Group Media Sharing via Server Mediation in PTT Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication systems, particularly those with Push-To-Talk (PTT) capabilities, face challenges in sharing large media files among group members without compromising voice communication integrity or overburdening device resources.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow wireless communication devices to share media files independently of PTT voice communications, using a server to store and distribute group-directed media, enabling users to send and receive files during or outside of PTT calls, with options for immediate delivery or later access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If large media files are sent through existing data channels in PTT systems, then media sharing capability is improved, but device resources are overburdened and communication integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that receives, stores, and distributes media files to group members. This server acts as a mediator between the sender and receivers, offloading the burden from mobile devices. The server handles large file transfers while devices maintain their lightweight PTT communication capabilities, thus preserving communication integrity while enabling media sharing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the media file storage and distribution function from the mobile devices and places it on a separate server infrastructure. By taking out this resource-intensive function from the devices, the system allows media sharing without overburdening device resources or compromising the reliability of PTT communications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If media files are transmitted through the same data path as PTT voice communications, then integration is improved, but communication quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into two distinct paths: one for PTT voice communications and another for media file transfers. The voice communication path maintains its real-time, low-latency characteristics, while the media path handles large file transfers through the server. This segmentation prevents media transmissions from interfering with voice communication quality while maintaining system integration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If device resources are allocated for handling non-voice data, then media processing capability is improved, but device performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary that handles all resource-intensive media processing tasks, including file storage, retrieval, and distribution. Mobile devices only need to initiate requests and receive notifications, performing minimal local processing. This approach improves media processing capability at the system level while maintaining high device performance for core PTT functions.
4Productivity
If group-directed media is sent during active PTT calls, then communication efficiency is improved, but floor control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server mediates media file transfers independently of the PTT floor control mechanism. When a user wants to share media during a call, the server handles the file transfer in the background without requiring the sending device to release or adjust the floor. This allows efficient media sharing during active calls while keeping floor control logic simple and unchanged.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and wireless communication device for sharing media in a group communication among a plurality of wireless communications devices, such as among a Push-to-Talk (PTT) group. A wireless communication device that is a member of the communication group can send group-directed media, such as graphics, multimedia and applications, to other members of the communication group, either during a ongoing PTT communication, or independently there from. In one embodiment, a communication computer device stores information on communication groups on the wireless communication network that includes the member wireless communication devices of one or more communication groups, and receives group-directed media from a sending wireless communication device sends the group-directed media either directly to the other member wireless communication devices of the communication group or stores the group-directed media such that the other member devices can access and download the group-directed media.