Title of Invention: A SYSTEM AND A METHOD OF VIDEO COMMUNICATION

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and a method of video communication; more particularly to a system and a method of video communication between the participants wherein at least one of the participants has a cellular device.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The ubiquitous nature of the Internet has enabled many unique communication paradigms such as Electronic Mail (email), Instant Messaging (IM) and real-time multimedia communications. Real-time multimedia communications enable the transmission of voice and video traffic over the data networks; these data networks could be private networks such as corporate intranets or residential WiFi networks, or even public networks such as the Internet. The inherent benefits afforded by real-time multimedia communications in terms of cost, security, and convenience has made it a seminal form of modern communication. Additionally, with the possibility of transmitting video traffic over data networks along with their corresponding audio stream(s), people increasingly prefer to communicate over video calls.

[0003] From the perspective of establishing a video call through cellular phones, either both the caller and the callee are required to install a video calling application that is capable of establishing a video call, or the telecom providers are required to have the necessary infrastructure to enable video calling between the caller and the callee without the need to install any video calling application. Both the methods discussed above have inherent limitations, including the following, which preclude video calling through cellular phones: i. The cellular phone having video calling application, for setting up a video call, is effective only when both the caller and callee have the same video calling application installed on their devices. ii. For telecom carriers, natively enabling video calling within their telecom network (thus removing the need for their subscribers to install any purpose-built video calling application), the factors that preclude video calling include: i. A certain section of the cellular subscribers might not have the required generation of a SIM card that enables native video calling; ii. A certain section of the cellular subscribers might not have handsets that are compatible with the generation of SIM cards that enable native video calling; iii. Inter-carrier video calling between subscribers of different telecom carriers might not be possible as one of the carriers may not have a required infrastructure that supports video calling; and iv. Inter-carrier video calling between subscribers of different telecom carriers might not be possible as these carriers may fail to arrive at an agreement from a billing, regulatory, monitoring, or maintenance perspective.

[0004] Further, in addition to the problems listed above, the quality and “fate” of video call - which includes both an audio and video stream is dependent on the quality of the data connection at the caller or callee end (when video calls are made between subscribers of a purpose-built calling application). For example, if, during the course of a video call, the callee or the caller were to be travelling or in transit and move to an area that has no data network (Internet, intranet, and/or WiFi) coverage or has severely degraded connectivity, the quality of the entire call (both the audio and video stream) is tremendously affected. Alternatively, the entire call (both the audio and video streams) may drop. Both these conditions lead to a disruption of communication between the caller and the callee. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to solve one or more of aforementioned issues.

Summary of Invention

[0005] A system and a method of video communication is described according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system of video communication comprises a video calling unit, configured on an electronic device of at least one of participants, for receiving instructions from the participant to initiate video communication; and a communication infrastructure unit connected to the video calling unit, wherein the communication infrastructure unit is configured to receive instructions from the video calling unit to establish video communication between the participants; wherein the electronic device of at least one of the participants is a cellular device; wherein an audio or a voice communication between the electronic device of one of the participants and the cellular device of the other participant is through, including but not limited to, a cellular network, a cellular network converted to a VoIP, or a VoIP converted to a cellular network; and wherein the video communication is through a data network.

[0006] The video calling unit comprises an input unit configured to receive instructions from the participants including instructions to initiate video communication, audio communication, or both; and a display unit configured to display various parameters including the instructions received from the participants through the input unit.

[0007] The video calling unit is configured to receive information including, but not limited to, a mobile number and/or a telephone number of the other participant to whom a request for the video communication is to be made.

[0008] The communication infrastructure unit comprises (a) a storage unit for storing details of the participant(s) through the video calling unit, wherein the details of the participants stored in the storage unit include, but not limited to, name, mobile number, telephone number, and/or email address; (b) a message relaying unit configured to receive instructions from the video calling unit to initiate the video communication; and (c) a call control unit configured to setup and terminate the audio and/or video communication.

[0009] The message relaying unit is configured to receive, from the video calling unit, the information including, but not limited to, the mobile number and/or the telephone number of the other participant, and verify, from the storage unit, whether the other participant, to whom a request for video communication is to be made by the participant having the video calling unit, has a video calling unit, and if the other participant has the video calling unit, the intent to establish the video communication on the video calling unit of the other participant will be shown, and the video calling unit will provide required controls/display to have the video communication.

[0010] The message relaying unit is configured to inform the participant, who has initiated the video communication by the video calling unit, if the other participant is not having the video calling unit, and the participant is further prompted to provide the instructions to proceed with establishing the video communication together with the already established audio communication.

[0011] The message relaying unit is configured to receive a confirmation from the participant to initiate video communication and on receipt of the confirmation, a unique URL or a unique identifier is generated by the communication infrastructure unit to establish the video communication on a web browser, and the unique URL or the unique identifier is sent, by the communication infrastructure unit and/or the electronic device of the participant, through, including but not limited to, a SMS, an Instant Messaging (IM), and/or an Email to the other participants electronic device.

