Methods, equipment, and computer-readable storage media for lifting video conferencing muting restrictions

Abstract

This invention provides a method, device, and computer-readable storage medium for unmuting in video conferencing. The method includes: receiving a muting request from the chairperson, wherein the muting request carries permission information allowing a client to unmute; sending a muting notification to the client according to the muting request to mute the client; and when a muting unmute request is received from a target client, sending a speaking notification to the target client according to the unmute request and permission information, wherein the target client is one or more clients. This invention can automatically unmute clients, improving the efficiency of video conferencing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to, but is not limited to, the field of video conferencing technology, and in particular to a method, device, and computer-readable storage medium for unmuting during video conferencing. Background Technology

[0002] Video conferencing refers to a meeting where people in two or more locations conduct face-to-face conversations via communication devices and networks. Depending on the number of participating locations, video conferencing can be divided into point-to-point meetings and multi-point meetings. Currently, due to the needs of social development, video conferencing is increasingly used in various occasions, especially in multi-person meetings such as presentations and training sessions. Since multiple people participate in the video conference through their own terminals, multi-person meetings are often set up as multi-point meetings. However, currently used video conferencing terminals, once joined in a multi-point meeting, can be muted by the operator of the chairperson's terminal. Subsequent speakers must then privately send messages to the chairperson's terminal requesting unmute, which is inconvenient. If multiple people request unmute, the operator of the chairperson's terminal needs to spend considerable time frequently performing these operations, impacting meeting efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The following is an overview of the subject matter described in detail herein. This overview is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0004] This invention provides a method, device, and computer-readable storage medium for unmuting during video conferencing, which can automatically unmute users and improve the efficiency of video conferencing.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for lifting a muting session in a video conference, applied to a multi-point control terminal, wherein the multi-point control terminal communicates with a chairperson terminal and multiple clients respectively, and the method includes:

[0006] Receive a mute request from the chairman, wherein the mute request carries permission information allowing the client to lift the mute;

[0007] A mute notification is sent to the client according to the mute request in order to mute the client;

[0008] When a mute request is received from a target client, a speaking notification is sent to the target client based on the mute request and the permission information, wherein the target client is one or more of the clients.

[0009] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a method for lifting a muting restriction in a video conference, applied to the chairman's end, wherein the chairman's end communicates with multiple clients through a multi-point control terminal, and the method includes:

[0010] A mute request carrying permission information allowing the client to be unmuted is sent to the multipoint control terminal, so that the multipoint control terminal sends a speaking notification to the target client based on the permission information and the mute unmuting request from the target client, wherein the target client is one or more of the clients.

[0011] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a method for lifting a muting restriction in a video conference, applied to a client, wherein the client communicates with the chairman via a multi-point control terminal, and the method includes:

[0012] The system receives a mute notification sent by the multipoint control terminal and performs a mute operation based on the mute notification. The mute notification is generated by the multipoint control terminal based on a mute request sent by the chairman terminal that carries permission information allowing the client to lift the mute.

[0013] When the client is in a speaking state, it sends a mute release request to the multipoint control terminal;

[0014] The system receives a speaking notification generated by the multi-point control terminal based on the mute release request and the permission information, and releases the mute according to the speaking notification.

[0015] Fourthly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a video conferencing unmute device, comprising: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes one of the following when running the computer program:

[0016] The method for lifting a muting ban in a video conference as described in any of the first aspects;

[0017] The method for lifting the muting ban in video conferencing as described in the second aspect;

[0018] The method for lifting the muting in a video conference as described in any of the third aspects.

[0019] Fifthly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, the computer-executable instructions being configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0020] The method for lifting a muting ban in a video conference as described in any of the first aspects;

[0021] The method for lifting the muting ban in video conferencing as described in the second aspect;

[0022] The method for lifting the muting in a video conference as described in any of the third aspects.

