摘要 |
A video teleconferencing system for controlling multiple multipoint control units (MCU) from a single apparatus. The system utilizes a Virtual MCU (VMCU) ( 110 ) to communicate with a plurality of MCUs ( 135, 140, 145 ). A user initiates a reserve conference command with the VMCU ( 110 ). If sufficient resources are available, the reservation is made and connection numbers are assigned. When the time for the conference arises, an MCU ( 135, 140, 145 ) is assigned to the conference. The participants are then connected to the conference. By using a single VMCU ( 110 ) to schedule and coordinate multiple MCUs ( 135, 140, 145 ), the present invention is able to efficiently schedule a large number of conferences. This greater efficiency in scheduling may allow users to schedule conferences without the advance notice that is usually required.
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