Multi-device Video Conference Session Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video conference systems often limit user experience due to differences in client device capabilities, such as screen size, camera stability, and resource quality, making it inconvenient to simultaneously use multiple devices for a seamless session.
Innovation Solution
A method that allocates different segments of a video conference session across multiple client devices, allowing a primary device to handle the main presentation and secondary devices to handle other segments, optimizing resource utilization and user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single client device is used for video conference participation, then device complexity is reduced, but user experience and presentation quality are limited due to homogeneous device capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The video conference session is divided into multiple segments (audio segment, video segment, presentation segment, desktop segment) that can be independently allocated to different client devices. Each device handles specific segments based on its capabilities, allowing the system to leverage diverse device strengths without requiring all devices to perform all functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The video conference client device is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle different types of data streams (audio, video, presentation, desktop) and can serve multiple roles within the conference system. The device can function as a primary presentation device, a secondary participation device, or both simultaneously, adapting its role based on allocated segments and device capabilities.
2Productivity
If multiple client devices are used simultaneously, then user experience and resource utilization are improved, but system complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The video conference server acts as an intermediary that receives data streams from sources and intelligently allocates different segments (audio, video, presentation, desktop) to appropriate client devices based on their capabilities and current load. This mediation simplifies the coordination complexity by centralizing the allocation logic on the server rather than requiring direct peer-to-peer negotiation between multiple client devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically allocates and reassigns presentation segments to different client devices based on real-time device availability, capability changes, and user preferences. The allocation is not static but can be adjusted during the conference session, allowing optimal resource utilization while adapting to changing system conditions without requiring complete system reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If device-specific capabilities are optimized for single-device use, then individual device performance is maximized, but overall conference quality suffers when devices have varying capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
Different segments of the video conference session are allocated to different client devices based on their local quality and capabilities. For example, a device with superior display capabilities may be allocated the presentation segment, while a device with better audio processing may handle the audio segment. This ensures that each device operates at its optimal performance level for its assigned function, improving overall conference reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automatic capability-based allocation.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment a method includes connecting a primary video conference client device (PVCCD) to a video conference session; allocating: at least a first presentation segment of the video conference session to be presented by the PVCCD, and also allocating at least a second presentation segment of the video conference session to be presented by at least one secondary video conference client device (SVCCD), receiving a data stream associated with at least the first presentation segment, and presenting the first presentation segment on the PVCCD.