Hybrid Unicast Multicast PoC Server for Large Group Calls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Push-to-talk-over-Cellular (PoC) systems do not effectively support large group calling, leading to network resource inefficiencies and user experience issues due to the lack of optimized methods for managing and delivering voice and control messages across wireless communications networks.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing servers to manage PoC call sessions through unicast and multicast transport bearers, enabling efficient delivery of voice and control messages by replicating messages across participants, employing staggered batch delivery and adaptive codec rates to optimize network resource usage and support large group calls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If unicast delivery is used for PoC messages in large group calls, then individual message delivery reliability is improved, but network resource consumption and server load increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemessage delivery reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines unicast and multicast transport bearers into a hybrid delivery mechanism. For large group calls, it uses multicast bearers to efficiently deliver messages to multiple participants simultaneously, reducing network resource consumption. For smaller groups or specific message types, unicast bearers ensure reliable individual delivery. This merging resolves the contradiction by leveraging the strengths of both delivery methods in appropriate contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the message delivery process into different stages and paths. Control messages are delivered via unicast for reliability, while voice messages in large groups use multicast for efficiency. The segmentation of delivery mechanisms based on message type and group size allows the system to optimize resource usage while maintaining necessary reliability levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If multicast delivery is used for PoC messages in large group calls, then network resource efficiency is improved, but compatibility and reliability for individual participants may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork resource efficiencyVSAvoidindividual message delivery reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic selection between unicast and multicast delivery based on real-time conditions. The system dynamically adjusts the delivery method according to group size, network conditions, and participant capabilities. This dynamic approach ensures that multicast is used for efficiency when appropriate, while unicast provides reliability fallback when needed, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If traditional PoC systems are used without optimized transport bearers, then system simplicity is maintained, but support for large group calling and network resource utilization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidlarge group calling support

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal PoC system that can handle both small and large group calls through a single hybrid transport bearer framework. The system is designed to be multi-functional, supporting unicast, multicast, and hybrid modes within the same architecture. This universality allows the system to scale from simple small-group calls to complex large-group calls without requiring separate systems, thus improving productivity while managing complexity through standardized multi-functional design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If unicast transport bearer is used for all PoC participants, then individual call quality is maintained, but scalability to large groups and network resource efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall qualityVSAvoidscalability to large groups

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new dimension to PoC delivery by adding multicast capability to the traditional unicast model. This dimensional expansion allows the system to handle large groups efficiently through multicast while maintaining unicast quality for individual participants. The hybrid approach operates in multiple delivery dimensions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between call quality and scalability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10111055B2Optimized methods for large group calling using unicast and multicast transport bearer for PoC

Publication Date: 2018.10.23 KODIAK NETWORKS INC

AI summary

A system and method for optimizing large group calling using unicast and multicast transport bearers for Push-to-talk-over-Cellular (PoC). One or more servers interface to a wireless communications network to perform advanced voice services for mobile units therein, including the PoC call session. The servers and mobile units communicate with each other using control messages, and the servers switch voice messages between mobile units. At least one of the servers manages the PoC call session by acting as an arbitrator, and controls sending of control messages and voice messages to and from mobile units. The server performs unicast and multicast delivery of control messages and voice messages to and from mobile units, thereby enabling large group calling involving a large number of participants with optimized use of network and server resources.