Description

The WebRTC Video Calling System is a web application designed to facilitate real-time video communication over the internet. Utilizing WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) technology, the system supports features such as one-on-one video calls, online teaching sessions, and conference calls with multiple participants. The application is built to provide a seamless and interactive user experience for various use cases, including remote education and virtual meetings.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. System Requirements
3. User Roles and Permissions
4. Key Features
   • One-on-One Video Calling
   • Group Video Conferencing
   • Online Teaching Tools
   • Chat Functionality
   • Screen Sharing
   • Recording Sessions
   • User Management
5. System Modules
6. Data Models
7. User Interface
8. Implementation Details
9. Future Enhancements
10. Conclusion

1. Introduction

The WebRTC Video Calling System leverages WebRTC technology to enable real-time video and audio communication directly in web browsers. This project is designed to support diverse communication needs, including private video calls, group conferencing, and educational sessions with interactive tools.

2. System Requirements

Hardware Requirements

• Server with high bandwidth and low latency.
• Workstations or mobile devices with a camera and microphone for users.

Software Requirements

• Operating System: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android
• Web Server: Apache or Nginx
• Backend: Node.js, Python (Django/Flask), or equivalent
• Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript (React, Angular, or Vue.js)
• Additional Libraries: WebRTC APIs, Socket.io for real-time communication

3. User Roles and Permissions

Roles

1. Administrator: Full access to all system features and settings.
2. Instructor: Can create and manage online teaching sessions, invite participants, and access teaching tools.
3. Participant: Can join video calls and conferences, interact with others, and use basic functionalities.
4. Guest: Limited access, mainly for joining specific calls or conferences without full user privileges.

Permissions

• Host: Initiate and manage calls and conferences.
• Join: Participate in existing calls and conferences.
• Chat: Send and receive text messages.
• Share Screen: Share screen during a call.
• Record: Record video sessions for future reference.

4. Key Features

One-on-One Video Calling

• Initiate Call: Users can start a video call with another user.
• End Call: Users can end the call at any time.

Group Video Conferencing

• Create Conference: Hosts can create conference rooms and invite multiple participants.
• Join Conference: Users can join existing conference rooms.

Online Teaching Tools

• Whiteboard: Instructors can use a virtual whiteboard for teaching.
• Document Sharing: Share and collaborate on documents in real-time.
• Polls and Quizzes: Conduct interactive polls and quizzes during sessions.

Chat Functionality

• Text Chat: Real-time text messaging during calls.
• Group Chat: Separate chat rooms for different groups.

Screen Sharing

• Share Screen: Users can share their screens with others.
• Stop Sharing: Users can stop sharing their screens at any time.

Recording Sessions

• Record Call: Hosts can record video sessions.
• Playback: Recorded sessions can be accessed and played back later.

User Management

• User Registration: New users can sign up and create accounts.
• Role Assignment: Assign and update user roles and permissions.
• User List: Display all system users with search and pagination.

5. System Modules

1. Authentication Module: Handles user login, registration, and password management.
2. Video Call Module: Manages one-on-one and group video calls.
3. Teaching Tools Module: Implements whiteboard, document sharing, and other interactive tools.
4. Chat Module: Manages real-time text communication.
5. Screen Sharing Module: Handles screen sharing functionality.
6. Recording Module: Manages recording of sessions and playback.
7. User Management Module: Manages user data and permissions.

6. Data Models

User Model

• ID
• Username
• Password (hashed)
• Role
• Permissions

Call Model

• ID
• Participants (foreign key to User)
• Start Time
• End Time
• Recording (if applicable)

Conference Model

• ID
• Host (foreign key to User)
• Participants (foreign key to User)
• Start Time
• End Time
• Recording (if applicable)

Message Model

• ID
• Sender (foreign key to User)
• Content
• Timestamp
• Call/Conference (foreign key)

7. User Interface

Dashboard

• Overview of upcoming and ongoing calls and conferences.

Video Call

• Video windows for participants.
• Controls for mute, unmute, and end call.

Conference

• Grid view of all participants.
• Controls for mute, unmute, and leave conference.

Teaching Tools

• Virtual whiteboard with drawing tools.
• Document sharing interface.
• Polls and quizzes interface.

Chat

• Text input and message display area.
• Separate tabs for private and group chats.

Screen Sharing

• Option to share entire screen or specific application window.
• Indicator for active screen sharing.

Recording

• Start and stop recording buttons.
• List of recorded sessions with playback option.

User Management

• Forms for adding/editing user details.
• Tables displaying user lists with search and pagination.

8. Implementation Details

Backend

• Use RESTful API design for modular and scalable architecture.
• Implement authentication using JWT (JSON Web Tokens).
• Use WebRTC APIs for real-time communication.
• Use Socket.io for real-time messaging and signaling.

Frontend

• Use a component-based architecture (e.g., React, Vue.js) for maintainability.
• Implement responsive design for compatibility across devices.
• Use libraries like SimpleWebRTC for simplifying WebRTC integration.

Security

• Implement role-based access control (RBAC).
• Ensure data validation and sanitation to prevent security vulnerabilities.
• Use HTTPS for secure data transmission.

9. Future Enhancements

• AI Integration: Automatic transcription and translation of video calls.
• Mobile App: Native applications for iOS and Android.
• Advanced Analytics: Detailed usage and performance metrics.
• Enhanced UI/UX: Continuous improvements to the user interface for better usability.

10. Conclusion

The WebRTC Video Calling System is designed to provide reliable and high-quality real-time communication for various applications, including personal video calls, business conferences, and online teaching. With robust features and a user-friendly interface, this system is well-suited for modern communication needs.