Method and system for context-based announcements during a communication session

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for making context-based announcements during a communication session. The method, system or device plays a context-based announcement to a specific participant during an active communication session. The method includes receiving a context-based announcement for a participant while the participant is in an active communication session. The method also includes monitoring the communication session to determine when the context-based announcement should be played to the participant. The method also includes playing the context-based announcement to the participant at the determined time. The method may also include displaying a visual reminder associated with the context-based announcement to the participant, and the visual reminder may include a control that allows the participant to select when the announcement is played.

Description

[0001] Copyright Notice

[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for context-based announcements played during a communication session, and particularly to improving the time at which announcements are played. Background Art

[0004] Interactions are becoming increasingly virtual. For example, schools and businesses are increasing their use of conferencing to connect users. Students can attend lectures virtually, and employees can interact virtually via different conferencing solutions. Currently available conferencing applications do not have the ability to play user-specific announcements. For example, an announcement can be targeted to one or more but not all participants participating in an active communication session, and current systems are unable to broadcast announcements only to intended users. In addition, current systems are unable to determine the best time to broadcast an announcement (e.g., when no one is speaking). Users currently have to rely on external services (e.g., email, SMS, etc.) to receive announcements / updates (e.g., updates on canceling a continuous session, updates on the new time of a meeting, updates on upcoming speakers, etc.). Therefore, attendees need to continuously monitor different services to receive important and time-sensitive updates. Summary of the invention

[0005] Various embodiments and configurations of the present disclosure address these and other needs. The present disclosure can provide many advantages depending on the specific configuration. These and other advantages will be apparent from the present disclosure.

[0006] Currently available conferencing applications do not have the ability to play user-specific announcements. Users currently have to rely on services external to the conferencing service to receive announcements / updates. As a result, attendees need to continually monitor different services to receive important and time-sensitive updates. This is not ideal, especially for time-sensitive announcements or announcements that require immediate attention. In addition, current systems do not have a way to determine when an announcement is broadcast and / or the ability to play user-specific announcements on demand. Various embodiments and configurations of the present disclosure are intended to help users of conferencing systems and software receive announcements at the appropriate time and in a timely manner.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a context / event-driven method for playing announcements during an active communication session (e.g., on a background audio channel, on an audio whisper channel, etc.). Examples of active communication sessions include audio calls, video calls, etc. In some embodiments, the virtual participant will pick the correct audio stream based on the context / event and will play the announcement (e.g., pre-recorded, live, etc.). The playing of the announcement can be automatic, or host-controlled, and this mode can be defined using separate configurations. For example, if the announcement is an emergency notification, the announcement can be played automatically. For announcements that are less time-sensitive, the system can determine the optimal time to play the announcement. In another example, the conference host can initiate the announcement. The present disclosure notifies any attendees of the active call of any context-based announcements relevant to the user during the active call, and thus eliminates the need to monitor separate / external services. An additional advantage is that the announcement can be played without interrupting the participants of the active call.

[0008] As virtual communications (e.g., audio and video conferencing) become an increasing feature of communications both professionally and personally, the ability to provide user-specific announcements during an active communication session will become increasingly important. Providing user-specific announcements during an active communication session allows the user to focus more on the current communication session (e.g., without having to monitor an external service for updates).

[0009] In some embodiments, the methods and systems determine whether the user's camera is activated and transmitting video, if the user has disabled his camera, then it may not be necessary to perform the methods disclosed herein. If the user's camera is on and capturing video, then the methods and systems monitor the captured video to monitor whether the user's face and shoulder area are primarily captured by the camera. For example, the system may include a graphics unit that continuously monitors the user's face to ensure that the user's entire face is captured by the camera. In other words, the methods and systems determine the user's position to ensure that the user is properly positioned in front of the camera. For example, the user's head and shoulders should appear primarily in the camera's frame. If the user is too close or too far from the camera, then the methods and systems may suggest that the user move farther / closer so that the user's head and shoulders are in a more optimal position.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, the method and system can determine the lighting state and notify the user whether to increase or decrease the lighting to achieve a more optimal presentation. In some embodiments, the graphics unit processes the captured image / video to determine the lighting state of the video. For example, the user can be positioned in front of the window so that the user's face appears in the shadow (e.g., darker than the rest of the image), and the method and / or system can remind the user and suggest that the user change her position so that the window is no longer directly behind the user (e.g., the user moves so that the window is on the left / right side of the user instead of directly behind the user). In some embodiments, the reminder may include a visual and / or auditory reminder. For example, a flashing window may appear on the user's screen, or a message may be sent to the user via a whisper channel (e.g., only the user can hear, and other participants in the video conference cannot hear). In addition, or alternatively, the reminder may include a reminder sent to the user's (e.g., contact center agent) supervisor. In some embodiments, the method and system disclosed herein use machine learning to improve the determination of the user's position. The system recognizes the user's face (and other physical elements) and may also be subject to training provided by a machine learning unit. The graphics / machine learning unit will recognize the user's face and / or posture (e.g., shoulders) and use artificial intelligence (AI) to check to determine whether the user is properly positioned (e.g., completely within the camera frame) and / or whether the video / image is properly lit.

[0011] In some embodiments, the method and / or system may be deployed in a contact center environment, and the contact center wants to ensure that its agents are properly positioned when communicating with customers. Proper positioning will provide customers with a better impression of the contact center and the associated business represented by the contact center. If the agent is not properly positioned (e.g., a violation), then data (e.g., an alert) may be transmitted to the supervisor. The supervisor may perform an immediate correction during the communication session. In other embodiments, the data may be stored and used for performance review and / or training of other agents.

[0012] The phrases "at least one", "one or more", "or", and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that both connect and dissociate in operation. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, or C", "A, B and / or C", and "A, B, or C" means only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together.

[0013] The term "an" entity refers to one or more of that entity. Thus, the terms "one", "one or more", and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. It should also be noted that the terms "including", "comprising", and "having" can be used interchangeably.

[0014] As used herein, the term "automatic" and variations thereof refer to any process or operation that is generally continuous or semi-continuous and that can be completed without material human input when it is performed. However, a process or operation may be automatic even if the performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input if the input is received before the process or operation is performed. Human input is considered material if it affects how the process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents to the performance of the process or operation is not considered "material."

