Telepresence Camera Field of Vision Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video conferencing systems require complex setup, often divide screens into sections, and lack effective ways to determine who is speaking, especially in multi-user environments, leading to difficulties in maintaining focus and creating an in-person feel.
Innovation Solution
A telepresence system with multiple cameras and restrictive elements, such as partitions and floor dividers, to maintain users within the camera's field of vision, combined with location-specific sound and eye-gaze technology to enhance the in-person experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to capture users, then the field of vision coverage is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the viewing area into multiple sections, each captured by a separate camera. Each camera is positioned to capture a specific portion of the table and users, creating segmented fields of vision that collectively cover the entire conference area. This segmentation allows each camera to focus on a specific zone, improving overall coverage while managing complexity through modular camera placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single camera perspective to a multi-dimensional viewing arrangement by positioning cameras at different locations around the conference table. This spatial distribution of cameras creates overlapping fields of vision that provide comprehensive coverage from multiple angles, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the traditional single-point camera view.
2Measurement precision
If the screen is divided into sections for multiple users, then each user can be captured individually, but it becomes difficult to determine who is speaking
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates audio feedback mechanisms that link visual and auditory information. When a user speaks, the system detects the audio signal and provides visual feedback by highlighting or annotating the corresponding user's section on the display. This feedback loop helps attendees identify the speaker by connecting the sound source with the visual representation, resolving the ambiguity created by divided screens.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses color coding or color changes to indicate speaking users. Different users or user sections are assigned distinct colors, and when a user speaks, their corresponding section changes color or becomes highlighted. This visual cueing system enables attendees to quickly identify the speaker by color association, making speaker identification intuitive despite the divided screen layout.
3Device complexity
If a single loudspeaker is used for all users, then the system is simpler, but users cannot easily determine who is speaking
Solution Approach 1:
The audio system is segmented into separate loudspeakers or audio channels corresponding to different user sections. Each loudspeaker is positioned to reproduce audio for a specific group of users, creating spatially separated audio zones. This segmentation allows users to identify the speaker by the direction from which the audio originates, providing speaker identification without requiring complex visual processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces spatial audio cues as an intermediary between the audio signal and user identification. By positioning loudspeakers at different locations around the conference area, the system creates audible spatial markers that mediate the connection between sound and speaker identity. This spatial intermediary allows users to naturally locate the speaker through audio directionality, simplifying the overall system while improving speaker identification.
4Reliability
If restrictive elements are added to keep users within field of vision, then user positioning is controlled, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs flexible visual boundaries such as transparent barriers, thin films, or projected light patterns that define the field of vision areas. These flexible boundaries can be adjusted or reconfigured without physically restricting users. The flexible nature of these elements allows users to understand the expected positioning through visual cues while maintaining the ability to move freely when needed, balancing positioning reliability with operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preventing movement in a telepresence system, includes a plurality of cameras. Each camera has a respective field of vision for viewing one or more users. The fields of vision each have lateral boundaries. The system also includes a plurality of restrictive elements. Each restrictive element is positioned along a respective lateral boundary of a field of vision of the fields of vision of the plurality of cameras such that viewed users each positioned within a field of vision of the plurality of cameras are restricted by the plurality of restrictive elements from moving outside of the field of vision in which each viewed user is positioned.