WO2009132555A1

WO2009132555A1 - Video conference implementing method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2009132555A1
Application number: PCT/CN2009/071316
Authority: WO
Inventors: 李东; 王恩奎
Original assignee: 深圳华为通信技术有限公司
Priority date: 2008-04-29
Filing date: 2009-04-16
Publication date: 2009-11-05
Also published as: CN101272268B; CN101272268A

Abstract

A video conference implementing method and apparatus, the method comprises: if an MCU which is utilized for operating multi-point conference confirms all the conference place serial numbers under the current MCU serial number are used up, and there is still a conference place which is not distributed a global conference place identification, obtaining a new multi-point control unit serial number corresponding to the MCU, and utilizing the new MCU serial number and the conference place serial number under the new multi-point control unit serial number to continue to distribute global conference place identification to conference places.

Description

Method and device for realizing video conference

[1] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 200810105459.2, entitled "Methods and Equipment for Implementing Video Conferencing", filed on April 29, 2008, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference. In this application.

[2] Technical field

[3] The present invention relates to the field of network communication technologies, and in particular, to a video conference technology.

[4] Background of the invention

[5] With the continuous development of modern network technology and broadband construction, video conferencing systems have been widely used in work and life. Video conferencing system can use MCU (Multipoint Control)

Unit, multi-point control unit) Calls up multi-point video conferences. Specifically, several terminal nodes are called as conference venues to video conferences to expand corresponding video conferences and achieve multi-point conferences.

[6] Currently, in a multipoint conference, the MCU may assign an identifier to each terminal node that is added to the video conference as the conference site: <M, T>, where Μ denotes the conference site (or terminal node) The number of the MCU (that is, the MCU number), where Τ indicates the number of the site (or terminal node) under the MCU (that is, the site number). The corresponding global site identifier obtained by the combination of Μ and 便 can uniquely identify a certain site in the video conferencing system. For example, referring to FIG. 1, M = a, T = l to 191, through the combination of a and T 191 different global site identifiers can be obtained to uniquely identify a site in the videoconferencing system.

[7] In the process of implementing the present invention, the inventors found that at least the following problems exist in the prior art:

[8] The prior art specifies the upper limit of the number of site numbers in a single MCU. Therefore, the number of sites that each MCU can accommodate is limited. This allows a large number of sites to join the MCU to implement the corresponding video conference. Due to the limited number of assignable identifiers, it is impossible to assign an identifier to the corresponding site, which may result in some sites not being able to join the video conference.

[9] Summary of the invention

An embodiment of the present invention provides a method and a device for implementing a video conference to solve the problem that a large number of assignable identifiers may exist in a process in which a large number of conference sites join the MCU to implement a corresponding video conference. [11] A method of implementing a video conference, comprising:

[12] The multi-point control unit determines that all the site numbers of the current multi-point control unit number have been used, and there are still sites that are not assigned to the global site identifier.

[13] Obtain the new multi-point control unit number corresponding to the multi-point control unit, and continue to assign the global site identifier to the site by using the new multi-point control unit number and the site number under the new multi-point control unit number.

[14] A device for implementing a video conference, comprising:

[15] The judging unit is configured to determine whether there is still a site that is not assigned to the global site identifier after all the site numbers of the current multi-point control unit number have been used;

[16] The new number obtaining unit is configured to: after all the site numbers under the current multi-point control unit number have been used, the site that is not assigned to the global site identifier is still present after the judgment result of the determining unit is

, obtain a new multipoint control unit number;

[17] The global site identifier allocation unit is configured to allocate a global site identifier to the site by using the new multi-point control unit number obtained by the new number acquisition unit and the site number of the new multi-point control unit number.

[18] A device for implementing video conferencing, including:

[19] Multi-numbered allocation unit for assigning multiple multi-point control unit numbers to multi-point control units;

[20] A multi-number transmitting unit, configured to send a plurality of multi-point control unit numbers assigned by the multi-numbered allocating unit to the multi-point control unit.

