Patent ID: 7492387
Filing Date: 2009-02-17
Classification: H04L,H04N

Abstract:
1. A method for generating a video output signal, comprising the steps of: (A) receiving a plurality of input video signals from each of a plurality of participants, each of said input video signals having a plurality of input frames, each of said input frames having a source slice carrying an image, each of said input frames being encoded using a reference frame at an encoding time; and (B) generating said video output signal for transmission to said participants, said video output signal comprising a plurality of output frames, wherein (i) a first of said output frames has at least a first slice having (a) a first coded portion carrying said image from a first of said participants and (b) a first unencoded portion for said image from a second of said participants, (ii) a second of said output frames has at least a second slice having (a) a second coded portion carrying said image from said second participant and (b) a second unencoded portion for said image from said first participant and (iii) said frames of said video output signal are generated as soon as one of said frames of said video input signal are received.