Tag-aware multipoint switching for conferencing

摘要

Conferencing methods and systems are disclosed wherein tags are associated with conferencing endpoints. The tags provide information enabling a decision-making entity to determine the preferability of one or more processing aspects of the endpoints. In a multipoint conference a tag can allow a decision making entity such as an MCU to determine the most appropriate mode for rendering video or other signals sent from a tagged endpoint. The tag itself can indicate the most appropriate mode or can contain information from which the decision-making entity can determine the most appropriate mode using an algorithm. A tag can be associated with an endpoint manually, for example based on a user's or controller's inputs concerning the endpoint. Alternatively, the tag can be assigned automatically based on automatically sensing one or more conditions at an endpoint or analyzing one or more parameters of a data stream transmitted from the endpoint.

主权项

1. A method of conducting a videoconference, comprising:
receiving a video data stream having a tag associated therewith, the tag containing information about optimal viewing parameters relating to a display size specifying at least one of an adequate angle, area, or number of pixels for displaying images transmitted by the video data stream; and processing and displaying the data stream in accordance with information contained in the tag.