Abstract: A videoconferencing system uses a stand-alone video/audio transcapture module with an H.323-compliant broadband Internet connection through a server to conduct real-time videoconferencing. The system provides directory service to work behind Network Address Translation systems by means of backend servers that use Lightweight Directory Assistance Protocol servers to map numbers to IP addresses. The system further incorporates an automatic firmware update service to provide updated firmware updates each time the transcapture module is rebooted. The system also provides an automatic commercial download service to provide module specific bannerization capability, so that each transcapture module can receive directed commercials.

Abstract: A networking conferencing and collaboration tool utilizing an enhanced T.128 application sharing protocol. This enhanced protocol is based on a per-host model command, control, and communication structure. This per-host model reduces network traffic, allows greater scalability through dynamic system resource allocation, allows a single host to establish and maintain a share session with no other members present. The per-host model allows private communication between the host and a remote with periodic broadcasts of updates by the host to the entire share group. This per-host model also allows the host to allow, revoke, pause, and invite control of the shared applications. Subsequent passing of control is provided, also with the hosts acceptance. The model contains no fixed limit on the number of participants, and dynamically allocates resources when needed to share or control a shared application. These resources are then freed when no longer needed.

Abstract: A method and corresponding equipment for setting up a conference call via a communication network that uses session initiation protocol (SIP) signalling for call setup, the method including steps (E1a E2a E3a E4a) of providing during the call setup signalling to a subscriber invited to participate in the conference call an indication that the call is a conference call and including in the call setup signalling a reference to a group document indicating information about the conference call, such as the other invited participants, or including the group document itself.

Abstract: A wireless access protocol-capable telephone provides the ability to conference call numerous individuals. While maintaining the conference call, the telephone user simultaneously uses the wireless access protocol browser to perform data communication. The user then relays the information accumulated from the data communication back to the conference call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a collect call originated through a packet based network is provided. In accordance with various embodiments of the invention, a system is described that facilitates voice communication between a calling party and a party to be called while the costs of the communication session are charged to the called party. In one embodiment, the called party is queried as to whether they wish to accept the costs associated with the pending voice communication session, prior to the two parties being placed in voice communication with each other.

Abstract: A system and method for setting up a multi-party conference call in a packet-switched radio telecommunications network in which a Gatekeeper (GK) has established an on-going two-party call between a first party and a second party. The first party sends an enhanced Facility message to the GK that indicates a multi-party conference call is desired, and includes a globally unique conference identity and a list of telephone numbers for third parties to be joined. A Multipoint Controller (MC) provides an Internet Protocol (IP) address of a Multipoint Processor (MP) to each of the parties, and provides the IP addresses of the parties to the MP. The MC then negotiates media sessions with each of the parties, and sends the negotiation results to the MP. Each of the parties then sends its media payload to the MP where the payloads are mixed and forwarded to the other parties.

Abstract: A method for realizing multipoint connections in a H.323 data communication network composed of a connection between first terminal equipment and second terminal equipment and of a consultation connection between the first terminal equipment and third terminal equipment. The multipoint connection setup is respectively initiated by the first terminal equipment with a connection setup to a conference unit. After the setup of signaling connections between the participating terminal equipment and the conference unit, and after releasing the connections between the terminal equipment, the conference unit initiates the opening of payload data channels between the terminal equipment via the conference unit. The setup of signaling connections between the participating terminal equipment and the conference unit is controlled in a call redirection initiated by the first terminal equipment and implemented in the other terminal equipment having the call redirection destination of conference unit.

Abstract: A video conference method and apparatus for pruning mode commands received from an endpoint of a video conference so as to minimize the repetitive establishment and tearing down of video, audio and data streaming channels is described. Received mode commands are not immediately processed during call establishment of a video conference, but rather, the mode commands are stored in at least one data queue until the second phase of the capabilities exchange (i.e. initialization) is complete. The received mode commands are categorized into mutually exclusive groups of mode commands based upon the functions caused by each mode command. As the system removes the mode commands from the queue for processing, the system efficiently prunes the commands by processing only a selected sub-set of the grouped mode commands and ignoring the rest.

