Patent Publication Number: US-11647157-B2

Title: Multi-device teleconferences

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/857,583, filed on Apr. 24, 2020, entitled “Multi-Device Teleconferences,” which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/871,507, filed Jul. 8, 2019, and entitled “Multi-Device Teleconferences.” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/857,583 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/871,507 are assigned to the assignee of the present application. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to electronic teleconferencing systems and more specifically to communication system joining and participating in ongoing audiovisual teleconferences using one or more communication devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Teleconference systems may utilize communication networks, including but not limited to the internet, to connect communication systems and communication devices such as computers, tablet computers, and/or smartphones. Teleconference systems may permit communication systems to share visual imagery and audio data associated with a speaking user with other communication systems. However, teleconference systems may not provide a speaking user, or other participating communication systems, with the ability to join the teleconference with additional communication devices without interrupting the teleconference or otherwise executing complicated and time-consuming teleconference joining and exit protocols. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of the disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding to the reader. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure and it does not identify key/critical elements of the invention or delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to more detailed descriptions presented below. 
     In embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the unique systems and methods described herein make use of an exemplary system and method to generate and support multi-device teleconferences. Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter include two or more initial communication systems, including but not limited to tablet computers or smartphones, and a computer coupled with a database and comprising a processor and memory. The computer generates a teleconference space and transmits requests to join the teleconference space to the two or more initial communication systems. The computer stores in memory identification information and audiovisual data transmitted by each of the two or more initial communication systems. The computer transmits audiovisual teleconference data to each of the two or more initial communication systems. 
     In embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, the computer transmits a request to join the teleconference space to a third communication system. The computer stores identification information and audiovisual data from the third communication system, and transmits audiovisual teleconference data that includes audiovisual data from the third communication system to each of the three or more communication systems. 
     These and other features of the disclosed subject matter are described in greater detail below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures. 
         FIG.  1    illustrates an exemplary teleconference system, according to a first embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates the cloud system of  FIG.  1    in greater detail, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates an exemplary method of joining and participating in a teleconference space using a plurality of communication devices, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates an exemplary teleconference system executing the method of  FIG.  3   , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates an outbound teleconference stream display, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates the exemplary teleconference system executing the method of  FIG.  3    after a user has joined the teleconference system with a smartphone, according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG.  7    illustrates an updated outbound teleconference stream display, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects and applications of the invention presented herein are described below in the drawings and detailed description of the invention. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. 
     In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below. 
     As described more fully below, embodiments of the following disclosure relate to conducting electronic audiovisual teleconferences using a plurality of communication systems. Embodiments of the following disclosure generate a teleconference space that includes a plurality of separate communication systems, each controlled by an individual user or group of users. Embodiments of the teleconference space comprise one or more visual streams, each of which may include video imagery, and one or more audio streams, which may comprise audio from a speaking user. Embodiments transmit these visual streams and audio streams as a single outbound teleconference stream to the plurality of separate communication systems, each of which displays the outbound teleconference stream to the one or more associated users using an audiovisual display device. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, embodiments permit a user associated with a particular communication system already participating in the teleconference space to join the teleconference space with one or more additional communication systems. Embodiments allow a user to switch from communication system to communication system while maintaining constant participation in the teleconference space, and to disconnect communication systems from the teleconference space while continuing to participate in the teleconference space with the one or more additional communication systems. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates exemplary teleconference system  100 , according to a first embodiment. Teleconference system  100  comprises one or more cloud systems  110 , one or more communication systems  120 , network  130 , communication links  140 - 150 , and teleconference space  160 . Although one or more cloud systems  110 , communication systems  120   a - 120   n , single network  130 , communication links  140 - 150 , and single teleconference space  160  are shown and described, embodiments contemplate any number of cloud systems  110 , communication systems  120 , networks  130 , communication links  140 - 150 , or teleconference spaces  160 , according to particular needs. 
     In one embodiment, cloud system  110  comprises administrator  112  and database  114 . Administrator  112  may generate teleconference space  160  in which one or more communication systems  120  participate. Database  114  comprises one or more databases  114  or other data storage arrangements at one or more locations local to, or remote from, cloud system  110 . In one embodiment, one or more databases  114  is coupled with the one or more administrators  112  using one or more local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), wide area networks (WANs), or aforementioned network  130 , such as, for example, the Internet, or any other appropriate wire line, wireless link, or any other communication links  140 - 150 . One or more databases  114  stores data that is made available to and may be used by one or more administrators  112  according to the operation of teleconference system  100  described below. According to embodiments, administrator  112  hosts and runs one or more runtime processes associated with cloud system  110 . 
