Abstract: A conferencing system for an enterprise is disclosed. The conferencing system includes a management apparatus for managing conferencing resources in a premises. The management apparatus includes a communications link for communicating with a proximity announcing system, which indicates whether a portable communications device is near a conferencing device within the premises. The management apparatus can transmit a message to a proximate portable communication device indicating that a conferencing device is nearby. The proximity announcing system can include wireless transmitters and receivers associated with the premises and with portable communication devices used within the premises for tracking the location of the portable communication devices throughout the premises.

Abstract: The disclosed method provides audio location perception to an endpoint in a multipoint videoconference by providing a plurality of audio streams to the endpoint, wherein each of the audio streams corresponds to one of the loudspeakers at the endpoint. The audio streams are differentiated so as to emphasize broadcasting of the audio streams through one or more loudspeakers closest to a position of a speaking endpoint in a videoconference layout that is displayed at the endpoint. For example, the audio broadcast at a loudspeaker that is at a far-side of the screen might be attenuated or time delayed compared to audio broadcast at a loudspeaker that is located at a near-side of the display. The disclosure also provides a multipoint control unit (MCU) that processes audio signals from two or more endpoints according to the positions in a layout of the endpoints and then transmits processed audio streams to the endpoints in a way that allows endpoints to broadcast spatially correlated audio.

Abstract: A communication system that includes multiple conferencing devices connected in a daisy-chain configuration is communicably connected to far-end conference participants. Multiple conferencing devices provide improved sound quality to the far-end participants by reducing aural artifacts resulting from reverberation and echo. The daisy-chain communication system also reduces the processing and transmission time of the near-end audio signal by processing and transmitting the audio signal in frequency domain. Each conferencing device in the daisy chain performs signal conditioning on its audio signal before transmitting it in the frequency domain to a mixer. The output signal of the mixer is converted back to the time domain before being transmitted to the far-end. The daisy-chain configuration also provides a distributed bridge to external communication devices that can be connected to each conferencing device.

Abstract: A computer program of the type commonly known as a “wizard” is disclosed that initializes user interface software for controlling an audio conferencing device. The wizard allows the desired audio inputs (e.g., microphone, telephones, etc.) and audio outputs (speakers, recording devices, etc.) to be chosen by an audio system administrator. Thereafter, the wizard allows an audio conferencing device (or devices) to be chosen by the administrator, or allows such a device(s) to be optimally chosen dependent upon the chosen inputs and outputs. The wizard then maps the inputs and outputs to the input and output ports on the audio conferencing device. When the administrator finishes the wizard, the wizard computes the mapping parameters and other audio-optimizing parameters for the selected inputs and outputs. These parameters are then loaded into the user interface software automatically.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a videoconferencing system that has been integrated into a flat panel display or computer monitor. The integration provides an improved form factor for the videoconferencing system. In addition, the integration offers the dual use as a computer monitor and as a videoconferencing system. The system includes a videoconferencing module attaching to a back of the flat panel display. The videoconferencing module has videoconferencing electronics that electronically connect to integral electronics of the display. The system also includes a microphone/camera module attaching to a top of the flat panel display. The microphone/camera module has a camera and microphone that both electronically connect to the videoconferencing electronics.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system includes a first videoconferencing unit coupled to a network and associated with a first e-mail address. The first videoconferencing unit receives a second e-mail address and automatically sends a request e-mail requesting connection information to the second e-mail address. A second videoconferencing unit is coupled to the network and is associated with the second e-mail address. The second videoconferencing unit receives the request e-mail and automatically returns a response e-mail including connection information to the first e-mail address. The first videoconferencing unit receives the response e-mail and automatically obtains the connection information from the response e-mail. Using the connection information, the first videoconferencing unit initiates a videoconference call with the second videoconference unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automating the interface of different videoconferencing systems are disclosed. In brief, according to one or more embodiments according to the invention, a first method comprises, upon connection of two videoconferencing systems, information containing the number and type of screens in each system is exchanged, and this information is used to set up custom camera and/or display settings in each local system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for multicasting data to a plurality of destinations over an addressable bus using a switch adapted to receive a stream of data cells from a data source. The switch is adapted to determine the appropriate recipients of the data using a stream identifier associated with the data cells, replicate the data for each destination, and send the replicated data to each destination. The data source need not be aware of the recipient of the data stream because the recipient is determined by the switch. The stream from the data source can be sent to a different set of recipients by associating the new recipients with the stream identifier. This method is useful for applications such as videoconferencing, in which groups of recipients of a particular data stream change often.

Abstract: The operation and status of a video/audio conferencing system is monitored through the use of a web-based system. The system includes multiple client computer devices that interconnect with a web server. A server script is set up to operate in a looped configuration. The system is queried on each run of the loop to determine if a status change has occurred. If no change has occurred, a server script delays and then restarts the loop. If a change in status has occurred, the client script is updated to reflect the status change and the client script is downloaded to the client computer device's web browser. The client script runs within an invisible pane and updates a visible pane to reflect the status change. Thus, the visible pane on the client computer system can be updated without requiring a user to perform any functions, such as actuating a refresh button.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a videoconferencing system that has been integrated into a flat panel display or computer monitor. The integration provides an improved form factor for the videoconferencing system. In addition, the integration offers the dual use as a computer monitor and as a videoconferencing system. The system includes a videoconferencing module attaching to a back of the flat panel display. The videoconferencing module has videoconferencing electronics that electronically connect to integral electronics of the display. The system also includes a microphone/camera module attaching to a top of the flat panel display. The microphone/camera module has a camera and microphone that both electronically connect to the videoconferencing electronics.

