Abstract:
In one embodiment, the systems and methods determine an initial bandwidth at a client device; allocate an allocated bandwidth to the client device between a first server and a second server; monitor the allocated bandwidth; and adjust the allocated bandwidth based on a target bandwidth from the first server to the client.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to adjusting bandwidth and, more particularly, to adjusting bandwidth during a collaboration session. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    There has been an increased use in collaboration sessions that are Internet or web-based to communicate with employees, vendors, and clients. During these collaboration sessions, information is typically exchanged between multiple participants. This exchanged information or content may include audio, graphical, and/or textual information. Different types of content have different delivery requirements in terms of timeliness of delivery and the size of the content. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In one embodiment, the systems and methods determine an initial bandwidth at a client device; allocate an allocated bandwidth to the client device between a first server and a second server; monitor the allocated bandwidth; and adjust the allocated bandwidth based on a target bandwidth from the first server to the client. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate and explain one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session. In the drawings, 
           [0005]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an environment within which the methods and apparatuses for adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session are implemented; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a simplified block diagram illustrating one embodiment in which the methods and apparatuses for adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session are implemented; 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a simplified block diagram illustrating a system, consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session; and 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram consistent with one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session; and 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is a simplified block diagram illustrating one embodiment in which the methods and apparatuses for adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session are implemented. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0010]    The following detailed description of the methods and apparatuses for adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session refers to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description is not intended to limit the methods and apparatuses for adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session. Instead, the scope of the methods and apparatuses for adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session is defined by the appended claims and equivalents. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many other implementations are possible, consistent with the present invention. 
         [0011]    References to a device include a device utilized by a user such as a desktop computer, a portable computer, a personal digital assistant, a video phone, a landline telephone, a cellular telephone, and a device capable of receiving/transmitting an electronic signal. 
         [0012]    References to content include audio, video, graphical, and/or textual data. 
         [0013]    References to a collaboration session include a plurality of devices that are configured to view content submitted by one of the devices. 
         [0014]    References to a participant device include devices that are participating in the collaboration session. 
         [0015]    References to a presenter device include a device that is a participant in the collaboration session and shares content shared with other participants. 
         [0016]    References to an attendee device include a device that is a participant in the collaboration session and receives content shared by another participant device. The attendee devices are capable of receiving and presenting to users in a user discernable format content that is offered by the presenter device. In some instances, the attendee devices are capable of modifying the content shared by the presenter device. 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating an environment within which the methods and apparatuses for adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session are implemented. The environment includes an electronic device  110  (e.g., a computing platform configured to act as a client device, such as a computer, a personal digital assistant, and the like), a user interface  115 , a network  120  (e.g., a local area network, a home network, the Internet), and a server  130  (e.g., a computing platform configured to act as a server). 
         [0018]    In one embodiment, one or more user interface  115  components are made integral with the electronic device  110  (e.g., a keypad, a video display screen, input and output interfaces, etc., in the same housing such as a personal digital assistant). In other embodiments, one or more user interface  115  components (e.g., a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a trackball, a microphone, a speaker, a display, a camera, etc.) are physically separate from, and are conventionally coupled to, the electronic device  110 . In one embodiment, the user utilizes interface  115  to access and control content and applications stored in electronic device  110 , server  130 , or a remote storage device (not shown) coupled via network  120 . 
         [0019]    In accordance with the invention, embodiments of adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session below are executed by an electronic processor in electronic device  110 , in server  130 , or by processors in electronic device  110  and in server  130  acting together. Server  130  is illustrated in  FIG. 1  as being a single computing platform, but in other instances are two or more interconnected computing platforms that act as a server. 
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary architecture in which the methods and apparatuses for adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session are implemented. The exemplary architecture includes a plurality of electronic devices  202 , a server device  210 , and a network  201  connecting electronic devices  202  to server  210  and each electronic device  202  to each other. The plurality of electronic devices  202  are each configured to include a computer-readable medium  209 , such as random access memory, coupled to an electronic processor  208 . Processor  208  executes program instructions stored in the computer-readable medium  209 . In one embodiment, a unique user operates each electronic device  202  via an interface  115  as described with reference to  FIG. 1 . 
         [0021]    The server device  130  includes a processor  211  coupled to a computer-readable medium  212 . In one embodiment, the server device  130  is coupled to one or more additional external or internal devices, such as, without limitation, a secondary data storage element, such as database  240 . 
         [0022]    In one instance, processors  208  and  211  are manufactured by Intel Corporation, of Santa Clara, Calif. In other instances, other microprocessors are used. 