     According to embodiments, one or more users may be associated with each of one or more communication systems  120 . Each of the one or more users may comprise, for example, an individual person or customer, one or more employees or teams of employees within a business, or any other individual, person, group of persons, business, or enterprise which communicates or otherwise interacts with one or more separate communication systems  120 . Although an exemplary number of communication systems  120  are shown and described, embodiments contemplate any number of communication systems  120  interacting with network  130  and one or more cloud systems  110  according to particular needs. As an example only and not by way of limitation, teleconference system  100  may allow up to 50, 100, 500, or 1,000 separate communication systems  120  to join and participate in teleconference space  160  simultaneously. 
     Each of one or more communication systems  120  comprises one or more communication devices, such as, for example, cellular phones or smartphones, desktop computers, laptop computers, notebook computers, tablet-type devices, terminals, or any other communication device capable of receiving, transmitting, and displaying audiovisual information through network  130 . In an embodiment, each of the one or more communication devices may comprise an audiovisual recording device, such as a computer camera and microphone, and an audiovisual display device, such as an electronic display screen and one or more speakers. The audiovisual display devices permit each of the one or more users interacting with each of the one or more communication devices to see and hear visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  of teleconference space  160 . The audiovisual recording devices record audiovisual information regarding the one or more users associated with the one or more communication devices in the form of visual streams  162  and audio streams  164 . In addition, each of the one or more communication devices may comprise an input device, such as a keyboard, mouse, or touchscreen. 
     Each of the one or more communication devices may comprise a processor, memory and data storage. The processor may execute an operating system program stored in memory to control the overall operation of the one or more communication devices associated with each of one or more communication systems  120 . For example, the processor may control the reception of signals and the transmission of signals within teleconference system  100 . The processor may execute other processes and programs resident in memory, such as, for example, registration, identification, or communication over the communication links  140 - 150 , and moving data into or out of the memory, as required by an executing process. 
     Each of the one or more communication devices that comprise each of one or more communication systems  120  may be coupled with other communication devices, as well as one or more cloud systems  110 , by network  130  via one or more communication links  140 - 150 . Although communication links  142 - 148  are shown connecting each of one or more communication systems  120   a - 120   n , respectively, to network  130 , embodiments contemplate any number of communication links  140 - 150  connecting any number of communication systems  120  or communication devices with network  130 , according to particular needs. In addition, or as an alternative, communication links  140 - 150  may connect one or more communication systems  120  and/or communication devices directly to one or more cloud systems  110  and/or one or more separate communication systems  120  and/or communication devices. 
     According to embodiments, one or more communication links  140 - 150  couple one or more cloud systems  110 , including its administrator  112  and database  114 , one or more communication systems  120 , and teleconference space  160  generated by the one or more cloud administrators  112  with network  130 . Each communication link  140 - 150  may comprise any wireline, wireless, or other link suitable to support data communications between one or more cloud systems  110 , one or more communication systems  120 , and/or teleconference space  160  and network  130 . Although communication links  140 - 150  are shown as generally coupling one or more cloud systems  110 , one or more communication systems  120 , and teleconference space  160  with network  130 , one or more cloud systems  110  and one or more communication systems  120  may communicate directly with each other according to particular needs. 
     According to embodiments, network  130  includes the Internet, telephone lines, any appropriate LANs, MANs, or WANs, and any other communication network coupling one or more cloud systems  110  and one or more communication systems  120 . For example, data may be maintained by one or more cloud systems  110  at one or more locations external to one or more cloud systems  110 , and made available to one or more cloud systems  110  or one or more communication systems  120  using network  130 , or in any other appropriate manner. 
     According to embodiments, one or more cloud systems  110  and/or one or more communication systems  120  may each operate on one or more computers that are integral to or separate from the hardware and/or software that supports teleconference system  100 . In addition, or as an alternative, the one or more users may be associated with teleconference system  100  including one or more cloud systems  110  and/or one or more communication systems  120 . These one or more users may include, for example, one or more computers programmed to generate teleconference space  160  and permit communication systems  120  to join teleconference space  160  with one or more separate communication devices. As used herein, the computer, the term “computer,” and “computer system” comprise an input device and an output device. The computer input device includes any suitable input device, such as a keypad, mouse, touch screen, microphone, or other device to input information. The computer output device comprises any suitable output device that may convey information associated with the operation of teleconference system  100 , including digital or analog data, visual information, or audio information. Furthermore, the one or more computers include any suitable fixed or removable non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as magnetic computer disks, CD-ROMs, or other suitable media to receive output from and provide input to teleconference system  100 . The one or more computers also include one or more processors and associated memory to execute instructions and manipulate information according to the operation of teleconference system  100 . 
