Asymmetric Mute Authorization in Synchronous Conferencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video conferencing systems lack the ability to allow participants to communicate asymmetrically, forcing private discussions to be conducted outside the conference or through separate channels, limiting group interactions and privacy within the conference.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing synchronous communication conferences that enable mute requests between nodes, where a processor receives a mute request from one node to mute another, generates an authorization request, and transmits it to a third node for approval, allowing for private conversations within the conference by muting specific data streams based on authorization responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If participants communicate symmetrically by taking turns speaking, then interruptions and distractions are reduced, but the ability to have private discussions within the conference is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The conference communication is segmented into different streams - a symmetric turn-based communication stream for general discussion and an asymmetric private communication stream for confidential discussions. This allows participants to choose the appropriate communication mode for different purposes while maintaining both within the same conference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetric communication where specific participants can send private messages to subsets of other participants without requiring mutual response or turning. This asymmetric mode coexists with the traditional symmetric turn-based communication, providing versatility in communication styles within the conference.
2Loss of information
If participants leave the conference to discuss sensitive topics privately, then private communication is achieved, but time is lost and conference productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The conference is segmented into different communication channels within the same session. Participants can access a private communication channel that allows sensitive discussions to continue within the conference framework, eliminating the need to leave the conference while maintaining privacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism - the private communication stream managed by the conference server - that enables confidential discussions without requiring participants to exit the conference. This intermediary channel preserves both privacy and time efficiency.
3Loss of information
If separate communication channels are used for private discussions, then privacy is maintained, but device complexity and system overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conference server is designed with multi-functionality, handling both the symmetric turn-based communication and the asymmetric private communication through a unified system architecture. This universal approach maintains privacy through separate logical channels while avoiding the complexity of entirely separate communication systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods for managing nodes of a synchronous communication conference are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more processors that receive a mute request from a second conferencing node to mute a first synchronous communication data stream designated for transmission to a first conferencing node. The one or more processors generate a mute authorization request for requesting authorization for the mute request from a third conferencing node and transmit the mute authorization request to the third conferencing node for display by the third conferencing node.