[0023] This invention includes the following steps: First, receiving a mute request from the chairperson, wherein the mute request carries permission information allowing the client to lift the mute; second, sending a mute notification to the client based on the mute request to mute the client; and finally, sending a speaking notification to the target client based on the mute release request and the permission information allowing the client to lift the mute. This invention, by including permission information allowing the client to lift the mute when sending a mute request from the chairperson to the multipoint control terminal, allows the client to simply send a mute release request to the multipoint control terminal when it needs to lift the mute. The multipoint control terminal will then lift the mute of the corresponding client based on the mute release request, eliminating the need for chairperson intervention, thus improving efficiency and meeting efficiency.

[0024] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims, and drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the technical solutions of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the technical solutions of the present invention, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a video conferencing system for the video conferencing unmute method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the multi-point control terminal of the video conferencing unmute method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of activating the unmute function according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of configuring and enabling the unmuting function according to instructions in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of recording permission information according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the process of receiving a request to turn on the microphone according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the process of sending a speech notification according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the mixing process in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of disabling the function to allow unmuting in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the video conferencing unmute method from the chairman's end according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the client-side process of the video conferencing unmute removal method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the process of opening the microphone according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 13 This is an interactive diagram illustrating the self-unbanning mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 14 This is an interactive diagram illustrating the disallowed self-unbanning mechanism in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 15 This is an interactive diagram illustrating the process of lifting the mute restriction on the chairman's end according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 16 This is an interactive diagram illustrating the client's self-unbanning process according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 17 This is an interactive diagram illustrating how the client is not allowed to unmute itself according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 18 This is an interactive diagram illustrating the self-unbanning process of the chairman in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 19 This is an interactive diagram illustrating how the chairman's side is not allowed to unmute himself in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0046] It should be noted that although functional modules are divided in the device schematic diagram and a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be performed in a different order than the module division in the device or the order in the flowchart. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and the aforementioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0047] The terms used in the embodiments of this invention will be explained below.

[0048] MCU (Multi-Control Unit) is a crucial component of video conferencing systems. When video conferences are held at more than two locations, the MCU must aggregate, distribute, and switch signals from multiple locations, and control the conference. The MCU acts like a switch, serving as the processing point for aggregating and exchanging audio, video, data, and signaling signals from various video conferencing terminal devices, and is cascaded with other MCUs.

[0049] A GK (Gatekeepe) is an information security device that uses a solid-state switch with multiple control functions to connect two independent host systems. Because the two independent host systems are isolated by the GK, there is no physical connection, logical connection, or information transmission protocol between the systems. There is no protocol-based information exchange; only protocol-free data file transfer occurs. Therefore, the GK physically isolates and blocks all network connections that could potentially attack the internal network, preventing external attackers from directly intruding, attacking, or damaging the internal network, thus ensuring the security of the internal hosts.

[0050] A gateway (GW), also known as an internetwork connector or protocol converter, is a complex network interconnection device that operates above the network layer. It is used to interconnect two networks with different high-level protocols. Gateways can be used for both wide area network (WAN) and local area network (LAN) interconnection. A gateway is a computer system or device that acts as a translator. Used between two systems with different communication protocols, data formats, languages, or even completely different architectures, a gateway is a translator. Unlike a bridge, which simply forwards information, a gateway repackages received information to suit the needs of the destination system.

[0051] A router is a hardware device that connects two or more networks, acting as a gateway between them. It's a specialized, intelligent network device that reads the address in each data packet and determines how to transmit it. It understands different protocols, such as Ethernet used by a local area network (LAN) and TCP / IP used by the Internet. Thus, a router can analyze the destination address of data packets from various types of networks, converting non-TCP / IP addresses to TCP / IP addresses, or vice versa; then, based on the selected routing algorithm, it transmits each data packet to its designated location along the optimal route. Therefore, a router can connect non-TCP / IP networks to the Internet.

[0052] A Wide Area Network (WAN), also known as an external network or public network, is a long-distance network that connects computers in different local area networks (LANs) or metropolitan area networks (MANs). It typically spans a large physical area, covering distances from tens to thousands of kilometers. It can connect multiple regions, cities, and countries, or even cross several continents, providing long-distance communication and forming an international network.

