Group Application Server Active Device Coordination for PTT Calls
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Push-to-Talk (PTT) communication systems, multiple mobile devices often automatically join a call, leading to unintended audio rendering and bandwidth inefficiency, as well as potential exposure of private calls, due to the lack of a mechanism to identify and manage active and non-active devices during group calls.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a Group Application Server and mobile devices to coordinate the operation of multiple mobile devices by identifying an active device and modifying the behavior of non-active devices, such as muting audio or adjusting display settings, to ensure only the active device receives and transmits media during a group call.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple mobile devices automatically join a PTT call, then all user devices can receive and transmit audio, but this causes bandwidth inefficiency and unintended audio rendering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the audio rendering function from non-active devices by identifying which devices should not participate in media transmission. The system determines active versus non-active devices and selectively prevents media transmission to non-active devices, thereby eliminating unnecessary bandwidth consumption while maintaining automatic joining capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality levels of participation to different devices based on their active status. Active devices receive full media transmission quality, while non-active devices have their media transmission blocked. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing automatic joining while optimizing bandwidth usage on a per-device basis.
2Ease of operation
If multiple mobile devices automatically join a PTT call, then all user devices can participate in the call, but this results in public exposure of private calls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts non-active devices from the media transmission path while maintaining their presence in the call signaling path. By identifying and excluding non-active devices from receiving media streams, the system prevents unintended audio rendering and protects call privacy while still allowing these devices to be part of the call group for coordination purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the server or coordinating device) that mediates between the automatic call joining function and privacy protection. This intermediary identifies active versus non-active devices and controls media distribution accordingly, allowing automatic joining while preventing privacy violations through intelligent mediation.
3Extent of automation
If multiple mobile devices automatically join a PTT call, then all user devices can transmit and receive media, but this creates bandwidth inefficiency due to unnecessary media transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification of active and non-active devices before media transmission begins. By determining device status in advance and configuring media routing accordingly, the system avoids unnecessary media transmission to non-active devices from the outset, eliminating bandwidth waste while maintaining automatic joining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies selective media transmission quality based on device activity status. Active devices receive and transmit media at full quality, while non-active devices have their media paths blocked. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing bandwidth usage for each device individually while preserving automatic call joining.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, Group Application Server, and mobile device are provided that coordinate an operation of multiple mobile devices of a same user in a group call. When the multiple mobile devices join the group call, a first mobile device of the multiple mobile devices determines that it is an active device and provides an indication of such to the Group Application Server. In response to receiving the indication, the Group Application Server identifies a second mobile device, of the multiple mobile devices, that is a non-active device and one or more of modifies subsequent communications with the second mobile device or conveys a behavior modification message to the second mobile device. In another embodiment of the present invention, the first mobile device may indicate that it is the active device directly to the second mobile device and the second mobile device modify its behavior accordingly.