Disaggregated Multimedia Room System for Flexible Stream Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional multimedia communication systems require specific, integrated hardware or software clients for video, audio, and content collaboration, limiting flexibility and customizability, especially in multi-site calls where a centralized Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) is needed for coordinating streams.
Innovation Solution
The Modular Room (MR) system disaggregates devices into a networked set of services and devices, allowing dynamic reconfiguration and management of multimedia streams, with a composing mechanism to combine streams into a composite format and an orchestration mechanism to manage stream order and sequencing, enabling flexible and customizable multimedia sessions across multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If integrated hardware or software clients are used for video, audio, and content collaboration, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and lack of flexibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the traditional integrated multimedia client into separate, independent electronic components (camera, display, audio device, control device) that can function independently or in combination. Each component has specific functionality, and they communicate through a network using standardized protocols, enabling both reliable operation and flexible reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic components are designed with universal interfaces and standardized communication protocols that allow them to work together in multiple configurations. The same camera can serve different functions in different meeting scenarios, and components can be shared across multiple meeting spaces, providing adaptability while maintaining system reliability through consistent interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If a centralized Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) is used for coordinating streams in multi-site calls, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and loss of time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the centralized MCU functionality and distributes it across multiple electronic components. Instead of requiring a dedicated central controller, any component can participate in stream coordination through standardized protocols, eliminating the need for complex centralized control infrastructure while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Electronic components autonomously manage their own stream coordination functions through standardized protocols. Each component can independently negotiate and coordinate video, audio, and content streams with other components without requiring centralized management, reducing system complexity while maintaining operational ease.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed pre-determined video stream formats are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic stream composition where video, audio, and content streams can be flexibly configured and reconfigured in real-time based on meeting requirements. The standardized interfaces ensure consistent quality, while the dynamic nature allows adaptation to different scenarios such as presentations, discussions, or remote speaker views.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic components support variable stream parameters including resolution, frame rate, and encoding formats that can be adjusted according to specific meeting needs. The standardized protocols maintain compatibility across different configurations while allowing parameter optimization for various scenarios, balancing precision with adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Functions and controls for multimedia sessions are shared amongst pluralities of electronic components, rather than run by a single control unit. A disaggregate multipoint control includes a plurality of electronic components which are, or can be, coupled over a network. The various components are configured to recognize the others and share functions and controls normally associated with a single endpoint device, in order to facilitate a multimedia session.