Speakerphone Embedding Control Data in Audio for Conference Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conferencing systems face limitations in efficiently exchanging data during audio or video conferences, particularly due to disruptive and time-consuming methods of in-band signaling and the need for separate communication channels, which disrupt conversations and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A conferencing system that enables endpoints to communicate data, including control signals, using various communication protocols such as IP-based, modem, serial I/O, and Low Profile Signaling Protocol (LPSP), allowing control data to be embedded in audio information and exchanged between endpoints, with a bridge architecture that detects and decodes embedded control data to manage conference functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If in-band signaling is used to exchange data during conferences, then data exchange capability is improved, but conversation quality deteriorates due to disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an out-of-band communication channel as an intermediary for data exchange, separate from the audio conference channel. This allows control data and information to be transmitted without interfering with the voice conversation, eliminating the disruption caused by in-band signaling while maintaining data exchange capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate communication channels are established for data exchange, then data exchange capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing audio conference infrastructure multi-functional by enabling it to carry both voice communication and data exchange simultaneously through different protocols and channels. The conference bridge and endpoints are enhanced to handle both audio and data traffic, eliminating the need for completely separate communication systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate communication channels are used for data exchange, then data exchange capability is improved, but communication cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data exchange and voice communication into a unified conference system, allowing both functions to share the same infrastructure and network resources. By combining these functions rather than maintaining separate channels, the system reduces overall communication costs while maintaining full data exchange capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for improved audio, video, and data conferencing. The present invention provides a conferencing system comprising a plurality of endpoints communicating data including audio data and control data according to a communication protocol. A local conference endpoint may control or be controlled by a remote conference endpoint. Data comprising control signals may be exchanged between the local endpoint and remote endpoint via various communication protocols. In other embodiments, the present invention provides for improved bridge architecture for controlling functions of conference endpoints including controlling functions of the bridge.