[0015] Aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, all of which may be generally referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," or "system." Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be utilized. A computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0016] A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable storage media would include the following: an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0017] A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal (e.g., in baseband or as part of a carrier wave) in which a computer readable program code is implemented. Such propagated signals may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may also be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can transmit, propagate, or transfer a program used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, device, or apparatus. The program code implemented on a computer readable medium may be sent using any suitable medium, including, but not limited to, wireless, wired, optical cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0018] As used herein, the terms "determine," "calculate," and variations thereof are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation, or technique.

[0019] As used herein, the term "component" is to be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C. Section 112(f) and / or Section 112, paragraph 6. Thus, claims containing the term "component" should cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein and all their equivalents. In addition, the structures, materials, or acts and their equivalents should include all that is described in the Summary of the Invention, the Description of the Figures, the Detailed Description, the Abstract of the Specification, and the claims themselves.

[0020] The foregoing is a simplified summary of the present disclosure that provides an understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. This summary is neither a broad nor an exhaustive overview of the present disclosure and its various embodiments. The present disclosure is neither intended to identify the key or decisive elements of the present disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the present disclosure, but rather to present selected concepts of the present disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present disclosure may use one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below, either alone or in combination. Moreover, although the present disclosure is presented in the form of exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated that various aspects of the present disclosure may be claimed separately. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The present disclosure is described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 A system for playing context-based announcements during a communication session according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted;

[0023] Figure 2 depicts an endpoint according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 3 Depicted is a process for playing context-based announcements during a communication session in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 4 Depicted is a process for playing context-based announcements during a communication session in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 5 A system for playing context-based announcements during a communication session according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted;

[0027] Figure 6A-6B A system for playing context-based announcements during a communication session according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted;

[0028] Figure 7A system for playing context-based announcements during a communication session according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted;

[0029] Figure 8 A computing system that optimizes user presentation during a video conferencing session is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] In the accompanying drawings, similar components and / or features may have the same reference numerals. In addition, various components of the same type may be distinguished by appending a letter after the reference numeral that distinguishes the similar components. If only the first reference numeral is used in the specification, the description applies to any one of the similar components having the same first reference numeral, regardless of the second reference numeral. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following description provides only embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the claims. Rather, the following description will provide a feasible description for implementing the embodiments for those skilled in the art. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0032] When used in the plural, any reference to a description including an element number without a sub-element identifier (when present in the figure) is intended to refer to any two or more elements having the same element number. When such a reference is made in the singular, it is intended to refer to one of the elements having the same element number without limitation to a specific one. Any explicit use to the contrary or providing further qualification or identification herein shall take precedence.

[0033] The exemplary systems and methods of the present disclosure will also be described with respect to analysis software, modules, and associated analysis hardware. However, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the following description omits well-known structures, components, and devices, which may be omitted or shown in simplified form in the drawings or otherwise summarized.

[0034] For purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in a variety of ways beyond the specific details set forth herein.

[0035] The methods and systems disclosed herein allow for context-based announcements to be played to specific users during an active communication session. The methods and systems disclosed herein further determine the optimal time to play context-based announcements and / or allow a user (e.g., a user receiving an announcement, a host, etc.) to manually initiate an announcement. The sending and receiving of video may be optionally used and incorporated into the embodiments provided herein.

[0036] For example, if there is an emergency notification, the system can automatically play the emergency notification. In another example, the system can determine when to play the announcement. For example, if the announcement is intended for active speaking (e.g., a presenter) in a communication session, the system can wait until the speaker is not speaking before playing the announcement. In addition, or alternatively, the method / system can provide a visual reminder to the user, which can allow the user to choose whether to play or not play the announcement. In some embodiments, the visual reminder can include a transcription of the announcement.

[0037] Announcements are provided in real time during an active communication session. Announcements and visual reminders can be further configured based on the user's preferences. For example, the user can select the type (e.g., visual, auditory, etc.) and location of the reminder. In other examples, the user can disable announcements entirely.

[0038] Figure 1 The conference system 100 as a whole includes an optional network conference unit 104 and first, second, third to nth endpoints 108A-108N, which are interconnected via a network 112. User 102A is associated with the first endpoint 108A; user 102B is connected to the communication session via the second endpoint 108B; and user 102C is associated with the third endpoint 108C. Although the first, second and third endpoints 108A-108C are depicted, it should be appreciated that more endpoints may be present and participate in the communication session. The conference system 100 may be a personal audio / video conference system between two users of one-to-one or point-to-point communication (in which case an MCU is not required), a group audio / video conference system between three or more people, a mobile audio / video conference system involving one or more mobile endpoints, and may be a pure software solution, a pure hardware solution, or a combination of software and hardware solutions.

[0039] The optional network video conferencing unit 104 can be any network multipoint conferencing unit ("MCU") or video conferencing server ("VCS"). During a multipoint conferencing session, the MCU can manage multiple endpoints at a time, coordinate the audio / video data processing of multiple endpoints, and forward the propagation of media streams (e.g., audio and video) between multiple endpoints. The MCU can conduct group audio / video conferencing on the principle of mixed media streams, for example, mixing and re-encoding the video conferencing streams of participants in real time. For example, the MCU can create a picture-in-picture effect. The MCU in most applications includes a multipoint controller ("MC") and optionally one or more multipoint processors ("MP"). The MC can coordinate media stream processing parameters between endpoints and typically supports the H.245 protocol. The MP can process, mix and switch multimedia streams.

[0040] In contrast, VCS often implements a multiplexing mode of data streams, which means there is no transcoding. VCS usually redirects the media streams of audio / video conference participants. Compression / decompression and media stream mixing functions are generally performed in the endpoint devices.

[0041] The network conferencing unit 104 can serve any conference topology, including centralized conferencing, decentralized conferencing, or hybrid conferencing topologies. Exemplary video conferencing units that can be modified as described herein include the ELITE 6000 from Avaya. TM 、6110 TM ,6120 TM , 5000 TM 、5105 TM and 5110 TM product.

[0042] The first, second, third to Nth endpoints 108A-108N may be any suitable device for providing a user interface for a voice or video conference. Some of the endpoints may host only the voice portion of a conference or a portion of a video conference (e.g., only displaying images of remote participants without transmitting images of local participants; or only transmitting images of local participants without displaying images of remote participants). Alternatively, any of the endpoints 108A-108N may be capable of displaying images of remote participants and transmitting images of local participants simultaneously. The first, second, and third endpoints 108A-108C may optionally display images of remote participants locally to local participants.

