Instant Messaging Videoconference URL Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing instant messaging systems lack seamless integration of multi-point video and audio communication, making it difficult to conduct desktop-based videoconferencing within the IM system without perceiving two separate systems being used.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize a videoconference URL to initiate a videoconference between users in an instant messaging system, allowing users to join a videoconference session by clicking on the URL, even if they are not registered or logged in on the videoconferencing system, by integrating videoconferencing functionality into the IM system through a VC Plug-in module and VC Client module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If videoconferencing functionality is integrated into the IM system through plug-in modules, then seamless multi-point video communication is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseamless integration of videoconferencingVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The videoconferencing system is segmented into independent functional modules: VC Client module for user interaction, VC Plug-in module for integration with IM system, and VC Server for core videoconferencing operations. This modular architecture allows seamless integration while managing complexity through clear separation of concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The VC Plug-in module acts as an intermediary between the IM system and the videoconferencing functionality. It bridges the two systems, enabling seamless integration without requiring the IM system to directly handle complex videoconferencing operations, thus managing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If users can join videoconferences without pre-installing software, then ease of operation improves, but system reliability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser accessibility to videoconferencesVSAvoidvideoconference session stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The VC Client module is pre-installed and configured on user devices before videoconferencing sessions. This preliminary setup ensures that when users receive videoconference invitations via the IM system, they can immediately join reliable sessions without needing to install software at the moment of invitation, thus maintaining both ease of operation and system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The VC Client module serves multiple functions: it handles videoconferencing sessions, manages user presence information, and communicates with both the IM system and VC Server. This multi-functionality ensures that users can reliably join videoconferences without pre-installing separate software, as the VC Client is already integrated into their IM environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8872884B2System and method for combining instant messaging and video communication systems

Publication Date: 2014.10.28 VIDYO INC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for initiating videoconferences in instant messaging systems is described, including posting of a videoconference URL in the instant messaging chat window if any of the desired participants of the videoconferencing session is unavailable, so that the unavailable participants can simply click on the videoconference URL and join the videoconferencing session.