Touch Screen Videoconference Control Interface
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current videoconferencing systems are cumbersome to operate due to the need for remote controls, complex connections of tablet devices, and difficulties in setting up document cameras with annotation tools, which hinder user interaction and control.
Innovation Solution
A videoconferencing system incorporating a touch screen display device that generates touch data to control videoconferencing operations, allowing users to initiate calls, change camera orientation, access menus, and annotate content through a direct video and data interface with the videoconferencing unit, enabling intuitive control and annotation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote controls are used to operate videoconferencing systems, then users can control the system from a distance, but the operation becomes cumbersome and requires navigating through numerous selections and menus
Solution Approach 1:
A touch-sensitive display screen serves as an intermediary between the user and the videoconferencing system controls. The screen displays visual representations of control elements (buttons, sliders, menus) that users can directly touch to operate the system, eliminating the need for separate remote controls and complex menu navigation while maintaining full control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical remote control devices and physical connection requirements with a touch-sensitive display interface. Users interact with the system through direct touch on the screen rather than through separate mechanical remote controls, simplifying the control mechanism and eliminating the need for additional connection cables between control devices and the videoconferencing system
2Ease of operation
If tablet input devices and keyboards are connected to videoconferencing systems, then users can input data and control the system, but proper connection becomes difficult for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display function and input control function into a single integrated touch-sensitive display screen. The control interface is combined with the video display, eliminating the need for separate tablet devices or keyboards and their associated connection cables. Users can both view video content and control the system through the same unified interface
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive display screen serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays video content from the videoconferencing system, presents control options and menus, and accepts user input through touch. This multi-functional interface replaces multiple separate devices (display monitor, remote control, keyboard) with a single universal control station
3Adaptability or versatility
If document cameras and computers with annotation tools are set up with videoconferencing systems, then users can add writing and annotations to the videoconference, but the setup becomes difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-sensitive display screen acts as an intermediary that integrates annotation functionality directly into the video display. Users can interact with the displayed content through touch-based annotation tools without requiring separate document cameras or external annotation devices. The screen mediates between the user's touch input and the video content, enabling direct annotation on the displayed video feed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges annotation capabilities directly into the touch-sensitive display interface. The annotation tools are integrated with the video display and control interface, eliminating the need for separate document cameras or external annotation devices. Users can annotate video content directly on the screen through touch input, combining display, control, and annotation functions in one unified system
Data Source
AI summary
A videoconferencing system includes a touch screen display device and a videoconferencing unit. The display device displays video data for the videoconference and generates touch data based on user selections relative to the touch screen. The videoconferencing unit is operatively coupled to the touch screen device by a video connection and a data interface connection, for example. The unit establishes and conducts a videoconference with one or more endpoints via a network. The unit sends video data to the display device and receives touch data from the device. The received touch data is used to control operation of the videoconferencing system. The received touch data can be used to initiate a videoconference call, change an operating parameter, change orientation of a camera, initiate a picture-in-picture display, access a menu, access memory, change a source of video data, initiate a whiteboard display, and access a screen of a connected device.