Abstract: In an embodiment, a user equipment (UE) participating in a server-mediated communication session maintains an identifier of the session and a list of UEs that are currently participating in the session. The UE determines to suppress its participation level in the session, and configures a member update message to include the identifier and to indicate the suppressed participation level of the UE. The UE transmits the configured member update message to each other UE currently participating in the session. In another embodiment, the UE receives a request to modify one or more of a given set of control parameters associated with the session. The UE determines whether the UE belongs to a subset of UEs that are currently participating in the session and to which permission to modify the given set of parameters is restricted. The UE selectively grants the received request based on the determination.

Abstract: A method for join selection of a conference call from a communication device, wherein the communication device includes a memory for storing an event record. The method includes: identifying from the event record one or more addresses for contacting a conference call server for establishing a scheduled conference call session; automatically selecting, based on specified criteria, one of the addresses as a default address associated with a default join option for establishing the scheduled conference call session; generating an identifier for associating the selected default address with the default join option; and storing the identifier in the memory.

Abstract: The present disclosure comprises systems and methods for broadcasting video communications including video conferences or hosted programs by providing a capability for easily moving participants in and out of the video communications, as necessary. Video communications may be “aired” or broadcast to viewers. The present systems and methods designate at least two stages in the video communication broadcasts, including a “front” stage and a “back” stage. Users who are immediate (e.g., current) participants in the video communication broadcast are provided access to the “front” stage of the video communication broadcast. Those users who are initially “guests” (e.g., will be, but are not yet, immediate or current participants in the video communication broadcast) are provided access first to a back “stage” of the video communication broadcast. A filter imposes restrictions on the back stage to prevent any broadcast of activities that may occur in the back stage to viewers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed of transmitting live event notification information to a user device. One example method may include retrieving event user preference information from an event user database based on prestored user preferences. The method may also include transmitting an initial event notification message to an end user communication device based on the event user preference information to notify the end user of an upcoming event and receiving a response message from the end user communication device indicating a current availability of the end user. The user device may receive notification information via more than one communication channel and respond in a number of different ways.

Abstract: A method of adding a computing device to a multi-device video communication session. A server receives recorded content from a plurality of multi-device video communication sessions and a search request from a computing device. The server identifies a first multi-device video communication session based on the search request. The first multi-device video communication session includes a weighted list of text elements. The server transmits information based on the weighted list of text elements to the computing device, receives a selection from the computing device corresponding to a first text element, and transmits at least a portion of the recorded content from the first multi-device video communication session to the computing device based on the first text element. The server receives an add request for the computing device to be added to the first multi-device video communication session and transmits the add request to the first multi-device video communication session.

Abstract: A system and method for merging multi-modal communications are disclosed. The multi-modal communications can be synchronous, asynchronous and semi-synchronous. By way of a non-limiting example, at least two devices operating with varied modalities can be connected to a conferencing appliance. The conferencing appliance can integrate the differing modalities from the at least two devices by executing at least one of turn taking, conference identification, participant identification, ordering of interjections, modulation of meaning, expectation of shared awareness, floor domination and combination thereof.

Abstract: A calendar included in a computing device receives an item relating to a conference call. An automated parser is used to parse the item to obtain information relating to the conference call. The conference call information in is stored a conference application and is used to initiate a conference call.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for sending and receiving key frames and key frame request messages. At a video conference bridge, a key frame request message is received from a first endpoint device. The key frame request message comprises a request for a key frame from a second endpoint device. When a prior key frame request message is received before the key frame request message, a key frame request time value is determined that corresponds to an amount of time between receiving the key frame request message and receiving the prior key frame request message. This value is compared to a threshold time value. When the key frame request time is greater than the threshold time, a key frame request forwarding message is generated, and the key frame request forwarding message is sent to the second endpoint device to request the key frame from the second endpoint device.

Abstract: Systems and methods that enable high quality audio teleconferencing are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, a signal processor receives signals from a spatially dispersed set of directional microphones, processing the microphone signals and the far-end received audio into a signal for transmission to a far-end party. The processing may comprise the use of one or more algorithms that reduce conference room noise and may selectively increase participant audio levels by processing the microphone signals using beamforming techniques. An embodiment of the present invention may also comprise one or more omni-directional microphones that may be used in cooperation with the directional microphones to adjust for background noise, acoustic echo, and the existence of side conversations.

Abstract: Products for conferencing between a local and a distant party through an electronic channel include a portion installed to a fixed conferencing environment and another portion removable from the fixed environment for roaming conferencing. A breakout box detachable from the removable portion may be used having connections for installation-type conferencing elements such as speakers, microphones and other conferencing devices. The removable portion may include an acoustic echo canceler. The removable portion may be connected to a communication-handling device, such as a computer with VOIP software, or may be directly connected to a communication channel. Speakers or microphones in the removable portion may be automatically or manually disabled on connection with the fixed portion.