[21] It can be seen from the technical solutions provided by the foregoing embodiments of the present invention that, in the embodiment of the present invention, since each MCU can have multiple MCU numbers, the number of combinations of the MCU number and the site number is obtained. It can be greatly increased. In this way, the problem existing in the prior art can be effectively solved, that is, the problem that the number of allocation identifiers that may exist in the process of adding a large number of conference sites to the MCU to implement the corresponding video conference is limited.

[22] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[23] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a multipoint conference in which an MCU convene a multipoint conference in the prior art;

2 is a schematic diagram of a processing procedure of an MCU convening a multipoint conference according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of a single MCU convening a multipoint conference according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a processing procedure of a single MCU convening a multipoint conference according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a cascading MCU convening a multipoint conference according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[28] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a processing procedure of a cascading MCU convening a multipoint conference according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of another device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[31] Mode for carrying out the invention

In the embodiment of the present invention, the number of terminal nodes that can be supported can be extended by assigning multiple MCU numbers to a multipoint conference on a single MCU, for example, by using multiple MCU numbers corresponding to a single MCU. The combination of <M, 1> as the global site identifier can identify more sites, thereby increasing the number of terminal nodes that can support video conferencing on a single MCU. Of course, other values can be used according to the values of M and T. The method determines the corresponding global site identifier, such as <T, Μ> combination, or a deformation based on the combination of <Μ, 1 or <1\ Μ>, and so on.

In the embodiment of the present invention, in the process of allocating the global site identifier for each access site, the MCU that is used for the multi-point conference determines that all the site numbers under the current MCU number have been used, and still exist. The site that is not assigned to the global site ID can obtain the new MCU number corresponding to the MCU, and use the new MCU number and the site number of the new MCU to continue to assign the global site ID to the site.

[34] In the above process, the corresponding process of acquiring the new MCU number corresponding to the MCU may be implemented in any of the following manners:

[35] (1) Select one unused MC from the MCU numbers assigned to the MCU on the MCU

U number as the new MCU number;

In the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of MCU numbers allocated to the MCU may be pre-stored in the MCU, and the manner of obtaining the multiple MCU numbers may be, but is not limited to: after the MCU calls a multi-point conference, Determine the number of MCUs to be added according to the number of sites to be added, and generate the corresponding number of MCUs (such as local assignments for themselves). Or, if the MCU calls a multipoint conference, determine the required MCU according to the number of sites to be added. Number of numbers, and externally obtain the corresponding number of MCU numbers assigned to other entities (such as the MCU's superior MCU or management unit, etc.);

[37] (2) The MCU locally reassigns an MCU number as the new MCU number;

[38] (3) The MCU re-acquires an MC to other entities (such as the MCU's superior MCU or management unit, etc.) The U number is used as the new MCU number.

For a better understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the specific implementation process of the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the MCU responsible for convening the multipoint conference needs to obtain the MCU number M, and the MCU number may be obtained locally or may be allocated by the upper MCU. Different implementation manners are required in the embodiments of the present invention. The specific implementations of the embodiments of the present invention will be described below based on the manners of obtaining different MCU numbers.

[41] Example 1

[42] In this embodiment, the MCU obtains the MCU number locally, in this embodiment, the corresponding MC

The process of convening and conducting a multi-point conference is shown in Figure 2, which can include the following steps:

[43] Step 201, the MCU convene a multipoint conference;

[44] Step 202: The MCU allocates multiple MCU numbers according to the number of sites that need to be joined in the multipoint conference.

[45] Step 203, selecting one MCU number among multiple MCU numbers;

[46] Step 204: Use the MCU number selected in the multiple MCU numbers in combination with the assignable site number to assign a global site identifier to the corresponding site, that is, use the current MCU number and the site number combination to determine each The global site ID corresponding to the site;

[47] Step 205, determining whether the site number under the current MCU number is assigned, and if so, executing step 206, otherwise, proceeding to step 204;

[48] Step 206: Select a new MCU number in the multiple MCU numbers, and perform step 204, that is, use another MCU number in the multiple MCU numbers, and continue to be the site number in combination with the site number that can be allocated under the MCU number. Assign a global site ID.

