Video Conference Broadcast System for Viewer Interaction
Solution Overview
Problem
Video conferencing systems typically limit the number of participants, excluding many who wish to participate, and do not allow for effective interaction between viewers and participants beyond passive observation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that enables a video conference by broadcasting a video feed to viewers, allowing them to submit interactions such as questions, applause, feedback, or files, and selecting a chosen interaction to invite the submitter to join the conference, potentially replacing existing participants to accommodate new ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If video conferencing allows a limited number of participants, then the quality of interaction among participants is improved, but the quantity of participants is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the audience into two groups: those who can actively participate in the video conference (limited number) and those who can view and interact through the broadcast feed (larger number). This segmentation allows the high-quality interaction feature to be maintained for the active participants while expanding the overall quantity of engaged users through the broadcast channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new dimension to participation by introducing a broadcast feed that allows viewers to engage with the conference from a secondary dimension. Viewers can submit questions, send applause, and provide feedback through the broadcast interface, creating a multi-level participation structure that expands the number of engaged users without degrading the primary video conference quality.
2Device complexity
If video conferencing limits the number of participants, then the system complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to include more users is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The broadcast feed serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes the video conference to a wider audience, enables viewer interactions (questions, applause, feedback), and provides a mechanism for inviting new participants to join the conference. This multi-functionality increases adaptability and inclusivity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadcast feed acts as an intermediary layer between the video conference and the wider audience. It mediates interactions by allowing viewers to submit questions and feedback that can be forwarded to participants, and it serves as the channel through which new users are invited to join, thereby enhancing inclusivity while maintaining manageable system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If viewers can submit multiple types of interactions, then the engagement of viewers is improved, but the complexity of processing interactions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple interaction types (questions, applause, feedback, file submissions) into a single unified interface through the broadcast feed. Viewers interact with all these functions through one consistent mechanism, which simplifies the user experience and maintains high engagement while the server processes all interaction types through a standardized pipeline, managing processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and computing system for enabling a video conference between a plurality of video conference participants. A video feed associated with the video conference is broadcast to a plurality of viewers. A plurality of interactions are received from a plurality of submitters included within the plurality of viewers. A chosen interaction is selected from the plurality of interactions. The submitter associated with the chosen interaction is invited to join the video conference.