Manager Elements for Remote Video Conference Signal Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current video conferencing technologies face challenges in effectively distributing information between participants, particularly in simulating a real-life meeting experience, as existing protocols for device discovery and interoperability are limited to physical proximity and fail to facilitate seamless data exchange across remote locations.
Innovation Solution
The system extends communication protocols beyond physical proximity by creating a dynamic virtual local area network, using manager elements to relay and coordinate signals across endpoints, enabling intelligent and autonomous data exchange between participants, regardless of their physical location, through technologies like Bluetooth, infrared, and IP connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing communication protocols are used for device discovery and interoperability, then device interaction works within physical proximity, but data exchange fails across remote locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a manager element as an intermediary component that mediates between local and remote endpoints. The manager element receives signals from local endpoints, translates them into network-compatible formats, and relays them to remote manager elements, which then distribute them to appropriate remote endpoints. This intermediary mechanism enables seamless data exchange across remote locations while maintaining the reliability of existing protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal communication framework where the manager element can handle multiple communication protocols and signal types (audio, video, data, control signals). This multi-functional approach allows the system to accommodate various device types and communication methods, enabling reliable data exchange between diverse endpoints regardless of their physical location.
2Ease of operation
If video conferencing aims to simulate real-life meeting experience, then participant interaction becomes more realistic, but information distribution becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the manager element autonomously manages signal distribution without requiring manual user intervention. The system automatically detects which endpoints should receive which signals based on the conference configuration and participant visibility, then autonomously routes the signals accordingly. This self-service approach maintains the realism of in-person interaction while simplifying the user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the manager element continuously monitors the conference state, including which participants are visible to each other and the current signal distribution status. Based on this feedback, the manager dynamically adjusts signal routing to ensure that information is distributed appropriately as participants join, leave, or change their visibility settings, maintaining realistic interaction patterns.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the system maintains continuous connectivity during conference, then participant interaction remains seamless, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions by establishing and maintaining persistent connections between local and remote manager elements before actual data exchange occurs. The system pre-configures the communication pathways, authentication mechanisms, and signal routing rules, so that when data needs to be transmitted, the infrastructure is already in place and ready for immediate operation. This preliminary setup ensures stable connectivity without adding complexity during active use.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving data associated with a local endpoint that is configured to participate in a video conference. The local endpoint can be configured to detect a signal generated by a local end user device and to relay the signal to a local manager element. The method also includes transmitting the signal over a network to a remote manager element at a remote location. In more specific embodiments, the method includes receiving an additional signal from the remote manager element, and determining a selected local endpoint to receive the additional signal from the remote manager element.