Abstract: Techniques are provided herein to add multicast media streams to teleconferencing sessions without the unwanted side effects that occur when a speaker's own media is echoed back to the speaker. Multicast and unicast media streams are generated by a network device, e.g., a conference bridge, and distributed to any number of endpoints, e.g., conference endpoints. A media selector is provided that selects the appropriate multicast or unicast media stream for forwarding to an associated network endpoint.

Abstract: There is provided a method, in a communications network, of obtaining a set of subscriber information for a subscriber. The method comprises receiving a request to obtain a set of subscriber information for a subscriber, obtaining a generic set of subscriber information, and deriving, from the generic set of subscriber information, a set of subscriber information for the subscriber.

Abstract: A status proxy server having a full bandwidth connection with a media server and wireless connection with a mobile end user device, receives SIP or similar protocol structured data; maintains a status indicator representative of the received structured data; and communicating at time intervals an update of the status indicator to the mobile end user device.

Abstract: Client terminals of participants of a conference, connected to a network, and a server connected to the client terminals are used to authenticate and confirm the participants of the conference. After successful authentication, a telephone line is set among telephone sets of the participants to hold the conference.

Abstract: For initially establishing a voice call, a first connection leg for the voice call is established between a mobile device operating in a wireless network and a conference room of a conferencing gateway. A second connection leg is established via the conferencing gateway between a processor and a communication device connected in a telephone network. Subsequently, the processor sends a message to the conferencing gateway for transferring the second connection leg from between the processor and the communication device to the conference room and the communication device, for initially establishing the voice call. The conference gateway is configured to combine media streams of connection legs of the voice call.

Abstract: A user terminal may include an IP Multimedia Subsystem, IMS, client to enable the terminal to communicate with an IMS network. The IMS client may include a conference creation and control unit configured to create and control an IMS conference involving one or more participants, participants being identified within a conference INVITE or REFER message by respective Uniform Resource Identifiers, URIs, within a URI list. The conference creation and control unit may include a response handling unit configured to receive from the IMS network, in response to the sending of an INVITE or REFER, a SIP response message including an XML body specifying an Outgoing Communication Barring, OCB, service invocation result and configured to present the specified result to a terminal user. Related methods and application servers are also discussed.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system for private channels in unified telephony applications is described. A method may comprise allowing a unified telephony meeting moderator to define one or more private audio channel preferences for establishing a private audio channel and for providing a communication over the private audio channel during a unified telephony meeting, wherein the communication over the private audio channel is separate from a communication over a main audio channel of the unified telephony meeting. The method may further comprise establishing the private audio channel between the unified telephony meeting moderator and a first unified telephony meeting participant based upon, at least in part, the one or more private audio channel preferences for establishing the private audio channel. The method may additionally comprise providing the communication over the private audio channel during the unified telephony meeting.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a telecommunication device for Internet-based conference calling with one or more similar telecommunication devices. The telecommunication device is used by a plurality of co-located participants, each participant having an individually identifiable microphone. The telecommunication device accesses a database correlating each individually identifiable microphone to participant ID and information. During the conference-call setup, the similar telecommunication devices exchange participant IDs and corresponding information. The conference-call audio content is then exchanged using RTP packets, where the telecommunication devices generate RTP packets containing the participant IDs of participants contributing to the content of each RTP packet. Receiving telecommunication devices then display corresponding participant information when playing the audio content of received RTP packets to identify current speakers.

Abstract: Aspects relate to initiating voice calls to mobile devices from an enterprise network. In one example, a server can initiate a voice channel to a mobile device, and if the mobile device cannot be reached, an access network may redirect the call from the server to a number identified as a voicemail number; however, such number is reconfigured to instead be directed to a number located within the enterprise network. The server can monitor or receive an indication that a call is incoming, and attributable to the mobile device. If such a call is incoming or received, then the server determines that the call has failed. If the mobile device answers the call, the server can determine that the voice channel has been established, without waiting for a confirmation indication, such as a DTMF tone.

Abstract: Technologies are described herein for monitoring a participant's connection to a conference and automatically reconnecting the participant if the participant is inadvertently disconnected. A conference proxy module receives a request from a participant identifying a conference to join and an endpoint of the participant to connect to the conference. Upon receiving the request, the conference proxy module joins the conference on behalf of the participant and instructs the conferencing service to establish a connection with the identified endpoint. The conference proxy module then monitors the status of the connection with the participant's endpoint, and if the endpoint is unintentionally disconnected, the conference proxy module instructs the conferencing service to reconnect the endpoint to the conference.