[0012] On dereferencing the URL or the unique identifier, the web browser is opened up on the other participant(s) electronic device that facilitates the video communication between the video calling unit on the participant electronic device and the web browser on the other participant(s) electronic device.

[0013] The method of video communication comprising the steps of: i. instructing, through a video calling unit configured on an electronic device of at least one of participants, by a participant to initiate video communication;

II. receiving the instructions, by a communication infrastructure unit, through the video calling unit to initiate the video communication; ill. verifying, by the communication infrastructure unit, whether the other participant(s) electronic device has the video calling unit; and iv. establishing the video communication, by the communication infrastructure unit, between the participants; wherein the electronic device of at least one of the participants is a cellular device; wherein an audio or a voice communication between the electronic device of one of the participants and the cellular device of the other participant(s) is through, including but not limited to, a cellular network, a cellular network converted to a VoIP, or a VoIP converted to cellular network; and wherein the video communication is through a data network.

The step (b) of receiving the instructions, by the communication infrastructure unit through the video calling unit, to initiate the video communication comprises receiving information including, but not limited to, a mobile number and/or a telephone number of other participant.

The step (c) of verifying by the communication infrastructure unit comprises the steps of: identifying whether the other participant receiving a request of video communication has the video calling unit configured on his/her electronic device; and enabling the communication infrastructure unit to setup video communication if the other participant has the video calling unit configured on his/her electronic device, or enabling the communication infrastructure unit to generate a unique URL or a unique identifier if the other participant does not have the video calling unit configured on his/her electronic device, and sending, by the communication infrastructure unit and/or the electronic device of the participant, the unique URL or the unique identifier to the other participant(s) through, including but not limited to, a SMS, an Instant Messaging (IM), and/or an Email for setting up the video communication on a web browser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, example of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figure(s). These figure(s) are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

Fig.1

[0015] [Fig.1 ] shows a system (100) of video communication between participants (1 11 , 131 ) having a video calling unit (115, 135) on their cellular devices (110, 130), according to an embodiment of present invention;

Fig.2

[0016] [Fig.2] shows a system (200) of video communication between participants (1 11 , 131 ) having a video calling unit (115, 135) on their cellular devices (110, 130), according to an embodiment of present invention.

Fig.3

[0017] [Fig. 3] shows a system (300) of video communication between a participant (1 11 ) having a video calling unit (115) on his/her cellular device (110) and a participant (311 ) not having a video calling unit on his/her cellular device (130), according to an embodiment of present invention.

Fig.4

[0018] [Fig.4] shows a system (400) of video communication between a participant (1 11 ) having a video calling unit (115) on his/her cellular device (110) and a participant (411 ) having a video calling unit (420) on his/her computer (410), according to an embodiment of present invention;

Fig.5

[0019] [Fig. 5] shows a system (500) of video communication between a participant (1 11 ) having a video calling unit (115) on his/her cellular device (110) and a participant (411 ) having a video calling unit (420) on his/her computer (410), according to an embodiment of present invention;

Fig.6

[0020] [Fig.6] shows a system (600) of video communication between a participant (1 11 ) having a video calling unit (115) on his/her cellular device (110) and a participant (41 1 ) not having a video calling unit on his/her computer (410), according to an embodiment of present invention; [0021] [Fig.7] shows a system (700) of video communication between a participant (411 ) having a video calling unit (420) on his/her computer (410) and a participant (111 ) not having a video calling unit on his/her cellular device (110), according to an embodiment of present invention; and

Fig.8

[0022] [Fig.8] shows a communication infrastructure unit (120), according to an embodiment of present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0023] A system and a method of video communication is described according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] The system of video communication is described according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system of video communication comprises a video calling unit, configured on an electronic device of at least one of participants, for receiving instructions from the participant to initiate video communication; and a communication infrastructure unit connected to the video calling unit, wherein the communication infrastructure unit is configured to receive instructions from the video calling unit to establish video communication between the participants; wherein the electronic device of at least one of the participants is a cellular device; wherein an audio or a voice communication between the electronic device of one of the participants and the cellular device of the other participant is through, including but not limited to, a cellular network, a cellular network converted to a VoIP, or a VoIP converted to a cellular network; and wherein the video communication is through a data network.

[0025] The video calling unit comprises an input unit configured to receive instructions from the participants including instructions to initiate video communication, audio communication, or both; and a display unit configured to display various parameters including the instructions received from the participants through the input unit. [0026] The video calling unit is configured to receive information including, but not limited to, a mobile number and/or a telephone number of the other participant to whom a request for the video communication is to be made.

