Video communication systems and methods
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A video communications method, comprising:
- establishing a persistent connection between a first terminal and a proxy server of the first terminal through a firewall between the first terminal and the proxy server;
obtaining address information for the first terminal; and
using the address information for the first terminal, establishing video communications between the first terminal and a second terminal via the proxy server, the second terminal located on the same side of the firewall as the proxy server.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Video communications systems and methods video communications between user terminals in networks that are separated by a firewall. A first user terminal establishes a persistent connection with its proxy that is on the other side of a firewall protecting the terminal. Other terminals can conduct video calls or conferences with the first user terminal via the persistent connection. A terminal database server maintains information about each terminal, such as their addresses, and assists with establishing each video call or conference.
45 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A video communications method, comprising:
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establishing a persistent connection between a first terminal and a proxy server of the first terminal through a firewall between the first terminal and the proxy server;
obtaining address information for the first terminal; and
using the address information for the first terminal, establishing video communications between the first terminal and a second terminal via the proxy server, the second terminal located on the same side of the firewall as the proxy server. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A system, comprising:
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a processor; and
a computer-readable storing medium storing a set of instructions capable of being executed by the processor to implement a video communications method, and capable of performing the steps of;
establishing a persistent connection between a terminal and a proxy server of the terminal through a firewall between the terminal and the proxy server;
receiving at the proxy server a video communications message from another terminal located on the same side of the firewall as the proxy server; and
establishing video communications between the terminals via the proxy server. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A computer-readable storing medium storing a set of instructions capable of being executed by a processor to implement a video communications method and capable of performing the steps of:
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establishing a persistent connection between a terminal and a proxy server of the terminal through a firewall between the terminal and the proxy server;
receiving at the proxy server a video communications message from another terminal located on the same side of the firewall as the proxy server; and
establishing video communications between the terminals via the proxy server. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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21. A database for a video communications method, comprising:
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a processor; and
a computer-readable storing medium storing a set of instructions capable of being executed by the processor and capable of performing the steps of;
receiving registration information for a terminal, the registration information including terminal status information, terminal address information and proxy server information;
storing the registration information;
receiving a request for the registration information for the terminal; and
providing at least a portion of the registration information in response to the request.
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22. A computer-readable storing medium storing a set of instructions capable of being executed by a processor and capable of performing the steps of:
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receiving registration information for a terminal, the terminal registration information including terminal status information, terminal address information and proxy server information;
storing the registration information;
receiving a request for the registration information for the terminal; and
providing at least a portion of the registration information in response to the request.
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Specification