Abstract: The call states of all devices in a call are monitored and reported even when the devices belong to networks that use different types of call identifiers. A first device and a second device are different types of devices selected from a group of types comprising: a legacy device type, a SIP basic device type, and a SIP advanced device type. In response to a request from an application to monitor the first device and a request to establish a call between the first device and the second device, a Universal Call Identifier (UCID) is generated for the call and the call is established. A request to monitor the second device is sent using the UCID. When a change in the call state of the second device is detected, the change of the call state is reported to the application based on the UCID.

Abstract: A distributed system for distributing conferencing data such as video, audio, and other conference data. The distributed system includes a conference data dispatch system, multiple conference participant computing systems, and a network distribution path through which conference data may be distributed from the conference data dispatch system to the various conference participant computing systems. The conference data is segmented. Each segment is encoded to be suitable to a particular class of participant computing systems. The encoded segments may be cached in an intermediary computing system to thereby avoid a strict unicast model for distributing conference data.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for alerting a participant when a topic of interest is being discussed and/or a speaker of interest is speaking during a conference call. A participant to a conference call identifies the topics and/or speakers of interest which is stored for future use along with the participant's contact information. When a participant's identified topic of interest is being discussed and/or a participant's identified speaker of interest is speaking during a conference call, the participant will be alerted to that fact, such as via the means specified in the participant's contact information.

Abstract: A system and method for handling multimedia conference calls in a telecommunication network. To determine the capabilities of the other terminals in a group, a first terminal sends a query message to a group server. The group server sends further query messages to the other terminals and collects their responses containing their capabilities. The group server analyzes the capabilities to determine a common set of capabilities. The group server then sends the common set of capabilities in a response to the first terminal.

Abstract: Data processing and communications devices are configured to generate, using command signals received from at least one user input device, a signal set representing a meeting request, the meeting request signal set comprising signals representing one or more parameters for a proposed meeting and configured for causing a second data processing and communications device to initiate a voice call on receipt of command signals representing a response to the meeting request; and forward the generated meeting request signal set to the second data processing and communications device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a telecommunication device for Internet-based conference calling with one or more similar telecommunication devices. The telecommunication device is used by a plurality of co-located participants, each participant having an individually identifiable microphone. The telecommunication device accesses a database correlating each individually identifiable microphone to participant ID and information. During the conference-call setup, the similar telecommunication devices exchange participant IDs and corresponding information. The conference-call audio content is then exchanged using RTP packets, where the telecommunication devices generate RTP packets containing the participant IDs of participants contributing to the content of each RTP packet. Receiving telecommunication devices then display corresponding participant information when playing the audio content of received RTP packets to identify current speakers.

Abstract: A communication conference system that enables users who have only a connecting unit via a telephone line network and users who have only an IP connecting unit to hold a talk session mutually without a need of an expensive dedicated conference server is provided. A talk session device 1 includes a network processing portion for transmitting/receiving voice information to/from other equipments via IP, and a terminal for inputting/outputting a voice signal. The talk session device 1 is connected to a handset terminal of a telephone 3 via an adaptor 2 that converts the standards (mainly a level) of the voice signal. The talk session device 1 is connected to other talk session devices via IP, and is connected to other telephones by a telephone line via the telephone 3. Accordingly, a user serving as a destination of the IP and a user serving as a destination of the telephone line are connected mutually.

Abstract: Dual (redundant) operation support servers are used to improve the reliability of a video conferencing system and ensure the stability of communication. Switching automatically one operation support server to another enables a video conference to be smoothly continued without interruption. Multiple operation support servers are provided, each including a synchronization function which synchronizes site connection information and live camera information between the operation support servers and prevents an operation support server in a standby state from writing live camera information in a folder for each site. Each site PC 14 includes an automatic server change function which, when an operation support server 11 in service fails, switches connection from the operation support server 11 to an operation support server 12 in a standby state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus manage conference calls by receiving for each of participants a participant access code to identify a subconference call to which each of participants is assigned; forming a conference call of all participants; initiating subconference calls by a host of the conference call; transferring each of the participants into a subconference call identified by the participant access code of each of the participants; re-initiating the conference call by the host; and re-forming all of the participants back into the conference call.

Abstract: Administering participant attendance of teleconferences, including monitoring present call status of a user's telephone. In dependence upon one or more calendar events representing previously scheduled teleconferences, a teleconference administration device determines whether the present call status of the user's telephone conflicts with a previously scheduled teleconference. If the present call status of the user's telephone conflicts with a previously scheduled teleconference, the teleconference administration device notifies prospective participants of the conflict.