[0027] The information regarding the mobile number and the telephone number may be directly received by the video calling unit when the video calling unit is used as a default mobile dialer and/or VoIP system for initiating the call. Alternatively, the video calling unit is configured to receive the information from, including but not limited to, the mobile dialer, the VoIP system, or call log. Additionally, the video calling unit comprises a lookup mechanism for receiving the mobile number and the telephone number.

[0028] The video calling unit installed I configured on the electronic device for instance the mobile phone, may be setup as a default mobile dialer and when the participant wishes to initiate a call, the participant operates the video calling unit for dialing the number. The video calling unit comprises features of initiating the video communication, and messaging. Additionally, the video calling unit is configured to provide information including, but not limited to, call data to the participants.

[0029] In another instance, the video calling unit may be installed on a computer, wherein the video calling unit is setup as a VoIP system with the feature of initiating the video communication.

[0030] The communication infrastructure unit comprises (a) a storage unit for storing details of the participant(s) through the video calling unit, wherein the details of the participants stored in the storage unit include, but not limited to, name, mobile number, telephone number, and/or email address; (b) a message relaying unit configured to receive instructions from the video calling unit to initiate the video communication; and (c) a call control unit configured to setup and terminate the audio and/or video communication.

[0031] The message relaying unit is configured to receive, from the video calling unit, the information including, but not limited to, the mobile number and/or the telephone number of the other participant, and verify, from the storage unit, whether the other participant, to whom a request for video communication is to be made by the participant having the video calling unit, has a video calling unit, and if the other participant has the video calling unit, the intent to establish the video communication on the video calling unit of the other participant will be shown, and the video calling unit will provide required controls/display to have the video communication.

[0032] The message relaying unit is configured to inform the participant, who has initiated the video communication by the video calling unit, if the other participant is not having the video calling unit, and the participant is further prompted to provide the instructions to proceed with establishing the video communication together with the already established audio communication.

[0033] The message relaying unit is configured to receive confirmation from the participant to initiate video communication and on receipt of the confirmation, a unique URL or a unique identifier is generated by the communication infrastructure unit to establish the video communication on a web browser, and the unique URL or the unique identifier is sent, by the communication infrastructure unit and/or the electronic device of the participant, through, including but not limited to, a SMS, an Instant Messaging (IM), and/or an Email to the other participants electronic device.

[0034] The unique URL or unique identifier may additionally be sent using a messaging system, such as Communication/Collaboration Platform as a Service (CPaaS), connected to the communication infrastructure unit.

[0035] On dereferencing the URL or the unique identifier, the web browser is opened up on the other participant(s) electronic device that facilitates the video communication between the video calling unit on the participant electronic device and the web browser on the other participant(s) electronic device.

[0036] The call control unit comprises: i. a NAT traversal unit for establishing the video communication and subsequent transfer of video packets between the participants; ii. an in-call renderer and response unit for receiving instructions from the participant through the video calling unit; iii. a statistics unit for collating in-call statistics information of the participants; iv. an in-call modification unit for sustaining the video communication in an event of configuration changes including converting the audio communication from the cellular network to the data network; and v. a web-server unit configured to establish communication between an instance of the video calling unit on the electronic device of the participant and the web browser on other participant(s) electronic device.

[0037] The video calling unit and the communication infrastructure unit are always connected and the communication between the video calling unit and the communication infrastructure unit, is initiated when the instructions are received from the participant through the video calling unit for initiating the video communication. The communication infrastructure unit may be remotely located outside the electronic device.

[0038] The video communication is through the data network including a wifi, an intranet, and an internet, and the audio communication may be through the cellular network provided by one or more service providers.

[0039] The audio communication may be through the data network including the wifi, the intranet, and the internet.

[0040] The electronic device includes, but is not limited to, the cellular device, a laptop, a computer, and/or a tablet. The cellular device includes devices such as mobile phone.

[0041] The call control unit is described in detail. The call control unit comprises: i. A NAT traversal unit for establishing the video communication and subsequent transfer of video packets between the caller and the callee, even if one or both of them are behind a Network Address Translation (NAT) boundary; ii. An in-call renderer and response unit for receiving instructions from the caller and/or the callee through the video calling unit. For example, the layout of the video on the screen, the buttons that are displayed, the size of the buttons, the position of the buttons of the screen etc. The in-call renderer and response unit is configured to initiate actions based on the instructions received from the video calling unit. For example, if a participant on the call presses the ‘Stop Video’ button, his/her video feed will be temporarily stopped until the participant toggles the same button. ill. A statistics unit for collating in-call statistics information from the participants. The in-call statistics include, but is not limited to: i. The instantaneous bandwidth at each participant for uploading/downloading video packets; ii. The number of video packets that have been dropped or that have arrived late; ill. The current video resolution; and iv. The encoding scheme used for transmitting video packets. iv. An in-call modification unit for sustaining the video call or video communication in an event of configuration changes at the caller and the callee. For example, if either the caller or the callee receives a new IP address, the in-call modification unit detects the change in IP address and communicates the new IP address to the peer. v. A web-server unit configured to establish communication between an instance of the video calling unit on the electronic device and a web browser on another electronic device. On de-referencing the URL provided for the video communication session, the web browser will communicate with the web server unit. The web server unit will provide the browser with number of files such as: i. HTML files ii. CSS files ill. Javascript files.