     Embodiments contemplate one or more cloud systems  110  generating teleconference space  160 . Each of the one or more communication devices may connect to one or more cloud systems  110  using network  130  and communication links  140 - 150 , and may participate in teleconference space  160 . Teleconference space  160  allows the one or more communication devices to conduct and participate in an audiovisual teleconference. Teleconference space  160  may comprise one or more visual streams  162  and/or one or more audio streams  164 . Although  FIG.  1    illustrates teleconference space  160  comprising a particular number of visual streams  162   a - 162   n  and audio streams  164   a - 164   n , embodiments contemplate teleconference system  100  comprising any number of visual streams  162  and/or audio streams  164 , according to particular needs. 
     Each visual stream  162  may comprise video imagery of one or more users associated with one or more communication devices, recorded by the communication devices&#39; audiovisual recording devices (such as, for example, cameras). According to embodiments, visual stream  162  may comprise recorded video or stored images. Each audio stream  164  may comprise audio from one or more users associated with one or more communication devices, recorded by the communication devices&#39; audiovisual recording devices (such as, for example, microphones). According to embodiments, audio stream  164  may comprise stored audio data. 
     According to embodiments, each of the one or more communication devices participating in teleconference space  160  may transmit audiovisual information, in the form of one or more visual streams  162  and one or more audio streams  164 , to cloud system  110  administrator  112 . Cloud system  110  administrator  112  generates outbound teleconference stream  166 , comprising one or more selected visual streams  162  and/or audio streams  164 , and transmits outbound teleconference stream  166  to each of the one or more communication devices participating in teleconference space  160 . Each of the one or more communication devices uses an associated audiovisual display devices to display outbound teleconference stream  166 . 
     Cloud system  110  administrator  112  may permit users to join teleconference space  160  with multiple communication devices at different points in the teleconference. For example, after having joined teleconference space  160  using a specific communication device (such as, for example, a desktop computer) to transmit visual stream  162  and audio stream  164  to cloud system  110  administrator  112 , a particular user may subsequently join teleconference space  160  with a second communication device (such as, for example, a smartphone), which may transmit second visual stream  162  and second audio stream  164  to cloud system  110  administrator  112 . According to embodiments, cloud system  110  administrator  112  may choose to incorporate either audio stream  164  from the desktop computer or audio stream  164  from the smartphone, or both audio streams  164 , and either or both of the two visual streams  162 , into outbound teleconference stream  166 , according to embodiments. The above example is provided for illustrative purposes only, and embodiments contemplate any number of users joining and participating in teleconference space  160  using one or more separate communication devices, as described in greater detail below. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates cloud system  110  of  FIG.  1    in greater detail, according to an embodiment. As discussed above, cloud system  110  may comprise one or more computers at one or more locations including associated input devices, output devices, non-transitory computer-readable storage media, processors, memory, or other components to send and receive information between one or more communication systems  120  and/or one or more communication devices according to the operation of teleconference system  100 . In addition, cloud system  110  comprises administrator  112  and database  114 . Although cloud system  110  is described as comprising a single administrator  112  and database  114 , embodiments contemplate any suitable number of administrators  112  or databases  114  internal to or externally coupled with cloud system  110 . In addition, or as an alternative, cloud system  110  may be located internal to one or more communication devices. For example, cloud system  110  may be located external to one or more communication devices and may be located in, for example, a corporate or regional entity of one or more communication systems  120 , according to particular needs. 
     According to embodiments, administrator  112  comprises administration module  202 , graphical user interface module  204 , and audiovisual selection module  206 . Although a particular configuration of administrator  112  is shown and described, embodiments contemplate any suitable number or combination of administration modules  202 , graphical user interface modules  204 , and/or audiovisual selection modules  206  located at one or more locations, local to, or remote from, cloud system  110 , according to particular needs. In addition, or as an alternative, administration module  202 , graphical user interface module  204 , and audiovisual selection module  206  may be located on multiple administrators  112  or computers at any location in teleconference system  100 . 
     Database  114  may comprise communication systems data  210 , user data  212 , inbound audiovisual information data  214 , and outbound teleconference stream data  216 . Although database  114  is shown and described as comprising communication systems data  210 , user data  212 , inbound audiovisual information data  214 , and outbound teleconference stream data  216 , embodiments contemplate any suitable number or combination of communication systems data  210 , user data  212 , inbound audiovisual information data  214 , outbound teleconference stream data  216 , and/or other data pertaining to teleconference system  100  located at one or more locations, local to, or remote from, cloud system  110 , according to particular needs. 
