Patent published on March 12, 2024

New Patent Allows Multiple Screens for Virtual Video Calls

New Patent Revolutionizes Video Conferencing with Multiple Screens and Avatars

(NEW YORK) - A groundbreaking patent has been filed by KATMAI TECH with the title "Multi-screen presentation in a virtual videoconferencing environment" (patent number: US11928774B2). This innovative solution addresses the core problem of traditional video conferencing, which often fails to capture the experience and social connections of in-person meetings.

The growing popularity of video conferencing platforms due to the global pandemic has highlighted several issues. One of the key problems is the loss of a sense of place and the experiential aspect that physical meetings offer. When conferences are conducted virtually, participants miss out on the social connection and ability to posture themselves and engage with peers. This patent aims to bridge that gap and enhance virtual interactions to resemble real-life experiences.

Another limitation of current video conferencing technologies arises in multi-participant conferences. Virtual conferences lack the ability for side conversations, private discussions, and effective communication. As numerous participants speak simultaneously, the software mixes the audio streams evenly, resulting in everyone speaking over each other. This hinders the creation of social connections and networking opportunities. Furthermore, when a significant number of video streams are involved, many existing video conferencing systems experience a drop in performance due to limitations in network bandwidth and computing hardware.

The patented solution tackles these issues by introducing an advanced method for video conferencing. Combining the use of multiple screens and avatars, the technology provides a unique virtual environment where participants can experience a sense of position, space, and place. Avatars act as virtual representations of each person in the conference, enabling attendees to engage more naturally and effectively.

Embodiments of this invention adjust volume levels intelligently, creating a more realistic spatial audio experience within the virtual conference. Additionally, users can share presentation streams on dedicated screens within the three-dimensional virtual environment, optimizing content delivery and collaboration. These screens allow simultaneous presentations, enabling smoother communication and seamless transitions between speakers.

The advantages of this patent extend beyond improved video conferencing experiences. It opens up possibilities for education, as virtual classrooms or training sessions can accommodate larger student numbers without compromising performance. Additionally, businesses can leverage this technology for virtual conferences, enhancing engagement and fostering meaningful connections among participants.

In summary, this patent tackles the inherent limitations of traditional video conferencing by offering a novel approach with multiple screens and avatars. Once implemented, the world of virtual meetings will undergo a transformation, allowing individuals to engage in a lifelike setting where social connections can flourish.

Although it is important to note that this patent signifies an inventive solution, there is no guarantee that it will appear in the market in the near future. The potential impact of this patent, however, paints a promising picture of how video conferencing could be revolutionized in the years to come.

P.S. This article is based on a recently filed patent (patent number: US11928774B2), and it is important to remember that there is no certainty about when or if this technology will be made available commercially.

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