Patent ID: 7643436
Filing Date: 2010-01-05
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. An audio management apparatus for a network conference that provides communication between a plurality of connection points, the apparatus comprising: a first audio bridge that receives audio data from one or more connection points of a first group of the connection points, and provides an output mix of audio data to the one or more connection points of the first group according to a first set of mixing protocols maintained for the connection points of the first group; a first conference manager in the first audio bridge for providing the first set of mixing protocols that selectively adds or removes audio data received at the first audio bridge from the one or more connection points of the first group; a second audio bridge that receives audio data from one or more connection points of a second group of the connection points, and provides an output mix of audio data to the one or more connection points of the second group according to a second set of mixing protocols maintained for the connection points of the second group; a second conference manager in the second audio bridge for providing the second set of mixing protocols that selectively adds or removes audio data received at the second audio bridge from the one or more connection points of the second group; and an audio communication link between the first audio bridge and the second audio bridge, wherein the first audio bridge provides a single first output mix of audio data from a plurality of the connection points of the first group to the second audio bridge via the link, wherein the second audio bridge provides a single second output mix of audio data from a plurality of the connection points of the second group to the first audio bridge via the link, and wherein the link enables audio communication between connection points of the first group and connection points of the second group.