Method and apparatus for video conferencing having dynamic picture layout

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(12) United States Patent

Lia et al.

(io) Patent No.: (45) Date of Patent:

US 7,932,920 B2 Apr. 26, 2011

(54) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VIDEO CONFERENCING HAVING DYNAMIC PICTURE LAYOUT

(75) Inventors: Tom Erik Lia, Askim (NO); Bjorn

Aalerud, Lovenstad (NO); Geir Scott
Nilsen, Olso (NO)

(73) Assignee: TANDBERG Telecom AS, Lysaker
(NO)

( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 1373 days.

(21) Appl.No.: 11/378,978

(22) Filed: Mar. 17, 2006

A method and apparatus for conferencing dynamically determines conference parameters such as image layout, image resolution and bandwidth. The conference parameters are dynamically determined based on the number of participants or video sources or both that currently connect to the conference. Video signals received from connected sites are processed to provide a composite video signal according to defined conference parameters and the composite video signal is transmitted to the connected sites. Upon one or more other sites connecting to the conference or one or more of the connected sites disconnecting from the conference or both, such that the number of sites or sources currently connected in the conference changes, one or more conference parameters is redefined. The received video signals are processed according to the redefined conference parameters to provide a second composite video signal that is transmitted to the connected sites. The conference parameters include composite image layout, image resolution, and conference bandwidth rate.

9 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets

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