[0043] Examples of suitable devices include smartphones, cell phones, tablets, phablets, laptops, personal computers, and dedicated devices such as the SCOPIA XT EXECUTIVE 240 TM 、XT ENDPOINT TM , XT1700 TM , XT4200 TM , XT4300 TM , XT5000 TM , XT embedded server TM , XT7000 and XT endpoints with embedded server products TM , which may be modified as set forth herein. In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, endpoint devices 108A-108N may include any type of known communication equipment or collection of communication equipment. In general, each endpoint 108A-108N may be adapted to support video, audio, text, and / or data communications with other endpoints 108. The type of medium that endpoints 108A-108N use to communicate with other endpoints 108 may depend on the communication applications available on endpoints 108.

[0044] The optional web conferencing unit 104 and the first, second, third through Nth endpoints 108A-108N are connected via a network 112. The network 112 may be a local area network ("LAN"), a wide area network ("WAN"), a wireless network, a wired network, a telephone network, the Internet, and / or various other suitable networks in which a video conferencing system may be implemented.

[0045] refer to Figure 2 , depicts an exemplary endpoint. The exemplary endpoint 108 includes a display device 200, a controller 204, a capture device 208, and a control unit 212.

[0046] The display device 200 may be any suitable display or screen suitable for displaying an image stream received from the control unit 212. The display device 200 may display an image stream received at the control unit 212 from one of the remote video conferencing endpoints via the communication network 112. Alternatively and / or additionally, the image stream received from the image capture device 208 may be displayed by the display device 200 and / or processed by the control unit 212 prior to transmission to the display device 200.

[0047] Controller 204 may be any type of input device, such as a keyboard, a pointing device (eg, a mouse, trackball, track stick, etc.), a remote control unit, or a touch screen device that enables participants in the video conference room to interact with control unit 212 .

[0048] The capture device 208 may include an image capture device 216, such as one or more still or video cameras capable of capturing 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional image information, and an audio capture device 220, such as one or more microphones. The image capture device 216 captures an image stream and provides it to the control unit 212. The audio capture device 220 may include an array of microphones to capture an audio stream and provide it to the control unit 212.

[0049] The control unit 212 generally includes a memory 228, a storage unit 232, a processor 236, and a communication unit 240. The control unit 212 can communicate with other video conferencing endpoints and web conferencing units 104 (e.g., exchange audio and video information and / or any additional data) via the communication network 112, access an enterprise database 260 including subscriber information, or interact with an enterprise email server 264 including subscriber email correspondence. This display device 200 can provide a command and control interface for the user.

[0050] The memory 228 may be any computer readable medium, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device (e.g., dynamic RAM, static RAM, synchronous RAM, etc.) coupled to the bus 244, for storing information and instructions executed by the processor 236. In addition, the memory 228 may be used to store temporary variables and / or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions by the processor 236. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the memory 228 may be a single memory or split into multiple memories. For example, additional memory may be provided, such as a read-only memory (ROM) or any other static memory (e.g., programmable ROM, erasable programmable ROM, and electrically erasable programmable ROM, etc.) coupled to the bus for storing instructions and static information for the processor 236. The memory 228 of the control unit 212 includes an imaging controller 256 and an audio controller 258.

[0051] The storage unit 232 may be another computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic hard disk coupled to the bus, or a removable media drive (e.g., a floppy disk drive, a read-only CD-ROM drive, a read / write CD-ROM drive, a CD-ROM jukebox, a tape drive, and a removable magneto-optical drive), etc., for storing other information and / or instructions.

[0052] The processor 236 may process any command received from a conference user, triggered by an endpoint 108, or received from the communication network 112 (e.g., from the web conferencing unit 104 and / or from another conference endpoint 108). In response to the received command, the processor 236 may retrieve and execute the relevant instruction set(s) from the memory 228 and / or storage unit 232. Examples of processors as described herein may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: 800 and 801, with 4G LTE integration and 64-bit computing 610 and 615, with 64-bit architecture A7 processor, M7 motion coprocessor, series, Core TM Series processors, Series processors, Atom TM Series processors, Intel Series processors, i5-4670K and i7-4770K 22nm Haswell, i5-3570K22nm IvyBridge, FX TMSeries processors, FX-4300, FX-6300 and FX-8350 32nm Vishera, Kaveri processor, Texas Jacinto C6000 TM Automotive infotainment processors, OMAP TM Automotive-grade mobile processors, Cortex TM -M processor, Cortex-A and ARM926EJ-S TM Processor, other industry equivalent processors, and can use any known or future developed standards, instruction sets, libraries and / or architectures to perform computing functions. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure is not limited to such a single processor arrangement, but one or more processors in a multi-processor arrangement can be used to execute (one or more) instruction sets retrieved from one of the memories.

[0053] Finally, the communication unit 240 is generally a communication interface that provides a bidirectional communication coupling between the endpoint 108 and the communication network 112. The communication unit 240 can receive any type of data information from the various devices of the endpoint 108 (such as the display device 200, the controller 204, and the capture device 208) and pass the data information to the processor 236 for further processing and / or passing to other endpoints of the conferencing system 100 via the communication network 112. Moreover, the communication unit 240 can receive any additional data information received by additional or alternative devices present in the endpoint 108. The communication unit 240 can exchange (e.g., transmit and receive) any suitable type of data information with a plurality of devices coupled to the control unit 212 and exchange information with remote endpoints 108 or web conferencing units 104 of the conferencing system 100 via the communication network 112.

[0054] The announcement unit 224 plays context-based announcements to specific participants during an active communication session. When a participant is in an active communication session, the announcement unit 224 receives context-based announcements for the participant. The announcement unit 224 also monitors the communication session to determine when a context-based announcement should be played to the participant, and plays the context-based announcement to the participant at the determined time. The announcement unit 224 can also display a visual reminder associated with the context-based announcement to the participant, and the visual reminder can include a control that allows the participant to select when the announcement is played. The announcement unit 224 can access a set of rules and determine when to play the announcement and / or when to display the visual reminder based on the rules.

[0055] In one example, a student or professor may have multiple online classes in a row. One of the classes may be rescheduled or canceled, and any attendees of the rescheduled or canceled class need to be notified. If some attendees are currently in another class, those attendees may receive notification of the new time / cancellation during the class they are currently in. This increases the need for students / professors to continuously monitor other information sources (e.g., email, SMS, etc.) to receive updates. Announcements can be placed as background clips or played via a whisper channel, and only the attendees affected by the announcement can hear it to ensure that the active communication session is not interrupted. Announcements can also be controlled by the session host (e.g., professor).