[0053] Circuit-switched networks: Circuit switching refers to the process of establishing connections on demand and allowing these connections to be dedicated until they are released. A circuit-switched network contains a physical path and supports a single connection between two endpoints during the network connection process. Traditional voice telephone services implement circuit switching through the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) (not VoIP). During a user's call, the telephone company assigns a specific physical path to the user's calling number, which is dedicated to the connection between the two endpoints.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 The video conferencing system includes two different terminals: the H323 terminal and the H320 terminal. The H323 terminal can be understood as the chairperson's end, where the host or speaker initiates the video conference; the H320 terminal can be understood as the client, where participants join the conference and can speak if needed.

[0055] Reference Figure 1 The video conferencing system also includes an MCU, GK, GW, and communication network.

[0056] The MCU is the control core of video conferencing. When there are more than two terminals participating in the conference, the MCU must be used for control to complete image exchange, audio mixing and control between the terminals.

[0057] The GK is used to manage H323 terminals, MCUs, and GWs, and to perform address translation. It is also used to manage bandwidth, control access, and configure optional components of the communication protocol for H323 terminals.

[0058] The GW is used to enable interoperability between terminals with different protocols to complete communication protocol conversion; it is also used to convert video [H.264 / H.263 / H.261], audio [G.719 / G.722.1C / G.722 / G.711], etc.

[0059] The communication network is used to connect the H323 and H320 terminals to the MCU. The transmission channel can be fiber optic, cable, microwave, or satellite. The communication network can be E1, IP, or ISDN. With the development of the Internet based on TCP / IP, IP broadband network has become the main network for carrying video services. Therefore, IP broadband network can be specially selected to facilitate interconnection with other networks.

[0060] In related technologies, once a client joins a multi-point conference and is muted by the chairperson, the client will only receive a message such as "You have been muted" even if it turns on its microphone in subsequent operations, and will not be able to speak. This is extremely inconvenient for many user scenarios, especially video conferences with hundreds or thousands of participants.

[0061] Based on this, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for unmuting in video conferencing, which can automatically unmute and improve the efficiency of video conferencing.

[0062] The embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] Reference Figure 2 This invention provides a method for lifting a muting restriction in a video conference, applied to a multi-point control terminal, which communicates with the chairperson and multiple clients respectively. The method includes:

[0064] Step S100: Receive a mute request from the chairman, wherein the mute request carries permission information that allows the client to lift the mute;

[0065] Step S110: Send a mute notification to the client according to the mute request to mute the client;

[0066] Step S120: When a mute release request is received from the target client, a speaking notification is sent to the target client based on the mute release request and permission information, wherein the target client is one or more clients.

[0067] It should be noted that the multi-point control terminal can be understood as an MCU.

[0068] This invention is applied to a multi-point control terminal. First, the multi-point control terminal receives a mute request from the chairperson, wherein the mute request carries permission information allowing the client to lift the mute. Second, the multi-point control terminal sends a mute notification to the client based on the mute request to mute the client. Finally, the multi-point control terminal sends a speaking notification to the target client based on the mute release request and the permission information allowing the client to lift the mute. This invention, by including permission information allowing the client to lift the mute when the chairperson sends a mute request to the multi-point control terminal, allows the client to simply send a mute release request to the multi-point control terminal when it needs to lift the mute. The multi-point control terminal will then lift the mute of the corresponding client based on the mute release request, eliminating the need for chairperson intervention, thus improving efficiency and convenience.

[0069] Understandably, referring to Figure 3-4 Before receiving a mute request from the chairperson, the method also includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0070] Step S130: Activate the pre-configured function to allow unmuting;

[0071] Enable the pre-configured function to allow unmuting, including but not limited to the following steps:

[0072] Step S131: Obtain configuration instructions to configure the function of allowing the chairman and client to lift the mute;

[0073] Step S132: Obtain the activation command to enable the function that allows the chairman and client to unmute.

