Video Stream Layout Management via Route Descriptions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing videoconferencing systems face complexity in managing multiple video streams and data streams during multipoint calls, requiring code-level changes that are difficult for end users to implement and can introduce errors.
Innovation Solution
A system with a multipoint control unit (MCU) that determines the state and configuration of a videoconference and accesses route descriptions to control the spatial arrangement of video streams, allowing for dynamic layout management without code modifications, using a presentation and layout manager to process and translate route descriptions into display settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If code-level changes are made to manage multiple video streams and data streams during multipoint calls, then the system can control display layouts, but the complexity increases and end users find it difficult to implement without introducing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a presentation and layout manager as an intermediary component between the videoconferencing system and the display devices. This manager handles the complexity of routing and arranging multiple video streams and data streams, shielding end users from the underlying system complexity while enabling effective layout control during multipoint calls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the layout management functionality into a separate, dedicated module (presentation and layout manager) that can be independently configured and managed. This separation allows the core videoconferencing system to remain unchanged while adding layout control capabilities, reducing the risk of introducing errors into the existing system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If code modifications are implemented to manage video streams, then layout control is achieved, but the risk of introducing errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses template-based layout configurations that can be copied and reused across different videoconference sessions. These templates define predefined routing rules and display arrangements that can be applied without modifying the underlying code, thereby maintaining system reliability while achieving layout adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements pre-configured routing rules and layout templates that are established before videoconference calls begin. These preliminary configurations reduce the need for real-time code modifications during calls, thereby maintaining system reliability while enabling flexible layout adaptation to different call scenarios.
3Productivity
If multiple video streams and data streams are managed during multipoint calls, then comprehensive display control is achieved, but the complexity of managing routing and layout increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the video stream and data stream routing into distinct, manageable components within the presentation and layout manager. Each stream type can be configured and routed independently using specific rules, reducing the overall complexity of managing multiple simultaneous streams during multipoint calls while maintaining comprehensive display control.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a network interface for sending and receiving at least video data between two or more endpoints, where each endpoint includes a display screen. A camera may be located at more than one endpoint capturing video data. The system also includes a control unit for controlling spatial arrangement of one or more video data streams displayed on a display screen of one or more endpoints. The control unit determines a state and configuration of a videoconference and accesses a route description corresponding to the state and configuration of the videoconference. The route description includes a video data stream destination, one or more video data stream sources, and layout information determining the spatial arrangement of one or more video data streams displayed on the video data stream destination.