[0056] In another example, a meeting attendee may register for consecutive webinar sessions. A meeting attendee may also have multiple sessions they would like to attend, and may select a session based on the speaker. If the speaker changes, then the attendee may decide to attend a different session. However, if the attendee is not aware of the change before attending the meeting, then they may not be able to attend the other session. Therefore, the meeting attendee would like to be notified of the change in session host before the session begins. The present disclosure allows meeting attendees to be notified of such a change and modify their plans accordingly. The present disclosure achieves this by playing an announcement about the host change in the background of the currently active video call.

[0057] In another example, the system can be implemented in a hospital. The system can continuously poll for emergency announcements and can play audio for on-duty professionals (e.g., doctors, nurses, combinations thereof, etc.). In some embodiments, emergency announcements can correspond to routine announcements provided by a receptionist. Emergency announcements can occur at specific times (e.g., on the hour) and / or at specific time intervals (e.g., every 15 minutes, every half hour, etc.). Emergency announcements can be stored (e.g., in an enterprise database 260) and personalized for each individual when played. For example, an announcement player (e.g., contextBasedAudioPlayerAPI) stores recorded audio clips (e.g., runtime announcements of hospital receptionists) and the names of each individual to receive announcements. The announcement player can be integrated with the calendars of all employees to identify whether each recipient is in any active video call. If the announcement player determines that the recipient is in an active call, the announcement player can also access the conference credentials to make the announcement and the recipient's name available to virtual participants. In this way, the system can identify which active call should be played in which emergency announcement and which doctor to play for, so that each emergency announcement can be personalized for an individual (e.g., a physician). For example, each physician may have a specific emergency bulletin containing her specific name. The system and / or its components may be integrated with additional hospital resources and / or personal resources (e.g., a specific physician's calendar). The integration may allow the system to, for example, determine when an individual is available or otherwise occupied (e.g., in an active video call). In an example where an individual (e.g., a physician) is in a conference session, the system may be able to connect the bulletin to a conference call (described herein) and play the emergency bulletin in the conference session. Using emergency bulletins in a conference call may allow the doctor to be aware of the emergency. In some embodiments, the system may access emergency bulletins and modify emergency bulletins to include information associated with the individual (e.g., the physician's name). In some embodiments, in addition to a conference call, emergency bulletins may also be made at other locations (e.g., through a hospital's loudspeaker). In such embodiments, the system may identify emergency bulletins and intended recipients and determine whether the intended recipient is in a conference call. The system may then play emergency bulletins for intended recipients in a conference call.

[0058] In another example, the system can be used for electronic celebrations (e.g., celebrations that occur through electronic forms of communication). The system can be configured to read participant profiles and obtain information related to the participants (e.g., name, birthday, etc.) and can use this information to play specific audio notifications in the conference call. For example, the system can determine that the user in the video call has a birthday on the day of the conference call. The system can then automatically access the video call and play a happy birthday song, a happy birthday background tune, etc. The system can play the tune before, during, and / or after the user joins the video call. In some embodiments, the system can start playing the tune only when a user with a birthday joins the call, after most of the participants have arrived at the video call (and / or a combination thereof). The system can define a minimum number of participants to start playing the tune.

[0059] In another example, the present disclosure plays an important role in crisis management by playing emergency notifications (e.g., fire alarms) in the background of an active call.

[0060] The present disclosure provides a dynamic context-driven method to play background audio and send announcements to specific users, further announcements and the current state of the communication session are evaluated to determine the optimal time to play the announcement. In some examples, the announcement requires immediate attention. In other examples, the announcement is not time sensitive. The announcement can be controlled by the host or can be played automatically, depending on the selected configuration options.

[0061] The present disclosure may be implemented as a feature of any audio / video communications application, allowing you to set up virtual video and / or audio conferences, webinars, real-time chats, screen sharing, and other collaborative capabilities.

[0062] The present disclosure can enable virtual participants to pick up and play the correct audio stream according to context / event / time. This is achieved by programmatically entering a virtual participant in any active video call. This virtual participant will be able to read an external interface integrated with the conference server. This external interface will act as an input feed for the virtual participant, providing all necessary inputs to the virtual participant - such as active meeting details, a list of participants, a participant's profile, etc. This external interface will access dynamic audio streams, depending on the context and provide the audio stream as input to the virtual participant, containing information about when and where the announcement needs to be played. In some embodiments, the announcement is played as background audio in the active session. The virtual participant is considered an active participant in the call and does not interrupt the communication between the participants to publish the announcement. The announcement can include pre-recorded messages and / or live messages. In some embodiments, the present disclosure allows the scheduling of announcements. The schedule can be a specific time, or a specific communication session, etc. Additional configuration allows the announcement (e.g., advertising / marketing) to be played after a specific participant joins, when a defined quorum of participants is reached, using selection, host control, etc. The system is intelligent enough to play the announcement as background audio based on context / event information to prevent interruption of communication with other participants (e.g., participants who do not need to hear the announcement).

[0063] The present disclosure also contemplates sharing updates / alerts (requiring immediate attention) during an ongoing active call. This helps attendees be immediately notified of matters that require immediate attention (e.g., fire alarms, emergency announcements, etc.).

[0064] If required, the method and system intelligently determine whether a participant's immediate attention is required and can play dynamic audio in the background of any active call, announcing matters requiring immediate attention based on context / event without disturbing other participants and without requiring an external service to broadcast such announcements, which is superior to existing solutions.

[0065] Figure 3 A process 300 is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The process 300 may be implemented as an algorithm encoded as machine-readable instructions that, when read by a processor such as a processor of an endpoint 108A-108N, causes the processor to perform the steps of the algorithm. In one embodiment, the process 300 causes a system (e.g., system 100) to play a context-based announcement during an active communication session on a particular endpoint 108.

[0066] In one embodiment, process 300 begins with the start of a communication session (step 302). For example, in a video conference session, each participant receives and transmits conference content (e.g., audio and video portions) via an associated communication device (e.g., endpoint 108). The conference content may be broadcast to participants 102A-102N, such as via web conferencing unit 104. Broadcasting the conference content may be performed continuously while performing other steps of process 300 until the conference ends.