     Administration module  202  of administrator  112  may configure, update, and/or manage the operation of cloud system  110 . That is, administration module  202  may configure, update, and/or manage the broader operation of teleconference system  100  and change which data is executed and/or stored on one or more cloud systems  110  and/or one or more communication devices. Teleconference system  100  may comprise a user-configurable system, such that cloud system  110  administrator  112  may store communication systems data  210 , user data  212 , inbound audiovisual information data  214 , and/or outbound teleconference stream data  216  either singularly or redundantly in cloud system  110  database  114  and/or one or more communication devices, according to particular needs. According to other embodiments, administration module  202  monitors, processes, updates, creates, and stores communication systems data  210 , user data  212 , inbound audiovisual information data  214 , and/or outbound teleconference stream data  216  in cloud system  110  database  114 . 
     According to embodiments, administration module  202  of administrator  112  may generate teleconference space  160 , which one or more communication devices may join. When a communication device joins teleconference space  160 , administration module  202  may record unique identifying information regarding the communication device, such as by assigning the communication device a unique ID or by recording the communication device&#39;s IP or MAC address, in communication systems data  210  of database  114 . Administration module  202  may use information stored in communication systems data  210  to identify a specific user associated with the particular communication device, and may store the user-identifying information in user data  212  of database  114 . 
     Graphical user interface module  204  of administrator  112  generates outbound teleconference stream  166 , which administration module  202  transmits to the one or more communication devices using network  130  and one or more communication links  140 - 150 . In an embodiment, graphical user interface module  204  accesses outbound teleconference stream data  216 , stored in database  114 , and uses outbound teleconference stream data  216  to generate outbound teleconference stream  166 . Administration module  202  transmits outbound teleconference stream  166  to the one or more communication devices participating in teleconference space  160 . Graphical user interface module  204  stores and retrieves data from cloud system  110  database  114  including communication systems data  210 , user data  212 , inbound audiovisual information data  214 , and outbound teleconference stream data  216 , in the process of generating outbound teleconference stream  166 . Graphical user interface module  204  may generate different graphical user interface displays conveying different types of information for different communication devices. 
     Audiovisual selection module  206  of administrator  112  determines which of the one or more visual streams  162  and/or audio streams  164 , stored in inbound audiovisual information data  214 , will comprise outbound teleconference stream  166 . According to embodiments, audiovisual selection module  206  selects one or more visual streams  162  and/or audio streams  164  from inbound audiovisual information data  214 , and copies the selected visual streams  162  and/or audio streams  164  to outbound teleconference stream data  216 . Graphical user interface module  204  accesses outbound teleconference stream data  216 , and uses visual streams  162  and/or audio streams  164  stored in outbound teleconference stream data  216  to generate outbound teleconference stream  166 . 
     Communication systems data  210  of database  114  contains the identification information of one or more communication devices. Identification information may comprise, for example, information regarding the operating systems of each of the one or more communication devices, internet browser information regarding each of the one or more communication devices, or communication device system specifications (such as, for example, processor speed, available memory, hard drive space, and the like). Communication systems data  210  may also include end user ID information, end user personal identification number (PIN) information, communication device ID information, communication device MAC address information, or any other type of information which cloud system  110  may use to identify and track each of the one or more communication devices participating in teleconference system  100 . Communication systems data  210  may also include user account information that associates one or more communication devices with one or more specific users. 
     Although particular communication systems data  210  is described, embodiments contemplate any type of communication systems data  210  associated with one or more communication devices, according to particular needs. In one embodiment, cloud system  110  uses communication systems data  210  to identify one or more participating communication devices in teleconference system  100  in order to aid the selection of one or more communication device streams to comprise outbound teleconference stream  166 , such as by prioritizing the communication device streams of predetermined very important person (VIP) communication devices. 
     User data  212  of database  114  comprises information regarding one or more users who may utilize one or more communication devices to join and participate in teleconference space  160 . Administration module  202  may store information in user data  212  that tracks each of the one or more users participating in teleconference space  160  across each of the one or more communication devices which may be associated with each user. That is, a single user may be associated with one or more separate communication devices participating in teleconference space  160 , and administration module  202  may access communication systems data  210  and/or user account information stored within communication systems data  210  to associate one or more communication devices with a particular user. 
     User data  212  may comprise names and addresses of the one or more users associated with each of the one or more communication devices, company contact information, telephone numbers, email addresses, IP addresses, and the like. User data  212  may comprise user account information, which may associate user name information, address information, and other identifying information, as well as one or more communication devices associated with or registered to a particular user, with a particular user. 
