System and method for alerting a participant in a video conference

A method comprising:

• identifying an active speaker of a video session;
• detecting a speech pattern of the active speaker;
• identifying a target participant with whom the active speaker seeks to interact using the speech pattern;
• and
• providing a notification to the target participant that alerts the target participant that the active speaker is seeking to interact with the target participant.

A method comprising:

• identifying an active speaker of a video session;
• detecting a head direction of the active speaker;
• and
• identifying a target participant with whom the active speaker seeks to interact using the head direction;
• and
• providing a notification to the target participant that alerts the target participant that the active speaker is seeking to interact with the target participant.

Logic encoded in non-transitory media that includes code for execution and when executed by a processor operable to perform operations, comprising:

• identifying an active speaker of a video session;
• detecting a gaze of the active speaker;
• determining a target screen to which the gaze is directed;
• determining coordinates of a target location of the gaze on the target screen;
• identifying a target participant whose image is positioned at the target location of the gaze of the active speaker;
• and
• providing a notification to the target participant that alerts the target participant that the active speaker is seeking to interact with the target participant.

Logic encoded in non-transitory media that includes code for execution and when executed by a processor operable to perform operations, comprising:

• identifying an active speaker of a video session;
• detecting a speech pattern of the active speaker;
• identifying a target participant with whom the active speaker seeks to interact using the speech pattern;
• and
• providing a notification to the target participant that alerts the target participant that the active speaker is seeking to interact with the target participant.

Logic encoded in non-transitory media that includes code for execution and when executed by a processor operable to perform operations, comprising:

• identifying an active speaker of a video session;
• detecting a head direction of the active speaker;
• and
• identifying a target participant with whom the active speaker seeks to interact using the head direction;
• and
• providing a notification to the target participant that alerts the target participant that the active speaker is seeking to interact with the target participant.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a memory element for storing data;
• and
• a processor operable to execute instructions associated with the data, wherein the processor and the memory element cooperate, such that the apparatus is configured for:
• identifying an active speaker of a video session;
• detecting a speech pattern and/or a head direction of the active speaker;
• identifying a target participant with whom the active speaker seeks to interact using the speech pattern and/or a head direction;
• and
• providing a notification to the target participant that alerts the target participant that the active speaker is seeking to interact with the target participant.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a memory element for storing data and
• a processor operable to execute instructions associated with the data, wherein the processor and memory element cooperate, such that the apparatus is configured for:
• identifying an active speaker of a video session;
• detecting a gaze of the active speaker, and
• identifying a target screen to which the gaze is directed,
• determining coordinates of a target location of the gaze on the target screen,
• identifying a target participant whose image is positioned at the target location of the gaze of the active speaker, and
• providing a notification to the target participant that alerts the target participant that the active speaker is seeking to interact with the target participant.