Abstract: In a telephone conferencing system, a digital communication network such as the Internet is used to establish and control the telephone connections between multiple conferees with the telephone network being the means of exchanging verbal information. Each conferee may have a computer connected to the digital network, and each has an independent telephone instrument connected to the public switched telephone network. An in-charge conferee utilizes his computer containing appropriate software to initiate the conference and to control the participation of the conferees. The in-charge conferee sends digital control signals to a switch interface controlling a telephone switch as a gateway to the telephone network using SS7 control signals. These SS7 control signals include the commands by which the conferee telephones are rung up, brought on line, or dropped from the conference.

Abstract: A telephone interface (110) that supports a first and a second conference call service is provided in a telephone-capable apparatus (102). An input device (122) is further provided, allowing a conference call conferee to provide participation status data to a controller (116, 118) of the apparatus. The controller provides a message to a switch (104), responsive to the participation status data, instructing the switch to provide the apparatus with communication resources commensurate with the participation status data. When the participation status data indicates that the conferee is a speaking and listening conferee, the message instructs the switch to provide resources sufficient to support the first conference call service and a send-only version of the second conference call service.

Abstract: A method for managing a multimedia session includes receiving a request to initiate a multimedia session, which includes first media and second media. The method further includes establishing a first delegated session with a first device to communicate the first media, and associating the first delegated session with the multimedia session.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for providing an SIP session between a first and a second entity, said method comprising the steps of establishing a SIP session between the first and second entity; transmitting at least one media stream from the first entity to the second entity; and controlling at least one of transmission, storage and play back of the at least one media stream in said SIP session at said first and/or second entity.

Abstract: Multicasting and telephony call signaling are combined to perform multicast call signaling. Several IP endpoints in a packetized network subscribe to a multicast group. A telephony call setup request is then sent on a multicast address to each of the subscribing endpoints in the telephony multicast group. When an originating endpoint transmits a telephony call setup request using the multicast address, the network replicates and transmits the telephony call setup request to each of the subscribing endpoints belonging to the telephony multicast group associated with that multicast address. When the setup request reaches the subscribing endpoints, each endpoint sends an alert signal using the multicast address to indicate the presence of a telephony device at that endpoint. Telephony devices at each of the subscribing endpoints can then begin notifying a user of the incoming call.

Abstract: A multimedia multiparty communication system and method which includes one or more “agents” and one or more “brokers”. Each communication session is managed by a broker which creates and maintains the session. An agent may cause a broker to alter a communication session by entering into “negotiations” with the broker. It is also possible for an agent, through the broker, to enter into negotiations with one or more other agents. Negotiations, between agents and between agents and brokers may consist of any number of exchanged messages (or “offers”), thereby allowing for the dynamic negotiations necessary for effective multimedia multiparty communications.

Abstract: A video conferencing system (100) includes a switch (125), a server (140), a telephone device (152), and a node (102) in a packet-switched network (135). The switch (125) establishes a circuit-switched connection between a calling party number and a called party number. The server (140) associates first and second network addresses in a packet-switched network (135) with each of the called party and calling party numbers. The telephone device (152) transmits audio data via the circuit-switched connection. The node (102) in the packet-switched network (135) transmits packetized video between the first and second network addresses responsive to establishment of the circuit-switched connection.

Abstract: A control interface and method between an announcement/dialog function with voice recognition functionality and a conference management function, via which the conference can be initiated and controlled during its course. The conference management function receives the characteristic data of relevance to the conference in its dialog with the conference leader and the conferees via the announcement/dialog function, reserves the corresponding resources in advance and has direct access via a further interface to the conference control functions, which can also be influenced during the conference in dialog with the conferees.

