Videoconferencing Endpoint Bridge Control via DTMF and FECC Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current videoconferencing systems require advanced user knowledge and complex remote control devices to control bridges, leading to a frustrating user experience due to overloaded and non-ergonomic controls.
Innovation Solution
A method where a videoconferencing endpoint transmits DTMF and FECC signals to control the bridge, allowing users to interact with a UI menu within the video stream without needing to understand the signals, using a simple remote control device that does not require complex navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If DTMF and FECC signals are used to control the bridge, then bridge control functionality is achieved, but user complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer that translates simple user inputs (button presses on a remote control) into complex bridge control commands (DTMF and FECC signals). The remote control device serves as a mediator between the user and the bridge, handling the complexity of signal generation and sequence execution while the user only needs to perform simple actions like pressing buttons in sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the sequence of DTMF and FECC signals that need to be sent to the bridge. The remote control device is pre-programmed with the exact sequence of commands required to perform specific bridge control functions, so when the user presses a button, the entire complex signal sequence is automatically executed without the user needing to understand or manually compose each individual signal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex control signals are implemented, then bridge control capability is enhanced, but remote control device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device acts as an intermediary that encapsulates the complexity of DTMF and FECC signal generation. Instead of requiring the endpoint to directly generate and manage complex control signals, the remote control device handles all signal composition, timing, and sequencing, presenting a simplified interface to the user while maintaining full bridge control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a simplified remote control interface that copies or replicates familiar consumer electronics remote control patterns. By modeling the remote control after universally understood devices (with simple buttons for common functions), the system avoids requiring users to interact with complex technical interfaces while still achieving sophisticated bridge control through the translation layer.
3Measurement precision
If advanced user knowledge is required for control, then precise bridge manipulation is possible, but user accessibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote control device serves as an intermediary that shields users from the need for advanced technical knowledge. It automatically handles the precise generation and sequencing of DTMF and FECC signals required for accurate bridge manipulation, while users only need to understand simple button presses. This mediator layer maintains precise control capability while dramatically improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control device performs self-service by automatically composing and executing the complex sequences of control signals without user intervention. When a user presses a button, the remote control device autonomously generates the appropriate DTMF tones, waits for bridge responses, sends follow-up commands, and manages the entire interaction sequence, eliminating the need for users to understand or manually execute each control step.
Data Source
AI summary
Controlling a bridge in a videoconferencing system through a remote endpoint. The endpoint may receive a generic menu-navigation user input command, such as a navigation command from a simple remote control device. The endpoint may then convert the user input into a bridge control command comprising at least one of a dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signal or a far-end camera control (FECC) signal. The use of DTMF and FECC signals is transparent to the user.