Patent ID: 6404811
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
An interactive multimedia audio/video communications system comprising:a graphics/command network; an audio/video network; means coupled to the respective networks for selectively switching a plurality of audio/video signals input from the audio/video network to a plurality of output terminals in response to commands received on the graphics/command network; means coupled to the respective networks via one of the output terminals of the selectively switching means to selectively playback and record the audio/video signals over the audio/video network in response to control commands received over the graphics/command network; a plurality of viewing stations coupled to the respective output terminals of the selectively switching means to receive and transmit audio/video signals, and coupled to the graphics/command network to transmit and receive commands; and means coupled to the graphics/command network for transmitting and receiving commands to/from the selectively switching means, the plurality of viewing stations, and the playing back and recording means, the transmitting and receiving means setting up the respective networks according to requests received from users at the plurality of viewing stations.