Conference Call User Interface and Methods Thereof

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a conference call user interface and methods thereof. In one illustrative embodiment, the user interface provides a simple teleconferencing solution that allows a user to establish a conference as well as an individual conversation. Graphical representations, in the form of avatars, can be provided. A table surrounded by the avatars can be used to mimic a meeting room as though the parties were actually there. When phone icons on the chests of the avatars are actuated, a directory application to search for parties can be provided. A consult line, separate from the avatars, can also be provided. After connecting and associating the parties with an avatar, call handling actions can be displayed on or around each of the avatars.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . In a collaboration appliance having a processor and a touch display, a method for setting up a conference through a graphical user interface using said touch display, said method comprising:
 at the processor executing an application for   displaying a representative meeting room with image personifications on said graphical user interface;   displaying call handling actions on said graphical user interface associated with an image personification when said image personification within said representative meeting room is actuated through said touch display;   associating said image personification with a remote device;   establishing an audio connection with said remote device through said call handling actions;   establishing a video connection with said remote device through said call handling actions when said remote device is enabled; and   minimizing said call handling actions on said graphical user interface.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising establishing an audio and video connection with another remote device when another image personification is actuated through said touch display. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising displaying a representative collaboration appliance within said representative meeting room on said graphical user interface and establishing an audio and video connection through said representative collaboration appliance. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising displaying a monitor within said representative meeting room on said graphical user interface, receiving at least one presentation when commands are entered through said monitor and providing said at least one presentation to an external monitor or projector connect to said collaboration appliance. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising displaying a name plate for said remote device after minimizing said call handling actions and re-expanding said call handling actions when said name plate is selected. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein displaying said representative meeting room with said image personifications on said graphical user interface comprises depicting a table within said representative meeting room surrounded with said image personifications. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , comprises manipulating views of said representative meeting room to show other image personifications. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus comprising:
 a touch display;   at least one processor; and   a memory operatively coupled to said processor, said memory storing program instructions that when executed by said processor, causes said processor to:
 display graphics representing a plurality of characters and said apparatus on a user interface provided on said touch display; 
 display phone icons on said plurality of characters and said apparatus; 
 connect with at least one device through said phone icons when said phone icons are actuated using said touch display; 
 associate said at least one device with a character of said plurality of characters; 
 display said character with an identifier of said at least one device on said user interface provided on said touch display. 
   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein connecting with said at least one device through said phone icons when said phone icons are actuated using said touch display comprises displaying a participant panel having an “End Call” option, a “Hold” option, an “Escalate to Video” option, and a “De-escalate from Video” option facilitating said connection. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said memory storing program instructions, when executed by said processor, causes said processor to blacken or darken a background when said participant panel is displayed. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein connecting with said at least one device through said phone icons when actuated using said touch display comprises providing a directory application to search for said at least one device. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said memory storing program instructions, when executed by said processor, causes said processor to:
 connect a device through said phone icons when said phone icons are actuated using said touch display;   associate said device with an idle character of said plurality of characters; and   display said idle character with an identifier of said device on said user interface provided on said touch display.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein connecting said device is hidden from said at least one device already connected. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein connecting with said at least one device through said phone icons when said phone icons are actuated using said touch display comprises determining whether said at least one device is capable of handling video. 
     
     
         15 . A method of managing a conference on a collaboration appliance having a processor and a graphical user interface, said method comprising:
 at the processor executing an application for   displaying a plurality of avatars on said graphical user interface;   establishing said conference with remote devices;   associating said remote devices with said plurality of avatars; and   providing call handling actions for each of said plurality of avatars on said graphical user interface.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , comprising establishing a separate conversation with a remote device of said remote devices through said call handling actions independent of said conference. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , comprising blurring or darkening a background when said separate conversation is taking place. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , comprising reverting said background when moving back to said conference. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , comprising placing said separate conversation on hold when moving back to said conference. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , comprising adding an additional remote device to said conference and associating said additional remote device with an avatar of said plurality of avatars.