[0074] It should be noted that, on the one hand, a new configuration item, "Allow terminals to automatically unmute," has been added to the system configuration, and can be set to "Yes" or "No" according to different video conferencing needs; on the other hand, a new configuration item, "Allow terminals to automatically unmute," has been added to the meeting templates, and defaults to the video conferencing system configuration. When this configuration item is set to "Yes" in the video conferencing system, the current video conferencing terminal is allowed to automatically unmute itself by turning on its microphone. When this configuration item is set to "No," if the current video conferencing terminal is muted, even if it turns on its microphone, it will only request to speak from the multipoint control terminal, and the multipoint control terminal will not allow the current video conferencing terminal to speak. Therefore, the current video conferencing terminal cannot automatically unmute itself by turning on its microphone.

[0075] It should be noted that the "Allow terminals to automatically unblock speaking" configuration option can be changed at any time during video conferencing.

[0076] It should be noted that when the configuration item "Allow terminals to automatically unblock speech" is set to "Yes":

[0077] When the terminal turns on its microphone, the MCU receives the message and immediately allows the terminal to speak;

[0078] When the terminal turns off the microphone, after the MCU receives the message, it only needs to display the microphone status on the conference control page and does not need to change the mixing status.

[0079] When a terminal is banned from speaking, the terminal will mute its microphone and display the message "The platform has banned this meeting from speaking. You can unban yourself."

[0080] When a terminal is allowed to speak, it is notified to synchronize its state. The terminal displays "The platform has allowed this meeting room to speak."

[0081] It should be noted that when the configuration option "Allow terminals to automatically unblock speaking" is configured to "No":

[0082] When the terminal turns the microphone on or off, the MCU only needs to display the status after receiving the message; it does not need to change the mixing state.

[0083] When speaking is prohibited by the terminal, the terminal will display "The platform has prohibited speaking in this meeting. You can apply to have your speaking prohibited."

[0084] When the terminal is allowed to speak, the terminal displays "The platform has allowed this meeting room to speak".

[0085] It should be noted that the "Allow terminals to automatically unblock speaking" configuration option can be changed at any time during the meeting.

[0086] Understandably, referring to Figure 5 In step S100, that is, after receiving the mute request from the chairman, the method further includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0087] Step S140: Record the permission information that allows the client to lift the ban.

[0088] It should be noted that by recording the corresponding permission information, it is convenient to read the recorded permission information when the client requests to lift the ban, and to lift the client's ban status based on the permission information.

[0089] Understandably, referring to Figure 6 Receiving a request to lift the ban from the target client in step S120 includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0090] Step S121: Receive a request from the target client to turn on the corresponding microphone.

[0091] Understandably, referring to Figure 7 Sending a notification to the target client in step S120 includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0092] Step S122: Send a speaking notification to the target client corresponding to the microphone.

[0093] Understandably, referring to Figure 8 The method also includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0094] Step S134: Receive the status information of the target client, wherein the status information indicates that the microphone of the target client is in the on state;

[0095] Step S135: When the multi-point control terminal is in the state of allowing the unmute function to be lifted, a meeting participation instruction is sent to the target client according to the status information so that the target client can join the mixing conference.

[0096] It should be noted that when the multi-point control terminal is in the state where unmute is allowed, that is, the function of allowing unmute is enabled, the target client can be added to the mixing conference based on the microphone's open status, thus improving the efficiency of the conference.

[0097] It should be noted that when the status information indicates that the microphone is off, after the multipoint control terminal receives the message, it only needs to display the microphone off status on the conference control interface, without changing the current state of the mixing conference.

[0098] Understandably, referring to Figure 9 The method also includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0099] Step S136: Receive change information from the chairman's end, and disable the function to allow unmuting based on the change information. The change information indicates that the chairman's end has canceled the muting, gone offline, or released the token.

[0100] It should be noted that the function to allow unmuting can be turned off through the relevant operations on the chairman's end, making the operation more convenient and further improving the efficiency of the meeting.

[0101] Reference Figure 10 This invention provides a method for lifting a muting restriction in a video conference, applied to the chairperson's end. The chairperson's end communicates with multiple clients through a multi-point control terminal. The method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0102] Step S200: Send a mute request carrying permission information allowing the client to be unmuted to the multipoint control terminal, so that the multipoint control terminal sends a speaking notification to the target client based on the permission information and the mute unmuting request from the target client, wherein the target client is one or more clients.