[0067] In step 304, the system and / or its components (e.g., endpoint 108 and / or systems 104 and 106) determine whether a context-based announcement has been received for a user of the communication session. For example, the context-based announcement may be for one participant, some but not all participants, or all participants. If no context-based announcement has been received (No), then the system checks to see if the communication session has ended. If the communication session has ended, then process 300 ends.

[0068] If a context-based announcement is received, the system determines whether the announcement should be played (step 306). The system waits until a context-based announcement should be played (yes), and then plays the context-based announcement to the intended participants (step 308). When the communication session ends, process 300 ends. If the communication session has not ended, the system continues to monitor for context-based announcements, repeating steps 304, 306, and 308 as needed, and when the communication session ends, process 300 ends.

[0069] Figure 4 Process 400 is depicted in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Process 400 may be implemented as an algorithm encoded as machine-readable instructions that, when read by a processor, such as a processor of endpoints 108A-108N, causes the processor to perform the steps of the algorithm.

[0070] In one embodiment, process 400 begins with the start of a communication session (step 402). For example, in a video conference session, each participant receives and transmits conference content (e.g., audio and video portions) via an associated communication device (e.g., endpoint 108). The conference content may be broadcast to participants 102A-102N, such as via web conferencing unit 104. Broadcasting the conference content may be performed continuously while performing other steps of process 400 until the conference ends.

[0071] In step 404, the system determines whether a context-based announcement has been received for a user of the communication session. For example, the context-based announcement may be for one participant, some but not all participants, or all participants. If no context-based announcement has been received (No), then the system checks to see if the communication session has ended. If the communication session has ended, then process 400 ends.

[0072] If a context-based announcement is received, the system transmits a visual reminder associated with the context-based announcement to the participant (step 406). In step 408, the system determines whether the participant chooses to play the announcement. If the user does not choose to play the announcement (no), the system waits until the user chooses to play the announcement (yes), and plays the announcement in step 410. In some examples, the system can override the user's selection (e.g., play an emergency notification immediately). When the communication session ends, process 400 ends. If the communication session has not ended, the system continues to monitor for context-based announcements, repeating steps 404, 406, 408, and 410 as needed, and when the communication session ends, process 400 ends.

[0073] About Figure 5-Figure 7 Playing context-based announcements to specific participants during an active communication session is discussed more fully.

[0074] Figure 5 Depicted is an interaction 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that the nature of this document requires that spoken content and other sounds that may be implemented as sound waves or encoded as electrical signals or data packets be represented as text. This representation using text should not be confused with actual text (e.g., text chat, short message service (SMS), email, etc.). Although the sending and receiving of text may be optionally utilized and incorporated into the content of the conference, text-based communications are not within the scope of the embodiments provided herein.

[0075] In one embodiment, server 510 is presenting conference content including audio and video content transmitted to participants 502A-502C via respective endpoints 508A-508C. The video portion of the conference content is not Figure 5 The audio portion of the conference content includes audio 512 and 514.

[0076] In one embodiment, endpoint 508A provides audio to server 510, which in turn broadcasts conference content 210. As indicated during the silent period (510), a context-based announcement is played (514).

[0077] Figure 6A-6BDepicted is a video conference 600. Video conference 600 includes participants 102A-102D shown in conference windows 601A-601D, respectively. Participants 102A-102D are connected to video conference 600 via corresponding endpoints 108A-108D. As shown, participant 102A does not share video or audio. Participant 102B is sharing audio (e.g., as shown in audio / noise indicator 602) and video, and is currently an active speaker in video conference 600. Participant 102C is sharing video and audio (e.g., unmuting), but is not currently speaking / contributing audio. Participant 102D is sharing video but not sharing audio (e.g., muting). Participant 102C receives a visual reminder (604), notifying participant 102C of a context-based announcement intended for participant 102C.

[0078] like Figure 6B As shown in FIG. 6 , participant 102C uses visual reminder 604 and has selected to play context-based announcement 606 while participant 102B is speaking.

[0079] Figure 7 Depicted are various configurations for playing context-based announcements as background audio.

[0080] Figure 8 A communication device 800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. The communication device 800 plays context-based announcements during an active communication session. When a participant is in an active communication session, the communication device 800 receives context-based announcements for associated participants. The communication device 800 monitors the communication session to determine when the context-based announcement should be played, and plays the context-based announcement at the determined time. The communication device 800 may also display a visual reminder associated with the context-based announcement to the user, which may include a control that allows the user to select when to play the announcement. Similar computing systems may be included in whole or in part in the endpoints 108A-108N described herein to play context-based announcements during an active communication session.

[0081] Computing system 800 represents any one or more computing systems, including various components and connections to other components and / or systems, for playing context-based announcements during an active communication session using the various operating architectures, processes, scenarios, and sequences disclosed herein.

[0082] Computing system 800 is an example of endpoints 108A-108N and communication devices 308A-308D, but other examples may exist. Computing system 800 includes a communication interface 801, a user interface module 802, and a processing system 803. Processing system 803 is linked to communication interface 801 and user interface module 802. Processing system 803 includes a microprocessor and / or processing circuit system 805 and a storage system 806 storing operating software 807. Computing system 800 may include other well-known components, such as a battery and a housing that are not shown for clarity. Computing system 800 may include a server, a user device, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computing device, or some other user communication device.

[0083] The communication interface 801 includes components that communicate through a communication link, such as a network card, port, radio frequency (RF), processing circuit system and software, or some other communication equipment. The communication interface 801 can be configured to communicate through a metal, wireless or optical link. The communication interface 801 can be configured to use time division multiplexing (TDM), Internet protocol (IP), Ethernet, optical network, wireless protocol, communication signaling or some other communication format-including its combination. In some embodiments, the communication interface 801 is configured to communicate with other end-user devices, wherein the communication interface 801 is used to transmit and receive voice and video communications for the device. In addition, the communication interface 801 can be interfaced with a network service, wherein the service can include a video conferencing service that can be accessed via a website.

[0084] The user interface module 802 includes components that interact with the user to present media and / or information (e.g., reminders), receive events from participant endpoint applications, and also allow the user to configure settings for display optimization. The user interface module 802 may include a speaker, a microphone, a button, a light, a display screen, a touch screen, a touch pad, a scroll wheel, a communication port, or some other user input / output device, including combinations thereof. The user interface module 802 may be omitted in some examples.

