Uni-directional Media Stream for Pre-Call Visual Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video call systems do not allow receivers to visually identify the initiator of a video call before deciding to answer, which can be inconvenient, especially in situations like surveillance or emergencies where immediate action may be necessary.
Innovation Solution
A method for setting up a media stream connection between a sending and receiving device that allows the receiver to view the media stream from the sender before confirming receipt, enabling the receiver to decide whether to answer or not, and allowing for uni-directional streaming of video or sensor data without requiring the receiver to send a media stream in return.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the receiver must confirm receipt before viewing the media stream, then the system maintains security and control, but the receiver cannot visually identify the initiator before deciding to answer
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by allowing the receiver to view the media stream (video/audio) from the initiator before the receiver confirms receipt. This enables the receiver to visually identify the initiator and make an informed decision about whether to answer the call, while the actual connection confirmation and two-way communication only establish after user approval.
2Speed
If the system requires bi-directional confirmation before streaming, then connection reliability is ensured, but the receiver cannot view the stream immediately in emergency or surveillance situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements preliminary action by establishing a unidirectional stream from sender to receiver before confirmation, allowing immediate viewing of the media content. The receiver can then decide whether to confirm and establish bidirectional communication, thus achieving fast stream delivery while maintaining connection reliability through optional confirmation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by making the connection mode flexible - it can operate in unidirectional streaming mode for immediate viewing (emergency/surveillance) or transition to bidirectional mode upon confirmation. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to optimize between speed and reliability based on the specific situation and user choice.
3Ease of operation
If the receiver interface appears the same as voice calls, then the interface is simple and consistent, but the receiver cannot distinguish video call intent
Solution Approach 1:
The media stream itself acts as an intermediary that provides visual identification of the initiator. By allowing the receiver to view the initiator's video before answering, the system conveys call type information (video vs voice) and initiator identity without complicating the interface, thus maintaining ease of operation while preventing loss of information.
Data Source
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AI summary
1. A method for setting up a media stream connection between a sending device (100, 110) and at least one receiving device (200, 210), performed in said sending device, comprising: sending a session initiation message (S10) to said at least one receiving device; setting up a uni-directional connection (S40) between said sending device (100, 110) and said at least one receiving device (200, 210); sending a request (S60) to set up a bi-directional connection between said sending device and said at least one receiving device; sending a first media stream (S50) via said uni-directional connection to said at least one receiving device before receiving any permission to set up the bi-directional connection from the receiving device.