Videoconference Display Site Assignment and Audio Sync
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multipoint videoconferencing systems often provide an inefficient and visually unappealing experience due to continuous switching between remote sites, leading to user disorientation and a diminished experience, especially when the number of remote sites exceeds the number of local monitors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that assign video signals from multiple remote sites to local monitors based on site rather than segment, with audio signals synchronized to maintain focus on active speakers, using a multipoint control unit to manage signal distribution and switching policies to ensure consistent display and audio broadcast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If video signals are switched continuously among remote sites based on active speaker, then the system can highlight the current speaker, but the user experience becomes artificial and unrealistic when remote sites exceed local displays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display system into multiple local monitors, each dedicated to displaying video signals from a specific remote site. This segmentation allows simultaneous display of multiple remote sites without continuous switching, resolving the contradiction between highlighting active speakers and providing realistic user experience when remote sites exceed local displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a site identifier as an intermediary element that links remote sites to specific local monitors. This identifier enables automatic assignment of video signals to appropriate monitors based on site correspondence, eliminating the need for continuous switching while maintaining site orientation for users.
2Measurement precision
If video signals are switched by segment based on active speaker detection, then each segment can be displayed independently, but users lose track of the site associated with a particular speaker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the site identifier with the video signal assignment process. Instead of switching signals by segment alone, the system combines site identification with monitor assignment, ensuring that video signals are consistently directed to the monitor corresponding to their source site. This preserves site orientation while maintaining active speaker detection capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple remote sites are displayed on limited local monitors, then the system can accommodate more participants, but continuous switching among signals detracts from conferencing experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display architecture into multiple local monitors, each dedicated to a specific remote site. This allows the system to accommodate more participant sites than there are local displays without requiring continuous switching, thereby maintaining conferencing productivity and user experience while increasing system adaptability.
4Ease of operation
If site switching is used to display active speakers, then the system can focus on current speakers, but the continuous switching between sites is inefficient and visually unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary assignment of video signals to local monitors based on site identifiers before the conferencing session begins. This pre-configuration eliminates the need for continuous site switching during the conference, as each monitor is already designated to display signals from its corresponding remote site. Active speakers are highlighted through signal selection on dedicated monitors rather than through site switching.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for displaying a multipoint videoconference includes receiving a plurality of video signals generated at a plurality of remote conference sites. The method includes assigning a plurality of video signals generated at a first remote conference site to a first monitor of a plurality of monitors at a local site and assigning a plurality of video signals generated at a second remote conference site to a second monitor of the plurality of monitors at the local site. In addition, the method includes selecting, for each of the first and second monitor, a video signal of the plurality of video signals assigned to the monitor, and displaying each selected video signal on its respective monitor.