Bidirectional PSTN Messaging for Videoconference Content Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
PSTN-connected participants in videoconferences are unable to receive or send video content, images, chat messages, and polls, limiting their participation in the conference.
Innovation Solution
The system allows additional videoconference content, such as images, chat messages, and polls, to be sent to and received from PSTN-connected participants via PSTN connections, using text messaging protocols, and displayed on their devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PSTN-connected participants are included in videoconferences, then participant accessibility is improved, but their ability to receive and send video content, images, chat messages, and polls deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments videoconference content into multiple types (video content, images, chat messages, polls) and delivers them through different channels. Video content is transmitted to IP-connected participants while additional content (images, chat, polls) is routed to PSTN-connected participants via text messaging protocols, allowing each participant type to receive appropriate content without overwhelming the PSTN connection
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism that converts videoconference content into text-based messages suitable for PSTN transmission. The additional content is transformed into a format compatible with text messaging protocols (SMS, MMS, etc.), enabling PSTN participants to access conference information without requiring video capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional videoconference content is transmitted to PSTN-connected participants, then their participation is improved, but the PSTN connection may be overwhelmed
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively transmitting only certain types of content (additional content such as images, chat messages, and polls) to PSTN-connected participants, while excluding video content. This partial transmission approach provides sufficient participation capability without overwhelming the PSTN connection with excessive data
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of content delivery by using text messaging protocols instead of video streaming protocols for PSTN participants. This parameter change in communication method reduces bandwidth requirements and connection load while maintaining participant engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A videoconference among a plurality of participants may be hosted, wherein the plurality of participants comprise Internet Protocol (IP)-connected participants and a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)-connected participant. The IP-connected participants may send and receive audio content and video content of the videoconference via IP-based connections. The PSTN-connected participant may send and receive the audio content of the videoconference via a PSTN connection. Additional content from the videoconference may also be transmitted to the PSTN-connected participant, for example as text messages via the PSTN connection. The additional content may include, for example, images of a videoconference screen share, chat posts, polls, and the like. Images may be transmitted in the additional content based on video status change events, such as switching slides or pages in a screen share. In some examples, bidirectional messaging may allow contents of text messages from the PSTN-connected user to be displayed in the videoconference.