Video Conference Interface Using Camera-Based Surface Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for managing live video communication sessions are cumbersome and inefficient, often requiring complex user interfaces that consume time and device energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of faster and more efficient methods and interfaces for managing live video communication sessions, which include displaying a live video communication interface, detecting user inputs, and modifying the displayed content based on camera positions, thereby reducing cognitive burden and conserving power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex user interface techniques are used for managing live video communication sessions, then functionality and control options are improved, but user time consumption and device energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiduser time consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects user intent through camera monitoring and surface identification, then autonomously adjusts the displayed content without requiring manual user inputs. The device serves itself by interpreting the user's line of sight and automatically modifying the interface to show relevant information, eliminating the need for complex user interactions while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex user interface techniques are used for managing live video communication sessions, then functionality and control options are improved, but device energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the camera's existing field-of-view data to automatically determine what content to display, eliminating the need for power-intensive user input processing. By leveraging already-captured visual information and automatically adjusting the interface based on surface identification, the system maintains full functionality while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to traditional input-method-dependent interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If multiple key presses or keystrokes are required for interface operations, then precise control is achieved, but operational efficiency and user satisfaction decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical input methods (key presses, keystrokes) with an optical detection system using the device camera. The system captures the user's line of sight, identifies surfaces in the field of view, and automatically adjusts the displayed content accordingly. This substitution eliminates complex user interactions while maintaining precise control, directly improving operational efficiency without increasing interface complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11812135B2Wide angle video conference

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to embodiments for video communication interface for managing content that is shared during a video communication session.