[0042] These files are collectively used for providing the user interface and controls displayed in the web browser; additionally, they allow the web browser (with user permissions) to capture video/audio streams from one or more cameras and/or microphones of the electronic device (the device on which the browser is launched). Additionally, the web server unit is responsible for receiving and transmitting signalling/control messages to the web browser. These signalling/control messages aid in setup/modification and termination of the communication session.

[0043] The communication between the communication infrastructure unit and the video calling unit and between the various units of the communication infrastructure unit is done through, including, but not limited to: i. SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) ii. WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) iii. XMPP (Extensible Messaging Presence Protocol) iv. HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) v. TLS (Transport Layer Security) vi. ICE (Interactive Connectivity Establishment) vii. STUN (Session Traversal Utilities for NAT) viii. TURN (Traversal Using Relays around NAT) ix. RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol) x. SRTP (Secure Real-time Transport Protocol) xi. DTLS-SRTP (Datagram Transport Layer Security - Secure Real-time Transport Protocol ) xii. DNS (Domain Name System)

[0044] The video calling unit installed/configured on the electronic device effectively functions as an “endpoint” of the communication infrastructure unit in that, the communication infrastructure unit functions as a centralized hub to enable all the functionality required to setup, sustain and terminate video calling.

[0045] The method of video communication is described according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method comprising the steps of: i. instructing, through a video calling unit configured on an electronic device of at least one of participants, by a participant to initiate video communication;

II. receiving the instructions, by a communication infrastructure unit, through the video calling unit to initiate the video communication; iii. verifying, by the communication infrastructure unit, whether the other participant(s) electronic device has the video calling unit; and iv. establishing the video communication, by the communication infrastructure unit, between the participants; wherein the electronic device of at least one of the participants is a cellular device; wherein an audio or a voice communication between the electronic device of one of the participants and the cellular device of other participant(s) is through, including but not limited to, a cellular network, a cellular network converted to a VoIP, or a VoIP converted to cellular network; and wherein the video communication is through a data network.

[0046] The step (b) of receiving the instructions, by the communication infrastructure unit through the video calling unit, to initiate the video communication comprises receiving information including, but not limited to, a mobile number and/or a telephone number of other participant.

[0047] The step (c) of verifying by the communication infrastructure unit comprises the steps of: identifying whether the other participant receiving a request of video communication has the video calling unit configured on his/her electronic device; and enabling the communication infrastructure unit to setup video communication if the other participant has the video calling unit configured on his/her electronic device, or enabling the communication infrastructure unit to generate a unique URL or a unique identifier if the other participant does not have the video calling unit configured on his/her electronic device, and sending, by the communication infrastructure unit and/or the electronic device of the participant, the unique URL or the unique identifier to the other participant(s) through, including but not limited to, a SMS, an Instant Messaging (IM), and/or an Email for setting up the video communication on a web browser. [0048] The step of identifying whether the other participant receiving the request of video communication has the video calling unit configured on his/her electronic device comprises the step of verifying whether the mobile number and/or the telephone number of other participant is stored in a storage unit of the communication infrastructure unit. If the mobile number and/or the telephone number of the other participant is found in the storage unit, the other participant has the video calling unit but otherwise not. A message relaying unit of the communication infrastructure unit is configured to provide real time feedback to the participant (initiator of video communication) whether the other participant (recipient of request of video communication) has a video calling unit configured on his/her electronic device.

[0049] The step (d) of establishing the video communication includes the video communication through the data network including a wifi, an intranet, and an internet, and the audio communication through the cellular network provided by one or more service providers.

[0050] The step (d) of establishing the video communication includes video communication and audio communication through the data network including the wifi, the intranet, and the internet.

[0051] The system and the method provide an ability to the participants to have a video call even if the network carriers of the participants do not support video calling, as long as at least one of the participants in the call has a video calling unit installed on his/her electronic device.

[0052] Further, the system and method of video communication between the participants comprise an audio stream of a communication over a cellular network provided by one or more telecom carriers and the corresponding video streams are transmitted over a data path. The communication between the participants is not completely disrupted by impediments along the data path, considering that the audio stream continues to be active over the cellular network and participants are able to continue the communication session.

[0053] The system and method further provide an ability to dynamically and on demand, switch the audio stream from being anchored in the network of one or more carrier networks to a data path, such that both the audio and video streams are transmitted over the data path.