Abstract: A session management server, which is provided with a service determination table having a plurality of entries each indicating a service identifier in association with possible particular items of information which may be extracted from a session setup request packet, receives a session setup request packet issued from a client to a particular application server and determines whether the client terminal is authorized to receive an information service by referring to the determination table, in place of the particular application server. When the determination results in success, the session setup request packet is forwarded to the particular application server.

Abstract: A network appliance (100) is provided having a network controller subsystem (110) for coupling the appliance (100) to a data network for providing and receiving data packets to and from a packet data network. A digital signal processing subsystem (120) is coupled to the network controller subsystem (110). A signal conversion subsystem (130) is coupled to the digital signal processing subsystem (120) and a user interface subsystem (160) is coupled to both the signal conversion subsystem (130) and the digital signal processing subsystem (120). The digital signal processing subsystem (120) operates under the control of a computer program which is capable of detecting incoming calls, initiating call sessions, and preferably, implementing advanced telephony features.

Abstract: A method for interrupting voice transmissions within a multi site communication system includes operating a repeater to engage in an interruptible voice communication; to identify an open burst location based on a repeat delay when the interruptible voice communication is sourced directly via a wireless network, and to identify the open burst location as irrelevant when the interruptible voice communication is indirectly sourced via a wireless network; and repeat the interruptible voice communication including the open burst location.

Abstract: Techniques for use in a network processing component is for initially establishing, via a gateway, a voice call between a mobile device which operates in a wireless network and a destination device. A first connection leg of the voice call is to be established between the mobile device and a conference room of the gateway. The technique involves sending to the gateway a request message for establishing a second connection leg between the network processing component and the destination device, and then subsequently sending to the gateway a re-routing message for re-routing the second connection leg from the network processing component to the conference room. This causes a voice call having the first and the second connection legs to be initially established between the mobile device and the destination device via the gateway.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system, and computer program product for displaying images of conference call participants. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes receiving a call from a user to join a conference call, obtaining a phone number of the user, matching the phone number to a stored graphical representation, and distributing and displaying the matching graphical representation to a predetermined set of users. A voice identification/recognition process can also be used to match the user to a stored graphical representation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conferencing dynamically determines composite image layout based on properties of received conferencing signals that include video signals and control signals. Video signals received from connected sites are processed to provide a composite video signal according to the defined composite image layout and the composite video signal is transmitted to the connected sites. Upon a change in properties of one or more received video signals, the composite image layout may be redefined. The received video signals are processed according to the redefined composite image layout to provide a second composite video signal that is transmitted to the connected sites.

Abstract: An improved solution for prioritizing conference call participants is provided. In an embodiment of the invention, a method includes detecting a sound of a first conference call participant; disabling a distribution of a sound of a second conference call participant upon the detecting; and enabling the distribution of the sound of the second conference call participant after an expiration of a time period. In an embodiment, a higher priority may be assigned to a specific participant, such as the host, an administrator, or manager.

Abstract: A conferencing system that can be configured by a host, and then reconfigured on the fly, in real time. The host initially provides configuration information to the system to define the initial operation of the conference call. The host can then update this information during the conference call to reconfigure the conference call. For instance, the information may include a question set. The initial question set is presented to participants as they enter the conference call. When the configuration information is changed by providing a new question, the new question is then presented to the participants in the conference call.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an architecture for establishing a multi-participant conference. This architecture has one participant's computer in the conference act as a central content distributor for the conference. The central distributor receives data (e.g., video and/or audio streams) from the computer of each other participant, and distributes the received data to the computers of all participants. In some embodiments, the central distributor receives A/V data from the computers of the other participants. From such received data, the central distributor of some embodiments generates composite data (e.g., composite image data and/or composite audio data) that the central distributor distributes back to the participants. The central distributor in some embodiments can implement a heterogeneous audio/video conference. In such a conference, different participants can participate in the conference differently. For instance, different participants might use different audio or video codecs.

Abstract: Network resources for a call between a calling party and a called party are allocated. The network resources for the call are reserved based on a reservation request. The network resources are reserved before any one network resource from the reserved network resources is committed. The reserved network resources for the call are committed when a called party indicates acceptance for the call.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for implementing an application-level routing protocol for multiparty audio-video conferencing. In one implementation, application-level per-stream routing techniques separately control audio data and video data between conference members hosted on a network. Different audio application-level multicast (ALM) trees are generated by each member, are dynamically updated according to shortest-path-first selection of data delivery paths, and are used to send audio data to the other members of the videoconference. Likewise, different video ALM trees are generated by each member, are dynamically updated according to broadest-path-first selection of data delivery paths, and are used to send video data to the other members of the videoconference. Separate audio and video ALM trees for each member can utilize IP multicast in segments of the network in which IP multicast is enabled.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an architecture for establishing a multi-participant conference. This architecture has one participant's computer in the conference act as a central content distributor for the conference. The central distributor receives data (e.g., video and/or audio streams) from the computer of each other participant, and distributes the received data to the computers of all participants. In some embodiments, the central distributor receives A/V data from the computers of the other participants. From such received data, the central distributor of some embodiments generates composite data (e.g., composite image data and/or composite audio data) that the central distributor distributes back to the participants.