         [0023]    In one embodiment, the plurality of client devices  202  and the server  210  include instructions for a customized application for selectively sharing a portion of a display during a collaboration session. In one embodiment, the plurality of computer-readable media  209  and  212  contain, in part, the customized application. Additionally, the plurality of client devices  202  and the server  210  are configured to receive and transmit electronic messages for use with the customized application. Similarly, the network  210  is configured to transmit electronic messages for use with the customized application. 
         [0024]    One or more user applications are stored in media  209 , in media  212 , or a single user application is stored in part in one media  209  and in part in media  212 . In one instance, a stored user application, regardless of storage location, is made customizable based on adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session as determined using embodiments described below. 
         [0025]      FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of a system  300 . In one embodiment, the system  300  is embodied within the server  130 . In another embodiment, the system  300  is embodied within the electronic device  110 . In yet another embodiment, the system  300  is embodied within both the electronic device  110  and the server  130 . 
         [0026]    In one embodiment, the system  300  includes a collaboration session detection module  310 , a bandwidth detection module  320 , a storage module  330 , an interface module  340 , a control module  350 , and a bandwidth allocation module  360 . 
         [0027]    In one embodiment, the control module  350  communicates with the collaboration session detection module  310 , the bandwidth detection module  320 , the storage module  330 , the interface module  340 , and the bandwidth allocation module  360 . In one embodiment, the control module  350  coordinates tasks, requests, and communications between the collaboration session detection module  310 , the bandwidth detection module  320 , the storage module  330 , the interface module  340 , and the bandwidth allocation module  360 . 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the collaboration detection module  310  detects a collaboration session between multiple participants. In one embodiment, the collaboration session includes sharing content among the participants through a display device. For example, voice and data content may be shared through the display device such as a computer system, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, and the like. 
         [0029]    Further, the content may include graphical and textual data through word processors, chat windows, documents, and the like. 
         [0030]    In one embodiment, the bandwidth detection module  320  determines a specific available bandwidth at a participant&#39;s device. In one embodiment, the specific available bandwidth is determined based on the connection type of the participant&#39;s device. For example, the connection type includes a telephone modem connection, Wifi connection, a DSL connection, a T1 line, and the like. In this embodiment, different available bandwidths are associated with the different connection types without measuring the actual bandwidth available to the participant&#39;s device. 
         [0031]    In another embodiment, the specific available bandwidth at the participant&#39;s device is determined by measuring the actual available bandwidth. In this embodiment, transmission of test data may be utilized to measure the available bandwidth at the participant&#39;s device. In one embodiment, the measurement of the available bandwidth for the participant&#39;s device is performed at the participant&#39;s device. 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, the storage module  330  stores content associated with the allocating bandwidth to the participant&#39;s device for the collaboration session. Further, the storage module  330  is also configured to store information corresponding to the participants of the collaboration session. Further yet, the storage module  330  is also configured to store content shared during the collaboration session. 
         [0033]    In one embodiment, the interface detection module  340  detects when the text messages are being transmitted from one of the devices participating in the collaboration session. In another embodiment, the interface detection module  340  monitors the voice transmissions originating from one of the devices participating in the collaboration session. In yet another embodiment, the interface detection module  340  detects any activity by one of the devices participating in the collaboration session. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the interface module  340  receives a signal from one of the electronic devices  110 . In one embodiment, the electronic devices  110  are participating in a collaboration session. In another embodiment, the interface module  340  delivers a signal to one of the electronic devices  110 . 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, the bandwidth allocation module  360  determines how much bandwidth is allocated to various types of content that is shared within the collaboration session. In one embodiment, different types of content include audio data, video data, graphical data, and textual data. In some embodiments, audio data and video data require deliver to various participant devices more quickly than other types of shared content within a collaboration session. In one example, the audio and video data are delivered in as close to real time as possible. For example, voice that is embodied within the audio data is less useful when delayed and may contribute to a deterioration in user experience when prolonged voice latency occurs. Similarly, video data that suffers lengthy delays from receipt by the participant device degrade the overall user experience within the collaboration session. In one embodiment, the voice data is given higher priority than the video data. 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, different percentages of bandwidth availability are allocated to different types of content. For example, Equation 1 below describes the current bandwidth to receive data (CBW) in relation to the initial available network bandwidth (IBW) and the expected bandwidth to send VoIP packets (C). In another embodiment, C can represent any data that has a high priority for delivery. 
