Hybrid conference bridge
Disclosed are hybrid conference bridges capable of selectively operating in a replicating mode or a mixing mode based on the number of terminals in an audio conference capable of supporting the replicating mode. A disclosed conference bridge connects a plurality of terminals in an audio conference and includes a replicating-mode operating module, a mixer-mode operating module, and a management module to activate at least one of the operating modules depending on the number of terminals having sufficient capabilities to support the replicating mode.
1. A conference bridge connecting a plurality of N terminals in an audio conference, the conference bridge including a processor and a memory storing instructions to perform the following:
a replicating-mode operating module for receiving N streams from the N terminals respectively and for sending (N−1) streams from the N streams to at least one terminal;
a mixer-mode operating module for receiving N streams from the N terminals respectively and for sending a stream mixed with (N−1) streams among the N received streams; and
a management module that activates the replicating-mode operating module as long as the number of terminals in the audio conference is compatible with the capabilities of the terminals to handle (N−1) download streams; and
wherein when at least one terminal has sufficient capabilities to handle (N−1) download streams and at least one of the terminal does not have sufficient capabilities to handle (N−1) download streams, the management module activates the replicating-mode operating module for the terminals that have sufficient capabilities to handle (N−1) download streams, and activates simultaneously the mixer-mode operating module for the terminals that do not have sufficient capabilities to handle (N−1) download streams.
2. The conference bridge according to claim 1 , wherein the activated module for a terminal depends on an ability of the terminals to handle (N−1) download streams.
3. A conference bridge according to claim 1 , wherein, following the arrival of an additional terminal, the activated module for a terminal depends on the number of the terminals having sufficient capabilities to handle N download streams.
4. A conference bridge according to claim 3 , wherein:
the replicating mode operating module is activated for at least one of the N terminals before the arrival of an additional terminal; and
the replicating mode operating module is deactivated for at least one of the N terminals following the arrival of the additional terminal.
5. A conference bridge according to claim 1 , wherein, following a departure of a terminal from the audio conference, the activated module for a terminal depends on the number of the terminals having sufficient capabilities to handle (N−2) download streams.
6. A conference bridge according to claim 5 , wherein:
the mixing mode operating module is activated for at least one of the N terminals before the departure of a terminal; and
the mixing mode operating module is deactivated for at least one of the terminals following the departure of the terminal.
7. A method to bridge a plurality of N terminals in an audio conference, the method comprising:
determining a number of the terminals having sufficient capabilities to handle (N−1) download streams;
activating a replicating mode as long as the number of terminals in the audio conference is compatible with the capabilities of the terminals to handle (N−1) download streams;
activating a mixer-mode for receiving N streams from the N terminals respectively and for sending a stream mixed with (N−1) streams among the N received streams; and
when at least one terminal has sufficient capabilities to handle (N−1) download streams and at least one terminal does not have sufficient capabilities to handle (N−1) download streams:
activating the replicating mode for the terminals having sufficient capabilities to handle (N−1) download streams, and
activating simultaneously the mixer-mode for the terminals that do not have sufficient capabilities to handle (N−1) download streams.
8. A conference bridge comprising:
a processor; and
a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to at least carry out the method according to claim 7 .
9. A method according to claim 7 wherein, following at least one of the arrival of an additional terminal and the departure of a terminal, the steps of determining and activating are implemented with the terminals of the audio conference.