Apparatus for integrally controlling audio and video signals in real time and multi-site communication control method

A multi-site communication method for a multi-site communication system having a plurality of communication terminals at different sites interconnected by a communication network for transmitting an audio signal and a video signal between the communication terminals, wherein correlations between an audio signal generated at one communication terminal and audio signals generated at other communication terminals are analyzed, and a conversation partner of said one communication terminal is identified from said other communication terminals in accordance with a result of an analyzed correlation.

A communication terminal connected to a plurality of other communication terminals at different sites via a communication network for transmitting and receiving an audio signal and a video signal to and from the plurality of other communication terminals, comprising:

• a correlation analyzing means for analyzing correlation between said audio signal to be transmitted to another communication terminal at another site and audio signals received from said other communication terminals at the different sites;
• and
• a conversation partner identifying means for identifying the another communication terminal of a conversation partner in accordance with an output of said correlation analyzing means.