[0085] The processing circuit system 805 can be implemented as a single electronic microprocessor or a multi-processor device (e.g., multi-core) having components such as control unit(s), input / output unit(s), arithmetic logic unit(s), register(s), main memory, and / or other components that access information (e.g., data, instructions, etc.) (such as received via a bus), execute instructions, and output data (again such as via a bus). In other embodiments, the processing circuit system 805 may include a shared processing device that can be used by other processes and / or process owners, such as in a processing array or distributed processing system (e.g., a "cloud", server farm, etc.). It should be recognized that the processing circuit system 805 is a non-transitory computing device (e.g., an electronic machine including circuit systems and connections that communicate with other components and devices). The processing circuit system 805 can operate a virtual processor, such as to process machine instructions that are not native to the processor (e.g., translate 9xx chipset code to emulate a different processor's chipset or non-native operating system, such as the VAX operating system on a Mac), however, such virtual processors are applications executed by the underlying processor and its hardware and other circuitry.

[0086] Processing circuit system 805 includes a microprocessor and other circuit systems that retrieve and execute operating software 807 from storage system 806. Storage system 806 may include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data). Storage system 806 can be implemented as a single storage device, but it can also be implemented across multiple storage devices or subsystems. Storage system 806 may include additional elements, such as a controller that reads operating software 807. Examples of storage media include random access memory, read-only memory, disk, optical disk and flash memory, and any combination or variant thereof, or any other type of storage medium. In some embodiments, the storage medium may be a non-transient storage medium. In some cases, at least a portion of the storage medium may be transient. It should be understood that in any case, the storage medium is not a propagated signal.

[0087] The processing circuit system 805 is typically mounted on a circuit board, which may also accommodate a storage system 806 and portions of the communication interface 801 and the user interface module 802. The operating software 807 includes a computer program, firmware, or some other form of machine-readable program instructions. The operating software 807 includes an announcement module 808, a determination module 810, and a visual reminder module 812, but any number of software modules within an application may provide the same operation. The operating software 807 may also include an operating system, a utility program, a driver, a network interface, an application, or some other type of software. When executed by the processing circuit system 805, the operating software 807 directs the processing system 803 to operate the communication device 800 as described herein.

[0088] In at least one embodiment, the announcement module 808, when read and executed by the processing system 803, directs the processing system 803 to monitor context-based announcements for users in active communication sessions. For example, if a course is canceled, the system determines which students should receive the cancellation notification and determines whether any students are in an active communication session. For students in an active communication session, an announcement will be sent to each corresponding active session. The determination module 810, when read and executed by the processing system 803, directs the processing system 803 to determine the time to play the announcement. For example, if the announcement is an emergency announcement, the system determines that the emergency announcement should be played immediately. If the announcement is not an emergency announcement, the system determines the optimal time to play the announcement. The optimal time can be when no one is speaking or the user is not speaking. In some embodiments, the host can initiate the announcement. The visual reminder module 812, when read and executed by the processing system 803, directs the processing system 803 to transmit a visual reminder to the user associated with the context-based announcement, and the user can indicate when to play the announcement (e.g., play immediately, play later, etc.).

[0089] It should be appreciated that computer-readable data can be sent, received, stored, processed, and presented by various components. It should also be appreciated that the components illustrated can control other components, whether illustrated herein or otherwise.

[0090] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other communication equipment in addition to or instead of those described herein may be utilized without departing from the scope of the embodiments.

[0091] In the foregoing description, for the purpose of illustration, the method is described in a specific order. It should be appreciated that, in an alternative embodiment, the method may be performed in an order different from the described order without departing from the scope of the embodiment. It should also be appreciated that the above method may be performed as an algorithm executed by a hardware component (e.g., a circuit system) that is intended to perform one or more algorithms described herein or a part thereof. In another embodiment, the hardware component may include a general-purpose microprocessor (e.g., a CPU, a GPU), which is first converted into a dedicated microprocessor. Then, the dedicated microprocessor in which the coded signal has been loaded makes the dedicated microprocessor maintain machine-readable instructions so that the microprocessor can read and execute the machine-readable instruction set derived from the algorithm and / or other instructions described herein. The machine-readable instructions for executing (one or more) algorithms or a part thereof are not infinite, but utilize a limited instruction set known to the microprocessor. The machine-readable instructions may be encoded in the microprocessor as a signal or value in a signal generating component, and in one or more embodiments include the voltage in the memory circuit, the configuration of the switch circuit, and / or the selective use of a specific logic gate circuit.

[0092] Additionally or alternatively, machine-readable instructions may be accessible to a microprocessor and encoded in a medium or device as a magnetic field, a voltage value, a charge value, a reflective / non-reflective portion, and / or a physical mark.

[0093] In another embodiment, the microprocessor also includes a single microprocessor, a multi-core processor, a plurality of microprocessors, a distributed processing system (e.g., array(s), blade(s), server farm(s), "cloud", multi-purpose processor array(s), cluster(s), etc.), and / or may be co-located with microprocessors that perform other processing operations. Any one or more microprocessors may be integrated into a single processing device (e.g., a computer, server, blade, etc.), or may be located in whole or in part in discrete components connected by a communication link (e.g., a bus, a network, a backplane, etc., or multiple thereof). Examples of general-purpose microprocessors may include a central processing unit (CPU) having data values ​​encoded in an instruction register (or other circuitry that holds instructions) or including data values ​​at a memory location, which in turn includes values ​​used as instructions. Memory locations may also include memory locations external to the CPU. Such CPU-external components may be implemented as one or more of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a random access memory (RAM), a bus-accessible storage device, a network-accessible storage device, etc.

[0094] These machine executable instructions may be stored on one or more machine readable media, such as CD-ROM or other types of optical disks, floppy disks, ROM, RAM, EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic or optical cards, flash memory or other types of machine readable media suitable for storing electronic instructions. Alternatively, these methods may be performed by a combination of hardware and software.

[0095] While machine-executable instructions may be stored and executed locally on a particular machine (e.g., a personal computer, mobile computing device, laptop computer, etc.), it should be appreciated that storage of data and / or instructions and / or execution of at least a portion of the instructions may be provided via connectivity to a remote data storage and / or processing device or collection of devices (often referred to as the "cloud"), which may include public, private, dedicated, shared and / or other service bureaus, computing services and / or "server farms."

