Wide-Angle Video Conference Interface With Surface Position Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for managing live video communication sessions are cumbersome and inefficient, often requiring multiple key presses or keystrokes, wasting user time and device energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

A method and interface for managing live video communication sessions that allow for faster and more efficient interaction by detecting user inputs directed to a surface in the camera's field-of-view and modifying the displayed representation of that surface based on its position relative to the camera, reducing cognitive burden and conserving power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing techniques for managing live video communication sessions are used, then the interface can manage multiple participants and camera views, but the user interface becomes complex and time-consuming requiring multiple key presses or keystrokes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface simplicityVSAvoidtime for user inputs
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects surfaces in the camera field-of-view and performs actions based on detected gestures or patterns, eliminating the need for users to manually navigate complex menus or press multiple keys. The interface serves itself by interpreting visual data and executing commands autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical input methods (keyboard presses, button clicks) with visual gesture recognition. Users can interact with the video conference interface by making gestures visible to the camera, which the system then interprets as commands, substituting physical keyboard interactions with optical gesture detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If existing techniques for managing live video communication sessions are used, then the interface can display and control camera views, but device energy is wasted due to multiple user inputs and complex processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice energy consumptionVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the camera field-of-view for recognizable patterns or gestures, allowing it to automatically respond to user intentions without requiring explicit command sequences. This self-service approach reduces the computational overhead of processing multiple discrete user inputs and simplifies the interface logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the camera feed to identify surfaces and gestures before user interaction is fully initiated. By pre-processing visual data and anticipating user intentions, the system reduces the computational burden during actual interaction, lowering real-time energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If existing techniques require multiple key presses or keystrokes, then precise control can be achieved, but user cognitive burden increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesession management efficiencyVSAvoidbattery power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical keyboard input system with an optical gesture recognition system. Users make gestures visible to the camera, and the system translates these visual inputs into commands for managing video conference sessions, eliminating the need for physical key presses and reducing the cognitive load of remembering complex input sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically interprets gestures and executes corresponding actions without requiring users to navigate through multiple menu levels or press sequential keys. The interface self-services by directly mapping detected gestures to functional commands, improving productivity while minimizing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4642021A1Wide angle video conference
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 APPLE INC
  • EP4642021A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4642021A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4642021A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to embodiments for video communication interface for managing content that is shared during a video communication session.