Abstract: The present invention provides optical fiber communication cable assemblies useful for separating and conveying individual fibers from a multiple optical fiber cable to connectors in a protective manner. The optical fiber cable assembly is suitable for outdoor use and includes a (i) cable with multiple optical fibers; (ii) a furcation unit attached to the cable for directing individual optical fibers from the cable to furcation legs; and (iii) multiple furcation legs receiving at least one of the optical fibers. The furcation legs include (i) a buffer tube surrounding the optical fiber; (ii) strength members surrounding the buffer tube; and (iii) a jacket surrounding the strength members. The furcation legs typically exhibit a tensile rating of at least about 50 pounds (lbf), more typically 100 pounds (lbf) or more. Moreover, the furcation legs typically exhibit total shrinkage of less than about 2 percent when cycled from +23° C. to ?40° C. to +70° C. to ?40° C.

Abstract: Techniques for scheduling a task include receiving task data and quorum data. Task data describes tasks to be performed by one or more participants. Quorum data indicates a participant set of one or more participants to perform each task. Current user data may also be received. Current user data describes a current task set of one or more tasks currently being performed by a particular participant. Either or both of the task data and the current user data describe interruptibility through a particular medium of a plurality of communications media. A particular time interval to schedule a particular task is determined based at least in part on the interruptibility of the task or the particular participant. These techniques allow either or both unscheduled tasks and previously scheduled tasks to be moved to time intervals that overlap other scheduled tasks, including tasks currently being performed by a participant.

Abstract: An end station for a videoconference/multimedia conference is disclosed, where the end station requests, receives and displays multiple video streams. Call control messages request video streams with specified video policies. A static policy specifies a constant source video stream, e.g., a participant. A dynamic policy dynamically maps various source streams to a requested stream and shows, for example, the current speaker, or a round robin of participants. A network access device, e.g., a media switch or a video composition system, mediates between the multi-stream end station and the core conference system. Multi-stream endpoints need not handle the complexity of directly receiving video according to a potentially wide variety of call control protocols, formats, and bit-rates. Multi-stream endpoints decentralize compositing video streams, which increases functional flexibility and reduces the need for centralized equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed are conferencing systems, devices, architectures, and methods for implementing a trigger-based conferencing system to facilitate increased productivity meeting participation. An exemplary method, in accordance with embodiments, of managing a workflow application in a conference, where the conference includes a plurality of events, can include: (i) creating a trigger by defining a predicate and action for the trigger; (ii) registering the trigger to at least one of a plurality of detection points; (iii) evaluating the trigger's predicate each time any of the detection points against which it is registered are encountered; and (iv) executing actions associated with the trigger if the predicate evaluation is positive, where execution of the actions can result in a state change in the conference.

Abstract: Techniques for dynamically mapping source video streams of sources to the requested destination video streams based on a policy are provided. The source video streams that are mapped to the destination video streams are changed based on events that cause changes in the mapping based on the policy. The mappings may be managed by a media switch remote from the end device or by an event aware stream router associated with the end device. The mappings are used to display images of participants associated with the source video streams where position changes in images displayed are minimized when events occur.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical fiber communication cable assemblies useful for separating and conveying individual fibers from a multiple optical fiber cable to connectors in a protective manner. The optical fiber cable assembly is suitable for outdoor use and includes a (i) cable with multiple optical fibers; (ii) a furcation unit attached to the cable for directing individual optical fibers from the cable to furcation legs; and (iii) multiple furcation legs receiving at least one of the optical fibers. The furcation legs include (i) a buffer tube surrounding the optical fiber; (ii) strength members surrounding the buffer tube; and (iii) a jacket surrounding the strength members. The furcation legs typically exhibit a tensile rating of at least about 50 pounds (lbf), more typically 100 pounds (lbf) or more. Moreover, the furcation legs typically exhibit total shrinkage of less than about 2 percent when cycled from +23° C. to ?40° C. to +70° C. to ?40° C.

Abstract: A packet-switched communication system, method for controlling packet-switched calls over such a system, and components of the system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system provides a scalable implementation for handling H.323 calls. The H.323-required TCP signaling terminations are handled by distributed signaling gateways. Each signaling gateway backhauls the signaling content from these terminations to a central media gateway controller for processing. The media gateway controller uses an efficient gateway control protocol to control media gateways and/or media proxies that actually handle the media bearer channels associated with the backhauled H.323 signaling connections. The H.323 complexity can thus be concentrated in the media gateway controller, without requiring full H.323 functionality at the distributed gateways. Also, because the TCP signaling connections are remote from the media gateway controller, H.323 signaling redundancy can be provided at the media gateway controller.

Abstract: Techniques for dynamically mapping source video streams of sources to the requested destination video streams based on a policy are provided. The source video streams that are mapped to the destination video streams are changed based on events that cause changes in the mapping based on the policy. The mappings may be managed by a media switch remote from the end device or by an event aware stream router associated with the end device. The mappings are used to display images of participants associated with the source video streams where position changes in images displayed are minimized when events occur.

