Polycom, Inc.

Voyant Technologies, Inc.

Warren Edward Baxley

William Paul Ernstrom

Eric Jay Nylander

Thomas E Yackey, Jr

Gregory A Clemson

Thomas W Stark

Jeffrey Adams

Thomas Edward Yackey

Jeffrey Charles Adams

Douglas Earl Harbert

Anna Lea Gellatly

A method for dynamically allocating MCU resources during a multipoint network event such as a conference call. The method determines the number of MCU resources to allocate for the start of the multipoint network event and then at each of a plurality of modeling intervals during the multipoint event adjusts the number of allocated MCU resources based upon actual inbound users. Self-tuning of the allocation of MCU resources for multipoint events occurs in advance of use by providing a look ahead allocation of resources based on what is likely to be needed in the future for a conferencing event. The number of multipoint events occurring within a tuning interval are counted. The number of MCU resources actually utilized during each multipoint event are accumulated and then a probability value is determined for future use of MCU resources for an upcoming multipoint event.

Self-tuning statistical resource allocation for multipoint network events

A local conferencing exchange subscriber line conferencing system and method using a series of input signals from the phone of a subscriber, such as a dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF) sequence of key inputs starting with a star key input, to initiate the conference. The conference is set up in a bridge and the phone of the subscriber is connected to the bridge. All subsequent callers to the subscriber's phone number at the local exchange carrier are routed and connected to the conference at the bridge. When the conference call ends, the subscriber's phone is returned to normal service.

Method for local exchange subscriber line conferencing

A local conferencing exchange subscriber line conferencing method using a series of input signals from the phone of a subscriber, such as a dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF) sequence of key inputs starting with a star key input, to initiate the conference by enabling a termination attempt trigger. The conference is set up in a bridge and the phone of the subscriber is connected to the bridge. All subsequent callers to the subscriber's phone number at the local exchange carrier are routed and connected to the conference at the bridge. When the conference call ends, the subscriber's phone is returned to normal service.

Local exchange subscriber line conferencing method

An audio conferencing method in a hybrid network. Input from a plurality of endpoints connected to an audio conference in the hybrid network is received in a media gateway. The media gateway converts the input to an MCU-usable format and selects input based on predetermined selection criteria. An MCU mixes the selected input with other selected input to form an output stream and a sum stream which are matched with the endpoints in the audio conference. The media gateway converts the output stream and the sum stream to an endpoint-compatible format which is returned to the endpoints in the audio conference. Audio conference participants can dial-out from the MCU to bring additional participants into the audio conference. Once established in the hybrid network, the audio conference supports full service audio conferencing. In addition, dynamic routing permits an operator to service multiple MCUs, and an audio conference participant and/or an entire audio conference to be moved between MCUs. The audio conference can also be broadcast from a streaming protocol server to passive participants.

Large-scale, fault-tolerant audio conferencing over a hybrid network

A method of large-scale fault-tolerant audio conferencing in an audio conferencing system using a purely packet-switched network. An endpoint places a call to a conference gatekeeper indicating an audio conference. The conference gatekeeper determines whether the call contains sufficient information to establish the audio conference. If there is insufficient information, the endpoint is connected to an IVR server that obtains sufficient information from the endpoint. Either way, a CACS selects an MCU hosting or that will host the audio conference. The CACS then responds to the endpoint with routing instructions indicating the selected MCU and the endpoint connects or transfers to the selected MCU. The MCU mixes input from all endpoints in the audio conference to form a voice stream, which is then returned to each endpoint in the audio conference. Audio conference participants can dial-out from the MCU to bring additional participants into the audio conference. Once established, the audio conference supports full service audio conferencing. In addition, dynamic routing permits an operator to service multiple MCUs, and an audio conference participant and/or an entire audio conference to be moved between MCUs. The audio conference can also be broadcast from a streaming protocol server to passive participants.

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Arvada, CO, United States of America

Warren Edward Baxley