Patent ID: 7092002
Filing Date: 2006-08-15
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A video teleconferencing (VTC) system comprising: at least one site with at least one station at each said site, each station accommodating one participant; a first display screen within view of each participant; a videocamera associated with each station and positioned wherein a participant at said each station is located within said videocamera's field of view; at least one microphone, wherein each participant situated at each station falls within the audio range of said microphone; an automated video switching system that, based on audio activity and operating modes: automatically selects, from among one or more video camera feeds and inputs, a video signal for transmission to one or more remote videoconferencing sites; and selects from among incoming video signals a single incoming signal for display on said first display, wherein each of said at least one video conferencing sites receives one or more incoming video signals; and an interface at each station comprising a second display screen and collaboration tools for communication of nonverbal information between said each participant.