Video Conferencing Task Allocation via Topological and Availability Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video conferencing systems face challenges in efficiently distributing video processing tasks across a computer network, leading to potential delays and overloading of communication servers and endpoints, especially in geographically distributed setups.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to allocate video conferencing tasks by determining a topological score and availability score for candidate processing devices, selecting a preferred device based on these scores, and reallocating tasks in real-time to ensure efficient and economical distribution of video processing tasks without delay impairments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If video processing tasks are centralized on dedicated video conference servers, then video conferencing functionality is ensured, but server overload and network delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments video processing tasks from the centralized video conference server and distributes them to multiple candidate processing devices in the network. Each processing device independently handles specific video conferencing tasks, dividing the centralized workload into distributed units that can process videos locally, thereby reducing server overload and network delays while maintaining conferencing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a task allocation mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the video conference server and processing devices. This intermediary system evaluates topological scores and availability scores to dynamically assign tasks to appropriate processing devices, enabling efficient load distribution without direct server-overload issues
2Productivity
If video processing tasks are distributed to multiple processing devices, then processing capacity is increased, but task allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where processing devices report their availability status and task completion status back to the allocation system. The system continuously monitors processing capacity, network topology, and task performance, using this feedback to dynamically adjust task allocations and maintain optimal processing distribution without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
Processing devices autonomously evaluate their own availability scores based on their current processing capacity and workload. They self-report this information to the allocation system, enabling automated task distribution without requiring complex centralized management of each device's internal state
3Loss of time
If processing devices are selected based on topological proximity, then network delay is reduced, but processing capacity utilization may be suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the selection criteria from purely topological proximity to a composite scoring system that combines topological scores (network delay metrics) with availability scores (processing capacity metrics). This parameter transformation allows the system to balance both network delay and capacity utilization by weighting and combining multiple factors in the task allocation decision
Data Source
AI summary
A method for allocating a video conferencing task within a computer network comprising a plurality of candidate processing devices, the method comprising: for each of the candidate processing devices: determining a topological score, the topological score being a function of at least one end-to-end delay between a pair of participating endpoints through the candidate processing device; for each candidate processing device within at least a subset of the candidate processing devices: determining an availability score, the availability score being a function of an available processing capacity of the candidate processing device; selecting a preferred processing device among the candidate processing devices as a function of the topological scores and of the availability scores, and allocating the video conferencing task to the preferred processing device.