Web-Based Videoconferencing Linking for Browser Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current videoconferencing systems in the insurance industry require software downloads or account setups, which can lead to user suspicion and mistrust, especially among inexperienced users, and often fail to work seamlessly across different browsers and devices, alienating potential customers.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows videoconferencing between users and insurance agents without software downloads, using a web server to connect devices to compatible video hosting platforms, automatically identifying browser types and formats, and linking them for real-time conferencing, ensuring compatibility and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If software downloads are required for videoconferencing, then videoconferencing functionality is achieved, but user trust and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the videoconferencing functionality from requiring software downloads and embeds it within the web browser environment using web technologies (HTML5, JavaScript, WebRTC). The video conferencing capability is delivered as a web application that runs directly in the browser without requiring external software installation, thus maintaining functionality while eliminating security concerns associated with downloads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal videoconferencing solution that works across multiple browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) and devices (desktop, mobile, tablet) through a single web-based interface. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for browser-specific software or plugins, providing consistent videoconferencing capability universally without requiring users to download or install different software for different platforms.
2Reliability
If account setup is required for videoconferencing, then user identification is achieved, but user suspicion and mistrust increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of the user's browser type and capabilities automatically upon page load, before the user needs to provide any personal information. The browser detection and compatibility checking happens in advance, allowing the system to prepare the appropriate videoconferencing environment without requiring the user to create an account or undergo setup procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's existing browser as the identification mechanism, leveraging information already available in the browser environment (user agent strings, browser features) to identify and configure the videoconferencing session. This self-service approach eliminates the need for traditional account creation while still providing unique session identification through browser-specific parameters.
3Device complexity
If browser compatibility is not ensured, then system simplicity is maintained, but videoconferencing fails to connect
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its videoconferencing implementation based on the detected browser type and capabilities. Different browsers receive different code paths, features, and configurations optimized for their specific environments. For example, Safari may receive iOS-specific optimizations while Chrome receives WebRTC optimizations, ensuring reliable connection for each browser without requiring complex pre-configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes various technical parameters including video codecs, audio formats, resolution settings, and feature availability based on browser compatibility requirements. The server detects browser capabilities and adjusts transmission parameters, supported formats, and feature sets to ensure optimal and reliable videoconferencing performance across different browsers while maintaining a simple user interface.
4Manufacturing precision
If user input is required for videoconferencing setup, then configuration accuracy is improved, but user friendliness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and configures videoconferencing parameters based on the user's browser environment, device type, and network conditions without requiring user input. The browser automatically provides information about its capabilities, and the system uses this information to configure appropriate video and audio settings, resolution, and feature availability, achieving accurate configuration through self-service rather than user input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the videoconferencing connection quality and automatically adjusts parameters such as video bitrate, resolution, and frame rate based on network conditions and device capabilities. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal configuration accuracy while maintaining ease of use, as the system adapts in real-time without requiring user intervention or technical knowledge.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is described for setting up videoconferencing between a user 1, 3, 5 and an agent 13, 23, 33 with little or no downloads and configuration. A director 500, 1500, 2500 receives requests from users 1, 3, 5 on computing devices 200, 400, 700 for videoconferences through a website. A connection ID device 520 receives input from the user 1, 3, 5 as to which connection application 210, 220, 410, 710, 720 the user 1, 3, 5 is using. A platform selection device 530 then uses lookup device 531 to find compatible videoconferencing format of the connection application 210, 220, 410, 710, 720 in a compatibility table 533 and determines which video hosting platform 7, 9, 11, 12 employs this compatible videoconferencing format. A linking device 540 then sends a link to the video hosting platform 7, 9, 11, 12 to the user's computing device 200, 400, 700 and agent's computing device 300, 600 to connect and videoconference. In an alternative embodiment, a linking device 540 routes communications from the user's computing device 200, 400, 700 and the agent's computing device 300, 600 to/from the video hosting platform 7, 9, 11, 12. In still another embodiment, the software on the user's end may be in the form of an App which directly links to the director.