Videoconferencing Endpoint Extension

• US 20100225737A1
• Filed: 02/25/2010
• Published: 09/09/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/04/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lifesize, Inc. (Enghouse Systems Limited)
• Original Assignee: Lifesize, Inc. (Enghouse Systems Limited)
• Inventors: King, Keith C., Mock, Wayne E., Brandt, Matthew K.
• Granted Patent: US 8,643,695 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/14.90
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/152 Multipoint control units therefor

Abstract

In some embodiments, a primary endpoint may receive a request from an endpoint to begin a videoconference and/or may be managing a videoconference with an endpoint. The primary endpoint may determine whether to switch or direct conference communications from one or more endpoints in the videoconference or attempting to connect to the videoconference to a secondary endpoint and may communicate the instructions to the endpoint and/or secondary endpoint. In some embodiments, the primary endpoint may seamlessly pass one or more of the endpoints to the secondary endpoint such that participants in the videoconference may not be aware that a switch has been performed. In some embodiments, the primary endpoint may contact the secondary endpoint and may then pass endpoints to the secondary endpoint. The primary endpoint may also pass configuration information for the endpoints to the secondary endpoint.

Claims

1. A method for conducting a videoconference, comprising:

a primary endpoint initially communicating with a plurality of endpoints in a videoconference; and

the primary endpoint directing communications of at least one endpoint of the plurality of endpoints to a secondary endpoint in the videoconference;

wherein the secondary endpoint, or the primary endpoint and the secondary endpoint together, support the videoconference of the at least one endpoint.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the primary endpoint directing communications of the at least one endpoint comprises:

making a switching determination during the videoconference; and

the primary endpoint communicating switching instructions to the at least one endpoint or the secondary endpoint;

wherein the at least one endpoint is operable to switch conference communications to the secondary endpoint.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein making a switching determination is based at least in part on a number of endpoints to support in the videoconference exceeding a number of input ports of the primary endpoint.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein making a switching determination is based at least in part on an external indication.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein communicating switching instructions comprises communicating switching instructions to the secondary endpoint that will manage videoconference communications with the at least one endpoint in the videoconference and the secondary endpoint communicating with the at least one endpoint to facilitate switching conference communications to the secondary endpoint.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the primary endpoint receiving video and audio from one or more of the plurality of endpoints communicating with the primary endpoint during the videoconference and providing a video and audio output to the one or more of the plurality of endpoints as part of the videoconference.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising communicating configuration information for the at least one endpoint to the secondary endpoint.

8. A method for switching conference communications from a primary endpoint to a secondary endpoint in a videoconference, comprising:

a first endpoint in the videoconference receiving switching instructions, wherein the first endpoint is in the videoconference with the primary endpoint and the secondary endpoint, wherein the switching instructions are sent at least partially in response to a switching determination by the primary endpoint;

the first endpoint communicating with the secondary endpoint; and

the first endpoint switching conference communications from the primary endpoint to the secondary endpoint, wherein the secondary endpoint is operable to manage the videoconference with the first endpoint.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first endpoint is a subset of a plurality of endpoints in the videoconference and wherein at least one other endpoint of the plurality of endpoints in the videoconference is operable to continue communications with the primary endpoint after the first endpoint switches communications to the secondary endpoint.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the switching determination is based at least partially on a number of inputs required to support the videoconference exceeding a number of input ports available on the primary endpoint.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the switching determination is based at least in part on receiving switching instructions from an external source.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein receiving switching instructions comprises receiving switching instructions from the primary endpoint.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein receiving switching instructions comprises receiving switching instructions from the secondary endpoint in the videoconference.

14. The method of claim 8, further comprising prior to receiving switching instructions, the primary endpoint receiving video and audio from the one or more endpoints and providing a video and audio output to the one or more endpoints as part of a videoconference.

15. The method of claim 8, wherein the primary endpoint is operable to communicate configuration information for the one or more endpoints to the secondary endpoint.

16. A primary endpoint for use in a videoconference, the primary endpoint comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory coupled to the at least one processor and configured to store program instructions executable by the processor to;

communicate with one or more endpoints in a videoconference; and

direct communications of at least one endpoint of a plurality of endpoints to a secondary endpoint in the videoconference;

wherein the secondary endpoint, or the primary endpoint and the secondary endpoint together, support the videoconference of the at least one endpoint.

17. The primary endpoint of claim 16, wherein in directing communications of the at least one endpoint, the primary endpoint is operable to:

make a switching determination during the videoconference; and

communicate switching instructions to the at least one endpoint or the secondary endpoint based on the switching determination;

wherein the at least one endpoint is operable to switch conference communications to the secondary endpoint based on the switching instructions.

18. The primary endpoint of claim 17, wherein the primary endpoint is operable to make the switching determination based at least in part on a number of endpoints to support in the videoconference exceeding a number of input ports of the primary endpoint.

19. The primary endpoint of claim 17, wherein the primary endpoint is operable to make the switching determination based at least in part on an external indication.

20. The primary endpoint of claim 17,

wherein in communicating switching instructions, the primary endpoint is operable to communicate switching instructions to the secondary endpoint that will manage videoconference communications with the at least one endpoint in the videoconference;

wherein the switching instructions are configured to cause the secondary endpoint to communicate with the at least one endpoint to facilitate switching conference communications to the secondary endpoint.

21. The primary endpoint of claim 16, wherein the program instructions are further executable to communicate configuration information for the at least one endpoint to the secondary endpoint.