Video Conferencing Preview Selection Bandwidth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video conferencing systems face challenges in maintaining high-quality video streams over limited Internet bandwidth, leading to reduced video quality or user distraction when switching camera views, as users at remote locations often lack control over their video feed.
Innovation Solution
A video conferencing system that allows users at remote locations to adjust their view by receiving preview images of different camera feeds, which consume less bandwidth, enabling them to select their preferred view without disrupting the primary high-quality video stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple video streams are sent to remote location, then users can see different camera views, but bandwidth consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments video data transmission into two distinct layers: a primary high-quality video stream for the main view, and multiple secondary low-resolution preview streams for alternative camera views. This segmentation allows users to access multiple video sources without transmitting full-quality data for all views simultaneously, thereby reducing overall bandwidth consumption while maintaining view selection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality levels to different video streams based on their intended use. The primary video stream maintains high quality for the main display, while preview streams for alternative views are transmitted at lower resolutions and frame rates. This local quality differentiation ensures that bandwidth is allocated efficiently, providing high-quality experience for the active view while minimizing data transmission for inactive view options.
2Quantity of substance
If video quality is decreased to overcome limited bandwidth, then bandwidth constraints are satisfied, but video conference quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts video stream characteristics based on network conditions and user interactions. When a user requests an alternative view through a preview thumbnail, the system temporarily increases the quality and frame rate of that specific preview stream to match the primary stream quality, then returns to the lower quality state after the selection is made. This dynamic adjustment ensures high perceived quality during view transitions while maintaining efficient bandwidth usage during stable viewing periods.
3Ease of operation
If user at first location controls video stream switching, then camera selection is managed, but user at remote location loses control and becomes distracted
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary control mechanism where preview thumbnails act as a control interface for the remote user. Instead of requiring direct communication with the local user to request view changes, the remote user can independently select desired views by interacting with the preview thumbnails. This intermediary interface empowers the remote user with autonomous control over their viewing experience without disrupting the local user's presentation flow.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method includes extracting one or more portions from a first video stream of a first physical environment; transmitting captured video data via a first communication link to one or more electronic display devices disposed within a second physical environment, wherein the captured video data includes the one or more extracted portions and the captured video data includes a preview portion that includes a first portion of a frame of the first video stream; and transmitting a second video stream of a second field of view of the first physical environment to at least one of the one or more electronic display devices disposed within the second physical environment via a second communication link, wherein the second video stream is generated in response to a selection of the preview portion of the captured video data made by a user located in the second physical environment.