US 8,797,375 B2 · Tag-aware multipoint switching for conferencing

Abstract

Conferencing methods and systems are disclosed wherein tags are associated with conferencing endpoints. The tags provide information enabling a decision-making entity to determine the preferability of one or more processing aspects of the endpoints. In a multipoint conference a tag can allow a decision making entity such as an MCU to determine the most appropriate mode for rendering video or other signals sent from a tagged endpoint. The tag itself can indicate the most appropriate mode or can contain information from which the decision-making entity can determine the most appropriate mode using an algorithm. A tag can be associated with an endpoint manually, for example based on a user's or controller's inputs concerning the endpoint. Alternatively, the tag can be assigned automatically based on automatically sensing one or more conditions at an endpoint or analyzing one or more parameters of a data stream transmitted from the endpoint.

Claims30

Dependent claims

A method of conducting a videoconference, comprising:

receiving a video data stream having a tag associated therewith, the tag containing information about optimal viewing parameters relating to a display size specifying at least one of an adequate angle, area, or number of pixels for displaying images transmitted by the video data stream;
and
processing and displaying the data stream in accordance with information contained in the tag.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Tag-aware multipoint switching for conferencing

Life of this patent

Tag-aware multipoint switching for conferencing

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims30