Real-Time Video Streaming for Virtual Travel via Mobile Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual travel options lack real-time updates, human-to-human interaction, unlimited mobility, and personalized experiences, often relying on static web cameras and non-personalized content.
Innovation Solution
An internet-based virtual travel system that allows users to explore destinations in real-time through mobile and wearable devices, facilitated by guides who stream live video, enabling personalized recommendations, real-time shopping, and interactive maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static web cameras are used for virtual exploration, then device complexity is reduced, but the range of view and exploration options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static web cameras to dynamic mobile devices and wearable cameras that can move freely. The guide physically moves through the environment while capturing video, enabling dynamic exploration perspectives and unlimited movement compared to fixed camera positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a human guide as an intermediary between the viewer and the destination. The guide wears mobile recording devices and physically explores the environment, mediating the virtual exploration experience by bringing the viewer to locations they couldn't reach themselves.
2Reliability
If prerecorded videos are used for virtual travel, then reliability of content delivery is improved, but real-time updates and current information are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic live streaming sessions where guides regularly update and refresh the virtual travel content. Instead of static prerecorded videos, the content is continuously regenerated through scheduled live exploration sessions, maintaining both reliability through structure and currency through real-time capture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If generic virtual exploration content is provided to all users, then system complexity is reduced, but personalized experiences and user preferences are not accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides personalized virtual travel experiences by tailoring the exploration content to each user's specific interests, preferences, and requirements. Different guides specialize in different locations and themes, allowing customization of the virtual tour content based on individual user needs rather than providing uniform generic content.
4Ease of operation
If mobile devices with internet connection are used for virtual travel, then ease of operation is improved, but stability and quality of video transmission may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures high-quality video locally using the guide's mobile device with dedicated camera hardware, then transmits the recorded footage through internet connections. This copying approach allows the guide to record stable high-quality video locally and then transmit it reliably, separating the capture quality from the transmission medium limitations.
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments herein provide an internet-based virtual travel system and method that allows people (viewers or virtual travelers) to explore any destination or location in real-time without having to be physically present at those destinations or locations by means of other people (serving as guides or virtual travel guides) who are physically present al the destinations or locations and use one or more mobile devices and/or wearable devices and/or accessories to stream real-time video. The internet-based virtual travel system enables viewers or virtual travelers to find and hire guides or virtual travel guides, virtually explore any destination or location anywhere in the world in real-time via guides or virtual travel guides, receive personalized recommendations regarding virtual exploration (virtual travel) options, make payments for virtual exploration (virtual travel) sessions, visualize virtual exploration (virtual travel) sessions on an interactive map or other forms of visualization, view promotions or product placements incorporated by guides or virtual travel guides during virtual exploration (virtual travel) sessions, engage in real-time virtual shopping via guides or virtual travel guides, and make bookings for physical trips after virtual exploration (virtual travel) sessions.