Abstract: Devices are able to identify other devices in a shared audio space (e.g., a room) by emitting a signal and receiving messages from other devices over a data connection indicating which of the other devices received the emitted signal. Devices that are determined to be in the same audio space can selectively mix audio in a teleconference to inhibit mixing of audio signals for devices that are determined to be in the same audio space.

Abstract: There is provided a group communication system allowing group communication to be performed by a simple operation as well as a group ID number issuing apparatus and a call control apparatus to be applied to such a group communication system. When a user takes a group organization procedure to the group communication system, a group representative telephone number representing the group is issued. After the group representative telephone number is issued, the group representative telephone number can be used in the same manner as for calling a subscriber to call a group member to perform group communication. The group communication can be performed by limiting to a lower level subgroup, a pair of the group representative telephone number and an identifier can be used instead of the subscriber's telephone number to determine the calling partner to make a call.

Abstract: A computer program of the type commonly known as a “wizard” is disclosed that initializes user interface software for controlling an audio conferencing device. The wizard allows the desired audio inputs (e.g., microphone, telephones, etc.) and audio outputs (speakers, recording devices, etc.) to be chosen by an audio system administrator. Thereafter, the wizard allows an audio conferencing device (or devices) to be chosen by the administrator, or allows such a device(s) to be optimally chosen dependent upon the chosen inputs and outputs. The wizard then maps the inputs and outputs to the input and output ports on the audio conferencing device. When the administrator finishes the wizard, the wizard computes the mapping parameters and other audio-optimizing parameters for the selected inputs and outputs. These parameters are then loaded into the user interface software automatically.

Abstract: A telephone system that allows multiplexing and demultiplexing plural group calls through simple operations is provided. The telephone system includes a conference trunk creating unit that creates a conference trunk as required and has a multiplexing/demultiplexing special number table prestoring a multiplexing special number and demultiplexing special number corresponding to plural group calls. After plural group calls start, if the multiplexing special number is input, a control unit causes the conference trunk creating unit to create a large-conference trunk, switches and connects the voices of plural group calls corresponding to the multiplexing special number to the large-conference trunk and starts the multiplexed group call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting up a conference communication between a remote party and a plurality of local parties. A base unit may engage in communication with a remote party. Thereafter, the base unit may apply a floor control process with respect to the local parties to limit the number local parties that can have dedicated channels at any give time. More particularly, the base unit may receive from a local party a request for a new dedicated channel to transmit conference bearer data and responsively establish the new dedicated channel with the local party only if a present number of established dedicated channels with local parties is less than a predetermined threshold. The base unit may then receive conference bearer data and responsively transmit the conference bearer data over a broadcast channel for receipt by the plurality of local parties.

Abstract: A multi-tiered communication system for minimizing communication latency for a caller in a remote location who initiates contact with a local data center. The system includes a local data center located in a first location including one or more Interactive Voice Recognition (IVR) functions that are configured for use with a caller who initiates contact with the local data center. The system also includes a remote media server located in a second location. The remote media server is configured to route an incoming call from the caller to the local data center, to route one or more IVR messages to the caller and to connect the caller with an agent for real-time communication. The agent is located in one of the second location or a third location that is substantially closer to the second location than the first location.

Abstract: A method and computer program product which allows both phone-based and IP-based clients to participate in a single audio conference. The method enables at least two multi-point control units (MCUs) (i.e., conferencing servers) to connect via a standard data linkage (i.e., full-duplex dial-up or IP link). The method and computer program product enables the phone-based MCU to handle the phone clients and the IP-based MCU to handle the IP-based clients, while connecting the two to allow each participating client to hear all other participating clients.

Abstract: A conference call management method and system. The method includes receiving by a computer processor from a conference call administrator, a command for enabling a first conference call. The computer processor enables the first conference call thereby allowing telecommunications between the conference call administrator and a first participant. The computer processor locks the first conference call such that additional participants are unable to access the first conference call. The computer processor receives from a second participant, a conference call request for accessing a second conference call and routes the second participant to a virtual holding area. The computer processor enables the second conference call and routes the second participant from the virtual holding area to the second conference call.