     Inbound audiovisual information data  214  of database  114  comprises visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  transmitted to cloud system  110  from each of the one or more communication devices participating in teleconference space  160 . As described in greater detail below, administration module  202  may generate teleconference space  160 , which one or more communication devices may join. Each of the one or more communication devices may transmit visual stream  162  and audio stream  164 , recorded by the communication device&#39;s audiovisual recording device, to administration module  202 . Administration module  202  may use information stored in communication systems data  210  and user data  212  to associate each incoming visual and audio stream  164  with a particular communication device and user, and may store information regarding each incoming visual and audio stream  164  in inbound audiovisual information data  214  of database  114 . 
     Outbound teleconference stream data  216  of database  114  comprises one or more selected visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  which will comprise outbound teleconference stream  166 . According to embodiments, audiovisual selection module  206  selects, from visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  stored in inbound audiovisual information data  214 , one or more visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  to comprise outbound teleconference stream  166 . Audiovisual selection module  206  stores the selected one or more visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  in outbound teleconference stream data  216 . Graphical user interface module  204  accesses outbound teleconference stream data  216  and generates outbound teleconference stream  166 , which administration module  202  transmits to the one or more communication devices using network  130  and the communication links  140 - 150 . 
       FIG.  3    illustrates exemplary method  300  of joining and participating in teleconference space  160  using a plurality of communication devices, according to an embodiment. Method  300  of joining and participating in teleconference space  160  using a plurality of communication devices proceeds by one or more actions, which although described in a particular order may be performed in one or more permutations or alternative orders, according to particular needs. 
     At action  302  of method  300 , teleconference system  100  generates teleconference space  160 . In an embodiment, administration module  202  of cloud system  110  administrator  112  may receive a request, transmitted by one or more communication devices, to generate teleconference space  160 . Administration module  202  generates teleconference space  160  and transmits, using network  130 , requests to join teleconference space  160  to one or more communication devices. Each communication device transmits its acceptance of the request to join teleconference space  160  to administration module  202 . Administration module  202  records unique identifying information regarding each communication device, such as by assigning each communication device a unique ID and by recording the IP or MAC address of each communication device, in communication systems data  210 . In an embodiment, administration module  202  may record unique user-identifying information regarding the users associated with each communication device in user data  212 . Each communication device participating in teleconference space  160  records, using its associated audiovisual recording device, visual stream  162  and audio stream  164  displaying the one or more users associated with the particular communication device. Each communication device transmits this visual stream  162  and audio stream  164  to administration module  202 , using network  130  and communication links  140 - 150 . Administration module  202  associates each incoming visual stream  162  and each incoming audio stream  164  with a particular communication device and user by accessing information stored in communication systems data  210  and user data  212  of database  114 . Administration module  202  stores each visual stream  162  and each audio stream  164  in inbound audiovisual information data  214  of database  114 . 
     At action  304 , cloud system  110  transmits outbound teleconference stream  166 . Audiovisual selection module  206  of administrator  112  accesses visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  stored in inbound audiovisual information data  214  and determines which of visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  will comprise outbound teleconference stream  166 . According to embodiments, audiovisual selection module  206  may use any method to select one or more visual streams  162  and/or audio streams  164  to comprise outbound teleconference stream  166 . Audiovisual selection module  206  stores selected visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  in outbound teleconference stream data  216 . Graphical user interface module  204  accesses one or more visual streams  162  and one or more audio streams  164  stored in outbound teleconference stream data  216 , and uses outbound teleconference stream data  216  to generate outbound teleconference stream  166 . Administration module  202  transmits outbound teleconference stream  166  to the one or more communication devices participating in teleconference space  160 . Each of the one or more communication devices displays the audiovisual content of outbound teleconference stream  166  using an associated audiovisual display device. 
     At action  306 , one or more users associated with one or more communication devices joins teleconference space  160  with a new teleconference device. Embodiments contemplate users joining teleconference space  160  with new communication devices to, for example, switch visual streams  162  comprising outbound teleconference stream  166  from a stationary communication device (such as a computer) to a mobile communication device (such as a smartphone) to enable the user to move to a new location and to transmit one or more visual streams  162  to the one or more separate communication devices that would have been out of the visual field of the stationary communication device&#39;s audiovisual recording device. Other embodiments contemplate a user transmitting multiple visual streams  162  from multiple communication devices in a single outbound teleconference stream  166 , as illustrated by  FIG.  7   . Further embodiments contemplate a user beginning a teleconference space  160  teleconference presentation using a first communication device, joining the teleconference presentation with a second communication device without interrupting the ongoing teleconference presentation, and disconnecting the first communication device from teleconference space  160  while continuing the teleconference presentation using the second communication device. 
