USB-C Video Conferencing Controller for Visual Control Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video conferencing systems face challenges in intuitively and conveniently switching control between multiple source devices without requiring additional cabling or software installation.
Innovation Solution
A video conferencing controller with USB-C ports and a control unit that identifies a master source device using a USB PD protocol, accompanied by an electrically controllable visual indicator on the USB-C cable to indicate the master device, allowing intuitive control switching without additional cabling or software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a KVM switch with push button control is used, then control switching between users is enabled, but additional cabling and hardware complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control signal transmission and data transmission functions into a single USB-C cable. The USB-C cable integrates both the video conferencing data connection and the control signal communication, eliminating the need for separate control cables required by traditional KVM switches. This merging of functions directly reduces cabling complexity while maintaining control switching capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB-C cable is designed to serve multiple functions: it transmits video conferencing data, carries control signals for device selection, and provides power delivery. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated control signal cables and additional hardware components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enabling intuitive control switching.
2Ease of operation
If dedicated software is installed on each user device, then control management is enabled, but software installation and compatibility issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The video conferencing controller autonomously manages control switching by detecting which user device should have control based on USB-C cable connections and control signals. The system automatically identifies the master device and establishes control without requiring users to install or configure dedicated software on their devices. This self-service approach eliminates software installation complexity while maintaining effective control management.
3Extent of automation
If keyboard snoop functionality is implemented, then control detection is automatic, but user-friendliness and privacy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides clear visual feedback through LED indicators on the USB-C cable connectors to show which device has control and which does not. This transparent feedback mechanism informs users of the control status without requiring invasive keyboard snooping. Users can see the state of the system at a glance, maintaining user-friendliness while achieving automatic control detection through controlled signal exchange over the USB-C cable.
Data Source
AI summary
A video conferencing controller connects two or more source devices to at least one target device of a videoconference system. The controller has at least two primary ports for connection to a respective one of the source devices and at least one secondary port for connection to a respective one of the target device(s). A control unit identifies one of the source devices as a master from which output data may be forwarded to the at least one target device via the video conferencing controller. In response to a control command received via the USB PD protocol, the control unit identifies the master and sends a first control signal, via the USB PD protocol implemented over the USB-C cable, to this device. The first control signal causes an electrically controllable visual indicator on a USB-C cable between the master and the video conferencing controller to attain a predefined state.