Abstract: A conferencing system includes a mixer operable to process audio and video packets received from a plurality of endpoint devices, and to transmit a processed audio/video stream back to the endpoint devices. A server connects with the mixer and the endpoint devices. The server is operable to send a first transmission to a first endpoint device that causes the first endpoint device to stop transmitting video packets to the mixer. The server is further operable to send a second transmission to a second endpoint device that causes the second endpoint to start transmitting video packets to the mixer. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods for managing a conference room roster. A method identifies a meeting participant. The method determines whether the meeting participant is associated with a meeting location and if the meeting participant is associated with the meeting location, provides an indication of the association on a computer display.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for use in establishing communications includes receiving an invitation for communication at a first device. The invitation for communication is devoid of video capability information. In response to receiving the invitation for communication, the method includes transmitting, from the first device, a signal other than an SDP signal. This signal includes video capability information. After transmission of the signal, the first device receives an offer and incorporates the video capability information included in the signal.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for communicating a presence notification to an end-point of a demand-based messaging system. The method includes monitoring an auxiliary output port for a video signal; detecting a video signal on the auxiliary output port; and reporting a video projection status to the end-point. In additional or alternative embodiments of the method, the method may include receiving a message from the end-point and blocking the message from being displayed on the auxiliary output port. In yet another additional or alternative embodiment of the method, the method may include sending a message to the end-point indicating that the message has been blocked.

Abstract: A system and method for consolidating media signaling to facilitate IP telephony includes receiving a first message exchange in a first protocol from a first endpoint to negotiate a media path with a second endpoint. It is determined to consolidate the first message exchange with additional message exchanges received from the first endpoint in the first protocol. A second message exchange is received in the first protocol from the first endpoint, and information derived from the first message exchange and the second message exchange is consolidated. A first message exchange in a second protocol is initiated to the second endpoint according to the information consolidated from the first and second message exchanges in the first protocol. One or more media flows is facilitated over the media path between the first and second endpoints according to the first and second message exchanges in the first protocol and the first message exchange in the second protocol.

Abstract: A conferencing system includes a conferencing module that includes a digital signal processor to mix audio signals received from conference participants, and a messaging manager module coupled with the conferencing module. the messaging manager module allocating a memory space for each conference participant, the memory space for storing a message, the conferencing module delivering the message as either speech or text, notification and receipt of the message occurring without disturbance to a remaining group of the conference participants. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Disclosed are conferencing systems, devices, architectures, and methods for implementing a trigger-based conferencing system to facilitate increased productivity meeting participation. An exemplary method, in accordance with embodiments, of managing a workflow application in a conference, where the conference includes a plurality of events, can include: (i) creating a trigger by defining a predicate and action for the trigger; (ii) registering the trigger to at least one of a plurality of detection points; (iii) evaluating the trigger's predicate each time any of the detection points against which it is registered are encountered; and (iv) executing actions associated with the trigger if the predicate evaluation is positive, where execution of the actions can result in a state change in the conference.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism for categorizing telephone calls and for providing special information about calls that appear on call lists maintained in a telephone. The invention provides for both providing an indication and for providing an action. When an entry on a call list is highlighted (in a conventional manner), pressing one key adds a flag to the entry on the call list to indicate that follow up action is required. Pressing a second key initiates an action such as attaching a reminder so that the user will be reminded to take action later. Pressing a third key will provide a text message balloon indicating information about the call. The flags and text messages can be added by either the called party or the calling party.

Abstract: Techniques for scheduling a task include receiving task data and quorum data. Task data describes tasks to be performed by one or more participants. Quorum data indicates a participant set of one or more participants to perform each task. Current user data may also be received. Current user data describes a current task set of one or more tasks currently being performed by a particular participant. Either or both of the task data and the current user data describe interruptibility through a particular medium of a plurality of communications media. A particular time interval to schedule a particular task is determined based at least in part on the interruptibility of the task or the particular participant. These techniques allow either or both unscheduled tasks and previously scheduled tasks to be moved to time intervals that overlap other scheduled tasks, including tasks currently being performed by a participant.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for performing video conferencing is provided that includes an I-frame injector element operable to intercept I-frame requests from one or more end points and to attempt to service the I-frame requests such that at least a portion of the requests are prevented from propagating back to an originating sender. In more specific embodiments, when a receiver endpoint sends a fast video update (FVU) request upstream, it is intercepted by the I-frame injector element and rather than passing the FVU request to the sender the I-frame injector element replaces a next P-frame from the sender with an I-frame, whereby the I-frame is constructed so that when decoded, it matches the P-frame that it replaced. In still more detailed embodiments, the I-frame injector element operates in one of three modes that are associated with bandwidth parameters.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for maintaining video capability includes receiving at a device from a source a plurality of packets representative of video data. The plurality of packets include a payload and a header. The method also includes transmitting a copy of the plurality of received packets back to the source with a modified header and an unmodified payload. The transmitted copy provides data representative of the video data.

Abstract: An end station for a videoconference/multimedia conference is disclosed, where the end station requests, receives and displays multiple video streams. Call control messages request video streams with specified video policies. A static policy specifies a constant source video stream, e.g., a participant. A dynamic policy dynamically maps various source streams to a requested stream and shows, for example, the current speaker, or a round robin of participants. A network access device, e.g., a media switch or a video composition system, mediates between the multi-stream end station and the core conference system. Multi-stream endpoints need not handle the complexity of directly receiving video according to a potentially wide variety of call control protocols, formats, and bit-rates. Multi-stream endpoints decentralize compositing video streams, which increases functional flexibility and reduces the need for centralized equipment.