[49] In the process of the multi-point conference being convened by the MCU, the above steps 203 to 206 may be repeatedly performed until the venues are assigned to the corresponding global site identifiers.

Specifically, in the foregoing step 202, the MCU may allocate the MCU number used for the multipoint conference at this time, as described in the foregoing steps; or, the corresponding MCU number may be repeatedly allocated multiple times.

After the site number of an MCU is assigned, if there is still a site that is not assigned to the global site ID, the MCU continues to allocate a new MCU number. [51] Example 2

[52] In the second embodiment, the implementation of the above process will be described by an actual application example:

[53] Still referring to Figure 1, for the conference site in the conference, the MCU will assign the conference site a <M, T> number (that is, the global site identifier of the site), and the range of the Τ value in the agreement is 1 ~191, so the corresponding number of access sites cannot exceed 191. To increase the number of sites that can be accessed and assign the corresponding global site ID to more sites, you can assign multiple MCU numbers to the MCU so that the <Μ , Τ> number can still uniquely identify a site. In the case of the expansion, it is possible to identify 191x191 different venues, which effectively increases the number of access venues for multipoint conferences.

The specific application of the multiple MCUs to the MCU is different in the application scenarios of the single MCU conference and the cascaded MCU conference. The application of the embodiment of the present invention in the two scenarios will be described below.

[55] (-) Single MCU Conference Application Scenario

[56] As shown in Figure 3, after the MCU convene a multipoint conference, the MCU itself assigns multiple MCU numbers (ie apostrophes) ml, m2. After that, the MCU allocates <M, 1 number to the venue, when ^! two! ! If the number of the work number reaches 191, the number of M = m2 will continue to be allocated. If the MCU is assigned more MCU numbers, the corresponding global site ID will be assigned to the site until the corresponding sites are assigned corresponding Global site ID.

[57] The process of assigning the <M, T> number of a single MCU conference under multiple M numbers is shown in Figure 4. The specific processing procedure may include the following steps:

[58] Step 401, after a multi-point conference is held by a single MCU, assign t nicknames according to the number of participants.

The corresponding value of t can be: number of sites /192 + 1;

[59] Step 402: The MCU selects an M number to allocate a global site identifier to the site.

[60] Step 403: Assign a global site identifier to each site that accesses the multipoint conference. First, you can use M=ml to assign the number of <ml, T> to the site as the global site identifier of each site.

[61] Step 403: The MCU determines whether the number of apostrophes allocated under M=ml exceeds 191. If yes, step 404 is performed. Otherwise, step 402 is performed, that is, the site allocation for accessing the multipoint conference is continued <!111 , the number of T>;

[62] Step 404, choose to use the new apostrophe, ie M = m2, continue to be the venue for each access multipoint conference

The number of <m2, D> is also required to be executed in the process of assigning the number of <m2, T> to the site. In step 403, a corresponding global site identifier is assigned to each site that accesses the multipoint conference.

In step 1 above, only one MCU number can be assigned to the MCU, and then another MCU number is assigned to the MCU during the execution of step 404.

[65] As shown in Figure 5, for a cascaded MCU conference, when the number of sites on the upper-level MCU exceeds 191, the corresponding processing is the same as the process of assigning the numbers of <M, T> for a single MCU conference. For the lower-level MC U, if the number of sites to be accessed exceeds 191, and the number of <Μ, Τ> needs to be assigned to each site through multiple nicknames, the nickname of the lower-level MCU is assigned by the upper-level MCU, so the lower-level MCU needs to Request multiple apostrophes from the superior MC U.

[66] As shown in FIG. 6, the corresponding subordinate MCU may include the following steps in the process of assigning a number to the access site by using multiple nicknames:

[67] Step 601, after the cascading conference is held, the subordinate MCU first calculates the number of apostrophes required for this MCU conference, t=

(number of venues /192) + 1;

[68] Step 602, determining whether t is less than 2, if less, then performing step 603, otherwise, performing step 604;

[69] Step 603: When K2吋, that is, the number of the conference sites in the conference does not exceed 191, the number of the corresponding <M, 1> is assigned to the corresponding site as the global site identifier of each site. .

