Programmable Multimedia Controller for Video Telephony
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video calls and videoconferencing have not achieved broad-based adoption due to the requirement for special and expensive equipment, as well as the lack of open industry standards, making them inaccessible and complex for non-business users.
Innovation Solution
A programmable multimedia controller that interfaces with various devices to provide advanced telephony services like video calls and videoconferencing, using a user-friendly interface similar to conventional telephones or remote controls, allowing users to access these services without complex setup or learning arcane commands, and supports customization through a graphical programming environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If video calls and videoconferencing services are provided using special equipment (video camera, microphone, display, controller), then the service quality and functionality are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single device (telephony device or TV) to perform multiple functions - both conventional telephony operations and video calling/conferencing functions. The system integrates video camera, microphone, and display capabilities into existing devices, allowing them to serve dual purposes without requiring separate specialized equipment for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate functions (telephony control and video communication) into a unified system. The telephony device or TV becomes a combined control unit that manages both voice calls and video conferences, eliminating the need for separate controllers and reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary technology and closed standards are used for video calling services, then vendor-specific functionality is improved, but the adaptability and compatibility with other vendors' offerings deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by supporting multiple communication protocols and standards simultaneously. The telephony device or TV can operate with different video calling services and interoperate with various vendors' equipment through standardized interfaces, enabling broad compatibility without requiring proprietary closed systems.
3Ease of operation
If a user-friendly interface similar to conventional telephones is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the functionality for advanced telephony services may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer - a microprocessor-based control system with touchscreen interface - that mediates between the simple user interface and complex underlying functions. This intermediary translates basic user inputs (touchscreen selections) into sophisticated operations (video conferencing setup, protocol negotiation), maintaining simplicity while enabling advanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service through automatic configuration and setup procedures. The microprocessor-controlled device automatically handles complex tasks such as protocol selection, device pairing, and service configuration without requiring users to manually configure technical parameters, thus maintaining ease of operation while supporting diverse advanced services.
Data Source
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AI summary
A programmable multimedia controller which may be programmed to provide advanced, diverse telephony services including video phone calls, audio and video-conferencing, voicemail, text messaging and answering machine functions among others. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a touchscreen which is interfaced with the multimedia controller may be used as a virtual telephone, intercom or other communication or control device. By displaying a simulated telephone keypad, intercom controls or other appropriate controls on the touchscreen, a user may access both basic and advanced features and functions in a way that is intuitive and familiar. In an alternative embodiment, a simple remote control may be used with a television to enable user access to the same advanced telephony services as with the touchscreen. The programmable multimedia controller may be directly connected with conventional handsets to provided plain old telephone service (POTS) as well private branch exchange (PBX) service.