[0096] Examples of microprocessors described herein may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: 800 and 801, with 4G LTE integration and 64-bit computing 610 and 615, with 64-bit architecture A7 microprocessor, M7 motion coprocessor, Series of microprocessors, Core TM Series of microprocessors, Series processors, Atom TM Series processors, Intel Series processors, i5-4670K and i7-4770K 22nm Haswell, i5-3570K 22nm Ivy Bridge, FX TM Series of microprocessors, FX-4300, FX-6300 and FX-8350 32nm Vishera, Kaveri microprocessor, Texas Jacinto C6000 TM Automotive infotainment microprocessors, Texas OMAP TM Automotive-grade mobile microprocessors, Cortex TM -M microprocessor, Cortex-A and ARM926EJ-STM microprocessors, other industry equivalent processors, and may perform computing functions using any known or future developed standard, instruction set, library and / or architecture.

[0097] Any of the steps, functions and operations discussed herein may be performed continuously and automatically.

[0098] Exemplary systems and methods of the present disclosure have been described with respect to communication systems and components and methods for improving a user's visual presentation during a video conference. However, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the foregoing description omits many known structures and devices. Such omissions should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed disclosure. Specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure can be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific details set forth herein.

[0099] In addition, although the exemplary embodiments described herein show various components of the system in juxtaposition, some components of the system may be remotely located in a distant part of a distributed network (such as a LAN and / or the Internet), or in a dedicated system. Therefore, it should be appreciated that the components of the system or parts thereof (e.g., microprocessors, memory / storage devices, interfaces, etc.) may be combined into one or more devices (such as one or more servers, computers, computing devices, terminals, "clouds" or other distributed processing), or juxtaposed on specific nodes of a distributed network (such as analog and / or digital telecommunications networks, packet switching networks, or circuit switching networks). In another embodiment, the components may be physically or logically distributed across multiple components (e.g., a microprocessor may include a first microprocessor on one component and a second microprocessor on another component, each microprocessor performing a portion of a shared task and / or an assigned task). It will be appreciated from the foregoing description that, for reasons of computational efficiency, the components of the system may be arranged at any location within the distributed network of components without affecting the operation of the system. For example, various components may be located in switches, such as PBXs and media servers, gateways, in one or more communication devices, in one or more users' rooms, or some combination thereof. Similarly, one or more functional portions of the system may be distributed between the telecommunication device(s) and associated computing devices.

[0100] In addition, it should be appreciated that the various links connecting the elements may be wired or wireless links or any combination thereof, or any other known or later developed element(s) capable of supplying and / or transmitting data to or from the connected elements. These wired or wireless links may also be secure links and may be capable of transmitting encrypted information. For example, the transmission medium used as a link may be any suitable carrier for electrical signals, including coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, and may take the form of sound or light waves, such as those generated in radio wave and infrared data communications.

[0101] Furthermore, while the flow charts have been discussed and illustrated with respect to a particular sequence of events, it should be appreciated that changes, additions, and omissions may be made to this sequence without materially affecting the operation of the present disclosure.

[0102] Many variations and modifications of the disclosure may be used. It is possible to provide some features of the disclosure without providing other features.

[0103] For example, in an alternative embodiment, a system includes:

[0104] microprocessor; and

[0105] A computer readable medium coupled to the microprocessor and including instructions readable and executable by the microprocessor that program the microprocessor to:

[0106] receiving context-based announcements for participants of a communication session;

[0107] monitoring the communication session to determine when a context-based announcement should be played; and

[0108] Play context-based announcements at determined times.

[0109] Aspects of an embodiment include playing a context-based announcement on an audio whisper channel that is audible only to participants associated with the context-based announcement.

[0110] Aspects of the embodiments include an audio communication session.

[0111] Aspects of the embodiments include a video conferencing communications session.

[0112] Aspects of the embodiments include emergency notifications that play immediately.

[0113] Aspects of the embodiments include generating a virtual participant, adding the virtual participant to a communication session, and playing a context-based announcement via the virtual participant.

[0114] Aspects of an embodiment include determining when no active speaker is speaking in a communication session, and playing a context-based announcement when no active speaker is speaking in the communication session.

[0115] Aspects of the embodiments include delivering a visual reminder associated with a context-based announcement and allowing a participant to select whether to play the context-based announcement.

[0116] In another alternative embodiment, a method of playing a context-based announcement in a communication session comprises:

[0117] During a communication session, receiving a context-based announcement for a participant of the communication session;

[0118] monitoring the communication session to determine when a context-based announcement should be played; and

[0119] Play context-based announcements at determined times.

[0120] In another alternative embodiment, a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising processor executable instructions comprising:

[0121] configured to receive instructions for a context-based announcement to a participant of a communication session;

[0122] instructions configured to monitor the communication session to determine when a context-based announcement should be played; and

[0123] Instructions configured to play a context-based announcement at a determined time.

[0124] In yet another embodiment, the systems and methods of the present disclosure may be implemented in conjunction with a special purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and (one or more) peripheral integrated circuit elements, an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal microprocessor, a hard-wired electronic or logic circuit such as a discrete component circuit, a programmable logic device or gate array such as a PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, a special purpose computer, any comparable component, etc. In general, any (one or more) devices or components capable of implementing the methods described herein may be used to implement various aspects of the present disclosure. Exemplary hardware that may be used for the present disclosure includes computers, handheld devices, phones (e.g., cellular, Internet-enabled, digital, analog, hybrid, and other) and other hardware known in the art. Some of these devices include a microprocessor (e.g., single or multiple microprocessors), a memory, a non-volatile storage device, an input device, and an output device. In addition, alternative software implementations including but not limited to distributed processing or component / object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing may also be constructed to implement the methods described herein. In yet another embodiment, the disclosed method can be easily implemented in conjunction with software using an object or object-oriented software development environment that provides portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer or workstation platforms. Alternatively, the disclosed system can be implemented in part or completely in hardware using standard logic circuits or VLSI designs. Whether software or hardware is used to implement a system according to the present disclosure depends on the speed and / or efficiency requirements of the system, the specific functions, and the specific software or hardware system or microprocessor or microcomputer system being used.