[70] Step 604, when 1>2 or 1 = 2吋, the lower-level MCU requests the upper MCU to obtain t M numbers, for assigning the corresponding <M, T> number to the venue, and executing step 605;

[71] Step 605: When the subordinate MCU receives the t Μ 吋分配分配吋上 M M M ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ;

[72] In this step, the process of assigning <Μ, Τ> to each site on the lower-level MCU can be implemented by using steps 402 to 404 in the process shown in FIG. 4;

[73] In addition, in the above processing process shown in FIG. 6, the lower-level MCU may also request the apostrophe from the upper MCU one by one, after each time obtaining the apostrophe and performing the <Μ, Τ> number assignment, if the nickname is All the values of the Τ have been used to determine whether to complete the allocation operation for the <Μ, Τ> number of all access sites. If yes, the process ends. Otherwise, continue to request the upper MCU to assign a new nickname, so that the rest The venue is conducting <Μ

, Τ>Number assignment. [74] All or part of the steps of implementing the foregoing method embodiments may be completed by using hardware related to the program instructions. The foregoing program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium, and after the program is executed, the method includes the above method embodiment. The foregoing storage medium includes: a medium that can store program codes, such as a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

An embodiment of the present invention further provides a device for implementing a video conference. The specific implementation structure is as shown in FIG. 7 , and mainly includes the following processing units:

[76] (-) Judgment unit

[77] The unit may be used to determine whether there is still a site that is not assigned to the global site identifier after all the site numbers of the current MCU number have been used. If yes, it is determined that multiple MCU numbers need to be acquired.

[78] (ii) New number acquisition unit

[79] The unit may be specifically configured to obtain, after the judgment result of the determining unit is that all the site numbers under the current multi-point control unit number have been used, the site that is not assigned to the global site identifier is still obtained. The new MCU number is used to continue to assign a global site ID to each site using the new MCU number.

[80] Optionally, the corresponding new number obtaining unit may specifically include any one of the following units:

[81] (1) The first obtaining unit is configured to locally select one of the plurality of MCU numbers that has not been used.

The CU number is used as the new MCU number;

[82] The first acquiring unit may further communicate with any one of the following units to obtain a corresponding multiple MC.

U number:

[83] The local number allocation unit is configured to determine the number of required MCU numbers according to the number of sites joining the conference, and generate (for example, locally, for itself, etc.) a corresponding number of MCU numbers;

[84] The remote number obtaining unit is used to determine the number of MCU numbers required according to the number of sites joining the conference, and obtain the corresponding number of MCUs assigned by other entities from the outside.

[85] (2) a second obtaining unit, configured to locally allocate an MCU number by the MCU as the new MCU number in the MCU;

[86] (3) The third acquisition unit is used to re-subscribe from other entities (such as the MCU or the management unit of the MCU)

) Obtain an MCU number as the new MCU number. [87] (iii) Global site identification allocation unit

[88] The unit may be specifically used to use the new MCU number obtained by the new number acquisition unit and the new M

The site number of the site is assigned to the site.

[89] The embodiment of the present invention further provides a device for implementing a video conference, and the device can be used as an upper-level MCU of the MCU, and the specific implementation structure thereof can be as shown in FIG.

[90] Multi-numbered allocation unit for assigning multiple MCU numbers to the MCU;

[91] a multi-number transmitting unit, configured to send multiple MCU numbers assigned by the multi-numbered allocation unit to the MC

U, so that the MCU can obtain the corresponding multiple MCU numbers.

[92] Optionally, the device further includes a receiving unit, configured to receive, by the MCU, the MC that needs to be allocated

The number of U numbers, and the multi-number allocation unit is notified, so that the multi-number allocation unit can allocate a corresponding number of MCU numbers to the corresponding MCU according to the quantity.

