Interactive audio conferencing system
US6772436B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 1, 1998 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 1, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M2215/2046
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system enabling television viewers to participate in an audio conference from audio-enabled remote control devices that are equipped with microphones and speakers without requiring the viewer to “dial in” as in a conventional conference call. The system determines the TV channel being watched by the viewer and collects the viewer information that is coming from the remote control device. The user input information is transmitted to an audio conference control center. The information regarding all the viewers interested in participating in an audio conference are collected and processed at an audio conference control center. An operation entity is connected to the audio conference control center for reserving the conference resources provided in an audio bridge device for the viewed TV program channel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.