The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 28, 2006
Filed:
May. 15, 2000
Frank C. Christofferson, Broomfield, CO (US);
Edward M. Miller, Broomfield, CO (US);
Frank C. Christofferson, Broomfield, CO (US);
Edward M. Miller, Broomfield, CO (US);
Terayon Communication Systems, Inc., Santa Clara, CA (US);
Abstract
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, an audio-conference bridging system and method are provided. The present invention discards the traditional notion of a single mixing function for a conference. Instead, the novel, flexible design of the present invention provides a separate mixing function for each participant in the conference. This new architecture is described generally herein as 'EdgePoint mixing.' EdgePoint mixing overcomes limitations of traditional conferencing systems by providing each participant control over his/her conference experience. EdgePoint mixing also allows, when desired, the simulation of a 'real-life' conference by permitting each participant to receive a distinctly mixed audio signal from the conference depending on the speaker's “position” within a virtual conference world. The present invention also preferably accommodates participants of different qualities of service. Each participant, thus, is able to enjoy the highest-level conferencing experience that his/her own connection and equipment will permit.