Interactive videoconference apparatus

{
  "publication_number": "US11032517B1",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B1",
  "title": "Interactive videoconference apparatus",
  "abstract": "Techniques and apparatuses for interactive videoconferences are disclosed. Light sensors affixed to a frame in front of the electronic display associated with a host are configured to receive light from a localized area of the display. When a remote participant takes an action to cause a significant change in received light, by moving a dark object to a location such that it is rendered on the host electronic display in front of the light sensor, the light sensor asserts a signal. Based on the asserted signal, the state of an electrical and/or electromechanical device located at the premises of the host is changed in a way that is visible and/or audible to the remote participants via the videoconference system.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A method for operating an electrical device via a videoconference system, comprising: positioning a plurality of light sensors in front of a first electronic display at a first location, such that each light sensor of the plurality of light sensors receives light from a localized area of the first electronic display; detecting a change in received light level below a predetermined threshold for one or more light sensors of the plurality of light sensors based on a received video feed from a second location; asserting a signal for each of the one or more light sensors that detected the change in received light level; causing a visual change in an electric device located at the first location; sending images of the electric device to a second electronic display at the second location; wherein the second location is different from the first location.",
    "2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light sensors are affixed to a frame, and further comprising affixing the frame to the first electronic display.",
    "3. The method of claim 1, wherein the electric device comprises a motorized mechanical arm comprising a first motor and a second motor, the method further comprising: operating the first motor in response to detecting a change in received light level below a predetermined threshold for a first light sensor of the plurality of light sensors.",
    "4. The method of claim 3, further comprising operating the second motor in response to detecting a change in received light level below a predetermined threshold for a second light sensor of the plurality of light sensors.",
    "5. The method of claim 4, further comprising, changing an operating direction of the first motor in response to detecting a change in received light level below a predetermined threshold for a third light sensor of the plurality of light sensors.",
    "6. The method of claim 5, further comprising, changing an operating direction of the second motor in response to detecting a change in received light level below a predetermined threshold for a fourth light sensor of the plurality of light sensors."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The present invention relates generally to videoconferencing, and more particularly, to an interactive videoconference apparatus.\n\nVideoconferencing allows participants to share audio and video during a videoconference session. To conduct a videoconference session, the participants utilize multimedia endpoints, which are typically associated with computers, tablets, smartphones, or other capable device, and are connected to a wideband network such as the Internet. Videoconferencing systems can allow participants (users) in multiple locations to communicate simultaneously with one another using two-way video and audio transmissions. Videoconferencing systems typically offer a “gallery” view that allows participants to see the video of other participants. Thus, videoconferencing can be used to conduct meetings, teach courses, and many other possibilities.\n\nIn embodiments, there is provided a method for operating an electrical device via a videoconference system, comprising: positioning a plurality of light sensors in front of a first electronic display at a first location, such that each light sensor of the plurality of light sensors receives light from a localized area of the first electronic display; detecting a change in received light level below a predetermined threshold for one or more light sensors of the plurality of light sensors based on a received video feed from a second location; asserting a signal for each of the one or more light sensors that detected the change ...",
  "cpc": [
    "H04N 7/15",
    "B25J 13/00",
    "B25J 13/02",
    "B25J 9/1689",
    "G06F 3/1454",
    "G06F 3/147",
    "G09G 2354/00",
    "G09G 2360/144",
    "H04N 7/152"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B25J 13/00",
    "G06F 3/147",
    "H04N 7/14",
    "H04N 7/15"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Audie Tatum"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2021-02-22",
  "publication_date": "2021-06-08",
  "grant_date": "2021-06-08",
  "priority_date": "2021-02-22",
  "application_number": "US-202117181245-A",
  "family_id": "76213153",
  "cited_by_count": 3,
  "citations": [
    "US20090146982A1",
    "US20090167676A1",
    "US20170123932A1",
    "US20190313050A1"
  ]
}