Decentralized VoIP Session Control Across Multiple Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Voice over IP (VoIP) systems typically establish a single connection to an Internet telephony service provider, limiting the ability to seamlessly manage and control VoIP sessions across multiple devices, such as a display and a handset, especially in scenarios where the devices are not in close proximity.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized system and method that allows VoIP sessions to be controlled and conducted using a handset connected via local communication means, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, with both devices capable of communicating with an Internet Telephony Service Provider, enabling synchronization of audio and video inputs and outputs across devices for a seamless user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single connection to the Internet telephony service provider is established, then the system architecture remains simple, but the ability to seamlessly manage and control VoIP sessions across multiple devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the VoIP session management by separating the control functions. The first user equipment establishes and maintains the connection to the service provider, while the second user equipment can join the session without establishing a separate connection. This segmentation allows multiple devices to participate in VoIP sessions while maintaining a simple single connection architecture to the service provider.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are used for VoIP sessions, then the versatility and user experience improve, but the synchronization of audio and video inputs and outputs becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the service provider as an intermediary to coordinate audio and video streams between multiple user equipments. The service provider receives and processes media streams, enabling synchronization across devices without requiring direct peer-to-peer coordination between the user equipments. This mediator approach simplifies the synchronization complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices are not in close proximity, then the flexibility of device placement improves, but the quality of local communication means connection (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements multi-functionality by allowing user equipments to communicate through multiple pathways. Devices can switch between direct local communication (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi) when in proximity and service provider-mediated communication when apart. This universal communication capability ensures reliable VoIP sessions regardless of device proximity or available connection quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A video communication apparatus is described, which includes a receiver for receiving video data from an internet telephony service over a communication channel, a display screen for playing the received video data received by the receiver, a wireless module for communication with a handset, and a processor configured to coordinate playing of the received video data on the display screen in synchronization with playing, by the handset, of audio data received by the handset from the internet telephony service. A handset is also described, which includes a receiver to receive audio data from an internet telephony service over a communication channel, an audio output to play the received audio data received by the receiver, a wireless module to communicate with a display device, and a processor. The processor can synchronize, using the wireless module, play of the received audio data on the audio output with display, by the display device, of video data received by the display device from the internet telephony service.