Cross-Platform Conferencing Bridge Merging Audio Video Streams

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current audio video conferencing systems require participants to use the same service and software, which can be inconvenient as users may not be registered with the required service and must download unfamiliar software, limiting flexibility and compatibility.

Innovation Solution

A device or method that merges data streams from different conferencing services by concurrently presenting or providing audio/video streams, allowing users to connect across different platforms without needing the same unified communication service, using encryption keys and translating usernames for cross-platform compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users must use the same conferencing service for all participants, then system compatibility is ensured, but user convenience and flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-platform compatibilityVSAvoiduser registration and software installation burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a bridge device as an intermediary between different conferencing services. This bridge receives data streams from multiple conferencing services (e.g., Webex, Teams, Zoom) and merges them into a unified stream, eliminating the need for all users to use the same service while maintaining seamless communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge device provides universal compatibility by supporting multiple conferencing services simultaneously. It can receive streams from different services and translate them into a common format, allowing a single device to handle diverse input sources without requiring separate processing for each service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If users must download and learn new software applications, then service functionality is optimized, but time consumption and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconference connection reliabilityVSAvoiduser registration and software learning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge device acts as a mediator that handles the complexity of connecting different conferencing services. Users only need to join the conference through their preferred service once, and the bridge manages the technical complexities of integration, translation, and stream merging in the background.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge device performs self-service by automatically handling the technical tasks of stream merging, encryption key management, and username translation without requiring user intervention. This eliminates the burden of manual configuration and learning complex integration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If users are restricted to familiar conferencing services, then operational ease is maintained, but adaptability to different platforms deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefamiliarity with conferencing softwareVSAvoidability to connect across different services

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge device enables users to stick with their familiar conferencing services while still achieving cross-platform connectivity. Each user joins their preferred service (e.g., Webex for some, Teams for others), and the bridge translates between these different services, maintaining user comfort while enabling versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If data streams from different services are merged, then cross-platform conferencing is enabled, but system complexity and encryption management increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-service conferencing capabilityVSAvoidencryption key management and stream processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge device centralizes the complex tasks of encryption key management and stream processing in a dedicated intermediary component. It handles the technical complexities of receiving encrypted streams from different services, managing multiple encryption keys, and merging streams into a unified output, shielding users from these complexities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11171795B2Systems and methods to merge data streams from different conferencing platforms

Publication Date: 2021.11.09 LENOVO SWITZERLAND INTERNATIONAL GMBH

AI summary

In one aspect, a device includes at least one processor and storage accessible to the at least one processor. The storage includes instructions executable by the at least one processor to receive a first data stream from a first conferencing service operated by a first conferencing service provider and to receive second data stream from a second conferencing service operated by a second conferencing service provider. The instructions are then executable to merge the first and second data streams.