TIME-SHIFTING FOR PUSH TO TALK VOICE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

摘要

A method and network communication device for providing on a Push To Talk (PTT) communication network time-shifting capabilities to a user of a PTT communication device. The method and network communication device involve progressively receiving time-based media on the PTT communication network from a sending device and progressively storing the received time-based media in a time shifting buffer located at the network communication device as the time-based media is progressively received. In response to rendering control instructions received from the user of the PTT communication device, the method and network communication device further includes controlling the rendering of the time-based media at the PTT communication device in either (i) a near real-time mode as the time-based media is progressively received at the network communication device or (ii) in a time shifted mode at an arbitrary later time after the receipt and storage of the time-based media in the time-shifting buffer. If the received rendering control instructions indicate the PTT user would like to review the media in the near real-time mode, the method and network communication device further involve progressively transmitting the time based media to the PTT communication device as the time-based media is progressively received at the network communication device. If the received rendering instructions indicate the time- shifted mode, then the time-based media is progressively transmitted from the time-shifting buffer to the PTT communication device at the arbitrary later time.