Cisco Technology, Inc.

Brian James Baldino

Michael B Hubenthal

Vijayaraghavan R Triplicane

Michael G Rexroad

Chris A Dunn

Alan J MacDonald

TiongHu Lian

A method for assigning video signals includes receiving a plurality of video signals from a plurality of cameras located at one or more remote sites, the plurality of video signals for display on a plurality of monitors at a local site. The method includes determining an optimal monitor for displaying a first video signal associated with a first camera based on the location and alignment of the first camera in relation to one or more of the plurality of cameras. The method includes calculating a respective difference between a number of video signals assigned to the optimal monitor and a respective number of video signals assigned to each respective monitor of the plurality of monitors. The method further includes assigning the first video signal to the optimal monitor if the respective difference is not greater than a threshold value with respect to each of the plurality of monitors.

Method and system for optimal balance and spatial consistency

A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving data associated with a local endpoint that is configured to participate in a video conference. The local endpoint can be configured to detect a signal generated by a local end user device and to relay the signal to a local manager element. The method also includes transmitting the signal over a network to a remote manager element at a remote location. In more specific embodiments, the method includes receiving an additional signal from the remote manager element, and determining a selected local endpoint to receive the additional signal from the remote manager element.

System and method for extending communications between participants in a conferencing environment

A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving data associated with a plurality of endpoints that are engaged in a video conference, and evaluating whether a first endpoint and a second endpoint of the plurality have entered into a conversation such that a conversation mode is triggered. Once the conversation mode is entered, the first and second endpoints of the conversation are rendered on two different screens of a video display. In more specific embodiments, the method includes analyzing active speaker patterns of some of the endpoints to determine whether to enter into the conversation mode. In still other embodiments, the method includes determining whether the rendering on the two different screens is temporary or made permanent for a duration of the video conference.

System and method for intelligent mode switching in a communications environment

A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes establishing a video session in which a plurality of displays are used for rendering video data, and evaluating a presentation element in order to identify a control element that includes control data. The control element is included in the presentation element. The method further includes communicating at least a portion of the control data such that it can be used to determine which video data is to be rendered on the plurality of displays.

System and method for controlling video data to be rendered in a video conference environment

A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes monitoring a plurality of inputs associated with end users involved in a video session in which a plurality of displays are used. At least one of the inputs is associated with a frequency of speech of the end users. The method also includes determining a participation level for each of the end users based on the inputs, and determining which image data associated with the end users is to be rendered on a selected one of the plurality of displays based on the participation levels.

System and method for exchanging information in a video conference environment

In one embodiment, a system detects a lecturer within a videoconference. The system includes two or more participant systems and a media switch coupled to each of the participant systems. The media switch includes a switch processor to receive and process audio and video information from the participant systems. The switch processor analyzes loudness metric values of active speakers and designates a particular speaker as a lecturer. In addition, the switch processor provides audio and video information of the remaining conference participants to the lecturer participant system to rotate through conference participants with each participant being displayed to the lecturer for a predetermined interval (e.g., in a round robin fashion), thereby enabling the lecturer to view the entire audience.

Detection of a lecturer in a videoconference

A method for assigning video signals includes receiving a plurality of video signals from a plurality of cameras located at one or more remote sites, the plurality of video signals for display on a plurality of monitors at a local site. The method also includes determining an optimal monitor for displaying a first video signal associated with a first camera based on the location and alignment of the first camera in relation to one or more of the plurality of cameras. In addition, the method includes calculating a respective difference between a number of video signals assigned to the optimal monitor and a respective number of video signals assigned to each respective monitor of the plurality of monitors. The method further includes assigning the first video signal to the optimal monitor if the respective difference is not greater than a threshold value with respect to each of the plurality of monitors.

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Milpitas, CA, United States of America

Brian James Baldino