Remote Object Positioning via Video Conference Visual Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for accurately locating a remote object from a distant site are inefficient, relying on verbal cues that lack context and require skilled guidance, making it difficult for individuals to pinpoint positions, especially in complex environments like automotive repairs or medical examinations.
Innovation Solution
A computer program product enabling a video-enabled conference between local and remote devices, allowing users to display and interact with remote images, where a user can pinpoint positions on the local device and have an icon or frame displayed at the same position on the remote device, providing visual guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If verbal methods are used to communicate and locate the precise position of an object, then communication is possible, but accuracy and efficiency of location are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a camera, processor, and display device that mediates between the remote object and the user. The camera captures images of the object, the processor identifies and locates the object within the image, and the display device presents the located object to the user, thereby eliminating the need for time-consuming verbal communication while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the remote object through camera imaging and displays it locally. This copy allows the user to see the object's position and characteristics directly, replacing inefficient verbal descriptions with an accurate visual representation that instantly conveys spatial information.
2Loss of information
If live video is used to show the engine compartment, then visual context is provided, but the remote helper is still limited to verbal cues
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy of the remote environment through camera imaging and displays it on a local device. This allows the user to see the actual engine compartment and surrounding context, replacing limited verbal cues with comprehensive visual information that makes object identification straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/verbal communication system with an automated image processing and display system. Instead of relying on human verbal descriptions, the system automatically captures, processes, and displays images, substituting the manual verbal guidance mechanism with an automated visual information delivery system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an individual calls someone to talk them through engine parts, then assistance is provided, but the process is formidable for novices
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides a visual copy of the engine compartment that the novice can see on their device. This visual representation adapts to the novice's needs by showing exactly what the engine looks like from the current viewpoint, making identification accessible regardless of the user's expertise level while simplifying the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the user to independently view and identify engine parts through the displayed images. The automated image capture and display functionality empowers the user to perform the identification task themselves without requiring skilled verbal guidance, making the process accessible to novices.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods provide location of an object via video conferencing. The systems and methods may be useful for applications that require remote assistance from an individual to help another individual locate an object or a feature within an image displayed on screen. The user of a local device may view the remote image for context of the environment. In some embodiments, the local user may help direct the remote user by directions to zoom in or out of the displayed image and may provide a frame to guide the remote user. A position in the remote image shown in the remote device is activated and displayed by the local user as an icon to help pinpoint the object location for the remote user.