Real Time Data Broadcasting

We were approached by a client asking us to find a suitable solution as of how to monitor the candidates taking the online test in different browsers supported by different OS platform.

Monitoring all the candidates during an online test is a big ask. Involving a lot of staff in checking the candidates from time to time will affect the candidates taking the test and also involves paying the staff. So a feasible option that doesn’t affect the candidates and requires only a lesser expenditure was looked for.

Our team of developers took in all the factors that influenced the problem and worked on POC (Proof of concept) in different possible ways. After iterating with many POC’s, we were finally up with a solution that satisfied all the functionalities required (i.e.) the ability to work in different browsers supported by different OS platforms. The solution was to monitor the candidates using a Real-time media server which can be operated with the help of an Adobe Flash Actionscript.

Real-time media server protocol (RTSP) is a network control protocol designed for use in entertainment and communications systems to control streaming media servers. The protocol was used for establishing and controlling media sessions between end points. Adobe Media Server was used as the hub to connect the ports. Flash based applications can be connected to the hub using Real Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP). The server thus was able to send and receive data to and from the connected users with the help of a live web FLV player installed.

The entire system was broken into smaller modules and was worked upon separately. We concentrated on monitoring the candidates in three different modes:

1. Video Surveillance

2. Audio Surveillance and

3. Screen Surveillance

When the candidate logs into the portal, the program runs a background check if the system has the specifications required for the candidate to take the test without any interruptions. Initially, the idea of Real-time broadcasting was tested with the help of a Signal-R and the smaller modules were put to use. The system was made to support 70+ official languages through a module integration including the option to take up Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) test. Interagency Language Roundtable tests language proficiency level in the candidates is recognized by the famous universities in Abroad.

Using the system, the candidates can take the test from anywhere, from their own comfortable space and is optimized in such a way that it runs even in Microsoft surface without any lag. Through the Real-time media server, video streaming can be done in light weighted bandwidth even at low internet speeds.

The promo emails sent will intrigue the users to visit the site more often and buy some products. Though the initial conversion ratio will not be high initially, down the line more visitors will be converted to customers. Through constant interaction with the customers the amount of probability that he/she will visit the site and the chance for a conversion is really high.

After the onset of an ecommerce site with built-in analytics, the increase in the site traffic and the increase in the revenue were clearly visible. Thus making the ecommerce site a vital option and a big hit.

Based on the page response analytics, the user behavior system, and campaigner support system will adapt itself.

Apart from real-time monitoring of candidates, a biometric algorithm that supports facial recognition is being worked on right now. This will improve the level of accuracy and create an environment that doesn’t require humans to monitor the candidates.