Composite Video Superimposition for Physical Presence Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current video call technologies fail to simulate the mutual physical presence of users, lacking augmented reality elements that could enhance the experience of intimacy and interaction.

Innovation Solution

A video call system that uses front and rear cameras to superimpose video feeds, allowing users to create the illusion of physical contact and interaction by combining human elements in real-time, with optional augmented reality features for enhanced engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional video call technology is used, then communication over distance is enabled, but the illusion of physical presence and interaction is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical presence simulationVSAvoidintimacy and interaction experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple video feeds from different cameras (front-facing and rear-facing) to create a composite video stream. This merging of video sources allows the system to simultaneously display the user's face and their hand reaching toward the other person, creating the illusion of physical presence and interaction that traditional single-feed video calls cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to video calling by incorporating the rear-facing camera feed that captures the user's hand movements and reaching actions. This additional spatial dimension allows viewers to perceive the user's physical gestures and intentions, transforming the flat 2D video call into a more immersive experience that conveys physical presence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cameras are used to capture human elements, then the illusion of physical contact is created, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical interaction simulationVSAvoidcamera system requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing mobile device cameras serve multiple functions. The front-facing camera, traditionally used for self-view and video calls, is now also used to capture the user's face in the composite view. The rear-facing camera, typically for photography, is repurposed to capture hand movements and reaching gestures. This multi-functional use of existing hardware reduces the need for additional specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the mobile device's own existing cameras rather than requiring external specialized equipment. The device serves itself by utilizing its built-in front and rear cameras to capture all necessary video feeds, eliminating the need for additional cameras or complex external hardware setups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If real-time video superimposition is implemented, then intimacy and entertainment value increase, but processing requirements and latency may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication engagementVSAvoidvideo processing latency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary processing by having each user device capture and prepare their own video feeds locally before transmission. The front and rear cameras continuously capture video streams that are pre-processed and ready for rapid composition, reducing the need for complex real-time processing during the actual video call and minimizing latency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12020389B2Systems and methods for providing real-time composite video from multiple source devices featuring augmented reality elements
Publication Date: 2024.06.25 HOLMES RUSSELL
  • US12020389B2 patent drawing
  • US12020389B2 patent drawing
  • US12020389B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for superimposing the human elements of video generated by computing devices, wherein a first user device and second user device capture and transmit video to a central server which analyzes the video to identify and extract human elements, superimpose these human elements upon one another, adds in at least one augmented reality element, and then transmits the newly created superimposed video back to at least one of the user devices.