Abstract: Managing subconference calls within a primary conference call. An approach includes establishing a primary conference call including a plurality of participants, establishing a subconference call including a subset of the plurality of participants, and providing respective output signals to each of the plurality of participants. Members of the primary conference call are provided with audio only of the primary conference call, and members of the subconference call are provided with audio of the subconference call. The approach also includes providing a visual display that shows respective groupings of members of the subconference call and members of the primary conference call.

Abstract: A method of multi-device video communication. A server receives recorded content from a multi-device video communication session and processes the recorded content to detect vocal expressions from a plurality of participants. The server generates a plurality of text elements each corresponding to one or more of the vocal expressions. The server receives at least one rating for at least one participant of the plurality of participants and generates a word cloud based on the plurality of text elements and at least in part on the at least one rating for the at least one participant.

Abstract: Initiating a conference in a conferencing system (e.g., a videoconferencing or audioconferencing system). Input may be received to the conferencing system from a mobile communication device. The input may specify one or more participants in the videoconference, e.g., by selecting from contact information stored on the mobile communication device. Accordingly, the conferencing system may initiate the conference based on the received input. The videoconference may include the one or more participants selected from the contact information stored on the mobile communication device.

Abstract: A communication system automatically mutes a microphone in response to a key event detected from a coupled keyboard to prevent delivery of noise generated by the keyboard to a far end of the communication session. A timer is initiated for a time period when the key event occurs, and the microphone remains muted for the time period of the timer. The timer may be restarted to maintain the microphone mute in response to a subsequent key event detected while the timer is running. If the timer expires before a subsequent key event is detected, the microphone can be restored to its previous state (usually un-muted). The system can be applied to a computer coupled to the keyboard and a microphone and having a communication application operating on the computer. Alternatively, the system can be applied to a computer coupled to the keyboard and coupled to an external conferencing unit having a communication application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-party video conference. With the utilization of the monitor display resource by a host party, the assembled three-party video captured and decoded by the monitor display resource is transmitted to the conference-participant parties, the screen-captured real-time transport protocol (RTP) data transmitted from the host party are respectively displayed on monitors of the conference-participant parties, thereby eliminating the resource consumption of mixed video data, controlling the video resource loss, and providing a cost-effective hardware to enable three parties to see and hear from each other.

Abstract: A method for protecting moderator access using a communication device. The method includes: displaying an interface for editing a conference call profile, the conference call profile including conference call scheduling information including one or more addressees for communicating with a conference call server, wherein the conference call scheduling information further includes a moderator access code and a participant access code; generating an indicator for the conference call profile for excluding sending of the moderator access code to invited participants; and storing the conference call profile including the indicator in a memory of the communication device. A communication device can be configured to perform the method.

Abstract: A video-conferencing device for presenting augmented images that includes at least one interface, a network and a computer processor programmed to receive first information identifying a scene via the at least one interface. The computer processor also detects whether the scene contains at least one marker and identifies a location of each detected marker within the scene. In response to determining that the scene contains a first marker and based on the location of the first marker, the computer processor then augments the portion of the scene containing the first marker with second information. The computer processor then transmits the augmented scene to at least one external device via the network.

Abstract: A camera can be associated with each conference participant endpoint. The camera, either frame or video-based, can monitor and detect one or more of gestures, facial recognition, emotions, and movements of the conference participant. Based on the detection of one or more of these triggering events, a correlation to an action corresponding the triggering event can be evoked. For example, if a participant raises their hand, e.g., a triggering event, the system can recognize that this is a request to speak. The participant can then be queued in the system based, for example, relative to other participants' requests. When the other participants have finished speaking, and it is the time for the user who raised their hand to speak, the system can optionally queue the user by modifying the endpoint with which they are associated.

Abstract: A moderator terminal device (201) managing display data transmits, to a display device (10) through a network (30), html fragmentation information for a remark (first information) including a data ID for identifying the display data and position information indicating the display position of the display data. A data line (40) is opened between the display device (10) and a user terminal device (202). The display device (10) transmits, to the user terminal device (202) through the network (30), html fragmentation information for a remark (second information) including a stream ID for identifying the data line (40) and the data ID. The user terminal device (202) transmits the display data to the display device (10) through the data line (40) identified by the stream ID. The display device (10) displays the display data on a display portion (11) based on the stream ID, the data ID and the position information.

