Audio/video conferencing system

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention may be found in a system and method to effectively schedule and configure video and audio conferences. In one embodiment, the system comprises a server and one or more audio / video conferencing devices interconnected through a public or private data network. In one embodiment, a graphical user interface (GUI) provides for an intuitive means to graphically view and configure one or more conferences, participants, and conference call configuration settings.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] Audio and video conferencing provides a significant resource to those who reside in distant locations. Critical information may be exchanged in an effective manner without the inconvenience of traveling to meet with other parties. Although it has become a significant tool, audio and video conferencing has a number of limitations related to its use. [0002] One disadvantage related to audio / video conferencing relates to effectively utilizing a vast number of different features available to configure a conference call. Typical features provided by conferencing systems include the ability to create side conferences, conduct roll calls, mute one or more participating members, and provide pre-recorded broadcast messages to one or more participants. Often, remembering the vast number of different features poses a problem for many users. Because of the number of features, a reference card is provided to a user for use during a conference call. These cards,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] Aspects of the present invention may be found in a system and method to effectively schedule and configure video and audio conference calls. Aspects of the present invention allow one to intuitively view and configure call setup configurations of one or more conference calls by way of a graphical user interface (GUI).

[0008] In one embodiment, the system comprises a computing device that is communicatively coupled with a server, capable of displaying information regarding a status of a conference call based on at least one communication received from the server. In one embodiment, the computing device comprises a display used for displaying a graphical user interface. In one embodiment, the graphical user interface provides one or more lists of participants grouped by way of one or more conference calls. In one embodiment, a user of the graphical user interface easily makes one or more selections by way of using a point, click, and drag device.

[0010] In one embodiment, the method comprises configuring one or more conference calls by creating conference identifiers and grouping participant identifiers into the conference identifiers. In one embodiment, the conference identifiers comprise software objects. In one embodiment, the software objects may incorporate a conference call name, icon, logo, or insignia. In one embodiment, the selection of a participant identifier effectuates receipt of a corresponding video feed. The corresponding video feed may be displayed using a new window. In one embodiment, the method comprises locking one or more conference calls to prevent participation by additional participants. The grouping of participant identifiers may provide a roll call of participants participating in the one or more conference calls. In one embodiment, an audio feed is translated at a server prior to transmission to a participant. The server is used to enhance the quality of pre-recorded audio or video prior to broadcasting to one or more participants. In one embodiment, the video feed comprises a recorded playback of the one or more conference calls and in another embodiment, the recorded playback comprises an image enhanced playback.

Problems solved by technology

Although it has become a significant tool, audio and video conferencing has a number of limitations related to its use.

One disadvantage related to audio / video conferencing relates to effectively utilizing a vast number of different features available to configure a conference call.

Often, remembering the vast number of different features poses a problem for many users.

These cards, however, are often printed in small type and are very difficult to interpret and use.

Another issue in configuring one or more features of conference calls relates to implementation.

The sequences may be long and remembering a sequence may be a very difficult process.

Further, remembering more than a few of these sequences may be a very arduous task.

A significant disadvantage to current conferencing systems involves the difficulty and complexity of invoking various feature sets while participating in a conference call.

The process is not intuitive and a participant may run into significant problems during a conference call.

This often causes unwanted frustration to users who become more hesitant to use such features in the future.

Finally, DTMF tones often result in irritating audible distractions during a conference call.

In addition to annoying a participant, the wrong sequence of DTMF tones may terminate a conference call.

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