[0054] Additionally, the system and method provide a mechanism to restore a previously disrupted video stream as a result of loss of connectivity to the data network or impediments in the data network, without having the participants to manually intervene.

[0055] An example to setup a video communication between the participants, wherein both the caller and the callee have a video calling unit on their devices, is described. To facilitate video calling, the caller dials the number of the callee through the cellular device such that a regular audio call is established across the networks of one or more telecom carriers. During the establishment of the audio call, if the caller intends to setup a video call, a control message is sent over the data network from the video calling unit of the caller to the communication infrastructure unit to ascertain if the callee has the video calling unit installed on his/her electronic device. If the video calling unit is configured on the callee cellular device an option to “escalate” the call to a video call is presented on both, the calling and called video calling unit. Further, assuming that either the caller or the callee wish to escalate the call to a video call, the option to setup a video call is selected. On doing so, control messages are exchanged between the video calling unit that attempted to escalate the audio call to video call and the communication infrastructure unit. These control messages are exchanged to setup the parameters of the call such as the transport address to be used for receiving media, the format over which video is encoded, among others. Similarly, an exchange of control messages (initiated between the infrastructure) also occurs between the communication infrastructure unit and the other video calling unit that is part of the call.

[0056] On completion of the exchange of control messages between the communication infrastructure unit and both video calling units, video media encoded in the form of data packets (including but not limited to Realtime Transmission Protocol (RTP) over User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or RTP over Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or Secure Realtime Transmission Protocol (SRTP) over User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or RTP over Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)) is transmitted by both video calling units. The encoded video media captures a video feed from one or more capture devices (front camera, rear camera, others) on the cellular device on which the application is configured. The data packets may be exchanged directly between the two video calling units or through an intermediary device in the communication infrastructure unit, or alternatively, may dynamically change as a result of further control messages between the video calling units and the communication infrastructure unit to switch from transmission via an intermediary to direct transmission or vice versa.

[0057] As a result, there is a video call setup from the perspective of both video calling units such that the audio stream in anchored across the network of one or more telecom carriers and the video stream is anchored over a data network. The video feed is rendered on the screen real-estate occupied by the Graphical User Interface (GUI). Disruptions to data network connectivity on either of both of the video calling units still ensure that the audio call is active and both parties are able to continue communicating without a total disruption.

[0058] When faced with disruptions in connectivity or degradation of the data network, such that data packets encoding the video stream cannot be exchanged between the communicating video calling units, attempts are made in the background to ensure restoration of the video stream. On restoration of the video stream, transmission of packets between both video calling units resume to re-establish the video call.

[0059] An example of video communication between a caller and a callee wherein either the caller or the callee doesn’t have a video calling unit is described. During establishment of the audio call or audio communication across the network of one or more telecom carriers, the control messages exchanged between the video calling unit on the calling cellular device and the communication infrastructure unit might reveal that the callee does not have the video calling unit configured on his/her cellular device. Such a situation usually precludes video calling or video communication. To get around such a situation, a prompt is provided to the video calling unit on the caller cellular device that initiated the call, asking the caller if a video call is desired even though the callee cellular device does not have the video calling unit. If the user provides affirmation about the intent to setup the video call or video communication, the communication infrastructure unit generates a unique Uniform Resource Locator (URL) or unique identifier, and a Short Message Service (SMS), an Instant Messaging (IM), and/or an Email containing the URL or unique identifier is sent by the communication infrastructure unit and/or the cellular device of the caller to the callee cellular device. On receiving such a communication, and if the callee wishes to engage in a video call, the URL is dereferenced by clicking on it. On dereferencing the URL, a web browser window is launched such that the web browser communicates with a web server within the communication infrastructure unit. The web page downloaded by the web browser has a set of instructions that first obtains permission from the user including the permission such as to access one or more video cameras present on the callee cellular device, and audio device/microphone. Subsequently on obtaining the permission, exchange of control messages is done between the web browser and the web server unit within the communication infrastructure unit. These control messages are required to determine various aspects of the impending video call such as the transport address to be used for receiving media, the format over which video is encoded, among others.

[0060] As these control messages are being exchanged between the browser window of the callee cellular device and the communication infrastructure unit, there is an almost extemporaneous exchange between the communication infrastructure unit and the video calling unit on the caller cellular device. The communication infrastructure unit might be required to translate between different protocols for control messages - for example between SIP and webRTC. The exchange of these control messages between the browser on the callee cellular device and the communication infrastructure unit and between the communication infrastructure unit and the video calling unit on the caller cellular device, enable the establishment of a video call.