Abstract: A collaborative multimedia system includes a plurality of notebook processes operatively interconnected over a computer network to a conference server, and, an optional podium process capable of controlling the priority of communications within the conference. The notebook processes are capable of privately communicating with other conference participants in addition to participating in the conference. A sophisticated graphic user interface provides public and private whiteboard areas by which graphic information may be exchanged with other processes in a conference or over separate communication link.

Abstract: To control a conference circuit between multiple terminal devices in a packet-oriented communication network, circuit-oriented conference control signaling is transmitted via a packet-oriented transport protocol between a first terminal device and a communication server of the communication network. Setting up of packet-oriented media channels between the terminal devices and a packet-oriented conference mixing device is initiated by the communication server depending on the conference control signaling.

Abstract: A multi-line telephony system and method deliver multiple concurrent telephone conversations to a customer premise via a single traditional twisted-pair communications connection, and support telephone services via a traditional dial-up connection. Improved packet-based communications are performed using the multi-line telephony system and method with better transmission characteristics, such as transmission speed, over traditional twisted-pair wire connections to provide H.

Abstract: A method and system for resetting nodes in a communication system that include at least a first node and a second node. The establishment for communication settings is initiated between the first node and the second node. At least part of communications settings is stored in the first node. An indication is sent from the second node to the first node to reset the stored communication settings in the first node. The communication settings are reset in the first node.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing multimedia conferencing services with selective performance parameters delivers a different representation of the same video signals to each of a plurality of users depending on the hardware limitations, software limitations, network limitations, and user preferences of each user device. Thus, each user can choose the quality of service he/she wants to receive in view of system limitations and cost considerations. The quality of service may be defined in terms of bandwidth, jitter, frame rate, and delay, for example. The apparatus includes a multimedia bridge that receives video signals from at least one of the plurality of users. The multimedia bridge scales-down the video signals as necessary before sending the video signals to the end users. The multimedia bridge also detects congestion occurring during the multimedia conference and scales-down the video signals, if necessary, to meet reduced network availability.

Abstract: A conference system is provided for connection in a digital audio signal transmission system (50), for receiving N encoded audio signals from N conferees, wherein N is a positive integer greater than or equal to three. The system comprises a decoding system (90, 91, 92) for decoding the N audio signals, a selection system (100, 130) for selecting one from the N decoded audio signals, and means for switching (160) the selected encoded audio signal from an input stage (80, 81, 82) of the conference circuit to an output (161) of the conference circuit, for transmission at least to the N−1 conferees from whom the selected audio signal did not originate. This arrangement enables the audio from one conferee to be provided as the conference signal, without undergoing decoding and subsequent re-encoding. A decision is made as to whether one signal is appropriate or whether multiple audio signals should be combined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for video conferencing. The method and apparatus continuously receive frames from a plurality of video channels and alternately continuously transmit to each of a plurality of participants in a video conference individual frames containing information concerning each of the video channels. The method and apparatus only transmits at any given instant new picture data for one of the participants in the video conference.

Abstract: An arbitration-type call establishing system comprising a plurality of user systems and a connection control system. The user systems each include means for transmitting the arbitration conditions including the desired other party to connect and the desired other party to permit a connection request, to a connection control system through a data network.

Abstract: A method and a system for supporting rendezvous based instant group conferencing among mobile users allows a conference originator to initiate and setup instant group conferencing to a set of participants even when the participants may not be immediately available to commit to the conference call at the time of its initiation. All negotiations for obtaining commitments from the participants are performed by the system, thus relieving the originator of the time consuming task of negotiating with the participants. The system automatically decides as to when to actually dial out to the participants to setup the conference call after obtaining commitment from all (or a quorum of) required participants.

Abstract: A multimedia telecommunications call centre receives incoming calls via a gateway, which transmits the call request to a multipoint controller. The multipoint controller controls call routing to a desired terminal on a network, with the physical call datastream being carried directly across the network without mediation by the multipoint controller, thereby obviating bottlenecks at the controller and providing scalability.

