Virtual Camera Drivers for Mobile-to-Mobile Camera Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera sharing techniques are limited to webcam and user terminal interactions, and there is no effective method for sharing cameras between mobile phones due to the absence of a public IP, hindering remote QR code scanning and real-time payment or verification.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for creating a pair of virtual cameras on a mobile terminal, allowing data conversion from a kernel-mode camera to a shared memory buffer, enabling camera sharing between devices through virtual camera drivers and existing applications without requiring redevelopment, using a virtual camera driver and communication tools for secure data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If general API is used to acquire data from remote camera, then camera sharing is enabled between webcam and user terminal, but camera sharing cannot be achieved between mobile phones due to absence of public IP
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component to enable camera sharing between mobile devices. The server receives camera data from one mobile device and transmits it to another mobile device, acting as a mediator that bypasses the need for direct peer-to-peer connection and public IP addresses. This resolves the contradiction by adding a mediating element that enables adaptability while managing network complexity centrally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual camera on the remote mobile device by copying camera data from the source device through the server. Instead of requiring direct access to the physical camera hardware, the system creates a software-based copy of the camera feed that can be accessed through standard APIs, enabling camera sharing without public IP requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual camera is created on remote device, then camera data can be transmitted to another mobile device, but existing applications cannot directly access the shared camera without redevelopment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual camera interface that can be accessed by multiple applications through standard camera APIs. The virtual camera driver presents a standardized interface that existing applications can use without modification, enabling universal access to remote camera functionality while maintaining application compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service functionality by automatically creating and managing the virtual camera interface without requiring application developers to modify their code. The virtual camera driver handles the complexity of remote camera access transparently, allowing existing applications to access remote cameras through standard APIs as if they were local cameras.
3Adaptability or versatility
If camera data is transmitted through server, then remote QR code scanning and payment verification are enabled, but data transmission security and efficiency must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a secure intermediary that manages camera data transmission between devices. It implements authentication, authorization, and data protection mechanisms to ensure that only authorized applications and users can access transmitted camera data, thereby maintaining security while enabling remote scanning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements different quality levels for different parts of the data transmission system. Sensitive operations like QR code scanning and payment verification use enhanced security protocols and authentication mechanisms, while less sensitive camera data transmission uses standard protocols, optimizing both security and efficiency for different use cases.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a camera sharing method and apparatus, a storage medium, and an electronic device. The method comprises: a first device writes photography data obtained by a camera into a kernel mode address space of a first virtual camera of the first device; the first device writes, in the kernel mode address space, the photography data into a buffer zone of a second virtual camera of the first device; the first device reads the photography data in the buffer zone by means of the second virtual camera.