[0103] This invention is applied to the chairperson's end. First, when the chairperson needs to mute a client, they send a mute request to the multi-point control terminal. This mute request carries permission information allowing the client to unmute. Second, upon receiving the mute request, the multi-point control terminal sends a mute notification to the client to mute them. Finally, when the multi-point control terminal receives a request to unmute the client, it sends a speaking notification to the target client based on the unmute request and the permission information, allowing the client to unmute. This invention, by including permission information when sending a mute request from the chairperson to the multi-point control terminal, allows clients to unmute themselves simply by sending the unmute request to the multi-point control terminal. The multi-point control terminal then unmutes the client based on the request, eliminating the need for chairperson intervention, thus improving efficiency. Furthermore, when multiple people are speaking, the chairperson can control some clients to mute in order to maintain order in the meeting. However, the mute clients can still speak normally and independently when they need to speak later, without the chairperson having to manually unmute them, thus improving meeting efficiency.

[0104] Reference Figure 11 This invention provides a method for lifting a muting session in a video conference, applied to a client-side application. The client communicates with the chairperson via a multi-point control terminal. The method includes, but is not limited to, the following steps:

[0105] Step S300: Receive a mute notification sent by the multipoint control terminal and mute the client according to the mute notification. The mute notification is generated by the multipoint control terminal based on a mute request sent by the chairman terminal that carries permission information allowing the client to lift the mute.

[0106] Step S310: When the client is in speaking mode, send a request to lift the mute to the multipoint control terminal;

[0107] Step S320: Receive a speaking notification generated by the multi-point control terminal based on the mute release request and permission information, and release the mute according to the speaking notification.

[0108] It should be noted that the speaking state can be understood as the state in which the holder of the client is required to speak.

[0109] This invention is applied to the client side. First, when the client receives a mute notification from the multi-point control terminal, it mutes the client according to the notification. The mute notification is generated by the multi-point control terminal based on a mute request sent by the chairperson terminal, carrying permission information allowing the client to lift the mute. Second, when the client speaks (i.e., is in a speaking state), it sends a mute-lift request to the multi-point control terminal. Finally, the client receives a speaking notification generated by the multi-point control terminal based on the mute-lift request and permission information, and lifts the mute according to the speaking notification. This invention's multi-point control terminal mutes clients through mute notifications, generated by the chairperson terminal based on a mute request carrying permission information allowing the client to lift the mute. When a client needs to lift the mute, it only needs to send a mute-lift request to the multi-point control terminal, which then lifts the mute based on the request. No chairperson terminal intervention is required, making the operation convenient and improving meeting efficiency.

[0110] Understandably, referring to Figure 12 The ban will be lifted according to the notification, including:

[0111] Step S321: Turn on the microphone according to the speaking notification.

[0112] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 13-15 The interaction between the chairman terminal on the side where the multi-point control terminal is located and the client during the process of muting or unmuting, is further described in this embodiment of the invention.

[0113] Reference Figure 13 The multi-point control terminal includes a voice function unit and a conference control unit. First, the chairman's terminal initiates a mute request according to the needs of the meeting. This mute request carries permission information that allows the client to lift the mute, and the chairman's terminal controls its own mute. Second, the voice function unit receives the mute request and transmits the permission information to the conference control unit. The conference control unit records the permission information that allows the client and chairman to lift the mute. Then, the conference control unit transmits the mute command to the voice function unit. The voice function unit generates a mute notification according to the mute command and sends the mute notification to the client. The client then mutes according to the mute notification.

[0114] When a client wants to speak, it sends a request to turn on its microphone to the voice function unit. The voice function unit reports this request, and the conference control unit, based on the authorization information, allows the client to be unmute and sends an unmute command to the voice function unit. The voice function unit responds to the client's unmute request, unmutes the client, and then sends the response information back so that the client is aware that it has been unmuteed, without requiring any additional action from the chairperson. In other words, when the terminal represented by the client turns on its microphone, the MCU receives the message and can immediately allow the terminal to speak.

