Single Decoder Multiplexing for Multiple Videoconferencing Streams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing videoconferencing systems face challenges in cost-effectively handling multiple videoconferencing streams, which is a desirable feature for cost-sensitive markets.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow users to select and decode multiple videoconferencing streams in real-time using user input, such as through a graphical user interface on various devices, while utilizing a single decoder or multiplexing a single decoder to handle multiple streams, thereby reducing hardware costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple videoconferencing streams are handled simultaneously, then user interaction and flexibility are enhanced, but hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple videoconferencing stream processing functions into a single decoder unit. The system receives multiple encoded video streams and uses one decoder to sequentially decode different streams based on user selection, merging what would traditionally require separate decoding hardware into a single shared resource, thereby reducing hardware costs while maintaining the ability to handle multiple streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The single decoder is designed to perform multiple functions by decoding different videoconferencing streams on demand. Rather than having dedicated decoders for each stream, the universal decoder can be dynamically assigned to decode any of the received streams based on user input, making the hardware adaptable to various streaming scenarios without requiring additional specialized components.
2Device complexity
If a single decoder is used to decode multiple videoconferencing streams, then hardware costs are reduced, but decoding speed and real-time performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic switching between different video streams being decoded. When a user selects a different stream, the decoder switches to decoding that stream while the previous stream decoding is suspended. This periodic action allows a single decoder to handle multiple streams sequentially, maintaining real-time performance for the active stream while minimizing hardware requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoder operates dynamically by changing its processing focus based on real-time user input and selection. Rather than attempting to decode all streams simultaneously at constant rates, the system dynamically adjusts which stream is being decoded at any given moment, optimizing the use of the single decoder's processing capacity to maintain speed for the currently selected stream while enabling multi-stream capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Supporting a plurality of videoconferencing streams in a videoconference. The method may include receiving the plurality of videoconferencing streams and may include decoding a first videoconferencing stream of the plurality of videoconferencing streams. The method may also include selecting, for decoding, a second videoconferencing stream of the plurality of videoconferencing streams. The second videoconferencing stream may not be the first videoconferencing stream. The method may further include decoding, in response to said selecting, the second videoconferencing stream of the plurality of videoconferencing streams.