Converged conferencing appliance methods for concurrent voice and data conferencing sessions over networks
A converged conferencing appliance having at least one voice port and one data port for managing multi-device conferences allowing multiple participants to concurrently connect diverse devices over public switched, mobile, IP, wireless local or wide area, personal networks, and cable or fixed wireless networks. Each of the ports can be connected to an individual, respective device and all of the ports can be configured for simultaneous operation. In addition to the voice and data ports, at least one broadband port and at least one wireless port can be provided in the appliance. A mechanism is also provided to synchronize multi-modal communications and conferences among a number of users. Participants may participate in integrated voice, data and video conferences by simultaneously connecting from one or more devices such as traditional phones, mobile phones, voice and data capable smart phones, computers, VoIP devices, wireless devices and other intelligent handheld devices.
1. A data converging appliance, for converging at least one media format with at least one other media format, comprising:
a) a first data input/output (I/O) port for receiving and transmitting data of a first data type to and from a first device having a first device type and being adapted to send and receive data of said first data type, said first device being operably connected to said first I/O port;
b) a second data (I/O) port for receiving and transmitting data of a second data type to and from a second device having a second device type and being adapted to send and receive data of said second data type, said second device being operably connected to said second I/O port;
c) a third data (I/O) port for receiving and transmitting data of at least one of said first data type and said second data type to and from a third device adapted to send and receive data of at least one of said first data type and said second data type, said third device being operably connected to said third I/O port; and
d) means for formatting data disposed between at least two of said first, second, and third I/O ports for formatting data from at least one of said first, second and third devices into a form compatible with at least one other of said first, second, and third devices, thereby allowing synchronous delivery of a plurality of formatted data types;
at least two of said first, second, and third devices being used substantially simultaneously by a single user for concurrently sending and receiving data of said first and second data types on at least two respective ones of said first, second, and third devices.
2. The data converging appliance in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising at least one broadband port for facilitating communications with broadband devices and residential gateways.
3. The data converging appliance in accordance with claims 2 , further comprising at least one wireless port for facilitating communications with wireless devices.
4. The data converging appliance in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising:
e) means for scheduling conferences.
5. The data converging appliance in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising:
e) means for sending conference notifications.
6. the data converging appliance in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising:
e) means for initiating a session from a device.
7. the data converging appliance in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising:
e) means for initiating a data free voice conferencing session.
8. The data converging appliance in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising:
e) means for initiating a voice free data conferencing session.