[0125] In yet another embodiment, the disclosed method may be implemented in part with software that may be stored on a storage medium and executed on a programmed general-purpose computer using the cooperation of a controller and memory, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, etc. In these cases, the disclosed system and method may be implemented as a program (such as an applet, or CGI script), as a resource resident on a server or computer workstation, as a routine embedded in a dedicated measurement system, a system component, etc. The system may also be implemented by physically incorporating the system and / or method into a software and / or hardware system.

[0126] Embodiments including software herein are executed or stored for subsequent execution by one or more microprocessors and executed as executable code. The executable code is selected to execute instructions including a specific embodiment. The instructions executed are a constrained instruction set selected from a discrete native instruction set understood by the microprocessor, and submitted to a memory accessible to the microprocessor before execution. In another embodiment, before being executed by one or more microprocessors, human-readable "source code" software is first converted into system software to include an instruction set specific to a platform (e.g., a computer, a microprocessor, a database, etc.) selected from the native instruction set of the platform.

[0127] Although the present disclosure describes the parts and functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to specific standards and protocols, the present disclosure is not limited to these standards and protocols. Other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein exist and are considered to be included in the present disclosure. Moreover, the standards and protocols mentioned herein and other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are periodically replaced by faster or more effective equivalents with substantially the same functions. Such replacement standards and protocols with the same functions are considered to be equivalents included in the present disclosure.

[0128] The present disclosure includes components, methods, processes, systems and / or devices substantially as depicted and described herein in various embodiments, configurations and aspects (including various embodiments, subcombinations and subsets thereof). After understanding the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand how to produce and use the present disclosure. The present disclosure includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and / or described herein in various embodiments, configurations and aspects, or including in the absence of these items (as already used in previous devices or processes) in various embodiments, configurations or aspects thereof, for example, to improve performance, achieve ease of use and / or reduce the cost of implementation.

[0129] The foregoing discussion of the present disclosure has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the present disclosure to one or more forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing specific embodiments, for example, various features of the present disclosure are combined together in one or more embodiments, configurations or aspects for the purpose of simplifying the present disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations or aspects of the present disclosure may be combined in alternative embodiments, configurations or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than those explicitly set forth in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive aspects lie in less than all the features of a single aforementioned disclosed embodiment, configuration or aspect. Therefore, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this specific embodiment, with each claim itself as a separate preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0130] Moreover, although the description of the present disclosure has included descriptions of one or more embodiments, configurations or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations and modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure, such as may be within the skill and knowledge of those skilled in the art after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain the right to include alternative embodiments, configurations or aspects to the extent permitted, including those claimed alternative, interchangeable and / or equivalent structures, functions, scopes or steps, whether or not these alternative, interchangeable and / or equivalent structures, functions, scopes or steps are disclosed herein, and it is not intended to publicly contribute any patentable subject matter.

Claims

1. A system comprising: microprocessor; as well as A computer readable medium coupled to the microprocessor and including instructions readable and executable by the microprocessor, the instructions programming the microprocessor to: receiving a context-based announcement intended for at least one participant of a communication session, wherein the context-based announcement is from a user who is not a participant of the communication session; generating a virtual participant to be added to the communication session; monitoring the communication session to determine a time to play a context-based announcement to the intended at least one participant based on the determined context of the communication session, wherein the playing of the context-based announcement does not require an instruction from the participant; receiving, by the generated virtual participant, via an external interface, a dynamic audio stream having information regarding the determined time to play the context-based announcement; as well as A context-based announcement is played to the at least one intended participant at a determined time via the generated virtual participant.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the context-based announcement is played on an audio whisper channel that is audible only to the intended at least one participant associated with the context-based announcement.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication session comprises an audio communication session.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication session comprises a video conferencing communication session.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the context-based announcement comprises an emergency notification, and wherein the emergency notification is played immediately.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising instructions for programming the microprocessor to: monitoring the communication session to determine when no active speaker is speaking in the communication session; and Play context-based announcements when there are no active speakers in a communication session.

7. The system of claim 1 further comprising instructions for programming the microprocessor to: transmitting a visual reminder associated with the context-based announcement to the intended at least one participant; and Each of the at least one intended participant is allowed to select whether to play the context-based announcement.

8. A method for playing a context-based announcement in a communication session, the method comprising: receiving, during a communication session, a context-based announcement intended for at least one participant of the communication session, wherein the context-based announcement is from a user who is not a participant of the communication session; generating a virtual participant to be added to the communication session; monitoring the communication session to determine a time to play a context-based announcement to the intended at least one participant based on the determined context of the communication session, wherein the playing of the context-based announcement does not require an instruction from the participant; receiving, by the generated virtual participant, via an external interface, a dynamic audio stream having information regarding the determined time to play the context-based announcement; as well as A context-based announcement is played to the at least one intended participant at a determined time via the generated virtual participant.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the context-based announcement is played on an audio whisper channel audible only to the intended at least one participant associated with the context-based announcement.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the communication session comprises an audio communication session.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the communication session comprises a video conferencing communication session.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the context-based announcement comprises an emergency notification, and wherein the emergency notification is played immediately.

13. The method of claim 8, further comprising: monitoring the communication session to determine when no active speaker is speaking in the communication session; as well as When no active speaker is speaking in the communication session, a context-based announcement is played to the at least one intended participant.

14. The method of claim 8, further comprising: transmitting a visual reminder associated with the context-based announcement to the at least one intended participant associated with the context-based announcement; as well as Each of the at least one intended participant is allowed to select whether to play the context-based announcement.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising processor-executable instructions, the processor-executable instructions comprising: configured to receive an instruction to anticipate a context-based announcement for at least one participant of an active communication session, wherein the context-based announcement is from a user who is not a participant of the communication session; configured to generate instructions for adding a virtual participant to an active communication session; instructions configured to monitor the communication session to determine a time to play a context-based announcement to the intended at least one participant based on a determined context of the communication session, wherein the playing of the context-based announcement does not require an instruction from the participant; configured to receive, through the generated virtual participant, instructions for a dynamic audio stream having information regarding the determined time to play the context-based announcement via an external interface; as well as Instructions configured to play a context-based announcement to the at least one intended participant at a determined time via the generated virtual participant.

16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, the processor executable instructions further comprising: Instructions configured to play the context-based announcement to the intended at least one participant over an audio whisper channel audible only to the intended at least one participant associated with the context-based announcement.

17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15, the processor executable instructions further comprising: An announcement configured as context-based is a directive for an emergency notification; as well as Instructions configured to immediately play the emergency notification.

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