Abstract: A home videoconferencing system interfaces with traditional set-top boxes and typical home A/V equipment. The system includes a camera, a microphone, and a codec module. The module can couple to a modem connected to a television network and can couple to a display and a set-top box. Alternatively, the module can connect to a network for exchanging videoconference data and can connect between the set-top box and the display. The set-top box can connect to the television network on its own.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are for selectively establishing radio access bearers configured to support simultaneous voice and data communications in a mobile telecommunications network. An exemplary method includes receiving a request to initiate a data session at a mobile device that is currently engaged in a voice session and, in response to receiving the request, determining if the mobile device is capable of supporting a radio access bearer configured to simultaneously support the data session and the voice session. The method further includes allowing or denying establishment of the radio access bearer based upon the determination.

Abstract: A conference call system comprises an input interface for receiving during a conference call at least two input streams of audio signal, each from another source. A selection unit is connected to the input interface, for selecting a number of dominant speaker streams out of the input streams, the number being less than or equal to a maximum number of dominant speakers value and each of the dominant speaker streams representing speech from a respective dominant speaker. A mixer is connected to the selection unit, for mixing the selected streams into an output stream. The conference call system comprises an output interface for outputting the output stream and a selection control unit connected to the selection unit and the input interface, for dynamically setting, during the conference call, the maximum number of dominant speakers value based on dynamics of the conference call.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image display apparatus includes a communication module, an acquisition module, an identification module, and a determination module. The communications module receives and transmits call information with communications equipment connected to the communications module through a network, the call information indicating information to communicate with the communications equipment. The acquisition module acquires environmental information representing an external environment of the image display apparatus. The identification module identifies personal information indicating a person existing in the environment or age information indicating an age of a person existing in the environment from the environmental information.

Abstract: Presented are systems and methods for receiving one or more generic commands when coupled to a heterogeneous conference call, the conference call including a plurality of participants coupled to the conference call using one or more mobile devices. The system automatically translates, by a control module the one or more generic commands into one or more native commands recognized by a first conference hosting system, of the plurality of conference hosting systems. The system automatically sends the one or more native commands to the first conference hosting system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and server apparatus for providing an impersonal communication service in a telecommunication network, wherein a user is authenticated by a token-based application programming interface functionality and a temporary virtual number is allocated to an impersonal communication session of the user. The allocated temporary virtual number is then used for a telecommunication of the user.

Abstract: Controlling a videoconference based on gestures received to a touch interface. A gesture may be received to a touch interface. In response to the gesture, a videoconference action may be performed. For example, a first gesture may be received to mute the videoconference and in response, the videoconference may be muted. As another example, a second gesture may be received to adjust the volume of the videoconference, and the volume may be correspondingly adjusted. Further, various gestures may be received for controlling one or more cameras in a videoconference, accessing settings in a videoconference, interacting with a presentation, etc.

Abstract: Controlling a videoconference based on gestures received to a touch interface. A gesture may be received to a touch interface. In response to the gesture, a videoconference action may be performed. For example, a first gesture may be received to mute the videoconference and in response, the videoconference may be muted. As another example, a second gesture may be received to adjust the volume of the videoconference, and the volume may be correspondingly adjusted. Further, various gestures may be received for controlling one or more cameras in a videoconference, accessing settings in a videoconference, interacting with a presentation, etc.

Abstract: The present invention moves service control, including call control, for a user element from any number of subsystems to a multimedia subsystem (MS). Call control for originating or terminating a call in any subsystem as well as transferring the call between user elements is anchored at a continuity control function (CCF) in the MS. A call may be transferred by the CCF from a first user element to a second user element in the same or different subsystems upon receiving a request from the second user element. A user may invoke a transfer from the first user element to the second user element by having the second user element send an appropriate request to the CCF. The request may be provided to the CCF by initiating a call from the second user element that is intended for the CCF, when the call with the first user element is active.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of providing event data to end users is enclosed. The operations included may provide notifying end users of an event by communicating a notification message to the end users, and receiving event registration messages from at least a portion of the end users to register the end users for the event. The apparatus may also include storing the event registration messages in a registration list file, and establishing a connection for each of the portion of the plurality of end users via an interactive voice response (IVR) application. The IVR application is then dropped and the connection is maintained via a port on a network element to transfer the event data from the network element to the portion of the registered end users.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling an improved experience by better matching of the auditory space to the visual space in video viewing applications such as those that may be used in video teleconferencing systems using window-based displays. In particular, in accordance with certain illustrative embodiments of the present invention, one or more desired sound source locations are determined based on a location of a window in a video teleconference display device (which may, for example, comprise the image of a teleconference participant within the given window), and a plurality of audio signals which accurately locate the sound sources at the desired sound source locations (based on the location of the given window in the display) are advantageously generated.

