Set-Top Box Multi-Party Conference Call System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-party conference call systems require dedicated equipment and specialized knowledge, making them costly and inaccessible to users, as they often necessitate separate conference telephones and servers for multi-channel video and audio streaming.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a digital set-top box to implement multi-party conference calls by sending request messages to a network server for adding participants, distributing audio and video signals through the server, and converting them into multi-channel parallel signals for other participants, thereby enabling multi-party conferencing without the need for dedicated equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated conference telephones and servers are used for multi-party conference calls, then the quality and reliability of conference calls are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling set-top boxes, which are already widely deployed for digital television services, to perform multi-party conference call functions. Instead of requiring dedicated conference telephone equipment, the system allows existing set-top boxes to function as conference participants, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining conference call quality through the use of standard video conferencing protocols and server infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of digital television reception and video conferencing into a single set-top box system. By combining these functions, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated conference telephone equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable conference call capabilities through integrated hardware and software solutions.
2Reliability
If dedicated conference telephones and servers are used for multi-party conference calls, then the reliability of conference calls is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces implementation cost by making set-top boxes multi-functional devices that can handle both digital television and video conferencing. This eliminates the need for users to purchase expensive dedicated conference telephone equipment, as existing set-top boxes can be utilized for conference calls, thereby maintaining conference call quality while significantly reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows set-top boxes to autonomously participate in conference calls using their existing capabilities for video and audio processing. The set-top boxes self-configure to join conferences through standardized protocols, reducing the need for specialized installation and maintenance infrastructure, thereby lowering implementation and operational costs while maintaining reliable service quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If software-based multi-party conference call functions are added, then the cost is reduced, but the popularity is limited by software availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances adaptability by implementing video conferencing functionality at the set-top box hardware level rather than relying solely on software applications. This hardware-based approach allows any set-top box connected to the service provider's network to participate in conferences, regardless of specific software implementations, thereby expanding compatibility and popularity while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a standardized conferencing server as an intermediary that mediates between multiple set-top boxes using universal protocols. This intermediary approach allows different set-top box implementations to interoperate seamlessly, expanding software compatibility and popularity without requiring users to install specific conference call software, while keeping costs low by leveraging existing set-top box capabilities.
4Ease of operation
If set-top boxes are used for multi-party conference calls, then the ease of operation and popularity are improved, but the need for specialized equipment is eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves ease of operation by utilizing set-top boxes that are already present in most households with digital television service. Users can participate in video conferences using their existing set-top box without needing to acquire specialized conference telephone equipment, thereby dramatically improving user accessibility and popularity while effectively eliminating the need for dedicated conference equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, device, and system for implementing a multi-party conference call by using a set-top box. The method includes: in a conferencing state, the set-top box sending a network server that manages the conference a request message for adding another specified set-top box into the conference where the set-top box is located; and after the set-top box receives an acknowledgment message fed back by the network server for indicating that the specified set-top box has joined in the conference, distributing audio and/or video signals to be transmitted by the set-top box to other members of the conference through the network server.