Dynamic Encoder Assignment for Multi-Party Conference Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited resources of multi-party conference systems restrict the number of concurrent participants due to resource-intensive encoders, necessitating an efficient method for managing encoder resources.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that include an image quality determination module and an encoder assignment module to dynamically assign and reassign encoders based on image quality requests, network state, and system state, prioritizing encoder retrieval across conferences to optimize resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the MCU operates multiple encoders to support more concurrent participants, then the number of concurrent participants increases, but the system resource consumption increases and the system becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic encoder allocation where the MCU can flexibly assign and reassign encoders to different participants based on real-time system conditions. The encoder assignment is not static but adapts dynamically to maintain system stability while maximizing participant capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting encoder assignment configurations. When system resources become constrained, the MCU modifies the assignment parameters to retrieve encoders from certain participants and reassign them to others, thereby maintaining overall system stability while supporting maximum concurrent participants.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the MCU assigns encoders to all requesting terminals, then all terminals receive image service, but encoder resources are exhausted and new participants cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an encoder retrieval mechanism where the MCU can discard (reclaim) encoders from existing participants and recover them for reallocation. When encoder resources are exhausted, the system selectively retrieves encoders from certain terminals to make them available for new participants, ensuring continuous service coverage while managing limited resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal encoder pool where encoders can serve multiple purposes and be assigned to different participants as needed. Rather than dedicating encoders to specific terminals, the system makes encoders multi-functional, allowing any encoder to service any terminal that requires image processing capabilities.
3Productivity
If the MCU retrieves encoders from existing participants to serve new terminals, then new participants can join, but existing participants may experience degraded service quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation by allowing different participants to receive different image service qualities based on their encoder assignments. When encoders are retrieved and reassigned, the system adjusts the image quality parameters locally for affected participants rather than maintaining uniform quality across all terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial action by selectively retrieving encoders from only certain participants rather than uniformly reducing service across all existing terminals. The MCU chooses which participants to retrieve encoders from based on system conditions, applying the resource reallocation action partially rather than universally to minimize service degradation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing multi-party conference and a method for assigning an encoder in the apparatus are provided. The apparatus for providing multi-party conference according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an image quality determination module configured to determine an image providing quality for a terminal connected to a multi-party conference created in the apparatus; and an encoder assignment module configured to assign an encoder to the terminal based on the image providing quality, wherein when an assignable encoder does not exist at the time of assigning the encoder, the encoder assignment module retrieves one encoder among previously assigned encoders and assigns the retrieved encoder to the terminal.