Large-scale, fault-tolerant audio conferencing over a hybrid network
US6879565B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 29, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 29, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L65/762
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An audio conferencing method in a hybrid network. Input from a plurality of endpoints connected to an audio conference in the hybrid network is received in a media gateway. The media gateway converts the input to an MCU-usable format and selects input based on predetermined selection criteria. An MCU mixes the selected input with other selected input to form an output stream and a sum stream which are matched with the endpoints in the audio conference. The media gateway converts the output stream and the sum stream to an endpoint-compatible format which is returned to the endpoints in the audio conference. Audio conference participants can dial-out from the MCU to bring additional participants into the audio conference. Once established in the hybrid network, the audio conference supports full service audio conferencing. In addition, dynamic routing permits an operator to service multiple MCUs, and an audio conference participant and/or an entire audio conference to be moved between MCUs. The audio conference can also be broadcast from a streaming protocol server to passive participants.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.