Nested Private Videoconference Within Main Conference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current videoconferencing systems lack the ability to conduct private discussions among participants without interrupting the main conference, forcing users to resort to offline methods.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for initiating a private videoconference within a main videoconference, where a subset of endpoints can communicate directly without using the multipoint control unit (MCU), allowing the main conference to continue uninterrupted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If participants use offline methods (email, chat, cell phones) for private discussions, then privacy is maintained, but convenience and integration with the videoconference are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested videoconference structure where a private videoconference is embedded within a main videoconference. Participants can initiate a private conference during the main conference, and the system manages multiple conference layers simultaneously. The private conference participants remain connected to the main conference infrastructure while establishing a separate communication channel, allowing them to return to the main conference seamlessly after the private discussion ends.
2Ease of operation
If a private videoconference is initiated within the main videoconference, then convenience is improved, but network visibility and routing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary controller that manages the complex routing between main conference participants and private conference participants. The intermediary receives videoconference information from main conference endpoints, selectively forwards it to private conference participants, and routes private conference audio/video back to appropriate endpoints. This intermediary layer abstracts the routing complexity from individual endpoints while enabling the nested conference structure.
3Reliability
If direct transmission is used for private videoconference, then network visibility is minimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic transmission control where the system adaptively switches between different transmission modes. During private conference segments, the system dynamically establishes direct transmission paths between relevant endpoints while maintaining the ability to revert to the main conference routing. The intermediary controller dynamically manages which endpoints receive which streams, creating flexible, time-varying transmission topologies that balance privacy with system manageability.
Data Source
AI summary
Conducting a private videoconference within a videoconference. A videoconference may be established between a plurality of endpoints. Input may be received requesting the private videoconference for a plural subset of the plurality of endpoints. The private videoconference may be established between the plural subset of the plurality of endpoints. The initial videoconference may continue during the private videoconference. Private videoconference data may be transmitted only to the plural subset of endpoints of the private videoconference. The private videoconference may be sent directly between the plural subset of endpoints or may be sent via a multipoint control unit, e.g., of the initial videoconference. The private videoconference data may not be sent to the remaining endpoints of the initial videoconference.