Multimedia Session Control via Multi-Device Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems restrict users to communicating multiple real-time media types, such as video, audio, and instant messages, from only a single computing device during a multimedia network session, limiting the use of devices like IP phones that offer desired features.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced to establish a multimedia network session where users can employ multiple computing devices by exchanging control information between devices, allowing direct communication channels to be set up between preferred devices, thereby enabling multiple devices to send and receive different media types without routing through a single session controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single computing device is used to communicate multiple real-time media types, then the system architecture remains simple and easy to manage, but the user cannot utilize multiple preferred devices (e.g., IP phone for audio, webcam for video) simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice usage flexibilityVSAvoidsession establishment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the session establishment process by introducing separate signaling entities (session controllers) that handle different media types independently. Each computing device can establish its own direct communication channels through these controllers, allowing multiple devices to be used simultaneously without requiring a single device to manage all media streams.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces session controllers as intermediary entities that facilitate communication between multiple computing devices. These controllers exchange control information and establish direct communication channels without requiring media to route through a single device, enabling flexible multi-device usage while maintaining system manageability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple computing devices are used to communicate different media types, then device utilization and user preference satisfaction improve, but control information management and session coordination become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol information exchange complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal session establishment mechanism where session controllers can handle multiple media types (audio, video, instant messages) through a common control information exchange protocol. This multi-functional approach allows the same infrastructure to support diverse communication scenarios without requiring separate management systems for each media type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by establishing control information exchange and direct communication channels before actual media transmission begins. Session controllers exchange necessary control information in advance to set up routing paths, ensuring that when media flows start, the pathways are already prepared and optimized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If all media streams are routed through a single session controller, then session management is centralized and simple, but direct communication channels between devices cannot be established

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesession management easeVSAvoidmedia transmission delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the media transmission path by establishing direct communication channels between computing devices for each media type, eliminating the need for media to traverse through a single centralized session controller. Session controllers retain management functions but no longer act as media routing bottlenecks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses session controllers as signaling intermediaries that facilitate channel establishment without becoming media transmission intermediaries. Control information flows through these controllers to set up direct paths, after which media flows directly between devices, reducing transmission delay while maintaining centralized management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8073956B2Multimedia communications using preferred devices

Publication Date: 2011.12.06 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Aspects of the present invention are directed at allowing users to establish a multimedia network session in which each user is allowed to employ multiple computing devices to exchange data. In this regard, a method is provided for collecting control information from at least two local computing devices associated with the first user that will participate in the network session. Then, an invitation message with the collected control information is sent to a computing device associated with a second user. In response, control information collected from one or more computing devices associated with the second user are obtained. The obtained control information is distributed to the appropriate local computing devices associated with the first user. As a result of exchanging control information in this way, a multimedia network session that allows users to employ a plurality of computing devices may be established.