Dynamic Transducer Selection for Multi-Terminal VoIP Calls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in coordinating the operation of multiple audio or video transducers and terminals during voice or video calls over packet-based networks, such as VoIP, especially when users have multiple devices with different capabilities and locations.
Innovation Solution
A communication system and method that analyze inputs from multiple transducers and terminals to select the optimal transducers and terminals for use in calls, allowing for dynamic switching and resource allocation between them, enabling improved user experience through enhanced call handling and media stream management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple audio or video transducers are used in a communication system, then the call quality and user experience are improved, but the coordination complexity between transducers and terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects and switches between different transducers and terminals based on current call conditions, user preferences, and resource availability. The client application can change which audio input, audio output, video input, or video output is active during a call, allowing the system to adapt to varying requirements without manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the client application monitors the performance and status of multiple transducers, analyzes which ones are currently providing the best call quality, and adjusts selections accordingly. This feedback loop enables automatic optimization of call quality while managing coordination complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple terminals with client applications are deployed, then the versatility and availability of communication resources are improved, but the difficulty of managing and coordinating these terminals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The client application is designed to be universal across multiple terminals, with each terminal capable of functioning as a standalone communication device or as part of a coordinated multi-terminal system. The same client software can run on desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices, providing consistent functionality while enabling versatile resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The client application acts as an intermediary layer between the user and multiple transducers/terminals, abstracting away the complexity of coordinating multiple devices. The client manages the selection and switching between different terminals and transducers, presenting a simplified interface to the user while handling the coordination complexity internally.
3Ease of operation
If automatic selection of transducers is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the extent of automation increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service automatic transducer selection where the client application autonomously determines which transducers to use based on predefined user preferences, current call conditions, and available resources. Users can configure their preferences once, and the system automatically applies these settings during calls without requiring manual intervention for each transducer selection.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a packet-based communication system for conducting voice or video calls over a packet-based network. A client application on a first terminal is configured to determine an availability of one or more other, second user terminals installed with other instances of the client application, and to present a near-end user with an option to select one of said second user terminals for use by the near-end user in conjunction with the first user terminal when conducting a voice or video call with a far-end user via the client instances and packet-based communication system; thereby enabling the voice or video call to be conducted using the second terminal to consume or generate at least one stream of the call whilst the first user terminal concurrently generates or consumes at least another stream of the call or controls the call.