Abstract: A broadband communication system including an Internet Protocol Telephony Network and public switched telephone network. The system may include one or more conference servers for combining IP packet streams in a conference call into a combined IP packet stream, such that the combined IP packet stream utilizes no more bandwidth than each of the original IP packet streams. This allows the traffic volume coming from, and arriving at, each party to a conference call to remain essentially the same no matter how many parties are connected to the conference call. A plurality of the conference servers may be configured to interwork with each other so as to allow for a much larger conference call.

Abstract: A method operationally associates a participant's telephone connection to a conference call system with a data connection via the Internet world wide web from the participant's computer screen to the conference call system. The conference call system establishes voice connections between itself and multiple conference call participants. The method comprises the steps of (1) generating a unique temporary code when a data connection is established between the participant and the conference call system, (2) displaying the code over the data connection to the participant on that participant's computer screen, and (3) instructing the participant to enter the code over his telephone connection to the conference call system. Four respectively different scenarios based upon the same underlying method include web then dial-in, dial-in then web, dial-out then web, and web then dial-out.

Abstract: A system for communicating information from a television viewer to a central site includes a remote control unit for sending command signals from the viewer to a television or video cassette recorder (VCR). Circuitry integral with the television or VCR accepts the command signals from the remote control unit and interprets the signals to form a viewer command, such as a purchase command, to be communicated to the central site. The circuitry automatically sends dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF) tone signals representing the command over a radio frequency (RF) link to a cordless telephone base unit, which is connected to the central site by a public switched telephone network. The cordless telephone base unit initiates a telephone call to the central site and communicates the DTMF tone signals received from the DTMF circuitry in the television or VCR to the central site.

Abstract: An IP (Internet Protocol) conference telephone system feasible for an IP-PBX (Private Branch Exchange) includes a communication control connected to an IP network. When a connection for a conference is set up between a plurality of telephones accommodated in the IP network, each telephone packetizes a voice signal and sends the resulting packet to the network to address it to a conference trunk. An IP bridge interconnected to the network receives packets via the network 10, multiplexes the voice signals of the packets on the channels of a down-going highway each corresponding to a particular telephone, and sends the multiplexed voice signals to the conference trunk. The conference trunk performs addition and subtraction with the above voice signals and returns the results of addition and subtraction on an up-going highway. This allows a conference to be held between the telephones. A multicast router may be substituted for the conference trunk, in which case the network will be adaptive to multicast.

Abstract: A method of large-scale fault-tolerant audio conferencing in an audio conferencing system using a purely packet-switched network. An endpoint places a call to a conference gatekeeper indicating an audio conference. The conference gatekeeper determines whether the call contains sufficient information to establish the audio conference. If there is insufficient information, the endpoint is connected to an IVR server that obtains sufficient information from the endpoint. Either way, a CACS selects an MCU hosting or that will host the audio conference. The CACS then responds to the endpoint with routing instructions indicating the selected MCU and the endpoint connects or transfers to the selected MCU. The MCU mixes input from all endpoints in the audio conference to form a voice stream, which is then returned to each endpoint in the audio conference. Audio conference participants can dial-out from the MCU to bring additional participants into the audio conference.

Abstract: A method and system configures video calls and schedules the calls for a video call network based on a query from a user to establish a video call between end points of the video call network. A configuration engine accepts video call information from a query engine based on the video call request and applies device data and rules to determine one or more possible call configurations. The configuration engine or an associated optimization engine determines a preferred video call configuration and schedules devices of the video call network without requiring the user to have any in depth understanding of the device limitations and capabilities. Automatic configuration and scheduling of video calls simplifies the use of a video call network to reduce the expense and complexity of efficiently using network resources.

Abstract: An improved video conferencing system debundles the audio and the video and allows for a user to select which other conference stations will receive audio, which will receive video and which will receive both.

