Video On Hold Arbiter For VoIP Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VoIP telephony systems are limited to either playing music or silence when a call is placed on hold, lacking the ability to provide video content to the caller on hold, which restricts enhanced communication experiences.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for video on hold functionality, implemented through a video on hold arbiter that monitors calls for hold signals, determines user capabilities, and switches calls to a video-on-hold status, providing a video signal from a selected source that matches the capabilities of the caller on hold, and reestablishes connections when the call is resumed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional music on hold functionality is used, then audio content can be provided to callers on hold, but video content cannot be provided and communication experience remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The telephony system is enhanced to perform multiple functions by integrating both audio and video delivery capabilities during hold states. The system can now provide either music on hold or video on hold depending on the capabilities of the parties involved, making it a multi-functional communication system that adapts to different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the hold state content delivery based on real-time capability assessment. The video on hold arbiter continuously monitors and determines whether video can be provided by evaluating the video capabilities of both the party placing on hold and the party being placed on hold, switching between audio-only and video-enhanced modes as needed.
2Loss of information
If video on hold functionality is added to enhance communication experience, then more engaging hold state is provided, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A video on hold arbiter is introduced as an intermediary component that mediates between the traditional telephony system and the new video delivery functionality. This arbiter manages the complexity by centralizing the logic for capability determination, video source selection, and switching operations, preventing the complexity from propagating throughout the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system architecture is segmented into distinct functional modules: the video on hold arbiter, capability determination logic, video source selection, and switching mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be developed, tested, and maintained independently, reducing overall system complexity while enabling video on hold functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If video capabilities are determined for all callers to enable video on hold, then personalized video content can be provided, but processing time and system resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
Video capability determination is performed preliminarily during call setup or when video on hold is first requested, rather than continuously during the entire hold period. The system caches capability information and reuses it for subsequent video on hold decisions, reducing repeated processing and minimizing time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for placing a telephone call on hold and presenting video to the user that has been placed on hold comprises video on hold arbiter that either is a part of the server or the switch of an IP telephony system. The video on hold arbiter comprises a hold monitoring module, a switch interface module and a media source interface module. The video on hold arbiter monitors calls between parties for the selection of a hold signal indicating that a first caller is placing a second caller on hold. The video on hold arbiter then determines the capabilities of the first caller and the second caller, a source video signal and switches the call to a video-on-hold status. In the video-on-hold status, the video on hold arbiter provides a video signal to the caller on hold from the determined source video and matching the capabilities of the party on hold. Video on hold arbiter and monitors for an off hold signal. Once the off hold signal is detected, the video on hold arbiter reestablishes the video and audio connections between the parties. The present invention also includes a variety of methods including a method for initializing and configuring a video on hold system and a method for providing video content when a call is placed on hold.