Method and apparatus for controlling a conference call

Abstract

Provided by the invention is a method for controlling a Video Multi-Conference Unit (MCU) using an endpoint device. In order to do this the MCU intercepts, interprets and acts upon commands sent across the communications network from the endpoint device. The commands may be sent using a user control device such as a control for controlling far-end cameras, a so-called FECC device. Alternatively the commands may be sent using dial-tones from a touchpad telephone. Also provided by the present invention is a method for controlling a secondary device also connected to a conference call using the MCU. This secondary device may be another user endpoint or alternatively a video conference recorder (VCR). In order to control another user endpoint the user may select a second mode in which the MCU rather than intercepting any FECC or other commands sent to it using the user device forwards the commands to the endpoint. Alternatively, the MCU may interpret the FECC device commands and instruct the user device or VCR accordingly.

1 . A method for controlling a multi-conference unit (MCU) in a communications network comprising an endpoint device comprising the steps of: 
 (a) sending a command to said MCU using said endpoint device;    (b) intercepting said command sent by said endpoint device across said network using said MCU; and    (c) said MCU carrying out said commands received by said MCU.    
   
   
       2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein in response to a command received from said endpoint said MCU forwards said command to a second device.  
   
   
       3 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said MCU forwards said commands to said second device for a specified period of time.  
   
   
       4 . A method as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the second device is a video conference recorder.  
   
   
       5 . A method as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the second device is another endpoint device.  
   
   
       6 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said command sent by said endpoint device is a far end camera control command message.  
   
   
       7 . An MCU connectable to a communications network comprising an endpoint device, the MCU comprising: 
 (a) an input for receiving commands from an endpoint connected to said communications network; and    (b) a processor for processing said commands.    
   
   
       8 . An MCU as claimed in  claim 7  further comprising an output for transmitting a user interface to said communications network.  
   
   
       9 . An MCU as claimed in  claim 7  further comprising an output for transmitting received commands to a second device connected to the communications network.  
   
   
       10 . An MCU as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said second device is a video conference recorder.  
   
   
       11 . An MCU as claimed in  claim 9  wherein said second device is another endpoint.  
   
   
       12 . An MCU as claimed in  claim 7  wherein said endpoint device is selected from the group comprising an H.320, H.323 and SIP Video Endpoint.  
   
   
       13 . An MCU as claimed in  claim 7  wherein said communications network is selected from the group comprising an ISDN and IP communications network.  
   
   
       14 . An MCU as claimed in  claim 7  wherein said command messages are selected from the group comprising H.320 and H.323 messages.  
   
   
       15 . An MCU as claimed in  claim 7  wherein said command messages are Dual Tone Multi-frequency signals.  
   
   
       16 . A video conference network comprising: 
 (a) an MCU;    (b) an endpoint; and    (c) a communications link connecting said MCU and said endpoint said MCU acting to intercept commands from said endpoint.