Video Conference System with Dedicated Console Panels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current videoconference systems are complex to operate, leading to potential loss of concentration for administrators and overlooking of utterance requests, especially in large-scale conferences, and are costly due to the need for multiple television phones.
Innovation Solution
A videoconference system comprising a conference server, head office and local controllers connected via the Internet, with camera-equipped microphones and console panels that simplify operation by allowing administrators to manage conferences easily and visually identify utterance requests, reducing the need for multiple television phones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple television phones are provided for each participant, then each participant can independently attend the videoconference, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single television phone to serve multiple participants sequentially. The administrator can switch between different participants using the same device, eliminating the need for each participant to have their own television phone. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining participant accessibility while significantly reducing the quantity of devices required and associated costs.
2Ease of operation
If the administrator operates the conference using a television phone, then the administrator can control the conference, but the operating procedure becomes complicated and concentration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions by providing dedicated console panels specifically for administrator operations, separate from the television phone used for viewing. The console panel handles complex control tasks such as switching between participants, managing audio channels, and coordinating video feeds, while the television phone remains simple for viewing purposes. This segmentation simplifies the administrator's operation by isolating control complexity from the viewing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The console panel acts as an intermediary device between the administrator and the complex videoconference system. It provides a simplified interface for controlling multiple participants, cameras, and audio channels, shielding the administrator from the underlying system complexity. The console panel mediates the interaction by presenting organized control options while managing the intricate coordination required for multi-participant conferences.
3Ease of operation
If the administrator views and listens to a single television phone, then the administrator can manage the conference, but utterance requests from other participants are overlooked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the console panel that provides real-time visual and auditory indicators of participant utterance requests. When a participant presses the utterance request button, the console panel displays corresponding information and generates audio signals that alert the administrator. This feedback system ensures the administrator remains informed about all participants' communication needs while maintaining focus on the main television phone display, preventing utterance requests from being overlooked.
Data Source
AI summary
A videoconference system includes a head office controller (2) and a plurality of local controllers (3A, 3B) which are connected to a conference server (1) by the Internet and a camera-equipped microphone (4) connected to each of the controllers (2, 3A, 3B). Each of the controllers (2, 3A, 3B) includes an operation panel (17) having an utterance request operation means, a reproduction means for reproducing video/audio, a selection means for selecting the camera-equipped microphone (4) or the local controllers (3A, 3B), and an utterance request indicating means for indicating the local position which has made the utterance request.