Virtual Video Driver Bridge for Multi-Source Collaboration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video distribution systems are not scalable for transmitting multiple video sources to many endpoints and are limited to one-directional streaming, failing to support collaborative video sharing in traditional web conferencing systems.
Innovation Solution
A system that composites video from multiple sources and republishes it as a virtual camera source, allowing multiple users to share various video sources on a shared display, integrated with traditional web conferencing systems through a Virtual Device Network Interface (VDNI) that emulates a camera or display device, enabling simultaneous content sharing from multiple clients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional video distribution systems are used to deliver video from one system to receiver endpoints, then video streaming is achieved, but the system does not scale well when many sources are to be transmitted to potentially many endpoints
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the video distribution architecture by introducing virtual camera drivers as independent software components that can be instantiated multiple times. Each virtual camera driver handles a specific composite video source, allowing the system to divide and manage multiple video sources through modular, scalable software units rather than monolithic system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional one-to-many video distribution to a multi-dimensional architecture where multiple sources converge into composite views that are then distributed. The virtual camera drivers operate in an intermediate software layer, creating a new dimensional space for video composition and distribution that enables many-to-many connectivity patterns.
2Ease of operation
If traditional video distribution systems are used, then one-directional video streaming is achieved, but the systems are limited to one-directional streaming where senders transmit video to endpoints but endpoints are not simultaneously sharing video with one another
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual camera drivers serve multiple functions: they capture video from various sources, composite multiple video streams into unified views, and export the composite video as if from a physical camera. This multi-functional software component enables both one-to-many and many-to-many video sharing within the same architecture, eliminating the need for separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual camera driver acts as an intermediary between video sources and web conferencing endpoints. It receives video from multiple sources, performs composition, and presents the composite video to endpoints as a standard camera source. This intermediary layer enables collaborative sharing while maintaining compatibility with traditional conferencing systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple video sources are composited and republished as a virtual camera source, then collaborative video streaming with multiple sources is enabled, but integration with traditional web conferencing systems requires virtual device emulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates virtual copies of physical camera devices through software drivers. These virtual camera drivers replicate the interface and behavior of physical cameras, allowing composite video from multiple sources to be presented to web conferencing systems as if from a real camera. This copying approach enables multi-source sharing while maintaining full compatibility with traditional conferencing software.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for receiving video from multiple sources, compositing those sources and then republishing the composited video as a source to a virtual camera driver endpoint. In one embodiment, the present method comprises displaying multiple media streams, represented by worksurface image on a shared display. The shared display worksurface image is then re-encoded, and the re-encoded composite image is transmitted to a client computer, where the re-encoded image is transcoded to simulate a device connected to the client computer. The transcoded media stream is then transmitted to a teleconferencing system.