         [0000]        CBW=IBW−C    (Equation 1) 
         [0037]    In one embodiment, the CBW is subsequently adjusted based Equation 2 found below. 
         [0000]        VBV=C−VCR    (Equation 2) 
         [0038]    The VoIP bandwidth variant is represented by VBV; and VoIP receiving rate and bandwidth detecting data are represented by VCR. In one embodiment, the participant&#39;s device periodically detects the VCR to calculate the VBV. If the VBV is less than zero, then greater bandwidth can be allocated to data and the CBW can be increased without decreasing the throughput of the VoIP packets. Similarly, if the VBV is greater than zero, then less bandwidth can be allocated to data and the CBW can be decreased to maintain acceptable throughput for the VoIP packets. 
         [0039]    In one embodiment, the adjustment of the bandwidth allocation is made over a predetermined period of time. In another embodiment, the adjustment of the bandwidth allocation is also adjusted as a percentage of the overall bandwidth. 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, one or more functions associated with the bandwidth detection module  320  and bandwidth allocation module  360  are performed locally within the participant&#39;s device. 
         [0041]    The system  300  in  FIG. 3  is shown for exemplary purposes and is merely one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session. Additional modules may be added to the system  300  without departing from the scope of the methods and apparatuses for adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session. Similarly, modules may be combined or deleted without departing from the scope of the methods and apparatuses for adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session. 
         [0042]    The flow diagram as depicted in  FIG. 4  is one embodiment of the methods and apparatuses for adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session. The blocks within the flow diagram can be performed in a different sequence without departing from the spirit of the methods and apparatuses for adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session. Further, blocks can be deleted, added, or combined without departing from the spirit of the methods and apparatuses for adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session. 
         [0043]    The flow diagram in  FIG. 4  illustrates adjusting bandwidth allocation during a collaboration session according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         [0044]    In Block  410 , an initial bandwidth is detected at the client. In one embodiment, the client represents the participant&#39;s device within a collaboration session. In one embodiment, the initial bandwidth is detected by the bandwidth detection module  320 . In one embodiment, the actual bandwidth to the client is detected. In another embodiment, the initial bandwidth is assigned based on the connection type associated with the client. 
         [0045]    In Block  420 , bandwidth allocation for data is determined. In one embodiment, the formula shown in Equation 1 is utilized to determine the bandwidth allocation for data. 
         [0046]    In Block  430 , the bandwidth allocation for data is adjusted based on the bandwidth determined within the Block  430 . In one embodiment, the bandwidth allocation for data allocation is transmitted from the client to a remote server. Further, the client represents the participant&#39;s device in one embodiment, and the remote server represents a collaboration session server. 
         [0047]    In Block  440 , the VoIP receiving rate is monitored. In one embodiment, the VoIP receiving rate is monitored at the client. In another embodiment, the VoIP receiving rate is monitored at a remote server. 
         [0048]    In Block  450 , if the bandwidth allocated to the VoIP receiving rate is optimized, then the VoIP receiving rate is continued to be monitored within the Block  440 . 
         [0049]    In Block  450 , if the bandwidth for the VoIP is not optimized, then the current bandwidth is detected at the client in Block  460 . In one embodiment, the current bandwidth is detected by the bandwidth detection module  320 . 
         [0050]    In one embodiment, the optimization is determined based on the allocation of the data bandwidth and the VoIP bandwidth. An exemplary relationship for bandwidth allocation is illustrated within Equation 2. 
         [0051]    In Block  470 , the bandwidth for data is adjusted based on the optimization in the Block  450  and the current bandwidth detected in the Block  460 .  FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of a system  500 . In one embodiment, the system  500  is embodied within the server  130 . In another embodiment, the system  500  is embodied within the electronic device  110 . In yet another embodiment, the system  500  is embodied within both the electronic device  110  and the server  130 . 
         [0052]    In one embodiment, the system  500  includes a meeting server  510 , a multimedia server  520 , and a client  530 . In one embodiment, the meeting server  510  distributes chat data, document data, file data, and the like to the client  530 . In one embodiment, the multimedia server  520  distributes VoIP data and video data to the client  530 . In one embodiment, the client represents a device utilized by a participant within a collaboration session and receives data from both the meeting server  510  and the multimedia server  520 . 
         [0053]    In one embodiment, the bandwidth allocation, as described above and illustrated within  FIGS. 3 and 4 , divides the available bandwidth between the meeting server  510  and the multimedia server  520 . 
         [0054]    The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The invention may be applied to a variety of other applications. 
         [0055]    They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed, and naturally many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.