Method and apparatus for controlling a conference call

A method of controlling a multi-point control unit (MCU) in a communications network having a terminal device, the method comprising:

• (a) sending a user command message to said MCU using said terminal device;
• (b) receiving said user command message sent by said terminal device across said network at said MCU;
• (c) said MCU identifying whether the received user command message is intended for said MCU;
• and
• (d) said MCU carrying out at least one command included in said user command message received by and intended for said MCU, wherein a command is operable to cause said MCU to forward said user command message for a predetermined period of time.

Video conference appartus comprising:

• (a) a multi-point control unit (MCU) having a processor and couplable to a link;
• (b) a terminal device configured for sending a user command message over the link;
• wherein:
• said user command message is for controlling a camera device;
• said processor is adapted to process said user command message;
• said MCU is configured to identify whether said user command message is intended for said MCU;
• said MCU including an input for receiving said user command message from said link;
• and
• said MCU is configured to perform commands including said user command message intended for said MCU.

A method of controlling a control unit adapted for coupling to a communication network for controlling multi-point communications, the method comprising:

• receiving over the network at the control unit a user command message from a terminal device coupled to the network, wherein said user command message is for controlling a camera device;
• identifying at the control unit whether the user command message is intended for the control unit;
• and
• carrying out at least one command in the identified user command message.

A method of controlling a control unit adapted for coupling to a communication network for controlling multi-point communications, the method comprising:

• receiving over the network at the control unit a user command message from a terminal device coupled to the network;
• identifying at the control unit whether the user command message is intended for the control unit;
• carrying out at least one command in the identified user command message;
• and
• forwarding at least one command in the identified user command message to a second terminal device via the network, wherein the control unit forwards the at least one command in the identified user command message for a predetermined period of time.