MCU Private Session Audio Mixing in Multipoint Conferences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multipoint conference technologies cannot enable private sessions within a conference without interrupting the original conference or allowing private discussion content to be shared with non-participants.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that allow participants to establish a private session by sending audio code streams specifically to private session participants while maintaining normal audio mixing for the main conference, using an MCU to manage private session requests and audio mixing tables, and optionally utilizing multiple audio channels for separate transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If audio code streams are mixed and sent to all participants except speakers, then all participants can hear each other in the conference, but private communication between participants cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the audio distribution system into multiple independent channels: public conference channels and private session channels. The MCU creates separate audio mixing instances for private sessions, allowing specific participants to communicate privately while the main conference continues independently. This segmentation enables private communication without affecting the overall conference structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the MCU establishes separate code stream channels for private sessions between specific participants. This intermediary channel system allows private communication to be routed independently from the public conference audio streams, enabling selective audio distribution without requiring complete system redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate private session channels are established, then private communication is enabled, but the system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal audio mixing architecture where the MCU maintains a single audio mixing instance that can dynamically serve both public conference sessions and private sessions. The same audio processing resources are reused across different session types, allowing the system to handle multiple session types simultaneously without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic session management where the MCU can flexibly create, modify, and terminate private sessions based on participant requests. The audio routing configuration is dynamically adjusted to establish temporary private channels between specific participants while maintaining the overall conference structure, allowing adaptability without permanent system complexity increases.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for realizing a private session in a multipoint conference is provided. The method includes: establishing, by a multipoint control unit (MCU), a private session according to a private session establishment request carrying private session participant identifiers (IDs) sent by a private session initiator, and sending audio code streams of private session participants corresponding to the private session participant IDs. A device for realizing a private session in a multipoint conference is further provided. Thus, a part of participants can discuss privately while normally listening to the content of the multipoint conference.