Abstract: A telephone system connects a user to a plurality of telephone call participants in a sequence of calls referred to as a “call chain.” Features of each call in the chain, such as the telephone number(s) of the participant(s) to be called and the scheduled duration of the call, may be stored in a computer-readable record. A first telephone call is established between the user and the first participant in the call chain. The first telephone call may be terminated automatically by the system upon expiration of a predetermined maximum duration or when the first participant hangs up the telephone. Upon termination of the first telephone call, a second telephone call is established between the user and the second participant in the call chain. A third and subsequent telephone calls may be established between the user and the subsequent participants in the call chain in the same manner.

Abstract: An administrative interface is provided between a first network and a second network, where the administrative interface is separate from one or more communications session signaling interfaces between the first network and second network. At least one of authorization, authentication, and accounting messages is communicated over the administrative interface. A module associated with the administrative interface is provided to perform topology hiding of the first network such that topology information of the first network is hidden from the second network.

Abstract: A network entity, method and computer program product are provided for effectuating a conference session. The method may include receiving a plurality of signals representative of voice communication of the participants. In this regard, the signals may be received from a plurality of terminals of a respective plurality of participants at one of the locations, each of at least some of the terminals otherwise being configured for voice communication independent of at least some of the other terminals. The method of this aspect also includes classifying speech activity of the conference session according to a speech pause, or one or more actively-speaking participants, during the conference session. The signals of the respective participants may then be mixed into a at least one mixed signal for output to one or more other participants at one or more other locations, the signals being mixed based upon classification of the speech activity.

Abstract: A system and method for indicating user information in a conference event package. An extension is added to the current conference event package in various embodiments of the present invention. This extension adds a new attribute to user information, including an indicator that explicitly indicates to a user that certain information is the user's own information. Therefore, when a user desiring anonymity joins a conference and then subscribes to the conference event package in order to obtain the roster, the conference lists one of the participants with an indicator that indicates to the user that this particular participant is the user.

Abstract: In a mobile telephone terminal at the transmitting end, voice data to be transmitted are sequentially inputted, and it is determined whether the inputted voice data are silent. The voice data regarded as silent voice are replaced by group numbers, while the voice data indicative of sonant voice as well as the group numbers as replaced are transmitted by wireless. On the other hand, in a mobile telephone terminal at the receiving end, the signals transmitted by wireless are received, and the voice data and group numbers of the received signals are discriminated. The voice data are reproduced as they are, while the group numbers are reproduced as silent, and further processings based on the group numbers are executed. This allows predetermined data to be repetitively transmitted with a high efficiency without degrading communication quality very much. This also facilitates a follow-up participation in a group call.

Abstract: A conference-call system receives a conference-specific access code from an invited participant of a conference call and a conference-specific access code from an initiator of the conference call. The conference-call system grants the invited participant access to the conference call when the conference-specific access code from the invited participant matches the conference-specific access code from the initiator. The conference-specific access code from the initiator and the invited participant each include a base code portion and a portion added to the base code portion by the initiator of the conference call.

Abstract: A system and method for providing the capability to simultaneously manage multiple conference calls, move participants in the conference calls from one conference call to another and subdivide or join multiple conference calls together, and the like, wherein a participant seeking to initiate conference calls does so at his or her endpoint by selecting conference call identifiers, where the identifiers identify conference calls to be created. The initiating participant then selects the participants to be associated with the particular calls and confirms the selection. Upon confirmation of the selection, the conference calls among the selected participants are established.

Abstract: A method and system for conference call scheduling using e-mail. The method and system can receive and parse an e-mail received from a conference moderator, containing scheduling and participant information and schedule a conference call with minimal further user intervention. In essence, the method and system can operate as a virtual administrative assistant to identify and collect telephone contact information for each of the proposed conference call participants, using a customizable hierarchy of internal and external sources of contact information. In this manner, the conference moderator does not need know telephone contact information for each conference call participant.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example has: an intercom system; a wireless push-to-talk system; and an integrated intercom/push-to-talk system operatively coupled to the intercom system and the wireless push-to-talk system, the integrated intercom/push-to-talk system functioning as a wireless terminal that communicates with the wireless push-to-talk system, and functioning as an intercom unit in the intercom system. Embodiments support an integration of, for example, a home intercom system with, for example, a commercially available wireless push-to-talk service.

Abstract: Described are a conference management system and method for administering an online conference. The conference management system receives an electronic communication from a conference participant. A group is determined to be associated with the conference participant. An action is performed on the conference participant based on the group association.