[0115] Reference Figure 14 ,and Figure 13 The process differs from the previous one. When the chairperson initiates a mute request based on the needs of the meeting, the mute request does not carry permission information to allow the client to lift the mute. Therefore, in subsequent steps, even if the client turns on the microphone, the meeting control unit will not allow the client to speak.

[0116] Reference Figure 15 The chairperson can unmute clients. First, the chairperson sends an unmute request to the voice function unit, carrying permission information that allows the corresponding client to unmute. The chairperson can also unmute itself. Second, the voice function unit receives the permission information and sends it to the conference control unit. However, the conference control unit is configured not to allow clients to unmute themselves; it only allows the chairperson's permission information to send unmute commands to the voice function unit. Then, when a client sends a request to turn on its microphone, the voice function unit reports the request to the conference control unit, which then unmutes the client based on the microphone request.

[0117] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 16-17 The interaction between the client side and the multi-point control terminal during the process of muting or unmuting in the embodiments of the present invention will be further described.

[0118] Reference Figure 16 and combined Figure 13 The client sends a request to turn on the microphone. The conference control unit receives the request and records the microphone status. At the same time, it allows the client to unmute. The conference control unit sends the unmute command to the voice function unit. After unmute, the voice function unit sends the response information to the conference control unit. The conference control unit then sends it to the client, so that the client knows that the mute has been lifted.

[0119] Reference Figure 17 ,and Figure 16 The difference in operation is that the meeting control unit does not unmute the client; the response message is a notification that the mute is not lifted.

[0120] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 18-19 The interaction between the chairman's side and the multi-point control terminal during the process of muting or unmute in the embodiments of the present invention will be further described.

[0121] Reference Figure 18 In the previous steps, the chairperson initiated a mute request based on the needs of the meeting. This mute request carried permission information allowing both the client and the chairperson to unmute the user. When the chairperson sends a request to turn on the microphone to the voice function unit, it connects with... Figure 14 The operation process is the same and will not be repeated here.

[0122] Reference Figure 19 The chairperson's end is set to not allow itself to unmute. When self-unmute is not allowed, the chairperson's end will initiate a mute request based on the needs of the meeting without carrying relevant permission information. When the chairperson's end requests to turn on the microphone, the meeting control unit sends the command to disallow unmute to the voice function unit, but the voice function unit will not respond, and the chairperson's end will not unmute itself.

[0123] It should be noted that, to complement the video conferencing unmute method of this embodiment, the microphone icons and microphone indicator lights of the terminals represented by the chairperson and client can be adaptively adjusted. For example:

[0124] When the terminal is muted, the microphone icon changes to a muted state and the microphone indicator light turns off;

[0125] The terminal automatically unmutes, the microphone icon changes to pickup mode, and the microphone indicator light illuminates;

[0126] The terminal is passively unmuted, the microphone icon changes to a mute state, and the microphone indicator light illuminates;

[0127] The terminal cannot automatically unmute the user, but the microphone is turned on. The microphone icon remains muted, and the microphone indicator light flashes briefly before turning off. At the same time, a "Request to Speak" operation is performed. Pressing the microphone once executes a request to speak, but it does not unmute the user.

[0128] It is understood that the present invention also provides a video conferencing unmute device, comprising: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program as follows:

[0129] A method for unmuting participants in video conferencing with multiple control points;

[0130] Methods for lifting muting during video conferences applied to the chairperson's end;

[0131] Methods for unmuting during video conferences applied to client-side applications.

[0132] The processor and memory can be connected via a bus or other means.

[0133] Memory, as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store non-transitory software programs and non-transitory computer-executable programs. Furthermore, memory may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-transitory memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other non-transitory solid-state storage device. In some embodiments, memory may optionally include memory remotely located relative to the processor, and these remote memories can be connected to the processor via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0134] It should be noted that the non-transitory software program and instructions required to implement the video conferencing unmute removal method of the above embodiments are stored in memory. When executed by the processor, the video conferencing unmute removal method of the above embodiments is executed, for example, the method described above is executed. Figures 2 to 12 The corresponding methods and steps.