Abstract: A method of automatically exchanging a presentation among a set of computers. A first presenting computer is positioned relative to at least one receiving computer to facilitate a communication link between the computers. Upon display of a presentation page on the first computer, data representing a given portion of the presentation page is repeatedly broadcast over the communication link. At the receiving computer, the data is received and displayed, and stored for later use. Preferably, the broadcast medium is an infrared communications channel. The data representing the given portion of the presentation page is broadcast in packets, with each packet having a checksum associated therewith. The receiving computer uses the checksum to verify the integrity of the data packet. If data packet integrity is in question, a message is output to the user indicating that the receiving computer should be repositioned relative to the transmitting computer.

Abstract: A device for supporting a plurality of media conferences includes digital signal processors (DSPs) and a system resource management (SRM) module coupled to the DSPs. Each DSP receives input data packets from conference participants and processes the input data packets to generate output data packets. Each DSP determines whether the media conference is set to an active mode and communicates the output data packets to the conference participants in response to determining that the media conference is set to the active mode. The SRM module allocates a media conference to a first DSP and a second DSP and sets the media conference to the active mode in the first DSP and a stand-by mode in the second DSP. The first DSP communicates output data packets associated with the media conference in response to the SRM module setting the media conference to the active mode in the first DSP.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for calling video communication service by video communication terminal. The method comprises the steps of: (a) a first video communication terminal launches a call to a multipoint control unit (MCU) and sends an conference information needed for convening a conference to the MCU through an In-Band channel established between both sides; (b) the MCU convenes the conference according to the conference information received. The invention also discloses a message data form for transferring information through an In-Band channel in a video communication service. The message data form comprises: a data starting mark field, a data type field, a data length field, a field for no less than one piece of sub-information, a data ending mark field and a cyclic redundancy check field.

Abstract: A system (and method) for linking wireless and land line communications media, includes a connector for connecting a communications media, and an indicator for alerting a user of the state of a connection. The connector automatically initiates a continuous reestablishment operation after the indicator announces a state of disconnection and in which the system provides a conferencing capability using the Internet. A handset to be used in voice communications includes a housing including a receiver and transmitter for connecting to a computer network, a plurality of wireless protocols for use with the transmitter, and a universal telephone port coupled to the housing for connecting to a universal telephone jack.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method that allows the operator of each user device participating in a multimedia conference to selectively receive information services during the multimedia conference. The apparatus includes a controller for receiving start-up signals from a user device, sending start-up requests to destination user devices, and receiving start-up signals from the destination user devices. The start-up signals may include information as to whether each user device requests information services to be provided during the multimedia conference. The controller establishes the multimedia conference and selectively provides the information services to the respective user devices. The information services are provided continuously or non-continuously at the preference of the user devices. The information services may also be provided in various formats at the preference of the user devices.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively muting a call of a wireless communication system. A first predetermined signal is received by the wireless communication system. The phone signal has a user signal associated with it. In response to the first predetermined signal, the wireless communication system pauses communication of the user signal to the end user while still maintaining the phone call between the wireless communication system and the conference bridge. In response to a second predetermined signal, the wireless communication system reiates communication of the user signal to the end user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus capable of transmitting and receiving non-Local Area Network (LAN)electronic conferencing data over a LAN is disclosed. The method involves an electronic conferencing system with a communication stack conforming to a non-LAN based conferencing protocol. However, the communication stack exchanges the non-LAN data with the LAN. The communication stack may further include a transmission formatter conforming to the non-LAN based conferencing protocol and a modular interface layer, coupled to the transmission formatter. The modular interface layer exchanges the non-LAN data with the LAN.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a subscriber service to service users in a telecommunications network. In networks utilizing Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) control signaling for call setup and control, the SIP REGISTER message is modified to indicate service capability information and optionally a traffic load indication for service providers. The REGISTER message is sent to a modified Presence and Instant Messaging (PIM) server that stores presence information and the service capability information for registered service providers. The PIM server then notifies subscribing service users of the identity of the service provider that is registered on the network. The PIM server may utilize the traffic load information to balance the traffic load between service providers by providing users with the identity of the service provider that is the most lightly loaded.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system and method for enabling remote conferencing between conference participants. Employing the invention involves the use of one or more forms which support interaction with a computer system or network. Each form is printed on sheet material such as paper and includes coded data which allows it to be used to interact with the computer system via a sensing device operated by a user.

