Videoconference Call Processing with Automatic Audio Fallback

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing videoconferencing systems face quality degradation due to network conditions, requiring manual intervention to switch from video to audio calls when speeds drop below certain thresholds, which is inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a server to detect call quality degradation and automatically switch from video to audio calls by modifying frame headers to prevent human-machine interfaces from notifying of incoming calls, allowing seamless transitions without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual intervention is required to switch from video to audio call when network quality degrades, then the system can adapt to network conditions, but user convenience and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to network conditionsVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting network quality degradation and initiating mode switching without requiring user intervention. The server monitors call quality parameters and autonomously decides when to switch between video and audio modes, eliminating the need for users to manually respond to quality issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the server continuously monitors call quality parameters (such as packet loss, jitter, and throughput) and uses this information to dynamically adjust the call mode. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to adapt to changing network conditions in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If automatic switching is implemented without modifying frame content, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to header modification requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic switching without user interventionVSAvoidframe header modification complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the frame into header and payload portions, applying modifications only to the header while leaving the payload intact. This segmentation allows the system to add control information (such as mode indication flags) without affecting the actual call data, simplifying the overall implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The server acts as an intermediary that handles the complexity of frame header modifications. Instead of terminals directly manipulating frames, the server processes the switching logic and generates modified frames, reducing the complexity burden on terminal devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the system switches to audio-only mode when video quality degrades, then call reliability is maintained, but loss of information occurs due to video stream termination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecall continuity during network degradationVSAvoidvideo stream data loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the call mode based on real-time network conditions. When video quality deteriorates, the system transitions from video-based communication to audio-based communication, allowing the call to adapt its characteristics rather than maintaining a fixed mode. This dynamic behavior ensures call continuity while accepting temporary video data loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for quality degradation by continuously monitoring network parameters and pre-establishing audio-only fallback capabilities. When degradation is detected, the system can quickly switch modes without interruption, cushioning against the potential complete failure of the call.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12389485B2Processing of a call by videoconference between two terminals

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 ORANGE SA

AI summary

The processing of a call between at least two terminals via a network is disclosed, where a videoconference session between the terminals being in process, and network conditions being likely to degrade the quality of a videoconference call between the terminals. A server then implements the following: upon receipt of a first message from the server about degradation of the videoconference call quality, the first message originating from at least one the terminals and comprising identifiers in the network of the terminals, interrupting the videoconference call, and using the identifiers of the terminals to transmit a second message to the terminals about linking the terminals in the form of an audio call, the second message comprising an instruction to prevent a human-machine interface for notifying of an incoming call from executing.