Abstract: A method (and corresponding system and computer program product) providing control to open video conference is disclosed. One aspect enables participants of a video conference to asynchronously join and leave the video conference. Another aspect enables participants to merge multiple video conferences into a single video conference, or to split a single video conference into multiple video conferences.

Abstract: In one aspect, audio streams are added to a mix until the mix is either complete (i.e., all audio streams have been added) or the mix is closed early (i.e., before the mix is complete). In another aspect, audio and video streams are synchronized by playing back the audio stream and then synchronizing display of the video frames to the playback of the audio stream.

Abstract: A new audio echo cancellation (AEC) approach is disclosed. To facilitate echo cancellation, the method adjusts for errors (called drift) in sampling rates for both capturing audio and playing audio. This ensures that the AEC module receives both the signals at precisely the same sampling frequency. Furthermore, the far-end signal and near-end mixed signal are time aligned to ensure that the alignment is suitable for application of AEC techniques. An additional enhancement to reduce errors utilizes a concept of native frequency. A by-product of drift compensation allows for excellent buffer control for capture/playback and buffer overflow/underflow errors from drift errors are eliminated.

Abstract: A new audio echo cancellation (AEC) approach is disclosed. To facilitate echo cancellation, the method adjusts for errors (called drift) in sampling rates for both capturing audio and playing audio. This ensures that the AEC module receives both the signals at precisely the same sampling frequency. Furthermore, the far-end signal and near-end mixed signal are time aligned to ensure that the alignment is suitable for application of AEC techniques. An additional enhancement to reduce errors utilizes a concept of native frequency. A by-product of drift compensation allows for excellent buffer control for capture/playback and buffer overflow/underflow errors from drift errors are eliminated.

Abstract: A new audio echo cancellation (AEC) approach is disclosed. To facilitate echo cancellation, the method adjusts for errors (called drift) in sampling rates for both capturing audio and playing audio. This ensures that the AEC module receives both the signals at precisely the same sampling frequency. Furthermore, the far-end signal and near-end mixed signal are time aligned to ensure that the alignment is suitable for application of AEC techniques. An additional enhancement to reduce errors utilizes a concept of native frequency. A by-product of drift compensation allows for excellent buffer control for capture/playback and buffer overflow/underflow errors from drift errors are eliminated.

Abstract: In one aspect, audio streams are added to a mix until the mix is either complete (i.e., all audio streams have been added) or the mix is closed early (i.e., before the mix is complete). In another aspect, audio and video streams are synchronized by playing back the audio stream and then synchronizing display of the video frames to the playback of the audio stream.

Abstract: A method (and corresponding system and computer program product) providing control to open video conference is disclosed. One aspect enables participants of a video conference to asynchronously join and leave the video conference. Another aspect enables participants to merge multiple video conferences into a single video conference, or to split a single video conference into multiple video conferences.

Abstract: A method (and corresponding system and computer program product) providing control to open video conference is disclosed. One aspect enables participants of a video conference to asynchronously join and leave the video conference. Another aspect enables participants to merge multiple video conferences into a single video conference, or to split a single video conference into multiple video conferences.

Abstract: In one aspect, audio streams are added to a mix until the mix is either complete (i.e., all audio streams have been added) or the mix is closed early (i.e., before the mix is complete). In another aspect, audio and video streams are synchronized by playing back the audio stream and then synchronizing display of the video frames to the playback of the audio stream.

Abstract: In one aspect, audio streams are added to a mix until the mix is either complete (i.e., all audio streams have been added) or the mix is closed early (i.e., before the mix is complete). In another aspect, audio and video streams are synchronized by playing back the audio stream and then synchronizing display of the video frames to the playback of the audio stream.

Abstract: In one aspect, audio streams are added to a mix until the mix is either complete (i.e., all audio streams have been added) or the mix is closed early (i.e., before the mix is complete). In another aspect, audio and video streams are synchronized by playing back the audio stream and then synchronizing display of the video frames to the playback of the audio stream.

Abstract: Methods (and corresponding systems and computer program products) providing (1) flexible controls for the number of users that register and use a system, (2) flexible group contact management control, and (3) establishing a caller's video on each receiver's screen as soon as the caller makes a video conference call.

Abstract: A method (and corresponding system and computer program product) for efficiently routing a multi-person conference to reduce bandwidth usage and latency is described. Computing devices used by the participants to participate in the conference are separated into proximity pools based on direct accessibility. For each proximity pool, a computing device is selected as the key node. Only the key node communicates directly with a server, and redistributes data received from the server to its pool peers. Communications between computing devices within a same pool are routed directed to one another. Proximity pools can be refined to factor in distances among the computing devices. Multiple servers may be used to reduce latency. Proximity pools are assigned to nearby servers. Communications between computing devices in different proximity pools are routed through the server(s) associated with the different proximity pool.

Abstract: In one aspect, audio streams are added to a mix until the mix is either complete (i.e., all audio streams have been added) or the mix is closed early (i.e., before the mix is complete). In another aspect, audio and video streams are synchronized by playing back the audio stream and then synchronizing display of the video frames to the playback of the audio stream.

Abstract: A new audio echo cancellation (AEC) approach is disclosed. To facilitate echo cancellation, the method adjusts for errors (called drift) in sampling rates for both capturing audio and playing audio. This ensures that the AEC module receives both the signals at precisely the same sampling frequency. Furthermore, the far-end signal and near-end mixed signal are time aligned to ensure that the alignment is suitable for application of AEC techniques. An additional enhancement to reduce errors utilizes a concept of native frequency. A by-product of drift compensation allows for excellent buffer control for capture/playback and buffer overflow/underflow errors from drift errors are eliminated.

Abstract: In one aspect, audio streams are added to a mix until the mix is either complete (i.e., all audio streams have been added) or the mix is closed early (i.e., before the mix is complete). In another aspect, audio and video streams are synchronized by playing back the audio stream and then synchronizing display of the video frames to the playback of the audio stream.

Abstract: In one aspect, a request to initiate a video conference is received from a caller. The request identifies one or more called parties for the video conference. A request for the video conference is sent to one of the called parties. The called party does not accept the request. In response to a lack of acceptance of the request by the called party, a videomail service is provided. A videomail message from the caller is recorded. The caller is the sender of the videomail message and the called party is the recipient of the videomail message. The called party is notified that he has a videomail message.

Abstract: In one aspect, audio streams are added to a mix until the mix is either complete (i.e., all audio streams have been added) or the mix is closed early (i.e., before the mix is complete). In another aspect, audio and video streams are synchronized by playing back the audio stream and then synchronizing display of the video frames to the playback of the audio stream.

Abstract: A method (and corresponding system and computer program product) for efficiently routing a multi-person conference to reduce bandwidth usage and latency is described. Computing devices used by the participants to participate in the conference are separated into proximity pools based on direct accessibility. For each proximity pool, a computing device is selected as the key node. Only the key node communicates directly with a server, and redistributes data received from the server to its pool peers. Communications between computing devices within a same pool are routed directed to one another. Proximity pools can be refined to factor in distances among the computing devices. Multiple servers may be used to reduce latency. Proximity pools are assigned to nearby servers. Communications between computing devices in different proximity pools are routed through the server(s) associated with the different proximity pool.

Abstract: Methods (and corresponding systems and computer program products) providing (1) flexible controls for the number of users that register and use a system, (2) flexible group contact management control, and (3) establishing a caller's video on each receiver's screen as soon as the caller makes a video conference call.