Augmenting Video Conference With Virtual Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Participants in video conferences face challenges in fully articulating their intentions due to limitations in audio and video transmissions, which do not adequately convey non-verbal cues and supplementary information.
Innovation Solution
The integration of virtual objects into video conferencing systems, allowing participants to incorporate and manipulate virtual objects within the video stream, enhancing communication through additional visual and interactive elements such as gestures, geographical, temporal, and culturally relevant content, and user-created objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If audio/video transmissions are used for video conferencing, then participants can communicate in real-time, but participants cannot completely articulate their intentions due to lack of non-verbal cues and supplementary information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical objects and environments that can be integrated into the video conference stream. These virtual objects serve as supplementary information carriers, allowing participants to convey intentions and context that cannot be expressed through audio/video alone. The virtual objects are rendered and transmitted as digital representations that augment the traditional communication channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to video conferencing by superimposing virtual objects onto the video stream. This creates an augmented reality layer that provides additional information without blocking the original video content. The virtual objects exist in a parallel dimension that enriches the communication experience while maintaining the core audio/video transmission.
2Reliability
If virtual objects are integrated into video streams, then communication effectiveness is enhanced, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-rendering and preparing virtual objects before they are needed in the video stream. Virtual objects can be created, configured, and validated in advance, reducing the processing burden during real-time communication. This allows the system to maintain high reliability while managing complexity through proactive preparation of augmentative content.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer that handles the complexity of virtual object integration separately from the core video transmission system. This intermediary processing layer manages the superimposition, rendering, and synchronization of virtual objects without directly complicating the fundamental audio/video communication infrastructure. The intermediary acts as a buffer that isolates complexity while delivering enhanced communication effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A device configured for participation in a video conference. The device includes a display disposed on the device for displaying video captured at a second device. The device also includes a virtual object receiver for receiving a virtual object, wherein the virtual object is configured to augment the video conference. A virtual object incorporator for incorporating the virtual object into the video captured at the second device, and a transmitter for transmitting said video comprising the virtual object. The video comprising the virtual object is configured to be displayed at the second device.