RingCentral, Inc.
Method and device for managing a conference

Abstract:

A method and communication system are disclosed for conducting a conference among conference participants connected by a communication system. This system has at least one conference server and at least one image reproduction unit at each conference environment. The method involves collecting context data concerning at least one of the conference participants at multiple timed intervals; calculating a relationship value from the context data at the timed intervals; determining a relationship status, wherein the relationship status is expressed using one of several categories defined by a threshold value, depending on the calculated relationship value; and displaying the relationship status on at least one image reproduction unit during the conference. The method may be performed at the beginning of the conference and/or when a new participant joins the conference.