Physical Whiteboard Snapshotting for Videoconferencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional physical writing surfaces in videoconferencing environments lack a convenient method for generating a record of writing, and digital alternatives are expensive and less intuitive.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for snapshotting videoconferencing that captures and processes video of a physical writing surface, allowing for the generation of snapshots of meaningful content, which can be shared with other participants, using a portable and low-cost camera system integrated with videoconferencing endpoints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If digital whiteboards are used in videoconferencing, then writing recording capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture images of the physical whiteboard and transmits these images to remote participants. This copying approach allows the physical whiteboard to serve multiple users simultaneously without requiring expensive digital whiteboard infrastructure at each location, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining recording capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera and image transmission system as an intermediary between the physical whiteboard and remote participants. This intermediary enables the physical writing surface to be shared digitally without replacing it, allowing participants to view and interact with the whiteboard content through transmitted images rather than requiring expensive digital alternatives.
2Ease of operation
If physical whiteboards are used in videoconferencing, then intuitiveness is improved, but recording capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The camera continuously captures images of the physical whiteboard, creating a visual record of all writing and drawings. These captured images can be stored, transmitted, and shared with remote participants, thereby preserving the recording capability while maintaining the intuitiveness of physical writing surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous capture of the whiteboard through ongoing image acquisition and transmission. This ensures that every writing action on the physical surface is automatically recorded and made available to participants, eliminating the need to switch between physical and digital modes while ensuring complete recording.
3Adaptability or versatility
If continuous video streaming of whiteboard is used, then sharing capability is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously streaming video, the system uses periodic image capture and transmission. The camera takes snapshots at specific intervals or when writing activity is detected, and only these discrete images are transmitted to participants. This periodic approach significantly reduces bandwidth consumption compared to continuous streaming while maintaining effective sharing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transmits only the necessary visual information (images of the whiteboard content) rather than continuous video streams. By selectively capturing and transmitting only the relevant writing content rather than the entire video stream, the system reduces bandwidth usage while preserving the essential sharing functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus and method relating to use of a physical writing surface (132) during a videoconference or presentation. Snapshots of a whiteboard (132) are identified by applying a difference measure to the video data (e.g., as a way of comparing frames at different times). Audio captured by a microphone may be processed to generate textual data, wherein a portion of the textual data is associated with each snapshot. The writing surface may be identified (enrolled) using gestures. Image processing techniques may be used to transform views of a writing surface.