Rotating Base Video Chat Streaming for Hands-Free Display Viewing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for connecting mobile devices to larger display devices for video chatting are cumbersome and complicated, making it difficult to view multiple participants on a small mobile device screen.

Innovation Solution

A system using a rotating base with a rotatable unit, coupling unit, motor, and controller to seamlessly stream video chats from a mobile device to a display device, allowing hands-free operation and maintaining the user within the camera's field of view.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a mobile device is connected to a larger display device for video chatting, then the viewing area increases allowing all family members to be seen, but the connection process becomes cumbersome and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidconnection process
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects when a mobile device is placed on the rotating base and initiates the video chat streaming process without requiring manual configuration. The rotating base self-adjusts to position the mobile device optimally on the display, and the system automatically establishes the connection between the mobile device and display device, eliminating the need for users to manually configure settings or establish connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the mobile device screen is used for video chatting, then the device is portable and easy to use, but the screen is too small to view all participants

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidscreen size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating base acts as an intermediary between the mobile device and the display device. It physically positions the mobile device on the display and establishes the connection, enabling the mobile device's portability to be combined with the display's large screen area. The user retains the simplicity of using their mobile device while the rotating base mediates to provide access to the larger display area for viewing all participants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If the video chat is streamed to a display device, then the viewing experience improves, but the setup process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidsetup process
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating base incorporates automatic detection and positioning mechanisms that eliminate the need for manual setup. When a mobile device is placed on the base, the system automatically detects the device, determines the optimal position on the display, and positions the mobile device accordingly. The connection between the mobile device and display device is automatically established, transforming a potentially complex setup process into a simple place-and-play experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If the mobile device is held manually during video chat, then the user can control the device position, but the user cannot have hands-free operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual controlVSAvoidhands-free operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating base replaces the manual mechanical holding of the mobile device with an automated positioning system. The base uses mechanical rotation and positioning mechanisms controlled by the system to automatically adjust and maintain the mobile device's position on the display. This substitution allows the user to have hands-free operation while the system automatically manages the device positioning, eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables seamless streaming of video chats on larger display devices with a hands-free experience, ensuring the user remains in focus and facilitating real-time audio and video output on the display.

Implementation Method 1

a rotatable unit (302) coupled to the base (300), a motor (144) coupled to the rotatable unit (302), and a controller (146) coupled to the motor (144)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Data Source

PatentEP4218229B1Streaming a video chat from a mobile device to a display device using a rotating base
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 ROKU INC
  • EP4218229B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4218229B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4218229B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided herein are system, apparatus, device, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for streaming a video chat from a mobile device on a display device. In a given embodiment, a first mobile device and second video device can communicate audio and video data to one another, via a video chat. The incoming audio and video data for the first mobile device can be streamed to and output by an external display device. The streaming request is generated in response to the first mobile device coupling with a rotating base, controlled by the first mobile device.