Lucent Technologies Inc.

Franz Weller

John T Lynch

Robert H Squires

A method and apparatus for dynamic allocation of conferencing resources in a telecommunications system is provided. The method and apparatus provide for dynamic allocation of conferencing resources in two forms, first a predefined order of allocation of time slots for use in conferencing is described. This predefined order of allocation minimizes the risk that a conference will be interrupted if additional line cards are added to the system while the conference is in progress. The second form of dynamic allocation of resources involves locating and selecting the digital signal processing (DSP) resources to perform the conferencing function. For this allocation, the conference type is first identified. The conference will be determined to be a static, dynamic or critical conference by the CPU/Matrix card. Based upon this determination, the DSP circuit with the appropriate resources for that conference type is selected. For example, if the conference is determined to be dynamic, i.e., it is likely to change in size, then a DSP with additional available channels will preferably be selected. If a conference is critical, then the same type of DSP is selected, but further conferences are blocked from being added to that DSP. A static conference will be allocated to a DSP on a best-fit basis.

Method and apparatus for dynamic allocation of conferencing resources in a telecommunications system

A method and apparatus for providing unified conferencing services in a telecommunications system is described. A DSP chip in the system contains an internal CPU and on-chip memory storage device. The CPU is programmed such that when a conference has been established, the time slots or channels of PCM information are collected and stored. Channels are sub-sampled at a pre-determined optimal time interval. The energy for each sub-sample, which is a mathematical summation over time utilizing a sum of squares equation, is calculated for each channel. These calculated energies are stored in an associated array. The energies are surveyed to select the N loudest channels. The input signals (the voice information) for those N loudest channels are used to form the conference. More specifically, the sum of the N loudest channels is generated. This sum forms the basis for a broadcast output. In the case of an individual participant who is not one of the N loudest, the broadcast output is written out in the correct PCM format to that conferee. In the case of an individual participant who is actually one of the N loudest, its own sample is subtracted from the total sum and the result is written out in the correct PCM format to the particular conferee. The broadcast outputs are also written out in required PCM formats for half-duplex listen-only connections to the conference.

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Harwich, MA, United States of America

Franz Weller