Abstract: Assigning inbound ringing ISDN channels to a particular endpoint's call uses a framing listening technique to distinguish between H.221 framing, master bonding channel framing and slave bonding channel framing. If the channel is receiving Master Bonding Channel framing, the MCU detects that this is a new call from a unique far endpoint and may then begin a process to address this new call. If the channel is receiving Slave Bonding Channel framing, the MCU then transmits a multi-frame pattern and looks for a Physical Video Unit Identifier the MCU sent to this far end via the Master Channel upon initial negotiation. If the channel is receiving H.221 framing, a H.243 terminal address assigned using a Terminal Indicate Assignment (TIA) message in the initial channel is used. The far endpoint may then send this address in its additional channels through the use of a Terminal Indicate Additional Channel X (TIX) message.

Abstract: A computer program of the type commonly known as a “wizard” is disclosed that initializes user interface software for controlling an audio conferencing device. The wizard allows the desired audio inputs (e.g., microphone, telephones, etc.) and audio outputs (speakers, recording devices, etc.) to be chosen by an audio system administrator. Thereafter, the wizard allows an audio conferencing device (or devices) to be chosen by the administrator, or allows such a device(s) to be optimally chosen dependent upon the chosen inputs and outputs. The wizard then maps the inputs and outputs to the input and output ports on the audio conferencing device, a step which again can be performed manually by the administrator or automatically by the wizard. After reviewing the mapping results, the administrator finishes the wizard, which computes the mapping parameters and other audio-optimizing parameters for the selected inputs and outputs.

Abstract: A wireless LAN environment includes at least one access point that supports a number of wireless communications devices which are configured to operate in the U-APSD mode. The transmission of packets by an access point to a wireless communications device operating in the U-APDS mode can be accomplished in an efficient manner by coordinating the unscheduled service periods of the wireless communication devices. The service periods are placed into a tightly packed list ordered according to a network address associated with each wireless communications device.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a videoconference system is provided in which a conference can be controlled by an end user (e.g., a participant of the conference) without the assistance of an operator. In another embodiment, the end user is presented with a graphical feature on an image associated with an ongoing conference that links to a menu, which in turn links to routines for selecting various options that change the setup of the conference. In yet another embodiment, the parameters of the conference can be changed while the conference is ongoing. In a further embodiment, the conference control unit includes a menu generator. Any combination of the above embodiments can be used together in one embodiment.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and techniques for keyboard scanning are disclosed herein. Keyboard arrangements can include a plurality of keys and a keyboard decoder. Each of the plurality of keys can include at least one drive contact and a plurality of sense contacts. Each drive contact can be connected to an output (drive) line of the keyboard decoder, and each sense contact can be connected to an input (sense) line of the keyboard decoder such that each key is connected to a unique combination of sense lines. Key presses can be identified by the unique combination of sense lines triggered. The combination of sense lines triggered can be used as an address to a lookup table indicating the function of the various keys. Variations of drive signal properties, e.g., frequency, phase, and waveshape, can be used to further distinguish key inputs and/or provide for a greater number of keys and/or corresponding functions.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for reducing delay in video communication, including, for example, video transcoding and continuous presence in a multipoint multimedia conference. The video communication control unit reduces such delay by processing a video stream in a small number of macroblocks referred to as “chunks,” without waiting to get a full frame of video data. Instead, the incoming video stream is converted into decoded chunks. These decoded chunks are transferred to an output module without waiting to decode an entire frame. An encoder in the output module encodes the decoded chunks (also referred to as encoder chunks), and transfers them to an end user without waiting for the entire frame to be processed. Thus, reducing the delay in waiting for the entire frame of video data provides improved real-time video communication.

Abstract: A system and method for high resolution video conferencing is shown and described. A transmitting station and a receiving station including video cameras or sensors, a plurality of microphones and speakers, video, audio and communication processing engines are disclosed. Video is processed and transferred through the system allowing for multiple video streams to be produced and audio is processed and transferred through the system allowing for sound to be played back with an indication of position in relation to the videoconferencing system.

Abstract: A speakerphone with a jack or a plug to allow a full featured speakerphone to be used with a wireless telephone handset. In one embodiment, a jack is installed on a speakerphone. A cable can connect the speakerphone using this jack and a headset jack on wireless phone handset. In another embodiment, the cable is embedded in the speakerphone. In another embodiment, the speakerphone is operated by an internal power source.

Abstract: A method for communicating data during an audio conference is provided. Digital data is received from a data source. The digital data is then modulated onto a carrier signal. The modulated carrier signal is subsequently combined with an audio signal of the audio conference. The combined signal is communicated to at least one remote communication device. Upon receipt by the at least one remote communication device, the combined signal is separated into the audio signal and the modulated carrier signal. The modulated carrier signal is then demodulated to extract the digital data. Both the digital data and the audio signal are output by the at least one remote communication device.

Abstract: A videoconferencing station is disclosed which includes apparatus for establishing a wireless Personal Area Network (PAN) in the immediate vicinity of the videoconferencing station. In one preferred embodiment, the PAN is a Bluetooth piconet. A Bluetooth-enabled cellular telephone may then be used to make an audio connection via the telephone network to a remote user not in a conference room equipped with a videoconferencing station. The remote user may thereby participate in at least the audio portion of the videoconference. Video portions of the conference may similarly be transmitted if video-enabled phones are used.