[0135] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0136] It is understood that the present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions for performing at least one of the following:

[0137] A method for unmuting participants in video conferencing with multiple control points;

[0138] Methods for lifting muting during video conferences applied to the chairperson's end;

[0139] Methods for unmuting during video conferences applied to client-side applications.

[0140] The computer-executable instructions of the present invention are executed by a processor or controller, for example, by a processor in the above-described device embodiments, causing the processor to perform the video conferencing unmute method described above, for example, performing the above-described... Figures 2 to 12 The corresponding methods and steps.

[0141] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that all or some of the steps and systems in the methods disclosed above can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, and suitable combinations thereof. Some or all of the physical components can be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, digital signal processor, or microprocessor, or as hardware, or as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. Such software can be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which can include computer storage media (or non-transitory media) and communication media (or transient media). As is known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible to a computer. Furthermore, as is known to those skilled in the art, communication media typically contain computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and may include any information delivery medium.

[0142] The above is a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for unmuting a video conference, applied to a multipoint control terminal, the multipoint control terminal being in communication with a chairman terminal and a plurality of client terminals respectively, the method comprising: receiving a muting request from the chairman terminal, wherein the muting request carries permission information allowing the client terminals to be unmuted; sending a muting notification to the client terminals according to the muting request, so as to mute the client terminals; when a muting unmuting request from a target client terminal is received, sending a speaking notification to the target client terminal according to the muting unmuting request and the permission information, wherein the target client terminal is one or more of the client terminals.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, Before the receiving of the muting request from the chairman terminal, the method further comprises: starting a pre-configured function of allowing unmuting; the starting of the pre-configured function of allowing unmuting comprises: obtaining a configuration instruction to configure the function of allowing the chairman terminal and the client terminals to be unmuted; obtaining an opening instruction to start the function of allowing the chairman terminal and the client terminals to be unmuted.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, After the receiving of the muting request from the chairman terminal, the method further comprises: recording the permission information allowing the client terminals to be unmuted.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, The receiving of the muting unmuting request from the target client terminal comprises: receiving a request from the target client terminal to open a corresponding microphone.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The sending of the speaking notification to the target client terminal comprises: sending the speaking notification to the target client terminal corresponding to the microphone.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving state information of the target client terminal, wherein the state information indicates that a microphone of the target client terminal is in an open state; when the multipoint control terminal is in a state of allowing unmuting, sending a participation instruction to the target client terminal according to the state information, so as to make the target client terminal join a mixing conference.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving change information from the chairman terminal, and closing the function of allowing unmuting according to the change information, wherein the change information indicates that the chairman terminal cancels muting, goes offline or releases a token. 8.A method for unmuting a video conference, applied to a chairman terminal, the chairman terminal being in communication with a multipoint control terminal and a plurality of client terminals, the method comprising: sending a muting request carrying permission information allowing the client terminals to be unmuted to the multipoint control terminal, so as to make the multipoint control terminal send a speaking notification to a target client terminal according to the permission information and a muting unmuting request from the target client terminal, wherein the target client terminal is one or more of the client terminals. 9.A method for unmuting a video conference, applied to a client terminal, the client terminal being in communication with a multipoint control terminal and a chairman terminal, the method comprising: receiving a muting notification sent by the multipoint control terminal, and muting according to the muting notification, wherein the muting notification is generated by the multipoint control terminal according to a muting request sent by the chairman terminal and carrying permission information allowing the client terminal to be unmuted; when the client terminal is in a speaking state, sending a muting unmuting request to the multipoint control terminal; The multi-point control terminal receives a speech notification generated based on the speech un-muting request and the permission information, and unmutes according to the speech notification.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The un-muting according to the speech notification comprises: Turning on a microphone according to the speech notification.

11. A video conference unmuting device, comprising: A memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to perform one of the following: The video conference un-muting method of any one of claims 1 to 7; The video conference un-muting method of claim 8; The video conference un-muting method of any one of claims 9 to 10.

12. A computer readable storage medium storing computer executable instructions for performing at least one of the following: The video conference un-muting method of any one of claims 1 to 7; The video conference un-muting method of claim 8; The video conference un-muting method of any one of claims 9 to 10.

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