     In an embodiment, to perform action  306 , a communication device participating in teleconference space  160  transmits a request to administration module  202 , using network  130  and communication links  140 - 150 , to join the in-process teleconference space  160  with a new and separate communication device. Administration module  202  accepts the request, and the new communication device joins teleconference system  100  and the in-process teleconference space  160 . Administration module  202  records unique identifying information regarding the new communication device, such as by assigning the new communication device a unique ID and by recording the IP or MAC address of the new communication device, in communication systems data  210 . Administration module  202  may record records unique user-identifying information regarding the one or more users associated with the new communication device in user data  212 . In other embodiments, administration module  202  may transmit requests to join teleconference space  160  to one or more communication devices directly. 
     At action  308 , cloud system  110  transmits updated outbound teleconference stream  160 . Audiovisual selection module  206  of administrator  112  accesses visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  (including new visual stream  162  and new audio stream  164  transmitted from the new communication device) stored in inbound audiovisual information data  214 . Audiovisual selection module  206  determines which of visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  will comprise updated outbound teleconference stream  166 . According to embodiments, audiovisual selection module  206  may use any method to select one or more visual streams  162  and/or audio streams  164  to comprise updated outbound teleconference stream  166 . Audiovisual selection module  206  stores selected updated visual streams  162  and updated audio streams  164  in outbound teleconference stream data  216 . Graphical user interface module  204  accesses one or more updated visual streams  162  and one or more updated audio streams  164  stored in outbound teleconference stream data  216 , and uses outbound teleconference stream data  216  to generate updated outbound teleconference stream  166 . Administration module  202  transmits updated outbound teleconference stream  166  to the one or more communication devices participating in teleconference space  160 . Each of the one or more communication devices displays the audiovisual content of updated outbound teleconference stream  166  using an associated audiovisual display device. Teleconference system  100  terminates method  300  when the communication devices disconnect from teleconference space  160 . 
     The following example illustrates the operation of joining and participating in teleconference space  160  using a plurality of communication devices. In this example, exemplary teleconference system  100  initially comprises cloud system  110 , four communication devices (comprising computers  402 - 408 ), network  130 , and five communication links  140 - 148 . Although a particular number of cloud systems  110 , computers  402 - 408 , networks  130 , and communication links  140 - 148  are shown and described, embodiments contemplate any number of cloud systems  110 , communication devices, networks  130 , or communication links  140 - 150 , according to particular needs. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates exemplary teleconference system  100  executing method  300  of  FIG.  3   , according to an embodiment. In this example, each of computers  402 - 408  comprises an audiovisual recording device (comprising a camera and microphone), an audiovisual display device (comprising an electronic display screen and one or more speakers), and an input device (comprising a keyboard). In this example, a single user is associated with each of computers  402 - 408 . For the purposes of this example, the user associated with computer  402  (henceforth, “User A”) utilizes computer  402  to deliver an audiovisual presentation to the users of computers  404 - 408  using teleconference space  160 . In other embodiments not illustrated by this ongoing example, any number of users may be associated with each participating communication device, and any number of users may participate in an audiovisual presentation using teleconference space  160 . 
     Continuing the example, at action  302 , User A uses computer  402  to transmit a request to administration module  202 , using network  130  and communication links  140 - 142 , to generate teleconference space  160 . Administration module  202  generates teleconference space  160  and transmits, using network  130 , requests to join teleconference space  160  to each of computers  402 - 408 . Each of computers  402 - 408  transmits acceptance of the request to join teleconference space  160  to administration module  202 . Administration module  202  records unique identifying information regarding each of computers  402 - 408 , such as by assigning each of computers  402 - 408  a unique ID and by recording the IP or MAC address of each of computers  402 - 408 , in communication systems data  210 . Similarly, administration module  202  records unique user-identifying information regarding the users associated with each of computers  402 - 408  in user data  212 . 
     Continuing the example, each of computers  402 - 408  participating in teleconference space  160  records, using an associated audiovisual recording device, visual stream  162  and audio stream  164  displaying the user associated with each of computers  402 - 408 . Each of computers  402 - 408  transmits visual stream  162  and audio stream  164  to administration module  202 , using network  130  and communication links  140 - 148 . Administration module  202  associates each incoming visual stream  162  and audio stream  164  with a particular communication device and user by accessing information stored in communication systems data  210  and user data  212  of database  114 . Administration module  202  stores each visual stream  162  and each audio stream  164  in inbound audiovisual information data  214  of database  114 . 
