Communication system and method
First Claim
1. A method of transmitting video data, the method comprising:
- establishing a bidirectional video channel between a first terminal and a second terminal in a packet-based communication network;
beginning a live, face-to-face video call over the established channel by generating first video data from a video camera of the first terminal, transmitting the first video data to the second terminal for display on a screen of the second terminal, receiving second video data generated from a video camera of the second terminal, and displaying the second video data on a screen of the first terminal;
generating third video data at the first terminal from a source other than said video camera of the first terminal;
receiving a user selection at the first terminal; and
in response to the user selection, transmitting the third video data to the second user over said established channel of the packet-based communication network for display on the screen of the second terminal.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method of transmitting video data comprising: establishing a bidirectional video channel between a first terminal and a second terminal in a packet-based communication network; beginning a live, face-to-face video call over the established channel by generating first video data from a video camera of the first terminal, transmitting the first video data to the second terminal for display on a screen of the second terminal, receiving second video data generated from a video camera of the second terminal, and displaying the second video data on a screen of the first terminal; generating third video data at the first terminal from a source other than the video camera of the first terminal; receiving a user selection at the first terminal; and in response to the user selection, transmitting the third video data to the second user over the established channel of the packet-based communication network.
211 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of transmitting video data, the method comprising:
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establishing a bidirectional video channel between a first terminal and a second terminal in a packet-based communication network; beginning a live, face-to-face video call over the established channel by generating first video data from a video camera of the first terminal, transmitting the first video data to the second terminal for display on a screen of the second terminal, receiving second video data generated from a video camera of the second terminal, and displaying the second video data on a screen of the first terminal; generating third video data at the first terminal from a source other than said video camera of the first terminal; receiving a user selection at the first terminal; and in response to the user selection, transmitting the third video data to the second user over said established channel of the packet-based communication network for display on the screen of the second terminal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A first terminal comprising:
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a first video camera for supplying first video data; an alternative video source operable to supply third video data; a memory storing a communication client application; processing apparatus, coupled to said memory, video signal source and first video camera, operable to execute the communication client application; and a user input device communicable with the processing apparatus; wherein the client application is programmed so as when executed to allow a user of the first terminal to establish a bidirectional video channel with a second terminal over a packet-based communication network, and thereby begin a live, face-to-face video call over the established channel by transmitting the first video data from the first video camera to the second terminal for display on a screen of the second terminal, receiving second video data generated from a second video camera of the second terminal, and displaying the second video data on a screen of the first terminal; wherein the client application is further programmed to receive a user selection from the user input device, and in response to the user selection to transmit the third video data from the third video source to the second user over said established channel of the packet-based communication network for display on the screen of the second terminal. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A communication system comprising a first terminal and a second terminal connected to a packet-based communication network, wherein:
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the first terminal comprises a memory storing a first communication client application, first processing apparatus arranged to execute the first communication client application, a first video camera coupled to the first processing apparatus, an alternative video source coupled to the first processing apparatus, and a user input device communicable with the first processing apparatus; the second terminal comprises a second memory storing a second communication client application, second processing apparatus arranged to execute the second communication client application, and a second video camera coupled to the second processing apparatus; wherein said first and second client applications are programmed so as when executed to allow a bidirectional video channel to be established between the first terminal and the second terminal over the packet-based communication network, and thereby begin a live, face-to-face video call over the established channel by generating first video data from the first video camera of the first terminal, transmitting the first video data to the second terminal, displaying the first video data on a screen of the second terminal, generating second video data from the second video camera of the second terminal, transmitting the second video data to the first terminal, and displaying the second video data on a screen of the first terminal; and the first client application is further programmed to generate third video data at the first terminal from said alternative source, receive a user selection at from said user input device, and in response to the user selection to transmit the third video data to the second terminal over said established channel of the packet-based communication network for display on the screen of the second terminal.
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Specification