Abstract: Disclosed are hybrid conference bridges capable of selectively operating in a replicating mode or a mixing mode based on the number of terminals in an audio conference capable of supporting the replicating mode. A disclosed conference bridge connects a plurality of terminals in an audio conference and includes a replicating-mode operating module, a mixer-mode operating module, and a management module to activate at least one of the operating modules depending on the number of terminals having sufficient capabilities to support the replicating mode.

Abstract: Conference bridge intended to connect a plurality of terminals involved in an audio conference. According to the invention, said conference bridge comprises a replicating-mode operating module (401), a mixer-mode operating module (402), and a management module (200) able to activate at least one of said operating modules depending on the number of terminals having sufficient capabilities to support the replicating mode. Applicable to VoIP audio conferences.

Abstract: A method of transferring an audio stream between at least two terminals, comprising the following steps: a step of connecting a first device and at least a second device; and a step of transferring an audio stream from the first device to the second device; the method being characterized in that it further comprises the following steps: a determination step during which it is determined that the first device or a first network to which the first device is connected or a second network to which the second device is connected is adapted to produce or transfer an audio stream comprising N channels and that the second device includes an electroacoustic transducer adapted to receive an audio stream comprising P channels; and a conversion step during which an audio stream sent by the first device or transmitted by the first network or transmitted by the second network is converted into an audio stream comprising P channels. An associated transfer system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of determining a spatial coding mode for audio data sent by a sender entity (20) to a receiver terminal (10) adapted to receive said audio data in one or more sound reproduction formats. The method comprises the steps of the receiver terminal (10) indicating (1) to the sender entity (20) said reproduction format(s) in a given order of preference and the sender entity (20) determining a mode of spatial coding of the audio data compatible with a reproduction format taken in the order of preference and indicating (2) said reproduction format to the receiver terminal (10). Application to Voice over IP services.

Abstract: A conference system of the type that comprises a bridge (10) to which a plurality of terminals (1 to 4) can be connected to participate in a conference, said bridge (10) being equipped to receive the audio and/or video and/or data flows of each terminal (1 to 4) and to retransmit them to the other terminals, wherein the flows transmitted by said terminals (1 to 4) are coded by means of hierarchical coders and wherein said bridge (10) is equipped with means (21 to 24, 210 to 243) for processing the audio/video/data flows coming from the terminals (j) so that they have a hierarchical level (q) in the flow intended for the terminal (i) and means (20) for determining said hierarchical level (q) based on decision-making criteria relating to the status of said conference system.

Abstract: A method of setting up a communication between a plurality of terminals (T1, . . . , Tn) in a network comprises the activation of at least one chosen node (N1, . . . , Nm) of the network. A node is selected beforehand as a function of predetermined criteria, then the presence of possible means of management of communication on this node (N1, . . . , Nm) is thereafter detected. In case of absence of the means of management on the node, means of management of communication are dispatched to the node. This method applies in particular to computer networks that can support teleconferences.

Abstract: This invention concerns a conference system of the type that comprises a bridge (10) to which a plurality of terminals (1 to 4) can be connected to participate in a conference, said bridge (10) being equipped to receive the audio and/or video and/or data flows of each terminal (1 to 4) and to retransmit them to the other terminals, wherein the flows transmitted by said terminals (1 to 4) are coded by means of hierarchical coders and wherein said bridge (10) is equipped with means (21 to 24, 210 to 243) for processing the audio/video/data flows coming from the terminals (j) so that they have a hierarchical level (q) in the flow intended for the terminal (i) and means (20) for determining said hierarchical level (q) based on decision-making criteria relating to the status of said conference system.