Videoconferencing System Automatic Configuration for Realistic Presence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual configuration of videoconferencing systems is challenging due to differences in display and camera settings between systems, leading to difficulties in seamless interfacing and communication.

Innovation Solution

Automating the configuration process by exchanging configuration information between near-end and far-end videoconferencing systems, including camera and display settings, to adjust camera positions and aspect ratios for a realistic video presence without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration is used to adjust camera and display settings, then users can control videoconferencing systems, but setup time increases and ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of configurationVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically exchanging configuration information between near-end and far-end videoconferencing systems before the user needs to use the system. The near-end system receives configuration information from the far-end system and automatically adjusts camera positions and display settings in advance, eliminating the need for manual setup during actual use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The videoconferencing system performs self-service by automatically configuring itself without user intervention. The near-end system receives configuration information from the far-end system and autonomously adjusts its camera and display settings based on the exchanged configuration data, making the system configure itself rather than requiring manual user input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If different videoconferencing systems interface with each other, then system versatility increases, but configuration compatibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration information exchange mechanism serves as a universal interface that enables different videoconferencing systems with varying configurations to communicate effectively. By exchanging and adapting configuration information between near-end and far-end systems, the solution creates a universal compatibility layer that works across diverse system types without requiring system-specific manual configuration.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts configuration parameters such as camera positions, display settings, and aspect ratios based on the exchanged configuration information. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the near-end system to adapt its settings to match the far-end system's capabilities, resolving compatibility issues between different videoconferencing systems without increasing user-facing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If automated configuration is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of setupVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration information exchange process acts as an intermediary mechanism between the near-end and far-end videoconferencing systems. This automated intermediary handles the complex task of matching camera and display settings by exchanging configuration data and automatically adjusting parameters, shielding users from the underlying complexity while enabling seamless interoperability between different systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2201762B1Configuring videoconferencing systems to create video sessions with realistic presence
Publication Date: 2020.03.18 POLYCOM INC
  • EP2201762B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2201762B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2201762B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses for automating the interface of different videoconferencing systems are disclosed. In brief, according to one or more embodiments according to the invention, a first method comprises, upon connection of two videoconferencing systems, information containing the number and type of screens in each system is exchanged, and this information is used to set up custom camera and/or display settings in each local system.