Abstract: A teleconference between at least two participants is evaluated by monitoring the teleconference and detecting a triggering event if more than one participant desires to speak at the same time. Upon detecting a triggering event, e.g., detecting an attempt of one or more participants to interrupt another participant, or detecting a request initiated by one or more participants to interrupt another participant, a dominant source is selected from among the ones of the participants attempting/requesting to speak based at least in part upon a determined hierarchical order of those participants attempting/requesting to speak. A participant is then selected from among the participants to have the role of the dominant participant based upon the selected dominant source and only the speech of the dominant participant is conveyed to each participant through the teleconference system.

Abstract: A communication system that includes multiple conferencing devices connected in a daisy-chain configuration is communicably connected to far-end conference participants. Multiple conferencing devices provide improved sound quality to the far-end participants by reducing aural artifacts resulting from reverberation and echo. The daisy-chain communication system also reduces the processing and transmission time of the near-end audio signal by processing and transmitting the audio signal in frequency domain. Each conferencing device in the daisy chain performs signal conditioning on its audio signal before transmitting it in the frequency domain to a mixer. The output signal of the mixer is converted back to the time domain before being transmitted to the far-end. The daisy-chain configuration also provides a distributed bridge to external communication devices that can be connected to each conferencing device.

Abstract: In a communications system, after parties form a dial up voice telephone connection, the parties respective communications devices automatically create or leverage machine readable features or content of the telephone connection to identify the parties to each other or to a rendezvous server, and thereafter the communications devices and/or the rendezvous server automatically establishes a data link between the parties.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and techniques for providing presence and location information from available media resources to participants in a media conference so that the participants can use then use such available resources in the conferencing interaction. When participating in such rich media conferences with presence and location capabilities, apparatus and techniques are provided for determining the device(s) being used and their capabilities and determining available resources presently connected to a network that is available to the participants and presenting such presence information to the conference participants. Additionally, apparatus and techniques are provided for obtaining presence and location knowledge of potential resources that are accessible but not connected to the network or shutdown and presenting such information to the participants.

Abstract: A method for facilitating access to a conference call is disclosed. The method can comprise allowing a prospective participant to join the conference call after the prospective participant provides a personal ID rather than a conference ID. The method can comprise using at least one of a prospective participant's personal ID or voice for authentication, accessing the prospective participant's electronic calendar, presenting conference call choices from the prospective participant's electronic calendar to the prospective participant, and adding the prospective participant to a selected conference call.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conferencing unit for multi-point communication in the course of a telephone conference. Previously, it was not possible to call up and document agreements and decisions in voice-based telephone conferences in a computer-aided manner. The reason was that in traditional conferencing units, all audio channels were mixed into an overall channel and therefore an undisturbed interaction of individual participants with the system is not possible. The invention enables an individual association of a conference participant with a decision processing unit, in which decisions can be announced in a dialog system and stored in a computer-readable format.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed that provide disposable numbers for a conference service. A disposable number is assigned to a conference bridge that is only activated for a defined period of time, after which the disposable number is disposed and deactivated. A call is received to the disposable number, and the call is routed to the conference bridge. A database is queried that associates the disposable number to a subscriber's number. Subscriber information is retrieved that describes when a conference bridge subscription is active. If the conference bridge subscription is active, then a caller is connected to the conference bridge. If the conference bridge subscription is inactive, then the caller is prompted to pay for a conference service.

Abstract: A method of audio scene management in a teleconference or other group sound telecommunication is presented, in which teleconference at least a first transmitting party, a second transmitting party and a receiving party participates. The method comprises receiving of signals representing sound of the first transmitting party and sound of the second transmitting party. The method further comprises obtaining of measures of sound activity for the first and second transmitting parties, respectively and selecting a first angle and/or a second angle based on the obtained measures of sound activity. The method further comprises processing of the received signals into processed signals such that sound from the first transmitting party is experienced by the receiving party as emanating from the first angle while sound from the second transmitting party is experienced as emanating from the second angle, with respect to the receiving party. Finally signals representing the processed signals are outputted.

Abstract: A method can include conducting a plurality of related conference calls and generating a visualization for each conference call. The visualizations can be sent to computing devices of participants of the plurality of conference calls concurrently with the plurality of conference calls.

