Abstract: A method for identifying and remotely provisioning IP terminals like video conference endpoints connected to a common LAN. A provisioning server sends email with a provisioning URL to user being asked to activate the URL; the computer receiving the email is connected to the LAN. Activation establishes an http session between the computer and a provisioning server, the server delivering a Java applet to the computer. When the Java applet is executed, it extracts the IP address of the computer. The Java applet then scans the LAN for video communication endpoints by sending out signaling protocol request like SIP or H.323 requests addressed with IP addresses belonging to the same IP address segment as the computer's IP address. The computer then provision the IP units responding to the signaling protocol requests by inserting XML files into the endpoints adjusted to the certain systems units identified via the endpoints' API.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system for initiating, routing and scheduling video conferences. A dial URL is introduced with a prefix unique for calling purposes. When a user activates such an URL in his web browser, a content handler associated with the browser will recognize the type of URL and send a request to a managing tool to determine an available calling route between the user's preferred end-point and the end-point being addressed in the URL with the required resources. The managing tool then schedules the resources and initiates the call between the end-points, thereby allowing for a one-click initiation of ad-hoc video calls and video conferences.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conferencing dynamically determines conference parameters such as image layout, image resolution and bandwidth. The conference parameters are dynamically determined based on the number of participants or video sources or both that currently connect to the conference. Video signals received from connected sites are processed to provide a composite video signal according to defined conference parameters and the composite video signal is transmitted to the connected sites. Upon one or more other sites connecting to the conference or one or more of the connected sites disconnecting from the conference or both, such that the number of sites or sources currently connected in the conference changes, one or more conference parameters is redefined. The received video signals are processed according to the redefined conference parameters to provide a second composite video signal that is transmitted to the connected sites.

Abstract: A method for creating a coded target Continuous Presence (CP) image according to a video coding standard from a number of coded video signals including defined orders of macroblocks, each including coded video signals corresponding to a respective endpoint video image, received from endpoints participating in a multipoint video conference, the method including: decoding the coded video signals with plural decoders to generate decoded video signals; spatially mixing the decoded video signals, resulting in a number of CP images including regions respectively associated with each of the endpoint video images with a mixing unit; encoding the CP images with plural encoders; and rearranging macroblocks of the encoded CP images to create the target coded CP image with one or more re-packer units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conferencing dynamically determines conference parameters such as image layout, image resolution and bandwidth. The conference parameters are dynamically determined based on the number of participants or video sources or both that currently connect to the conference. Video signals received from connected sites are processed to provide a composite video signal according to defined conference parameters and the composite video signal is transmitted to the connected sites. Upon one or more other sites connecting to the conference or one or more of the connected sites disconnecting from the conference or both, such that the number of sites or sources currently connected in the conference changes, one or more conference parameters is redefined. The received video signals are processed according to the redefined conference parameters to provide a second composite video signal that is transmitted to the connected sites.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conferencing dynamically determines conference parameters such as image layout, image resolution and bandwidth. The conference parameters are dynamically determined based on the number of participants or video sources or both that currently connect to the conference. Video signals received from connected sites are processed to provide a composite video signal according to defined conference parameters and the composite video signal is transmitted to the connected sites. Upon one or more other sites connecting to the conference or one or more of the connected sites disconnecting from the conference or both, such that the number of sites or sources currently connected in the conference changes, one or more conference parameters is redefined. The received video signals are processed according to the redefined conference parameters to provide a second composite video signal that is transmitted to the connected sites.