Conferencing Bridge Polling via Embedded Control Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conferencing systems face limitations in efficiently exchanging data during audio or video conferences, particularly due to disruptive and time-consuming methods of in-band signaling and the need for separate communication channels, which disrupt conversations and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A conferencing system that enables endpoints to communicate data, including control signals, using various protocols such as IP-based, modem, serial I/O, and Low Profile Signaling Protocol (LPSP), allowing data to be embedded in audio information and exchanged between endpoints via existing communication channels, with a bridge architecture that detects and decodes control data to manage conference functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If in-band signaling is used to exchange data during conferences, then data communication is achieved, but conversations are disrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data communication and audio communication into a single integrated channel. The conferencing system transmits both audio data and control data through the same communication infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate signaling channels and avoiding conversation disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication channel is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - carrying both voice/audio data and control/data signals. This multi-functional approach allows the system to exchange conference control information while maintaining continuous audio communication without requiring dedicated separate channels.
2Reliability
If separate communication channels are established for data exchange, then data communication reliability is improved, but costs increase and conversation continuity is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges data and audio channels into one unified communication path. By transmitting control data and audio simultaneously over the same channel, the patent eliminates the need for establishing separate communication connections, thereby maintaining conversation continuity while enabling reliable data exchange.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional signaling protocols are used, then control functions can be implemented, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conferencing system implements a universal communication channel that handles both audio and control functions. This approach reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for separate signaling infrastructure while maintaining full control capabilities through integrated data transmission within the audio channel.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for improved audio, video, and data conferencing. The present invention provides a conferencing system comprising a plurality of endpoints communicating data including audio data and control data according to a communication protocol. A local conference endpoint may control or be controlled by a remote conference endpoint. Data comprising control signals may be exchanged between the local endpoint and remote endpoint via various communication protocols. In other embodiments, the present invention provides for improved bridge architecture for controlling functions of conference endpoints including controlling functions of the bridge.