Mobile Video Chat Streaming with a User-Tracking Rotating Base

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Solution Overview

Problem

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

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a rotating base with a motor, communication device, and a coupling unit to seamlessly stream video chats from a mobile device to a display device, using a camera to track user movement and adjust the mobile device's position to maintain the user in the field of view, and a controller to rotate the base accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If a mobile device is connected to a larger display device for video chatting, then the viewing capability is improved, but the connection process becomes cumbersome and complicated

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

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting the user's presence and initiating the streaming process without requiring manual connection steps. The mobile device automatically connects to the display device when the user is detected, eliminating the need for users to navigate through complex connection settings or cables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service operation where the mobile device autonomously manages the connection to the display device. The device automatically detects when a user is present, initiates the video stream, and maintains the connection without requiring user intervention for each connection event, making the process as simple as placing the device on the base.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If the mobile device remains stationary on the display device, then the connection is stable, but the user may move out of the camera's field of view

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoiduser position tracking
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by using the camera to continuously monitor the user's position in the field of view. When the user moves out of view, the system detects this change and triggers the rotating base to adjust the mobile device's orientation, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains proper framing while the device remains physically stationary on the base.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies dynamics by enabling the rotating base to change the orientation of the mobile device in response to detected user movement. While the mobile device itself remains stationary on the base (maintaining connection stability), the base rotates to dynamically adjust the device's viewing direction, allowing the system to adapt to user movement without compromising connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4601304A1Streaming a video chat from a mobile device to a display device using a rotating base
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 ROKU INC
  • EP4601304A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4601304A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4601304A1 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.