[0061] On completion of the exchange of control messages between the communication infrastructure unit, the video calling unit, and the web browser, video media encoded in the form of data packets (including but not limited to Realtime Transmission Protocol (RTP) over User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or RTP over Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or Secure Realtime Transmission Protocol (SRTP) over User Datagram Protocol (UDP) or RTP over Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)) is transmitted between the video calling unit and the web browser. The encoded video media captures a video feed from one or more capture devices (front camera, rear camera, others) on the cellular device on which the application is configured/installed. The data packets may be exchanged directly between the video calling unit and the web browser or through an intermediary device in the communication infrastructure unit, or alternatively, may dynamically change as a result of further control messages between video calling unit, the web browser and the communication infrastructure unit to switch from transmission via an intermediary to direct transmission or vice versa.

[0062] As a result, there is a video call setup even though one of the cellular devices does not have the video calling unit installed or configured, such that the audio stream is anchored across the network of one or more telecom carriers and the video stream is anchored over a data network. The video feed is rendered on the screen real-estate occupied by the Graphical User Interface (GUI) on the caller cellular device and the screen real-estate occupied by the web browser on the callee cellular device. Disruptions to data network connectivity on either side - whether the video calling unit instance or web browser ensure that the audio call is active and both parties are able to continue communicating without a total disruption.

[0063] Further, there could be situations wherein the audio stream anchored across the network of one or more telecom carriers might experience impediments that manifests in poor quality audio. The audio quality of the stream might be degraded enough so as to hinder communications. In such situations, users of the video calling unit could be provided the option to move even the audio stream over the data network; doing so would effectively remove any dependencies on the telecom carrier(s).

Examples

[0064] An another example to setup video communication is described: i. If the caller (initiator of a call) wishes to establish a video communication with a callee, the “Call” button might be pressed. The clicking of this button triggers an API call to a Communication/Collaboration Platform as a Service (CPaaS) provider, such that the CPaaS provider obtains the details of the communication peer (such as their number) either directly via the API call from the initiator, or through some other lookup mechanism. Once the CPaaS provider has the number of the initiator (obtained via the API call) and the communication peer (obtained via the API or alternatively, via some lookup mechanism by the provider), a call is established by the provider to both entities (two independent calls), followed by bridging of these calls. ii. The audio call initiated by the CPaaS in most cases arrives on the default dialer/phone application of the initiator and the communication peer. Alternatively, it might also arrive on the application from which the call was initiated. After the audio call is established, the initiator or the communication peer might decide the select a video call option from the video calling unit. In this scenario, the CPaaS or even the application provider might establish a video stream between both instances of application A such that there is a communication session with the “related” streams of the communication session being established over different paths. Namely, the audio stream over the cellular network and the video stream over a data network such as an Intranet or the Internet.

[0065] The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident however, that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures are shown in diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter.

[0066] Referring Figure 1 , a system (100) of video communication between participants (111 , 131 ) having a video calling unit (115, 135) on their cellular devices (110, 130) is shown according to an embodiment of present invention. As shown the participants (11 1 , 131 ) have the video calling unit (115, 135) configured on their cellular devices (110, 130).

[0067] The participants (111 , 131 ) are having a normal audio or voice communication, and the participant (111 ) having the video calling unit (115) is interested in initiating the video communication, therefore, the participant (111 ) initiates the video communication. Upon receipt of the instructions from the participant (1 11 ), the video calling unit (115) communicates (140) with the communication infrastructure unit (120) to determine whether the other participant (131 ) is having a video calling unit configured on his/her device.

[0068] The communication infrastructure unit (120) receives the information and verifies whether the participant (131 ) is having the video calling unit using prestored information of the participants/users who are having the video calling unit from a storage unit (not shown). On receipt of confirmation from the communication infrastructure unit (120) that the other participant (131 ) has the video calling unit (135), the video calling unit (115) initiates a video call with the video calling unit (135) of the cellular device (130).

[0069] The audio or voice communication (150) is through a cellular network, and the video communication (160) is through a data network.

[0070] Referring Figure 2, a system (200) of video communication between participants (111 , 131 ) having a video calling unit (115, 135) on their cellular devices (110, 130) is shown according to an embodiment of present invention. As shown the participants (111 , 131 ) are having the video calling unit (115, 135) configured on their cellular devices (110, 130).

[0071 ] The participants (111 , 131 ) are having a normal audio or voice communication, and the participant (131 ) having a video calling unit (135) is interested in initiating video call or video communication, therefore, the participant (131 ) initiates a video call. Upon receipt of the instructions from the participant (131 ), the video calling unit (135) communicates (140) with the communication infrastructure unit (120) to determine whether the other participant (111 ) is having a video calling unit configured on his/her device.

[0072] The communication infrastructure unit (120) verifies whether the participant (1 11 ) is having the video calling unit using pre-stored information of the users who are having the video calling unit from a storage unit (not shown). On receipt of confirmation from the communication infrastructure unit (120) that the other participant (111 ) has the video calling unit (115), the video calling unit (135) initiates video call with the video calling unit (1 15) of the cellular device (110).

