Computer controlled video multiplexer for video conferencing and message systems

• US 6,181,784 B1
• Filed: 01/25/2000
• Issued: 01/30/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 05/21/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: DVR IP Holdings LLC
• Original Assignee: Vtel Corporation
• Inventors: Duran, Joe W., Jenkins, Michael Vayden, Clayton, William Todd
• Primary Examiner(s): Chan, Wing F.
• Application Number:
  US09/490,905
• Time in Patent Office: 371 Days
• Field of Search: 379/93.01, 379/93-4-, 379/93-4-, 379/90.01, 379/110.01, 379/202-206, 348/14-20
• US Class Current: 379/93.21
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42221 Conversation recording systems at the subscriber's set H04M1/656
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/567 Multimedia conference systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00116 of multimedia information
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00281 with a telecommunication apparatus, e.g. a switched network of teleprinters for the distribution of text-based information, a selective call terminal details of transmission H04N1/00095; establishing a communication with one of a facsimile machine or another apparatus sharing a single line H04N1/32704; interfacing cordless telephone terminals with an accessory to increase the functionality of user interface H04M1/72409
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/147 Communication arrangements, e.g. identifying the communication as a video-communication, intermediate storage of the signals selecting H04Q
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/15 Conference systems

Abstract

A teleconferencing system with capability to store incoming multiple medium messages for later retrieval and playback is disclosed. The system includes a communications multiplexer which, in normal mode, receives the incoming message and routes the message to various output functions, including video, audio, and computer display. In store mode, the communications multiplexer receives the incoming message and communicates it to disk storage, for example by way of direct memory access. During playback, the communications multiplexer receives data from the disk storage, and controls its communication to the various output functions, in the same manner as during receipt of a normal incoming message during an interactive teleconference. As a result, multiple medium messages may be stored for later retrieval, with the playback appearing in the same manner as a conventional teleconference message.

Claims

1. A computer controlled video multiplexer comprising:

a communication central processing unit coupled to a network port;

a program memory coupled to said communication processing unit;

a communication bus coupled to said communication central processing unit;

a video FIFO coupled to said communication bus;

an audio FIFO coupled to said communication bus;

a CPU FIFO coupled to said communication bus;

a means to connect said video FIFO to a video processor;

a means to connect said audio FIFO to an audio interface;

a means to connect said CPU FIFO to a standard personal computer bus, and

wherein said multiplexer is configured to be connected to a mass storage device such that upon an indication that a real time communication is not occurring any video and audio signals are stored in a mass storage device coupled to said standard personal computer.

2. A system as in claim 1 further comprising:

a playback path from said personal computer bus to said video processor and said audio interface.