Distributed MCU Architecture for Video Conferencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized video conferencing systems face issues with large size, high cost, and single-point failure due to the need for oversized MCUs to handle peak conditions, as well as the requirement for administrators to manage multiple devices from different vendors, which complicates call setup and management.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for automatic generation and allocation of optimized setups of multiple end points to multi-site connection units in a distributed video conference system, allowing for cascaded MCU connections and decentralized management, where smaller MCUs are used directly in end points, and a single interface is provided for monitoring and administration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a centralized MCU is used to handle peak conditions, then call management capability is improved, but system cost and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized MCU into multiple distributed MCUs, each handling a portion of the conference participants. Instead of one large MCU handling all participants, multiple smaller MCUs work together in a distributed architecture, reducing individual device size while maintaining overall call management capability.
2Productivity
If a centralized MCU is used to handle peak conditions, then call management capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized MCU function across multiple distributed MCUs, allowing organizations to deploy smaller, more affordable devices at different locations. This distributed approach reduces the need for expensive oversized centralized hardware while maintaining the ability to handle peak conference conditions through coordinated multi-MCU operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If administrators manage multiple devices from different vendors, then device compatibility is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal management interface that can control multiple MCUs from different vendors through a single standardized access point. This interface abstracts the underlying device differences, allowing administrators to manage heterogeneous equipment without needing to understand vendor-specific operations, thus maintaining device compatibility while reducing operational complexity.
4Ease of operation
If a single interface is provided for monitoring and administration, then ease of operation is improved, but system architecture complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a management interface as an intermediary layer between the administrator and the distributed MCUs. This intermediary handles the complexity of communicating with multiple distributed devices, translating administrator commands into appropriate actions for specific MCUs, thus providing a simple single-point access while managing the underlying architectural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to conferencing network systems and more specifically to a method and a device for automatic generation and allocation of optimized setup of multiple end points (EPs) to multi site connection units (MCUs) in a distributed video conference system according to a weighting function.The invention further relates to a method and device for monitoring and administering distributed MCUs connected together and set up in a call in a distributed video conference system. By gathering and merging call information the method and system is capable of sending a specific command to the MCU capable of executing the command.