Method and Device for Controlling a Conference

摘要

A method and communication system are disclosed for conducting a conference among sets of conference participants connected by a communication system. This system has at least one conference server, at least one image reproduction unit at each conference environment and at least one microphone at each conference environment. The method involves calculating respective virtual images of a majority of the conference environments, each virtual image containing at least one image corresponding to at least one conference participant who is present at that conference environment, calculating an aggregate representation of the virtual images of all conference environments and displaying the aggregate representation on at least one image reproduction unit. The method also calculates an individual representation for an individual conference participant and provides the individual participant with the individual representation while simultaneously providing to that individual the aggregate representation.

主权项

1. A method for conducting a conference among sets of conference participants, one set of conference participants being at a first conference environment, at least one other set of conference participants being at another conference environment, the conference participants being connected by a communication system comprised of at least one conference server, at least one image reproduction unit at each conference environment on which images corresponding to at least some of the conference participants are displayed and at least one microphone at each conference environment, wherein the method comprises:
a) calculating respective virtual images of a majority of the conference environments, each virtual image containing at least one image corresponding to at least one conference participant who is present at that conference environment; b) calculating an aggregate representation of the virtual images of all conference environments; c) displaying the aggregate representation on at least one image reproduction unit; d) calculating an individual representation for an individual conference participant based upon the aggregate representation of the respective conference environment of which the individual participant is a part; and e) providing the individual participant with the individual representation while simultaneously providing to that individual the aggregate representation.