Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A audio conferencing system is provided whereby an audio conference participant interfaces with the system through a graphical user interface (GUI) computer program running on a remote computer or workstation. To join an audio conference currently in progress, a participant controls the GUI computer program to transmit a signal over a local area network to a central server. The central server, by examining database information, determines whether the participant is authorized to join the audio conference. If so, the central server controls a telephone system connected thereto and causes the telephone system to call the participant at a pre-listed telephone number. The participant then joins the actual audio conference merely by answering the telephone. Numerous other functions are available to the audio participant both during an audio conference and other times. By providing a GUI-based software interface to the audio conferencing system, significantly greater functionality is conveniently provided to an audio conference participant than previously available. For example, before an audio conference has begun, an invitee to the conference may obtain and display a list of all other conference invitees. Method and apparatus embodiment to the invention are disclosed.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim