Patent ID: 9717090
Date: 2017-07-25
CPC Classifications: H04L,H04W

Claim:
1. A method of conducting voice or video calls over a network between a first near-end device and at least one far-end device, using a client application of a packet-based communication system, the method comprising: discovering a proximity, to the first near-end device, of at least one second near-end device that is available to provide a resource for use by a near-end user in conjunction with the first near-end device when conducting one of said calls, the proximity discovered by detection of a sound in an environment common to the first near-end device and the second near-end device, the detection of the sound based on one or more of a correlation or pattern matching of a sound detected by the first near-end device and the second near-end device, the resource being for use in conducting at least part of the call or in conjunction with the call, and the first near-end device being a mobile user terminal of the near-end user; based on the discovering said proximity, presenting the near-end user with a message indicating the availability of the second near-end device to provide said resource when conducting said call; prompting the near-end user for a user selection as to whether to accept the second near-end device for use as said resource; and responsive to the near-end user accepting to use the second near-end device, using the second near-end device to play out or generate at least one audio or video stream of the call, while the first near-end device controls the call.