Sidebar Session Invitations for Audio-Only Conference Endpoints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conferencing systems disrupt main conference sessions when inviting audio-only endpoint devices to join a sidebar session, as they require interrupting the discussion to extend invitations, which is inconvenient and may violate privacy.
Innovation Solution
A conferencing system that allows audio-only endpoint devices to initiate or accept sidebar session invitations without disturbing the main conference by using an interactive voice response system for audio-only prompts and visual/textual notifications on separate channels, enabling private invitations and responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing conferencing systems use interrupt-based invitation methods for audio-only endpoints, then sidebar sessions can be initiated, but the main conference session is disturbed and privacy is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the invitation process into separate channels: visual notifications are sent to endpoints with display capabilities while audio-only endpoints receive text-based invitations through alternative means. This segmentation allows different invitation methods to coexist without interfering with the main conference audio stream, resolving the contradiction between enabling sidebar sessions and maintaining conference continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary notification mechanism that mediates between the sidebar session initiation request and the audio-only endpoints. Instead of directly interrupting the conference audio, the system uses intermediate text-based communication channels to convey invitation information, allowing audio-only participants to receive invitations without disturbing the main conference session.
2Ease of operation
If audio-only endpoints receive sidebar invitations through conference audio channel, then they can be invited, but other participants cannot maintain privacy of the sidebar session
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different invitation experiences to different endpoint types. Endpoints with display capabilities receive visual notifications that can convey invitation information privately, while audio-only endpoints receive text-based invitations through alternative channels. This localized approach to invitation delivery maintains privacy for all participants while accommodating diverse endpoint capabilities.
3Loss of information
If rich media endpoints use instant messaging for sidebar invitations, then privacy is maintained and no disturbance occurs, but audio-only endpoints cannot receive invitations without interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements universality by creating a multi-functional invitation system that serves both rich media and audio-only endpoints through different channels. The same sidebar session initiation request can be communicated to display-equipped endpoints via instant messaging and to audio-only endpoints via text-based alternative channels, making the system universally compatible while maintaining the privacy benefits of non-audio invitation methods.
Data Source
AI summary
A conferencing system and method includes, during the conference session, invoking an interactive voice response (IVR) routine that provides names of one or more conference participants to a user of an audio-only endpoint device responsive to a request from the user to create a sidebar session. An invitation to join the sidebar session is then communicated to each of one or more participants selected by the user, the invitation being communicated via a private media channel separate from a media stream associated with the conference session. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.