Video and aural communications system
First Claim
1. An aural and visual (video) communications system, including a telecommunications network, a telecommunications switch coupled to the network, a codec subsystem or pool located at and coupled to the switch, and a plurality of user terminals coupled to the switch, each said user terminal having voice and visual communication facilities, wherein said user voice facilities are coupled each directly to the switch such as to provide access to the network via the switch for aural communication between said user terminals, wherein said user visual communication facilities are connected each via a respective land line to the codec subsystem, wherein the codec subsystem comprises a plurality of codecs of different bit rates each having an input coupled to said user visual communication facilities and an output which can be accessed by any of the user terminals so as to provide a corresponding video service for that user terminal, wherein said codec subsystem includes means for the storage of video images, said storage means having an input coupled to the visual communication facilities and an output which can be coupled to the input of said codec, wherein said codec subsystem serves to interface broadband video communication between local lines coupled to the switch, and wherein the codec subsystem includes a local video switch coupled to said switch and accessible from said user terminals for enabling said broadband video communication between said user terminals.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A dial-up aural and visual communication system includes a telecommunication network with a switch connected thereto, a codec subsystem connected to the switch and video equipment connected to the switch via the codec subsystem with voice communication equipment connected directly to the switch. The codec subsystem is shared between several end users and can be located near the switch. Sharing the codec reduces cost and amount of equipment at end users desk. The codec subsystem can also switch video, including composite video, between local lines and can include frame and image storage. The codec can transmit at 9.6 kbps, p×64 kbps, and via ISDN. The system can be used for video conferencing, remote surveillance or desk-top services, and can include an image grooming system. Images may be stored in switch facilities traditionally used for voice mail.
99 Citations
10 Claims
- 1. An aural and visual (video) communications system, including a telecommunications network, a telecommunications switch coupled to the network, a codec subsystem or pool located at and coupled to the switch, and a plurality of user terminals coupled to the switch, each said user terminal having voice and visual communication facilities, wherein said user voice facilities are coupled each directly to the switch such as to provide access to the network via the switch for aural communication between said user terminals, wherein said user visual communication facilities are connected each via a respective land line to the codec subsystem, wherein the codec subsystem comprises a plurality of codecs of different bit rates each having an input coupled to said user visual communication facilities and an output which can be accessed by any of the user terminals so as to provide a corresponding video service for that user terminal, wherein said codec subsystem includes means for the storage of video images, said storage means having an input coupled to the visual communication facilities and an output which can be coupled to the input of said codec, wherein said codec subsystem serves to interface broadband video communication between local lines coupled to the switch, and wherein the codec subsystem includes a local video switch coupled to said switch and accessible from said user terminals for enabling said broadband video communication between said user terminals.
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4. A system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the storage means comprises a frame store for composite video images.
Specification