[93] In summary, since each MCU can have multiple MCU numbers, the number of combinations of MCU numbers and site labels can be greatly increased, so that the existing technology can be effectively solved. The problem is that when a large number of sites join the MCU to implement the corresponding video conference, if there is a problem that the number of assignable identifiers is limited and the identifier cannot be assigned to the corresponding site, the MCU can be assigned different MCU numbers to solve this problem. The problem is to ensure that each venue can join the video conference to smoothly carry out the corresponding video conference.

[94] In the meantime, the embodiment of the present invention also has the advantages of good scalability and easy implementation. If it is not necessary to upgrade the terminal, it can support more sites and can communicate with devices such as existing terminals.

The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art can easily think of within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention. Changes or substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claim

[1] A method for implementing a video conference, characterized in that it comprises:

If all the site numbers of the current multipoint control unit number of the multipoint control unit have been used, and there is still a site that is not assigned to the global site identifier, the new multipoint control unit number corresponding to the multipoint control unit is obtained. The global site identifier is assigned to the site by using the new multi-point control unit number and the site number of the new multi-point control unit number.

[2] The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of acquiring the new multi-point control unit number corresponding to the multi-point control unit comprises:

Selecting an unused multipoint control unit number from the plurality of multipoint control unit numbers assigned to the multipoint control unit as the new multipoint control unit number;

Or,

The multipoint control unit locally reassigns a multipoint control unit number as the new multipoint control unit number;

Or,

The multipoint control unit reacquires a multipoint control unit number from other entities as the new multipoint control unit number.

[3] The method according to claim 2, wherein the method further comprises:

After the multipoint control unit summons the multipoint conference, the number of the required multipoint control unit numbers is determined according to the number of sites to be joined, and a corresponding number of multipoint control unit numbers are generated; or

After the multipoint control unit sums up the multipoint conference, the number of required multipoint control unit numbers is determined according to the number of sites to be joined, and a corresponding number of multipoint control units allocated by other entities to the multipoint control unit are obtained from the outside. Numbering.

[4] The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the other entity comprises an upper multipoint control unit or a management unit of the multipoint control unit.

[5] A device for implementing a video conference, comprising:

a judging unit, configured to determine whether a site that is not assigned to the global site identifier exists after all the site numbers of the current multi-point control unit number have been used; The new number obtaining unit is configured to acquire a new site that is not assigned to the global site identifier after all the site numbers of the current multi-point control unit number have been used. Multi-point control unit number;

The global site identifier allocation unit is configured to allocate a global site identifier to the site by using the new multi-point control unit number obtained by the new number acquisition unit and the site number of the new multi-point control unit number.

[6] The device according to claim 5, wherein the new number obtaining unit comprises a first acquiring unit, configured to locally select one of the plurality of multi-point control unit numbers that has not been used. a multipoint control unit number as the new multipoint control unit number;

Or,

a second obtaining unit, configured to locally allocate a multi-point control unit number as the new multi-point control unit number;

Or,

And a third obtaining unit, configured to re-acquire a multi-point control unit number from other entities as the new multi-point control unit number.

[7] The device according to claim 6, wherein the device further comprises any one of the following units in communication with the first acquisition unit:

a local number allocation unit, configured to determine the number of required multi-point control unit numbers according to the number of sites joining the conference, and generate a corresponding number of multi-point control unit numbers;

Or,

The remote location number obtaining unit is configured to determine the number of required multipoint control unit numbers according to the number of sites joining the conference, and obtain corresponding numbers of multipoint control unit numbers assigned by other entities from the outside.

[8] The device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the other entity comprises an upper multipoint control unit or a management unit of the multipoint control unit.

[9] A device for implementing a video conference, comprising:

a multi-number distribution unit for allocating a plurality of multi-point control unit numbers to the multi-point control unit; a multi-number transmitting unit, configured to send the plurality of multi-point control unit numbers allocated by the multi-numbered allocating unit to the multi-point control unit.

[10] The device according to claim 9, further comprising: a receiving unit, configured to receive, by the multipoint control unit, the number of multipoint control unit numbers that need to be allocated to the multipoint control unit, And notifying the multi-number distribution unit.