Mobile Client for Video Conference Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional video conferencing systems lack a user-friendly, mobile, and personalized method for ad-hoc scheduling and management of conference calls, especially from mobile communication devices, due to limitations in accessing stationary endpoints and managing shared resources across different networks and endpoints.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that enables conference call management from a mobile communication device through a client application communicating with a Conference Management server, allowing for scheduling, monitoring, and setup of video conferences across different protocols, with features like personalized settings and call logs, independent of internet connections or computer access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional video conferencing management system is used, then resource scheduling and conference management functions are provided, but the system requires computer access and internet connection, making it inaccessible from mobile devices

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMobile accessibilityVSAvoidSystem access requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A mobile communication device acts as an intermediary between the user and the conference management system. The device includes a client application that communicates with a conference management server via wireless networks, enabling mobile access without requiring traditional computer interfaces or direct internet connections to the management system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical computer access and wired internet connections with wireless communication mechanisms. The client application on the mobile device uses wireless networks to interact with the conference management server, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical access methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If multipoint calls are scheduled ad hoc through a management system, then conference scheduling is automated, but the user cannot access the system without a computer or internet connection

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAd-hoc conference schedulingVSAvoidAccess requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile communication device is designed to perform multiple functions including ad-hoc conference scheduling, resource management, and communication with the conference management server. The device can initiate and manage multipoint calls directly from the mobile interface, eliminating the need for separate computer-based access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If employees share access to video conferencing systems, then resource utilization increases, but personal information such as speed dial listings and call history is easily erased

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveResource sharing efficiencyVSAvoidPersonal configuration data

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores personal information locally on each mobile communication device rather than centrally on shared endpoints. Each device maintains its own configuration data, speed dial listings, and call history in local memory, ensuring that personal information remains with the user even when accessing shared conferencing resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of storing personal information on shared endpoints that can be overwritten, the system creates and maintains copies of personal data on each user's mobile device. This ensures that each user's personal information is preserved independently while still allowing access to shared conferencing systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Stability of the object's composition

If video conferencing endpoints are made stationary and fixed, then system stability is maintained, but mobility and flexibility for ad-hoc conferences is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEndpoint stabilityVSAvoidMobile conferencing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the stable, infrastructure-based conferencing endpoints from the mobile access interface. The conference management server and endpoints remain stable and fixed, while the mobile client application provides flexibility and mobility. This segmentation allows the system to maintain stability where needed while providing adaptability through mobile devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9009225B2System and method for conference management

Publication Date: 2015.04.14 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A method in a mobile communication device for communication over a wireless network for managing conference equipment, including: establishing a connection with a video conferencing management server via the wireless network; receiving information from the video conferencing management server, the information including one or more lists of entries from one or more phone books or personal information of a user of the mobile device; generating a user interface to allow the user to select one or more of the entries from the one or more phone books or personal information; and creating a control message, based on at least a selected one or more of the entries from the one or more phone books or personal information, that instructs the video conferencing management server to initiate or schedule a videoconference.