Some embodiments use several different types of networks to relay several different types of
media content among several different computing devices. The media content of some …

(57) ABSTRACT A video encoding system encodes video streams for multiple bit rate video
streaming using an approach that permits the encoded bit rate to vary Subject to a peak bit …

4,142,071 A 2f1979 Croisier et al. 4,216,354 A 8, 1980 Esteban et al. 4,464,783 A 8, 1984
Beraud et al. 5,243,420 A 9, 1993 Hibi 5,381,143 A 1/1995 Shimoyoshi et al. 5,416,521 A …

A video encoding system encodes video streams for multiple bit rate video streaming using
an approach that permits the encoded resolution to vary based, at least in part, on motion …

(57) ABSTRACT A method for executing a video conference is provided that includes
receiving one or more audio streams associated with a video conference from one or more …

(57) ABSTRACT A video encoder uses previously calculated motion informa tion for inter
frame coding to achieve faster computation speed for video compression. In a multi bit rate …

From the foregoing, it may be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a need has arisen
for an improved communi cations approach that provides for more appropriate data routing …

US PATENT DOCUMENTS 6,285.405 B1 9, 2001 Binford et al. 6,300,973 B1 10/2001 Feder
et al. 6,327.276 B1 12/2001 Robert et al. 6,463,414 B1 10/2002 Su et al. 6,535,604 B1 …

Some embodiments provide an architecture for establishing multi-participant audio
conferences over a computer net work. This architecture has a central distributor that …

BACKGROUND Companies and organizations increasingly use videocon ferencing to
reduce traveling expenses and to save time. To create a satisfactory videoconference, a …