     Continuing the example, at action  304 , audiovisual selection module  206  of administrator  112  accesses visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  stored in inbound audiovisual information data  214  and determines which of visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  will comprise outbound teleconference stream  166 . In this example, User A requested the generation of teleconference space  160  to deliver an audiovisual presentation to the users of the other three computers, and audiovisual selection module  206  therefore selects visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  of User A computer  402  to comprise outbound teleconference stream  166 . Audiovisual selection module  206  stores visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  transmitted by User A computer  402  in outbound teleconference stream data  216 . In other embodiments, audiovisual selection module  206  may use any means to select which of visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  stored in inbound audiovisual information data  214  will comprise outbound teleconference stream  166 , including but not limited to selecting visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  of one or more predefined very important person (VIP) users. 
     Continuing the example, graphical user interface module  204  accesses visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  stored in outbound teleconference stream data  216 , and uses outbound teleconference stream data  216  to generate outbound teleconference stream  166 . In this example, outbound teleconference stream  166  comprises visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  transmitted by User A computer  402 . Administration module  202  transmits outbound teleconference stream  166  to each of computers  402 - 408  participating in teleconference space  160 . Each of computers  402 - 408  displays, on an associated audiovisual display device, the audiovisual content of outbound teleconference stream  166  in the form of outbound teleconference stream display  502 . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates outbound teleconference stream display  502 , according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, outbound teleconference stream display  502  may comprise presentation window  504  and participant panel  506 . Although  FIG.  5    illustrates outbound teleconference stream display  502  in a particular configuration, embodiments contemplate outbound teleconference stream displays  502  of any configuration, according to particular needs. Presentation window  504 , occupying a large area of the central portion of outbound teleconference stream display  502  illustrated in  FIG.  5   , displays visual stream  162  of outbound teleconference stream  166 , which in this example comprises live video imagery of User A giving the teleconference presentation. Although a particular presentation window  504  configuration is shown and described, embodiments contemplate outbound teleconference streams  166  displaying visual streams  162  and/or presentation windows  504  in any configuration, according to particular needs. 
     According to embodiments, participant panel  506  on the right side of outbound teleconference stream  166  illustrated in  FIG.  5    displays a visual representation of the communication devices currently participating in teleconference space  160 . Participant panel  506  may identify these participants by the names of the users associated with the separate communication devices, or by identifying the communication devices themselves (such as “iPhone X,” “Acer One,” and the like). In an embodiment, administration module  202  may assign names to the separate communication devices displayed in participant panel  506  using information contained in communication systems data  210 . Continuing the above example, participant panel  506  of exemplary outbound teleconference stream display  502  lists the four participating communication devices (in this example, computers  402 - 408 ). Although a particular participant panel  506  configuration is shown and described, embodiments contemplate outbound teleconference stream displays  502  displaying participant panels  506  in any configuration, according to particular needs. 
     Continuing the example, at action  306 , User A chooses to join teleconference space  160  with a new communication device (in this example, smartphone  602 ). Although this example describes User A participating in teleconference space  160  with computer  402  and smartphone  602 , embodiments contemplate users participating in teleconference spaces  160  with any number and any type of communication devices, according to particular needs. 
     Continuing the example, at action  306 , User A uses associated smartphone  602  to transmit a request to administration module  202 , using network  130  and communication link  149 , to join teleconference space  160  in-process. Administration module  202  accepts the request, and smartphone  602 , associated with User A, joins the exemplary teleconference system  100  and the in-process teleconference space  160 . Administration module  202  records unique identifying information regarding smartphone  602 , such as by assigning smartphone  602  a unique ID and by recording the IP or MAC address of smartphone  602 , in communication systems data  210 . Similarly, administration module  202  records unique user-identifying information regarding User A associated with smartphone  602  in user data  212 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates exemplary teleconference system  100  executing method  300  of  FIG.  3    after User A has joined teleconference system  100  with smartphone  602 , according to an embodiment. Teleconference system  100  now comprises cloud system  110 , computers  402 - 408 , each of which is associated with a particular user (with computer  402  associated with User A), and smartphone  602 , associated with User A. Smartphone  602  comprises an audiovisual recording device (comprising a camera and microphone), an audiovisual display device (comprising an electronic display screen and one or more speakers), and an input device (comprising a keyboard). Each of computers  402 - 408  participating in teleconference space  160 , and smartphone  602 , records visual stream  162  and audio stream  164  displaying the user associated with the particular communication device. Each communication device transmits visual stream  162  and audio stream  164  to administration module  202 , using network  130  and communication links  140 - 159 . Administration module  202  associates each incoming visual stream  162  and audio stream  164  with a particular communication device and user by accessing information stored in communication systems data  210  and user data  212  of database  114 , and stores each visual stream  162  and each audio stream  164  in inbound audiovisual information data  214  of database  114 . 