Abstract: A voice communication controller (e.g., private branch exchange (PBX)) is described herein which can automatically enable an outbound dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) feature for one of it's extensions that is attached to a phone which belongs to a user while that user is or is likely to be participating in a session with an external DTMF communication system (e.g., a conference/collaboration bridge, an interactive voice response (IVR) system, or a voice mail system). This is desirable because if the user presses button(s) on their phone then the voice communication controller which has enabled the outbound DTMF feature will not attempt to process the corresponding DTMF digit(s) but instead will automatically transfer the corresponding DTMF signal(s) to the external DTMF communication system.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for auto play of a status in a telephone conference is provided. The method includes receiving, at an e-mail server, a status message of a party to a telephone conference, and determining from the status message whether the party will be able to attend the telephone conference. When it is determined that the party cannot attend the telephone conference, the method further includes forwarding the status message to a voice box for conversion of the status message into audio that is saved in an audio file. The method may also include notifying a teleconference bridge that the party associated with the status message will not be able to attend the telephone conference. The teleconference bridge creates an entry in a repository indicating that the party will need a voice proxy from the audio file, and, during the telephone conference, the status of the party is provided to other parties to the telephone conference by playing the audio file.

Abstract: There is provided a system for facilitating a conference call. The system includes a module to generate a real-time voiceprint from a voice input of a participant in the conference call, and a module to provide information indicative of the participant based on the real-time voiceprint.

Abstract: Call replay systems and methods are disclosed. A call replay system can record a telephonic communication and replay the recorded communication upon request. The entire communication may be recorded, or only a portion, such as the most recent few minutes. The entire recording can be transmitted to a requestor, or only a portion. The recording may be altered before it is transmitted to a requestor. Alterations may include actions taken to reduce playback time, such as removing spaces in the recording where no conversation is taking place, or speeding up the recording. Other alterations may include adjusting the sonic characteristics of the recording, translating the recording, or transcribing the recording to create a text version.

Abstract: A computer implemented method manages participation in a teleconference. Teleconference inputs from participants of a teleconference are monitored for use of an unrelated term, which is a term that has been deemed unrelated to a topic of the teleconference. Upon determining that an errant participant is using the unrelated term in at least one of the teleconference inputs, an alert is generated to prompt the errant participant to limit future teleconference inputs to the topic of the teleconference.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems relate to telepresence at mobile devices. Aspects comprise dynamic configuration of video provided from a server that intermediates between a mobile device and a telepresence system during a telepresence session. The server receives high definition video from the telepresence system and transcodes into a format that can indicated by the mobile device. The mobile device can dynamically update the format in response to real-time battery life and network interface status. A progressive reduction in bandwidth and power consumptive activities can be implemented. The device can implement face detection and face centering, front/back mobile device camera switching, and automatic contrast control and other video quality controls in an outgoing video stream.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a video displaying apparatus which composites information including at least one of a graphic and a text to a video and displays the composite video. The video displaying apparatus comprises a display processing unit configured to display a person area of a person included in the video and an area of the information including at least one of the graphic and the text so that the person area and the area of the information do not overlap.

Abstract: A view morphing algorithm is applied to synchronous collections of video images from at least two video imaging devices, and interpolating between the images, creates a composite image view of the local participant. This composite image approximates what might be seen from a point between the video imaging devices, presenting the image to other video session participants.

Abstract: A system and method that enables the collaborative creation and editing of content on a VoiceSite over a telephone. The system and method enables the collaborative creation and editing of content on the VoiceSite by allowing one or multiple users (authors) to generate and edit the content of the VoiceSite at the same or different times. A Collaboration Manager is utilized to manage calls to/from one or more users. A VoiGen component utilizes voice-activated prompts to allow the one or more users to perform at least one of specify user preferences, load templates, store user preferences and service options, parse through obtained data, and generate/edit the VoiceSite based on the inputs provided by the one or multiple users. A Session Manager stores user specific information and ensures that the content provided by multiple users, including edits/changes, is integrated without conflicts.

Abstract: An approach is provided for enhancing verbal communication sessions. A verbal component of a communication session is converted into textual information. The converted textual information is scanned for a text string to trigger an application. The application is invoked to provide supplemental information about the textual information or to perform an action in response to the textual information for or on behalf of a party of the communication session. The supplemental information or a confirmation of the action is transmitted to the party.

Abstract: A method, a device, and a system for implementing a video call are provided. The method includes: when a video call initiated by a calling party is received, performing media negotiation with the calling party and initiating the video call to a called party; and after the called party makes a response, performing media negotiation with the called party and completing establishment of a video voice channel between the calling party and the called party; and when an indication of the calling party and/or the called party is received, processing a video according to the indication. With the method, device, or system of the present invention, the calling and called users can change video contents viewed by the other party or by himself/herself, which provides the capability of actively controlling the video contents for the calling and called users that conduct a video call and improves the users' interactive capability during the video call.