Virtual N-way Video Conference Module for IP Videophones
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Solution Overview
Problem
IP-based video conferencing systems are limited by bandwidth and processing capacity, preventing IP videophones from supporting multi-way conferencing due to their limited capabilities, making it costly for private users and small enterprises.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Virtual n-way Video Conference (VNVC) module in IP videophones, which automatically selects endpoints for video decoding and display, allowing voice-only mode for others, thereby increasing the number of participants and reducing bandwidth requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If video processing is performed for all participating endpoints, then all endpoints can be displayed, but the processing capability of the IP videophone is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs video processing selectively for only some endpoints rather than all. The IP videophone identifies the current speaker and performs video processing only for that endpoint, while other endpoints are handled in voice-only mode. This partial action approach allows the system to support more participants than the processing capability would otherwise allow.
2Quantity of substance
If video transmission is maintained for all endpoints, then all participants can be visually communicated, but bandwidth requirements are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
Video transmission is performed only for the current speaker endpoint rather than all endpoints. The system switches video transmission dynamically based on who is speaking, while other endpoints communicate via voice only. This reduces bandwidth consumption significantly while maintaining effective communication for all participants.
3Reliability
If centralized server management is used for video conferencing, then service quality is improved, but cost becomes prohibitively expensive for private users and small enterprises
Solution Approach 1:
The IP videophone autonomously performs speaker identification and video processing without requiring a centralized server. The device itself analyzes audio signals to identify the current speaker and selectively processes video only for that endpoint. This self-service capability eliminates the need for expensive centralized server infrastructure while maintaining reliable video conferencing service.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique and method provide virtual N-way video conferencing to participants having IP stations/videophones, which have limited processing capacity, by auto-selecting a limited subset of the participants for video display and restricting the rest of the participants to voice-only mode which requires reduced processing capability. The method uses a virtual n-way conferencing module (VNCM) to provide the video conferencing, and an auto caller select module (ACSM) for causing selective video display. Some of the participants might have VoIP terminals instead of IP videophones. The invention includes a technique, e.g., by using a video transmission control module (VTCM) for reducing the bandwidth requirement of IP videophones by signaling the participants in voice-only mode not to transmit the video information in bandwidth-constrained situations. Also taught herein is an article comprising a storage medium having instructions thereon which when executed by a computing platform will result in execution of the method.