Network Video Call Recording with Backward Buffering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for video telephony do not allow for the efficient recording of video calls, particularly in a backward manner, especially for business or emotional moments, and do not support storing parts of a conversation that have already taken place.

Innovation Solution

A method that enables video calls to be stored in reverse, with a control unit in the telecommunications network managing the recording process, allowing for a significant delay in starting the recording from 10 seconds after the request, and accommodating multiple participants, using RTP for multimedia streams and SIP for signaling, with encryption and separate media storage for easier maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If video calls are recorded in real-time with conventional buffer memories, then the recording can be implemented, but the storage time is limited to fractions of a second or maximum 1-2 seconds

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage timeVSAvoidrecording system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the recording function from the terminal devices and places it on the network side (server). The control unit on the network receives recording requests from terminals and manages the recording process, separating the buffering function from the recording function. This allows the use of persistent storage on the server rather than temporary buffer memory on terminals, enabling storage times extending far beyond conventional buffer limits while reducing terminal device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control unit on the network as an intermediary between the terminal devices and the recording memory. This control unit receives recording requests from terminals, determines the request time interval, and controls the recording process. The intermediary manages the coordination between multiple terminals and the recording system, enabling backward recording functionality without requiring complex local implementations at each terminal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If the recording starts immediately upon request, then the recording responsiveness is improved, but it cannot record parts of the conversation that have already taken place

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversation historyVSAvoidrequest time interval
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary buffering on the network side where video data streams are temporarily stored before being written to persistent recording memory. The control unit maintains a buffer that holds video data for a request time interval (at least 10 seconds) before the recording request is made, enabling the system to rewind and record from points in the past conversation. This preliminary action allows the system to provide backward recording capability without significant time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple participants are recorded simultaneously, then the video conference functionality is improved, but the storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-participant supportVSAvoidstorage capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the video data streams from multiple participants and processes them through a common control unit on the network. Instead of requiring separate recording systems for each participant, the control unit receives individual video streams, applies the same recording logic to each, and stores them in the recording memory. This segmentation approach enables multi-participant recording while efficiently utilizing storage capacity through centralized management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2717569B1Method and system for improving and expanding the functionality of a video call
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP2717569B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2717569B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The method involves reproducing recording request by a of telecommunication terminal (2). Signaling information of the telecommunication terminal of a video data stream is provided based on another signaling information to store a request time interval of 10 seconds by a host memory (11). The former signaling information is provided as a stores video data. A request response is reproduced with a reproduction device (6) by another telecommunication terminal (1) while rejecting the former signaling information of the former telecommunication terminal. An independent claim is also included for a system for enhancing a functionality of a video telephone call between two participants using a telecommunication network.