Conference Annotation System Timestamp Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conference call systems do not allow for real-time annotation of audio and video recordings, making it difficult to understand and locate notes taken during longer calls, as annotations are not associated with timestamps, and cannot be easily accessed in context during playback.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that records media streams from live voice calls, allowing participants to enter annotations with timestamps, which are indexed to specific locations in the recording, enabling easy retrieval and playback of annotations during or after the call, including metadata like text, audio, or video.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conference calls are recorded without annotations, then the recording process is simple, but it becomes difficult to understand and locate notes in longer recordings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds annotation metadata directly within the recording structure, nesting timestamp and annotation data within the media stream framework. This allows annotations to be integrated into the recording without requiring separate external systems, thus preserving context while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an annotation service as an intermediary component that mediates between the recording system and the playback system. This service handles the creation, storage, and retrieval of annotations with timestamps, allowing the core recording functionality to remain simple while enabling sophisticated annotation capabilities.
2Loss of information
If annotations are added to recorded calls, then notes can be understood in context, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annotation service is designed to be universal, working with any recorded media stream regardless of source or format. It provides multiple functions including creating annotations during calls, retrieving annotations by timestamp, and playing back annotations with their associated media, thereby reducing the need for specialized systems for different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows participants to self-service by entering annotations directly during the call using their own devices. The annotation service automatically processes these inputs, associates them with timestamps, and makes them available for retrieval without requiring manual processing or additional human intervention.
3Loss of time
If annotations are recorded with timestamps, then notes can be quickly located in long recordings, but the recording process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically generating and storing timestamps for annotations as they are created during the call. This preliminary indexing of annotations with their temporal locations enables rapid retrieval later without requiring complex search or navigation during playback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the recording into time-based units with associated annotations. Each annotation is independently timestamped and can be individually retrieved or played back, allowing users to jump directly to specific segments of interest rather than reviewing the entire recording sequentially.
4Productivity
If participants can enter annotations during the call, then real-time note-taking is enabled, but the call system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Participants use their own devices to enter annotations during the call, leveraging existing input capabilities of their devices. The annotation service receives these self-service inputs and processes them automatically, eliminating the need for specialized annotation input hardware or complex integrated interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for annotating a media stream from a live voice conversation, such as a conference call.