Patent ID: 7646736

Claim:
A method for generating a video output signal, comprising the steps of: (A) receiving, by multipoint control unit a plurality of input video signals each having (i) a plurality of frames stored in a coded video format and (ii) one of a plurality of frame rates; and (B) generating said video output signal comprising a plurality of frames, wherein (a) a first of said frames of said video output signal comprises (i) a coded portion representing one of said frames of a first of said plurality of input video signals and (ii) an uncoded portion for each of said plurality of input video signals other than said first of said plurality of input video signals and (b) a second of said frames of said video output signal comprises (i) a coded portion representing one of said frames of a second of said plurality of input video signals and (ii) an uncoded portion for each of said plurality of input video signals other than said second of said plurality of input video signals, wherein (i) each of said frames of said video output signal is generated as soon as one of the frames of said plurality of input signals is received, (ii) each of said frames of said video output signal comprises only one coded portion representing the respective one of the frame of said plurality of input video signals that is received, and (iii) all of the frames of said video output signal comprise only one coded portion per frame.