PSTN Videoconference Content Sharing via SMS
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Solution Overview
Problem
PSTN-connected participants in videoconferences are often unable to receive or send video content, images, chat messages, and polls due to limitations in Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) connections, excluding them from full participation in videoconferences.
Innovation Solution
Implementing techniques to send additional videoconference content, such as images and chat messages, to PSTN-connected participants via text messaging protocols like SMS or MMS, using conference monitoring components that detect video status change events and employ machine learning algorithms to optimize data transmission, allowing bidirectional communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PSTN connections are used for videoconference participation, then audio communication is enabled, but video content and additional features (images, chat, polls) cannot be received or sent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that converts video content, images, chat messages, and polls into audio representations (descriptions, transcriptions, or synthesized speech) that can be transmitted through PSTN audio channels. This intermediary conversion process enables PSTN participants to access visual and text-based conference content through audio output devices like speakers or connected display devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/technical limitation of PSTN audio-only transmission with a software-based content conversion system. Machine learning algorithms and content rendering systems substitute for the missing video transmission capability, transforming visual information into audio-compatible formats that preserve the essential information content.
2Adaptability or versatility
If IP-based connections are required for full videoconference participation, then all features (video, images, chat, polls) are accessible, but PSTN participants with unavailable or unsupported IP connections are excluded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal access mechanism that allows a single PSTN connection to serve multiple conference participation needs. The system renders various types of content (video frames, images, chat messages, poll results) into a unified audio format that can be delivered through standard PSTN infrastructure, making the conference accessible to participants regardless of IP connectivity availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameter from visual data (requiring IP-based video protocols) to audio data (compatible with PSTN). By transforming the content representation from pixels and text to audio waveforms or speaker output, the system adapts to the PSTN's technical parameters while preserving the informational content.
3Adaptability or versatility
If video content is transmitted to PSTN participants via audio conversion, then inclusivity is enhanced, but transmission complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the conference system automatically detects PSTN participant connections and dynamically renders appropriate content without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously converts video content to audio representations, manages multiple content types, and handles the complexity of cross-platform compatibility, freeing participants from technical configuration burdens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary content rendering and conversion in advance of actual playback. Video frames, images, and other visual content are pre-processed into audio-compatible formats, with machine learning models pre-computing descriptions and transcriptions. This preliminary action reduces real-time processing requirements during the conference itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A videoconference among a plurality of participants may be hosted, wherein the plurality of participants comprise Internet Protocol (IP)-connected participants and a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)-connected participant. The IP-connected participants may send and receive audio content and video content of the videoconference via IP-based connections. The PSTN-connected participant may send and receive the audio content of the videoconference via a PSTN connection. Additional content from the videoconference may also be transmitted to the PSTN-connected participant, for example as text messages via the PSTN connection. The additional content may include, for example, images of a videoconference screen share, chat posts, polls, and the like. Images may be transmitted in the additional content based on video status change events, such as switching slides or pages in a screen share. In some examples, bidirectional messaging may allow contents of text messages from the PSTN-connected user to be displayed in the videoconference.