Multilink Inc.

Arthur P Leondires

Philip J Baun, Jr

Bruce S Allen

Marshall B Garrison

Philip S Brodsky

Gary R McCarthy

Richard LeBlanc

A processor unit for a multipoint audio-video conferencing system, wherein the processor unit includes a host processor for controlling operation of the audio-video conferencing system. Controlling operation includes controlling the performance of a plurality of functions associated with servicing each of a plurality of communications connections, each of the connections being between a conferee terminal and the audio-video conferencing system. The processor unit also includes a plurality of digital signal processors, in communication with each other over a first bus and in communication with and controlled by the host processor over a second bus. Each digital signal processor includes an associated configuration element for adaptively configuring a selected digital signal processor to perform processing required by a selected one of the functions associated with servicing a selected one of the communications connections. The processing required by the conferencing functions is distributed between the plurality of digital signal processors.

Audio-video conferencing system

An improved system for connecting and processing a plurality of phone user in a teleconference on a common digital bus. The apparatus includes a plurality of digital processing units (DSPs) associated with selective phone lines and in communication with each other. Each DSP determines an activity status for each associated phone line and transmits that status to the other DSPs, The DSPs create and update respective identical 'talk-lists' which reflect the active conferees whose voice data is currently being output on the phone channels. The system thus provides scaleable teleconferencing in a real-time configuration without switching between the various signals on the common bus such that each incoming caller or even a plurality of conferences has equal priority.

Method and apparatus for audio teleconferencing a plurality of phone

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Mont Vernon, NH, United States of America

Arthur P Leondires