Side-Channel Audio Mixing for Private Conversations in Shared Sessions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional video conference technologies do not allow participants to engage in private conversations during shared communication sessions, such as online classes, without disrupting the main content or requiring separate conference channels.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that enable side-channel communications by combining audio streams from participant devices within a shared communication channel, allowing participants to form groups and mix audio streams to create a composite output, which includes both the host's audio and participant audio, while prioritizing the host's audio stream.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If participants use separate video conference channels for private conversations, then private communication capability is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprivate communication capabilityVSAvoidconference channel management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The audio channel is segmented into multiple independent streams: a shared channel for host communication and multiple side-channels for participant groups. Each side-channel operates independently within the main conference, allowing private conversations without requiring separate video conference channels. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing private communication capability while maintaining a unified conference structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a new dimension to the communication architecture by introducing side-channels that operate parallel to the main shared channel. Instead of creating entirely separate video conference channels (which would increase complexity), the system embeds private audio communication within the existing conference framework, effectively adding a dimensional layer without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If participants speak to the entire class during private conversations, then communication simplicity is maintained, but disruption to other participants increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication simplicityVSAvoiddisruption to other participants

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The audio transmission is segmented into directionally controlled streams. When a participant speaks in a side-channel, only members of that specific side-channel group receive the audio, while other participants in the shared channel do not hear the conversation. This segmentation maintains communication simplicity for the speaking participant while preventing disruption to others through selective audio routing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If conventional video conference technology is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but private conversation capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidprivate conversation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shared communication channel is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple communication needs simultaneously. It can route audio to different participant groups based on side-channel assignments, allowing the same infrastructure to support both public class communication and private participant conversations. This universality adds private conversation capability without requiring entirely separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces side-channels as intermediary structures that mediate between the shared channel and individual participant groups. These side-channels act as intermediaries that enable private communication while remaining integrated within the broader conference architecture, thus adding versatility without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11153442B1Systems and methods for facilitating side-channel communications during shared communication session

Publication Date: 2021.10.19 BANDE FITNESS LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for providing side-channel communications to supplement a shared communication channel are provided. Participant devices within a side-channel communication group are configured to receive a first audio stream associated with the shared communication channel and a second audio stream associated with the side-channel communication group. A host platform or a participant device may mix the first and second audio streams to produce a composite output audio stream that enables users to listen to both audio shared to shared communication channel and audio generated by other members of the side-channel communication group.