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: The present invention relates to generating Continuous Presence (CP) images in a Multipoint Control Unit (MCU) managing a multisite videoconference. The invention utilises the bit structure of the ITU H.26* standards to reduce the processing time and requirements in an MCU for generating CP views without self-view. By rearranging macroblocks from coded CP images, regions in a CP image may be removed so as allow transmitting CP images without self view to the participating sites. The rearranging procedure significantly reduces the requirement of encoder resources in an MCU.