Multi-path Auxiliary Stream Control for Videoconferencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current videoconferencing systems using H.323 and H.239 protocols cannot efficiently manage multiple auxiliary streams, particularly when multiple conference sites need to simultaneously send and receive multiple images or videos, as they rely on a token management system that restricts simultaneous transmission of multiple streams.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that allocate tokens to multiple auxiliary streams across multiple nodes, allowing a control device to manage and instruct nodes to send multiple auxiliary streams by distributing tokens and sending indication messages, enabling simultaneous transmission of multiple streams across conference sites.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a token management mode is used in the PRE form, then a conference site that obtains the token can send an auxiliary stream, but only one auxiliary stream can be sent at a time and multiple conference sites cannot simultaneously send auxiliary streams

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauxiliary stream sending capabilityVSAvoidmultiple simultaneous auxiliary streams
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single token management into multiple independent tokens, where each token corresponds to a specific auxiliary stream. This allows multiple conference sites to simultaneously obtain different tokens and send multiple auxiliary streams concurrently, resolving the limitation of single-stream transmission while maintaining token-based access control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extends the token management from a single-dimension (one token for one stream) to multi-dimension (multiple tokens for multiple streams). By introducing token types and hierarchical structures, the system enables simultaneous auxiliary stream transmission across multiple conference sites while preserving the original token control mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If an extra PREAnnex logic channel is extended, then a node can send multiple auxiliary streams after obtaining a presentation token, but multiple conference sites still cannot simultaneously send auxiliary streams

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of auxiliary streams per nodeVSAvoidsimultaneous transmission across multiple nodes
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the token management system universal by enabling multiple nodes to simultaneously hold and utilize tokens. The control device can allocate different tokens to different conference sites, allowing each site to send auxiliary streams through the PREAnnex channel concurrently, thus extending the multi-stream capability from single-node to multi-node level

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device serves as an intermediary that manages token distribution across multiple conference sites. It allocates tokens to appropriate nodes based on conference needs and coordinates simultaneous auxiliary stream transmissions, enabling multi-node participation while maintaining system control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single presentation token is used, then token management is simple, but multiple auxiliary streams cannot be managed simultaneously across multiple conference sites

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetoken management structureVSAvoidauxiliary stream transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested token structure where tokens are organized in hierarchical levels. The control device can allocate parent tokens to conference sites and child tokens to specific auxiliary streams, creating a nested management system that maintains simplicity at the conference level while enabling detailed control at the stream level

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of token management by introducing token types, validity periods, and allocation rules. The control device can dynamically adjust token parameters to accommodate different conference scenarios, balancing management simplicity with transmission efficiency through configurable token characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3051773B1Multi-path auxiliary stream control method, control device, node and system
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3051773B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3051773B1 patent drawingFigure 3A
  • EP3051773B1 patent drawingFigure 3B

AI summary

The present invention provides a method and system for controlling multiple auxiliary streams, a control device, and a node, which can implement sending and receiving of multiple auxiliary streams of multiple nodes. The method includes: determining, by a control device, to allocate a token to m auxiliary streams, where the m auxiliary streams belong to n node or nodes, n ≥ 1, m ≥ 2, and m ≥ n; allocating a token to the m auxiliary streams; sending a token allocated to an auxiliary stream of a first node to the first node, where the first node is one node of the n node or nodes; and sending a first indication message to the first node, where the first indication message is used to instruct the first node to send a first auxiliary stream according to the received token, and the first auxiliary stream includes at least one auxiliary stream of the m auxiliary streams. The present invention is applicable to the communications field.