Teleconference Companion Device Stream Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current teleconference systems inefficiently utilize multiple devices associated with a single user identity, leading to duplicated content and audio interference, as they do not effectively differentiate between primary and companion devices, resulting in suboptimal resource usage and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A teleconference system that differentiates between primary and companion devices by assigning a primary device for controlling the session and companion devices for sharing content, selecting streams based on activity levels to minimize distractions and optimize resource use, allowing seamless device swaps and mode transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user joins a teleconference session using multiple devices, then the user can access the session from multiple locations or devices, but each device displays an exact duplication of the session content which prevents the second device from enhancing interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the teleconference session into two distinct modes: primary mode and companion mode. The primary device receives the full teleconference data including all streams and control elements, while companion devices receive a simplified subset. This segmentation allows multiple devices to access the session without duplicating full functionality on each device, thereby enabling multi-device access while maintaining operational effectiveness.
2Reliability
If each device receives full teleconference data, then each device can independently control the session, but resource utilization becomes inefficient and bandwidth is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different data subsets to different devices based on their assigned roles. The primary device receives complete teleconference data with all streams and control elements for full session control. Companion devices receive a streamlined subset containing only essential content streams without redundant control elements. This differentiated data distribution maintains reliable session control at the primary device while reducing bandwidth consumption and resource waste.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are used for content sharing, then collaboration is enhanced, but audio interference and distractions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the content sharing functionality to companion devices, which are specifically designed for this purpose. Companion devices receive a subset of teleconference data optimized for content display and sharing, while the primary device maintains control functions. By separating content sharing from the primary control device, the system enables enhanced collaboration through multiple devices while minimizing audio interference and distractions at the primary device.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a number of techniques for enhancing a user's experience when joining teleconference sessions with multiple devices. When a user attempts to join a teleconference session using the same user identity for multiple devices, a system differentiates the devices as a primary device and at least one companion device. The primary device has a first control set for controlling a teleconference session and the at least one companion device has a companion control set for sharing content. In some embodiments, the primary device also has one set of selected streams, e.g., a stage view, and the companion device has a subset of those streams or other streams based on an activity level. In addition, the present disclosure provides a number of techniques for enabling users to share content using the companion devices.