Abstract: A network provides users with a simple and secure way of establishing communication sessions with other users or services, running either over IP networks or other networks, e.g., PSTN. In a sense, the network can broker communication services between two or more users (e.g., people) and/or services. A plurality of different clusters of servers is provided, and each of the clusters may be linked together. In certain embodiments, each cluster includes multiple servers. Users are registered within some specific cluster and given a unique system/network ID. In certain embodiments, messages are not sent directly between users, but instead through at least one intermediate routing service (RS) provided on a server of one of the users. Thus, in certain embodiments, a user may hide or mask his/her personal information from other users even when communicating with them. In certain embodiments, a user may establish a communication session with another user without knowledge of the client device (e.g.

Abstract: An IP/PSTN hybrid multimedia conferencing system in which standard telephone and user station participants establish voice communications over the PSTN, and then exchange IP addresses in-band over the PSTN. User stations then negotiate capabilities over the IP network. All users can participate at a base voice level over the PSTN while user stations can also establish extra-audio media streams over an IP network.

Abstract: Geographically distributed conference sites each have a telephone receiver and a dataconferencing appliance connected to a shared voice call network. Each site also has a display device for displaying images comprised of image data produced by an image source. The dataconferencing appliance is connected to a data network that links the sites independently of the voice call network. To initiate a dataconference session between the sites, a voice call session is first established between the telephone receivers via the voice call network. An access negotiation procedure implemented in software or hardware of the dataconferencing appliance is then manually initiated to identify a network device access code and communicate it to at least a second one of the sites within the voice call session. The network device access code is used to establish a data communication session via the data network for convenient transmission of image data between the sites.

Abstract: An IP telephony client initiates and manages multimedia sessions. The client includes a user interface, an application interface, and a protocol stack. The application interface provides an interface between the protocol stack and the user interface and helper applications. The protocol stack packages messages received from the application interface and parses messages received from other parties or prospective parties. The application interface converts incoming messages to appropriate application programming interfaces (APIs) and sends incoming payloads to the appropriate helper application.

Abstract: A user system uses a called number to establish a telephone call over a public telephone network to a called party. In response to the telephone call, the user system transfers a video call request to a server system over a public data network. The server system uses the called telephone number to check a database to determine if the called party is ready to receive video calls. If the called party is ready and accepts the video call, the server system exchanges video between the caller and called parties over the public data network.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for handling larger number of people per conference in voice conferencing over packetized networks. A method for providing a conferencing session may include receiving inputs from a number of participants in a conferencing session. The received inputs are combined into an output packet including at least two sub-packets. The sub-packets having payloads including mixed received inputs from the number of participants. The payloads of at least two of the sub-packets contain different mixed received inputs.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to providing an Intelligent Network (in) service to transparently establish a mid-call conference using a Mobile Station (MS), without requiring an intermediate hold state of an existing call connection between the MS and a second telephony device; such systems and methods can be adapted to implementation in any wireless communications network, such as a Global Services for Mobile Communication (GSM) network. In an exemplary embodiment, a wireless communications network adapted to provide the IN service includes a Mobile-services Switching Center (MSC), and a Service Control Point (SCP), wherein the MSC is operative to send a request to the SCP to activate the IN service, and the SCP is operative to send a Prompt&Collect_User_Information command to the MSC.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for data communication between agents, such as those in an electronic conferencing system. In an electronic conferencing a system wherein data is shared between a plurality of participants during an electronic conference users, a method is disclosed for maintaining consistency of the data among the participants during the electronic conference users.