US 8941708

Summary of U.S. Patent 8,941,708

Title: Method, computer-readable storage medium, and apparatus for modifying the layout used by a video composing unit to generate a composite video signal

Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.

Inventor: Hakon Skramstad

Filing Date: July 27, 2012

Issue Date: January 27, 2015

Abstract:
In one embodiment, a method that includes providing, on a display, an object configured to be moved by a user along an axis, associating a plurality of predefined layouts with respective intervals along the axis, detecting a user action on the object indicating a position on the axis, and composing, in response to the detecting of the user action, a composite video signal using a layout, of the plurality of predefined layouts, associated with an interval among the intervals within which the position is lying.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims

U.S. Patent 8,941,708 has four independent claims: 1, 10, 16, and 17. Below is a plain-language explanation of each.

Independent Claim 1: This claim describes a method for changing the layout of video conference streams on a display. The method involves showing a movable object on the screen that a user can slide along a path (an axis). Different sections (intervals) of this path are linked to different predefined screen layouts. When the user moves the object to a specific position on the path, the system detects this action and changes the video layout to the one associated with that section of the path.

Independent Claim 10: This claim outlines a similar method to claim 1, but with more specific steps. It involves providing a movable object on a display that corresponds to an axis with different intervals, each linked to a predefined layout. The system then detects the user moving the object to a new position, identifies which interval that position falls into, selects the corresponding layout for that interval, and then creates the composite video signal using that selected layout.

Independent Claim 16: This claim covers a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (such as a hard drive or memory) that contains instructions for a computer to perform a specific method. The method is to provide a movable object on a display, associate different screen layouts with different intervals along the object's path, detect when a user moves the object to a certain position, and then select and compose a composite video signal using the layout that corresponds to the interval of the object's position.

Independent Claim 17: This claim describes a physical apparatus. The apparatus includes a processing unit and a video composing unit. The processing unit is responsible for displaying a movable object, associating different layouts with intervals along the object's path, and detecting a user's action of moving the object. In response, the video composing unit creates a composite video signal using the layout that corresponds to the position indicated by the user. The claim further specifies that the processing unit identifies the correct interval, selects the layout, and provides that selected layout to the video composing unit.

A search of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) dockets for 2026 did not reveal any information regarding litigation involving U.S. Patent 8,941,708. However, this does not definitively mean no such litigation exists, as docket information can change.