Telepresence System Camera Geometry and Protocol Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional videoconferencing systems face challenges in providing realistic telepresence due to limitations in bandwidth, compression, and eye-contact, with previous solutions requiring complex optical systems and being unsuitable for conventional networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for establishing telepresence calls using standard communication protocols, embedding setup information in control protocol message flows, and optimizing connections between codecs and cameras to enhance presence and interoperability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If data compression is applied to enable real-time video transmission, then bandwidth consumption is reduced, but picture quality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting compression levels based on network conditions and participant requirements. Different compression profiles are selected for different video streams within the same conference, allowing optimization between bandwidth usage and picture quality for each participant's view.
2Stability of the object's composition
If cameras are placed above displays to capture participants, then continuous presence is achieved, but eye-contact feeling is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video conferencing system into multiple independent camera-view pairs, where each participant has their own camera positioned to capture eye-level views. This segmentation allows each participant to maintain continuous presence while preserving natural eye-contact geometry through individual optimized camera placements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension by implementing virtual camera positioning and multiple view angles. Instead of relying on physical camera placement above displays, the system uses computational methods to synthesize eye-level views from various camera positions, effectively adding a virtual dimension to the physical camera arrangement.
3Ease of operation
If complex optical systems with multiple lenses and mirrors are used, then eye-contact is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical optical systems with computational image processing. Instead of using multiple lenses and mirrors to physically adjust camera angles, the system uses software-based algorithms to transform and synthesize video streams, achieving eye-level views through computational geometry rather than mechanical optics.
4Ease of operation
If telepresence systems with dedicated high bandwidth lines are used, then presence experience is improved, but network interoperability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing telepresence systems that can operate over standard network protocols (IP-based networks, Wi-Fi, Ethernet) rather than requiring dedicated high bandwidth lines. The system provides multiple presence experience modes (standard, enhanced, immersive) that can be selected based on network capabilities, making the same hardware work across different network types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the system to adapt its performance characteristics based on available network bandwidth. The presence experience level is dynamically adjusted according to network conditions, enabling the system to provide high-quality immersive presence when bandwidth allows while degrading gracefully to standard presence modes on constrained networks.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of setting up communication sessions in a telepresence call including a multiple point-to-point connections between at least two telepresence systems, wherein the information required for setting up the communication sessions is embedded in a control protocol message flow establishing a first communication session between the two telepresence systems.