistent across different devices and calls, limiting user preferences and scalability in multi-participant scenarios.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an intelligent and persistent layout management system within the multipoint control unit (MCU) that applies predefined rules for layout configuration, allowing user preferences to be stored and retrieved across devices and calls, enabling consistent display arrangements based on call type, monitor configuration, and user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If layouts are hard-coded into MCU software or configured by system administrator, then layout configuration is standardized, but user customization capability is lost and changes are cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout customizationVSAvoidlayout configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to independently configure and customize video layout arrangements without requiring system administrator intervention. Users can directly manipulate layout parameters, select preferred arrangements, and save their configurations, making the system self-serviceable for layout customization needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides pre-configured layout templates and default arrangements that are prepared in advance. When users join a conference, these preliminary layouts are automatically applied, and users can then modify them as needed. This preliminary preparation reduces the complexity of real-time configuration decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If user-configurable layouts are available, then user preferences can be expressed, but persistence across devices and calls is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser preference storageVSAvoidlayout consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The layout configuration system is designed to be universal across multiple devices and conference calls. User preferences stored in the profile are automatically applicable to any device the user accesses and any conference they join, making the layout configuration multi-functional rather than device-specific.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback mechanisms that confirm when layout preferences are successfully saved to the user profile and when they are automatically applied across different devices and calls. This feedback loop ensures users their preferences are persistent and transferable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If layouts are maintained regardless of roster count, then layout stability is preserved, but adaptability to different call scenarios is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout consistencyVSAvoidlayout scalability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The layout configuration system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. Layouts automatically adapt to different roster counts and call scenarios while maintaining user-defined preferences. The system dynamically adjusts the number and arrangement of video windows based on the current conference state while preserving the user's preferred layout style.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows layout parameters such as the number of video windows, their positions, and arrangement patterns to change dynamically based on the conference roster size. User preferences define the layout structure, while specific parameters like window count automatically adjust to match the current call scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If device-specific layout storage is used, then local configuration is simple, but enterprise-wide layout policy enforcement is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration storageVSAvoidenterprise layout policy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The user profile acts as an intermediary layer between device-specific storage and enterprise-wide policy enforcement. Layout preferences are stored in the user profile rather than locally on devices, allowing centralized management while maintaining simple access. The profile mediates between local configuration needs and enterprise policy requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system moves layout configuration from a single device dimension to a multi-dimensional space that includes user identity, device independence, and enterprise policy layers. This dimensional shift allows layout preferences to be stored once in a user profile and automatically applied across multiple devices while still allowing enterprise administrators to enforce policies at the profile level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10110852B2Intelligent layouts for call scaling and layout persistence

Publication Date: 2018.10.23 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and techniques for creating media conferencing layouts that are intelligent (i.e., based on some underlying principle to enhance user-perceived conference quality) and persistent (i.e., consistent within a call and from one call to the next).