Transmission Terminal Relay Selection Using Preferential Ratings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing videoconference systems face delays in image and sound data reception when multiple conferences are held or when using narrowband paths, leading to unsatisfactory user experiences, as the selection of relay devices based on IP addresses may not balance the load effectively, resulting in inconsistent high-quality data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A transmission terminal and system that includes a memory for storing preferential ratings of relay devices, a transmitter to send start requests, a receiver to obtain ratings from counterpart terminals, and circuitry to select a relay device for content data relay using both local and counterpart terminal ratings, ensuring balanced load distribution and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If relay device selection is based on IP address similarity, then the load distribution may be simplified, but the load balancing effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having each terminal transmit its preferential rating information about relay devices to counterpart terminals. This feedback mechanism allows the system to iteratively improve relay selection by considering actual communication quality and user preferences rather than relying solely on static IP address similarity, thereby achieving better load balancing while maintaining ease of implementation through automated rating exchange.
2Device complexity
If relay device selection is based on IP address similarity, then the implementation is simple, but the transmission quality consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the selection parameter from static IP address similarity to dynamic preferential rating information that reflects actual communication quality. Terminals transmit and process rating data that encompasses multiple factors including network conditions and user preferences, enabling consistent high-quality transmission while keeping the implementation relatively simple through automated parameter exchange and processing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple relay devices are used without coordinated ratings, then the system scalability is improved, but the load distribution balance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the relay selection decision into individual terminal preferences. Each terminal independently transmits its own preferential rating information about available relay devices to counterpart terminals. This segmentation allows multiple relay devices to be supported for scalability while achieving balanced load distribution through coordinated selection based on mutual rating information, resolving the contradiction between system flexibility and load balancing effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission terminal includes a memory that stores first preferential rating information indicating a preferential rating of the transmission terminal in using each of a plurality of relay devices, a transmitter that transmits a start request for starting communication with a counterpart transmission terminal, a receiver that receives second preferential rating information indicating a preferential rating of the counterpart transmission terminal in using each of the plurality of relay devices, the second preferential rating information being transmitted from the counterpart transmission terminal in response to the start request, and circuitry that selects one relay device to relay content data between the transmission terminal and the counterpart transmission terminal, from the plurality of relay devices, using the first preferential rating information and the second preferential rating information.