Abstract: Once an active video conference is set up and a user is viewing the active video conference at a video terminal, the video terminal looks for different events that indicate a change in focus of the user to or from the active video conference. For example, the user brings up another application and starts using the application or the user has minimized a window that is displaying the active video conference. The video terminal sends a change of focus message based on the event to a video conference bridge or another video terminal that is streaming the active video conference to the user. The video conference bridge/video terminal processes the message and changes video portion of the stream of the active video conference based on the message. The result is that there is improved use of bandwidth between the video terminal and the video conference bridge/video terminal.

Abstract: Once an active video conference is set up and a user is viewing the active video conference at a video terminal, the video terminal looks for different events that indicate a change in focus of the user to or from the active video conference. For example, the user brings up another application and starts using the application or the user has minimized a window that is displaying the active video conference. The video terminal sends a change of focus message based on the event to a video conference bridge or another video terminal that is streaming the active video conference to the user. The video conference bridge/video terminal processes the message and changes video portion of the stream of the active video conference based on the message. The result is that there is improved use of bandwidth between the video terminal and the video conference bridge/video terminal.

Abstract: Controlling delivery of media content at a network server is disclosed. A request for media channel guide information from a remote subscriber device is received. Media channel guide information is sent to the remote subscriber device in response to the request. A request for delivery of media content associated with a selected media channel is received. Media channel content associated with the selected media channel is directed to a media channel recording device associated with the subscriber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling subscriber services from different sources without requiring interaction with different devices. The present invention also provides a method and apparatus for receiving multimedia services using session initiation protocol (SIP) messages received from a source, such as a server on a network. In one embodiment, a set-top device is provided in which a SIP control is provided to register a subscriber with a server using SIP messages. A connection to a network, such as the Internet, is provided to communicate with the server. The set-top device is placed in line with the audio and video source to control audio and video streams presented to the subscriber. The set-top device is also configured to receive voice calls from a public switched telephone network (PSTN). Further, the set-top device includes a remote control mechanism, such as an infrared (IR) transmitter and receiver to receive input from the subscriber and to control other devices using IR signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of communicating over a data network includes providing a user interface in a control system for call control and to display information relating to a call session. The control system communicates one or more control messages (e.g., Session Initiation Protocol or SIP messages) over the data network to establish a call session with a remote device in response to receipt of a request through the user interface. One or more commands are transmitted to a voice device associated with the control system to establish the call session between the voice device and the remote device over the data network. A Real-Time Protocol (RTP) link may be established between the voice device and the remote device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling subscriber services from different sources without requiring interaction with different devices. The present invention also provides a method and apparatus for receiving multimedia services using session initiation protocol (SIP) messages received from a source, such as a server on a network. In one embodiment, a set-top device is provided in which a SIP control is provided to register a subscriber with a server using SIP messages. A connection to a network, such as the Internet, is provided to communicate with the server. The set-top device is placed in line with the audio and video source to control audio and video streams presented to the subscriber. The set-top device is also configured to receive voice calls from a public switched telephone network (PSTN). Further, the set-top device includes a remote control mechanism, such as an infrared (IR) transmitter and receiver to receive input from the subscriber and to control other devices using IR signals.

Abstract: A system for an adaptive network phone includes a SIP-enabled handset or other telephone device to be connected to a host computer, for instance via a USB connection. The host computer may initiate a call event when the user picks up the SIP device and wishes to make a call, in one regard by testing line conditions for a data connection to the Internet or other network to determine if a packet-based call will meet minimum noise, delay or other criteria of the user. If the conditions are satisfactory, the call may proceed as a packet network transmission, otherwise the call may revert to the public switched telephone network for fallback completion. The SIP-enabled handset may also interface to multimedia functions in the host computer, for instance to permit paging, answering machine, cordless operation or other features.

Abstract: A method of redirecting a call from a data processing system to another address. In a preferred embodiment, a notice of an incoming call received from a server at a data processing system. This notice may include caller identification information as well. The user of the data processing system is prompted for an address to which the user wishes the call to be redirected. The user then identifies and sends to the server a new address to which the incoming call is to be redirected. The server then redirects the call to the new address.

Abstract: A communications system includes call devices that are capable of communicating over a packet-based data network. The packet-based data network may be according to an Internet Protocol (IP), for example. The call devices are capable of performing call communications, such as according to a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) or an H.323 Recommendation. Each of the call devices includes a user interface that is customizable to one or multiple configurations depending on which user is using the call device. User identification information is communicated from the call device to a proxy or server that has access to a database. The identification information is used to locate configuration information associated with the user. The corresponding user configuration information is then retrieved from the database and communicated back to the call device to configure the call device user interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling subscriber services from different sources without requiring interaction with different devices. The present invention also provides a method and apparatus for receiving multimedia services using session initiation protocol (SIP) messages received from a source, such as a server on a network. In one embodiment, a set-top device is provided in which a SIP control is provided to register a subscriber with a server using SIP messages. A connection to a network, such as the Internet, is provided to communicate with the server. The set-top device is placed in line with the audio and video source to control audio and video streams presented to the subscriber. The set-top device is also configured to receive voice calls from a public switched telephone network (PSTN). Further, the set-top device includes a remote control mechanism, such as an infrared (IR) transmitter and receiver to receive input from the subscriber and to control other devices using IR signals.

Abstract: A communications system includes a packet-based data network coupled to various network elements, including a gateway that provides ports to various peripheral devices. One type of peripheral device includes a Universal Serial Bus (USB) device. A network element coupled to the data network may establish Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) sessions with the gateway. Once a SIP session is established, communications may occur between the network element and the peripheral device. SIP messaging is exchanged between the network element and the gateway. USB commands and data are exchanged between the gateway and the USB device. The gateway converts between the SIP messaging and the USB commands and data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of communicating over a data network includes providing a user interface in a control system for call control and to display information relating to a call session. The control system communicates one or more control messages (e.g., Session Initiation Protocol or SIP messages) over the data network to establish a call session with a remote device in response to receipt of a request through the user interface. One or more commands are transmitted to a voice device associated with the control system to establish the call session between the voice device and the remote device over the data network. A Real-Time Protocol (RTP) link may be established between the voice device and the remote device.

Abstract: A method of redirecting a call from a data processing system to another address. In a preferred embodiment, a notice of an incoming call received from a server at a data processing system. This notice may include caller identification information as well. The user of the data processing system is prompted for an address to which the user wishes the call to be redirected. The user then identifies and sends to the server a new address to which the incoming call is to be redirected. The server then redirects the call to the new address.