Method and apparatus for controlling a conference call

Abstract

Provided by the invention is a method for controlling a Video Multi-Conference Unit (MCU) using an endpoint device. In order to do this the MCU intercepts, interprets and acts upon commands sent across the communications network from the endpoint device. The commands may be sent using a user control device such as a control for controlling far-end cameras, a so-called FECC device. Alternatively the commands may be sent using dial-tones from a touchpad telephone. Also provided by the present invention is a method for controlling a secondary device also connected to a conference call using the MCU. This secondary device may be another user endpoint or alternatively a video conference recorder (VCR). In order to control another user endpoint the user may select a second mode in which the MCU rather than intercepting any FECC or other commands sent to it using the user device forwards the commands to the endpoint. Alternatively, the MCU may interpret the FECC device commands and instruct the user device or VCR accordingly.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.