[0073] The audio or voice communication (150) is through a cellular network, and the video communication (160) is through the data network.

[0074] Referring Figure 3, a system (300) of video communication between a participant (11 1 ) having a video calling unit (115) on his/her cellular device (1 10) and a participant (131 ) not having a video calling unit on his/her cellular device (130) are shown according to an embodiment of present invention.

[0075] The participants (111 , 131 ) are having a normal audio or voice communication, and the participant (1 11) having a video calling unit (115) is interested in initiating video call, therefore, the participant (111 ) initiates a video call. Upon receipt of the instructions from the participant (111 ), the video calling unit (1 15) communicates (140) with the communication infrastructure unit (120) to determine whether the other participant (131 ) is having a video calling unit configured on his/her device.

[0076] The communication infrastructure unit (120) verifies whether the participant (131 ) is having the video calling unit using pre-stored information of the users who are having the video calling unit. On receipt of communication from the communication infrastructure unit (120) that the other participant (131 ) is not having the video calling unit, the participant (11 1 ) is prompted to send the URL through, including but not limited to, a SMS, an IM, and/or an email using, including but not limited to, the communication infrastructure unit (120), the cellular device (110) of the participant (111 ), or a messaging system (not shown) connected to the communication infrastructure unit (120). On receipt of confirmation from the participant (1 11), the URL (170) for initiating a video call on a web browser is sent to the other participant (131 ).

[0077] The participant (131 ) on clicking the URL (170) is directed to the web browser with the video communication settings. The audio or voice communication (150) is through a cellular network, and the video communication (160) is through the data network.

[0078] Referring Figure 4, a system (400) of video communication between a participant (11 1 ) having a video calling unit (115) on his/her cellular device (1 10) and a participant (411 ) having a video calling unit (420) on his/her computer (410) are shown according to an embodiment of present invention.

[0079] The participant (111 ) has made a normal call to the participant (411 ), however since the participant (411 ) for instance is a customer support service provider, the audio communication (150) from the participant (111 ) is converted to a VoIP (430) communication through a VoIP system (440) configured at participant (411 ) infrastructure.

[0080] The participants (1 11 , 411 ) are having a normal voice (150) and VoIP (430) communication, and the participant (111 ) having the video calling unit (115) is interested in initiating a video call, therefore, the participant (111 ) initiates the video call. Upon receipt of the instructions from the participant (111 ), the video calling unit (115) communicates (140) with the communication infrastructure unit (120) to determine whether the other participant (411 ) is having a video calling unit configured on his/her device (410).

[0081] The communication infrastructure unit (120) verifies whether the participant (411 ) is having the video calling unit using pre-stored information of the users who are having the video calling unit from a storage unit (not shown). On receipt of communication (140) from the communication infrastructure unit (120) that the other participant (41 1 ) is having the video calling unit (420), the video calling unit (115) initiates the video call with the video calling unit (420) of the computer (411 ).

[0082] The audio or voice communication is through a cellular network (150), and the VoIP (430). The video communication (160) is through the data network.

[0083] Referring Figure 5, a system (500) of video communication between a participant (11 1 ) having a video calling unit (115) on his/her cellular device (1 10) and a participant (411 ) having a video calling unit (420) on his/her computer (410) are shown according to an embodiment of present invention. [0084] The participant (111 ) has made a normal call to the participant (411 ), however since the participant (411 ) for instance is a customer support service provider, the audio communication (150) from the participant (111 ) is converted to a VoIP (430) communication through a VoIP system (440) configured at participant (411 ) infrastructure.

[0085] The participants (1 11 , 411 ) are having a normal voice (150) and VoIP (430) communication, and the participant (411 ) having the video calling unit (420) is interested in initiating a video call, therefore, the participant (411 ) initiates the video call. Upon receipt of the instructions from the participant (411 ), the video calling unit (420) communicates (140) with the communication infrastructure unit (120) to determine whether the other participant (111 ) is having a video calling unit configured on his/her device (110).

[0086] The communication infrastructure unit (120) verifies whether the participant (1 11 ) is having the video calling unit using pre-stored information of the users who are having the video calling unit from a storage unit (not shown). On receipt of communication (140) from the communication infrastructure unit (120) that the other participant (11 1 ) is having the video calling unit (115), the video calling unit (420) initiates the video call or video communication with the video calling unit (115) of the cellular device (110).

[0087] The audio or voice communication is through a cellular network (150), and the VoIP (430). The video communication (160) is through the data network.

[0088] Referring Figure 6, a system (600) of video communication between a participant (11 1 ) having a video calling unit (115) on his/her cellular device (1 10) and a participant (411 ) not having a video calling unit on his/her computer (410) are shown according to an embodiment of present invention.