     Continuing the example, at action  308 , audiovisual selection module  206  of administrator  112  accesses visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  stored in inbound audiovisual information data  214  and determines which of visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  will now comprise outbound teleconference stream  166 . In this particular example, audiovisual selection module  206  again selects visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  associated with User A to comprise outbound teleconference stream  166 . As there are now two sets of visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  associated with User A communication devices stored in inbound audiovisual information data  214  (more specifically, computer  402  visual stream  162  and audio stream  164 , and smartphone  602  visual stream  162  and audio stream  164 ), audiovisual selection module  206  selects, in this example, both visual streams  162 , and the louder of the two audio streams  164  (which in this example comprises audio stream  164  from smartphone  602 ), to comprise updated outbound teleconference stream  166 . 
     In other embodiments not illustrated by the continuing example, audiovisual selection module  206  may utilize one or more other criteria to select which of visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  will comprise outbound teleconference stream  166 . For example, where a particular user is associated with multiple communication devices, each of which transmits a separate visual stream  162  to administration module  202 , audiovisual selection module  206  may combine all visual streams  162  into outbound teleconference stream  166 . In addition, or as an alternative, audiovisual selection module  206  may choose visual stream  162  transmitted by the communication device associated with a particular user that most recently joined teleconference space  160 . In other embodiments in which a particular user participates in teleconference space  160  using multiple communication devices, the user may manually select which communication device&#39;s visual stream  162  will be selected by audiovisual selection module  206  to comprise outbound teleconference stream  166 . 
     Audiovisual selection module  206  may utilize similar criteria to select which of one or more audio streams  164  transmitted by communication devices associated with a particular user will comprise outbound teleconference stream  166 . For example, according to embodiments, audiovisual selection module  206  may select the loudest or most clear audio stream  164  transmitted by a communication device associated with a particular user to comprise outbound teleconference stream  166 . In addition, or as an alternative, the user may manually select which communication device&#39;s audio stream  164  will be selected by audiovisual selection module  206  to comprise outbound teleconference stream  166 . 
     Continuing the example, and having selected both visual streams  162 , and smartphone  602  audio stream  164 , associated with User A to comprise updated outbound teleconference stream  166 , audiovisual selection module  206  stores visual streams  162  and audio stream  164  in outbound teleconference stream data  216  of database  114 . Graphical user interface module  204  accesses visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  stored in outbound teleconference stream data  216 , and uses outbound teleconference stream data  216  to generate updated outbound teleconference stream  166 . Administration module  202  transmits updated outbound teleconference stream  166  to the communication devices participating in teleconference space  160 . Each communication device displays, on an associated audiovisual display device the audiovisual content of updated outbound teleconference stream  166  in the form of updated outbound teleconference stream display  702 . 
       FIG.  7    illustrates updated outbound teleconference stream display  702 , according to an embodiment. Continuing the example, updated outbound teleconference stream display  702  displays presentation windows  704  and participant panel  506 . Presentation windows  704  display both visual streams  162  (comprising computer  402  visual stream  162  and smartphone  602  visual stream  162 ) which in this example comprise updated outbound teleconference stream  166 . Although not illustrated in  FIG.  7   , updated outbound teleconference stream display  702  also comprises audio stream  164  transmitted to administration module  202  by smartphone  602 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  7   , updated outbound teleconference stream display  702  may further comprise hang-up buttons  706  associated with each of visual streams  162  which comprise presentation windows  704 . Hang-up buttons  706 , illustrated in  FIG.  7    as white circles containing red telephone hang-up icons, allow User A to disconnect one or more visual streams  162  (and the communication devices transmitting the one or more visual streams  162 ) from teleconference space  160  without interrupting the ongoing teleconference presentation or visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  transmitted by the other communication devices associated with User A. User A may thus begin a teleconference presentation using a first communication device, join the ongoing teleconference presentation with a second communication device, and use hang-up button  706  associated with the first communication device to disconnect the first communication device from the teleconference presentation, all while continuing the teleconference presentation using visual streams  162  and audio streams  164  of the second communication device. Although a particular hang-up button  706  configuration is shown and described, embodiments contemplate any number of outbound teleconference stream display  502  hang-up button  706  configurations, or updated outbound teleconference stream display  702  hang-up button  706  configurations, according to particular needs. Concluding the example, teleconference system  100  terminates method  300  when all communication devices disconnect from teleconference space  160 . 
     Embodiments contemplate any user associated with any communication device joining and participating in teleconference space  160  with one or more new communication devices. Embodiments allow any user to switch from communication device to communication device while maintaining constant participation in teleconference space  160 , and to disconnect communication devices from teleconference space  160  while continuing to participate in teleconference space  160  with the one or more additional communication devices. 
     Reference in the foregoing specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “some embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. 
     While the exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that various changes and modifications to the foregoing embodiments may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.