Tag-aware multipoint switching for conferencing

A method of conducting a videoconference, comprising:

• associating a tag with a data stream, the tag containing information about optimal viewing parameters for images transmitted by the data stream, wherein the tag contains information related to at least one of:
• image recognition analysis of video contained by the data stream, or voice recognition analysis of audio contained by the data stream;
• making a decision at a decision-making entity about how the data stream should be processed, wherein the decision is at least in part based on information provided by the tag;
• and
• processing the data stream in accordance with the decision.

A method of conducting a videoconference, comprising:

• associating a tag with a data stream, the tag containing information about optimal viewing parameters for images transmitted by the data stream, wherein the tag contains information in response to automatic sensing of a number of participants at an endpoint from which the data stream originates;
• making a decision at a decision-making entity about how the data stream should be processed, wherein the decision is at least in part based on information provided by the tag;
• and
• processing the data stream in accordance with the decision.

A method of conducting a videoconference, comprising:

• receiving a data stream from an endpoint, wherein the data stream is associated with a tag indicating the number of participants at the endpoint;
• making a decision at a decision-making entity about how the data stream should be processed, wherein the decision is at least in part based on information provided by the tag, wherein the decision is whether images transmitted by the data stream are suitable to be displayed in continuous presence mode and if the number of participants is greater than a threshold number, the images are not suitable to be displayed in continuous presence mode;
• and
• processing the data stream in accordance with the decision.

A system for conducting a videoconference, comprising:

• an encoder adapted to:
• receive a data stream generated by an endpoint, the data stream having a tag containing information about optimal viewing parameters for images conveyed by the data stream, including at least one item selected from the group consisting of:
• least units of angle as seen from a viewer's position that can adequately display video contained by the data stream;
• smallest display area adequate to display video contained in the data stream;
• and
• minimum number of pixels adequate to display video contained in the data stream;
• and
• encode the images conveyed by the data stream into a videoconferencing stream, wherein the encoding is at least in part based on information provided by the tag.

A system for conducting a videoconference, comprising:

• an encoder adapted to:
• receive a data stream generated by an endpoint, the data stream having a tag containing information about optimal viewing parameters for images conveyed by the data stream, wherein the tag contains information in response to automatic sensing of a number of participants at an endpoint from which the data stream originates;
• and
• encode the images conveyed by the data stream into a videoconferencing stream, wherein the encoding is at least in part based on information provided by the tag.