Remote Camera Proxy for TV Video Calls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video chat solutions for devices like TVs are limited by fixed cameras, which cannot capture objects outside their field of view, leading to an inability to provide an immersive experience, and existing solutions like PZT cameras are costly and precarious, while SW-FOV cameras appear blurry on high-resolution displays or are computationally heavy.
Innovation Solution
Enabling a remote camera device to stream video to a TV or other device acting as a local endpoint proxy, allowing the TV to function in a video call without a camera and enabling the use of remote cameras to capture video outside the fixed camera's field of view, by connecting via local networks and using protocols like UPnP and RTSP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed camera is used in a TV for video calls, then the device structure is simple and stable, but the camera cannot capture objects outside its field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote camera device as an intermediary to extend the field of view. The remote camera captures video from locations outside the TV's fixed camera range and streams it to the TV, which then relays it to the remote endpoint. This mediator approach allows the TV to access wider field of view without modifying its own camera system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a remote camera device that creates a visual copy of the scene from outside the TV's field of view. This copied video feed is then integrated into the video call stream, allowing the TV to display content from perspectives its own camera cannot capture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PZT (pan-zoom-tilt) cameras are used to allow the camera to pivot automatically, then the field of view can be expanded, but the cost increases and the setup becomes precarious on thin TVs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the TV's camera movable through PZT mechanisms, the patent uses a remote camera device as a mediator that provides the desired field of view flexibility from an external location, avoiding the cost and stability issues of mounting PZT cameras on thin TVs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical PZT camera system with a digital/streaming-based solution. Rather than physically moving the camera to change field of view, the system uses a remote camera that streams video digitally, eliminating the need for complex mechanical mounting and movement mechanisms on the TV.
3Adaptability or versatility
If SW-FOV (super-wide field of view) cameras are used to virtually zoom the camera, then the field of view is expanded, but the video appears blurry on high-resolution displays or requires heavy computational processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a remote camera as an intermediary that captures high-resolution video from outside the TV's field of view. This approach avoids the need for SW-FOV lenses and their associated quality degradation, as the remote camera can use its own optimized lens and sensor to capture clear images that are then streamed to the TV.
Data Source
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AI summary
A remote camera device is enabled to be used as a source of a video stream in a video call where the local endpoint host in the call, such as a TV, functions as a local endpoint proxy. The TV receives the video stream and transmits it to a remote endpoint host (the other end of the video call) using a conventional video call application. A TV without a camera is able to function as a local endpoint proxy in a video call with a remote device. In another scenario, the TV discovers and connects to a remote camera device. The remote camera, such as a cell phone, streams video to the TV which functions as a local endpoint proxy in the video call. The TV transmits the video to the device at the other end of the call.