Floor Control Mechanism for Push-to-Talk in Multimedia Conferencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multimedia conferencing systems face challenges in integrating push-to-talk (PTT) communication techniques with full duplex communication methods, particularly when half duplex endpoints, such as two-way radios, are involved, leading to difficulties in managing transmission capabilities and ensuring efficient communication.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a floor control mechanism within the conferencing system that allows for selective operation in either continuous mode or PTT mode. In the PTT mode, transmission capabilities are granted to endpoints based on floor control parameters, ensuring that only one endpoint can transmit audio data at a given time, thereby managing the integration of half duplex and full duplex endpoints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If full duplex communication techniques are used in conferencing sessions, then any participant may transmit voice input simultaneously and receive audio from other participants, but it becomes difficult to integrate half duplex endpoints such as two-way radios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a floor control mechanism as an intermediary layer between half duplex and full duplex endpoints. This mediator manages transmission capabilities by granting or denying access to the conferencing session based on floor control parameters, enabling seamless integration of different communication types without requiring complex endpoint-specific handling
2Reliability
If push-to-talk mode is implemented with floor control parameters, then transmission capabilities are selectively granted to ensure only one endpoint transmits at a time, but this increases the complexity of transmission management
Solution Approach 1:
The floor control mechanism dynamically adjusts transmission capabilities based on real-time floor control parameters. The system transitions between different states (granting, denying, revoking transmission rights) depending on the current conferencing mode and participant status, providing reliable communication control without requiring overly complex static structures
3Reliability
If PTT mode is used to manage half duplex endpoints, then transmission is regulated to prevent simultaneous transmission, but this reduces communication efficiency compared to full duplex
Solution Approach 1:
The conferencing system implements a universal communication framework that can operate in multiple modes (full duplex, PTT, hybrid) within the same session. The floor control mechanism adapts its behavior based on the mix of endpoint types present, allowing the system to maintain full duplex efficiency when possible while providing PTT regulation when half duplex endpoints are involved
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of providing push-to-talk communication techniques in a multimedia conferencing session are provided. For instance, a push-to-talk mode can be implemented in a conferencing session associated with a conferencing system comprising a plurality of endpoints. At least one of the endpoints can be a full duplex endpoint. A request for transmission capabilities can be received from a first endpoint. Transmission capabilities can be granted to the first endpoint based at least in part on one or more floor control parameters associated with the conferencing session. Subsequent to granting transmission capabilities to the first endpoint, audio data can be provided from the first endpoint to at least one endpoint of the plurality of endpoints in the conferencing session.