[0089] The participant (111 ) has made a normal call to the participant (411 ), however since the participant (411 ) for instance is a customer support service provider, the audio communication (150) from the participant (111 ) is converted to a VoIP (430) communication through a VoIP system (440) configured at participant (411 ) infrastructure.

[0090] The participants (1 11 , 411 ) are having a normal voice (150) and VoIP (430) communication, and the participant (111 ) having the video calling unit (115) is interested in initiating a video call, therefore, the participant (111 ) initiates the video call. Upon receipt of the instructions from the participant (111 ), the video calling unit (115) communicates (140) with the communication infrastructure unit (120) to determine whether the other participant (411 ) is having a video calling unit configured on his/her device (410).

[0091] The communication infrastructure unit (120) verifies whether the participant (411 ) is having the video calling unit using pre-stored information of the users who are having the video calling unit from a storage unit (not shown). On receipt of communication (140) from the communication infrastructure unit (120) that the other participant (41 1) is not having the video calling unit, the participant (111 ) is prompted to send the URL through, including but not limited to, a SMS, an IM, and/or an email using, including but not limited to, the communication infrastructure unit (120), the cellular device (1 10) of the participant (111 ), or a messaging system (not shown) connected to the communication infrastructure unit (120). On receipt of confirmation from the participant (111 ), the URL (450) for initiating the video call over a web browser is sent to the participant (411 ).

[0092] The participant (411 ) on clicking the URL (450) is directed to the web browser with the video communication settings. The audio or voice communication is through a cellular network (150) and the VoIP (430); the video communication (160) is through the data network.

[0093] Referring Figure 7, a system (700) of video communication between a participant (411 ) having a video calling unit (420) on his/her computer (410) and a participant (111 ) not having a video calling unit on his/her cellular device (110) are shown according to an embodiment of present invention.

[0094] The participant (411 ) has made a call through VoIP (430) to the participant (1 11 ), however since the participant (411 ) for instance is a customer support service provider, the VoIP communication (430) from the participant (411) is converted to cellular (150) communication through the VoIP system (440) configured at participant (411 ) infrastructure.

[0095] The participants (411 , 11 1 ) are having a normal VoIP (430), and voice (150) communication, and the participant (411 ) having the video calling unit (420) is interested in initiating a video call, therefore, the participant (411 ) initiates the video call. Upon receipt of the instructions from the participant (411 ), the video calling unit (420) communicates (140) with the communication infrastructure unit (120) to determine whether the other participant (111 ) is having a video calling unit configured on his/her device (110).

[0096] The communication infrastructure unit (120) verifies whether the participant (1 11 ) is having the video calling unit using pre-stored information of the users who are having the video calling unit from a storage unit (not shown). On receipt of communication (140) from the communication infrastructure unit (120) that the other participant (11 1) is not having the video calling unit, the participant (411 ) is prompted to send the URL through, including but not limited to, a SMS, an IM, and/or an email using, including but not limited to, the communication infrastructure unit (120), the computer (410) of the participant (411 ), or a messaging system (not shown) connected to the communication infrastructure unit (120). On receipt of confirmation from the participant (411 ), the URL (180) for initiating the video call on a web browser is sent to the participant (111 ).

[0097] The participant (111 ) on clicking the URL (180) is directed to the web browser with the video communication settings. The audio or voice communication is through the VoIP (430), and the cellular network (150); the video communication (160) is through the data network.

[0098] Referring Figure 8, a communication infrastructure unit (120) is shown according to an embodiment of present invention. As shown in Figure 8, the communication infrastructure unit (120) comprises a storage unit (121 ), a message relaying unit (122), and a call control unit (123)

Industrial Applicability

[0099] The system and the method of video communication described herein above enable participants to have video communication, even if the network carriers of the participants do not support video calling, as long as at least one of the participants has the video calling unit configured on his/her electronic device. Further, the system and method facilitates video communication between the participants such that the fate of the call is not solely dependent on the data network. Loss of access to or impediments within the data network, will not affect the audio stream that is anchored in the networks of one or more mobile carriers (network carriers). Therefore, the participants will still be able to continue communication over audio communication.

[0100] The system and the method of video communication described herein above may be used across various industries, including but not limited to: i. Delivery platforms wherein delivery partners/executive could receive instructions over video communication to arrive at delivery locations that are difficult to locate or were incorrectly referenced; ii. Automobile sector wherein a customer that has a broken-down vehicle, can establish an audio call with the support representative and subsequently have a video communication with the support representative; iii. Tele-medicine; iv. Sales; v. Remote support; vi. Emergency services; and vii. Contact centre calls.

[0101] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the descriptions. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments therein. The examples used are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skilled in the art to practice the embodiments.

[0102] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt, for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of the descriptions and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognise that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[0103] Any discussion of documents, acts, material, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the invention as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

[0104] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the inventions. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention of the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the invention herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.