Web Conference Presentation Synchronizer Using Beacon Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Teleconferences often experience delays and synchronization issues due to data latency in the transmission of graphic information over networks, which can disrupt the flow of presentations and reduce their effectiveness, especially in sales contexts.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a beacon message to determine the approximate latency time of image data transmission, allowing presenters to synchronize the presentation of web conference content by displaying an indication when the elapsed time equals or exceeds the approximate latency time, ensuring that images are visible to all participants with minimal delay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If graphic information is transmitted over network using packetized data transmission, then network efficiency and utilization are improved, but transmission delay and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of network latency using beacon messages before the actual presentation. This allows the presenter to anticipate when graphics will be received by participants and adjust the presentation timing accordingly, compensating for the inherent delay in packetized transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors network latency conditions and provides real-time feedback to the presenter through visual indicators. This feedback mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of presentation timing based on actual network conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining efficient packetized transmission and managing transmission delays.
2Productivity
If presentation proceeds without waiting for graphic information acknowledgment, then presentation flow is maintained, but synchronization between voice and graphics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary latency measurement using beacon messages to predict when graphics will be received. This allows the presenter to proactively synchronize voice commentary with graphic display timing without waiting for acknowledgments, maintaining presentation flow while ensuring synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
Visual indicators provide real-time feedback to the presenter about synchronization status, showing when graphics are likely to be received by participants. This enables the presenter to maintain smooth presentation flow while reliably synchronizing voice and graphics.
3Reliability
If presentation waits for acknowledgment from all participants, then synchronization is improved, but presentation duration and delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and measures network latency using separate beacon messages independent of the main presentation content. This allows synchronization to be achieved based on measured latency rather than waiting for acknowledgments from all participants, improving synchronization while reducing presentation delays.
Solution Approach 2:
Latency measurement is performed preliminarily using beacon messages before the actual presentation content is transmitted. This preliminary action provides the basis for synchronization without requiring waiting for acknowledgments during the presentation, reducing overall presentation duration.
4Productivity
If graphic information is transmitted with high network utilization, then transmission efficiency is improved, but latency variability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to the presenter about current network latency conditions through visual indicators. This allows dynamic adaptation to latency variability while maintaining efficient network utilization, as the presenter can adjust timing based on actual measured conditions rather than relying on fixed predictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures and adapts to changing network latency parameters in real-time. By continuously monitoring latency conditions and providing feedback, the system allows the presentation timing parameter to be adjusted dynamically, maintaining efficiency while accounting for latency variability.
Data Source
AI summary
A beacon signal including image information and an application to cause acknowledgment of receipt of the beacon signal is transmitted in order to measure approximate latency in transmission over a communication link that exhibits latency such as a packet switched digital network. Transmission latency for image information for an image included in a web conference is then estimated and elapsed time after transmission of such image information is measured and an indication provided to a presenter or conference monitor when the image should be visible to a conference participant which can be easily selected by the presenter.