METHOD FOR TALK/LISTEN DETERMINATION AND MULTIPOINT CONFERENCING SYSTEM USING SUCH METHOD

A method for determining a talk/listen state using a dynamic threshold is provided that can be implemented in a multipoint control unit (12). An audio sample is received and represents sound measured during a sample time interval. An audio level is generated from the audio sample The audio level represents an average power level of the audio sample. A dynamic threshold is set by processing the audio level. The audio level is compared to the dynamic threshold. A talk/listen state is determined to be a talking state if the audio level is above the dynamic threshold and to be a listening state if the audio level is below the dynamic threshold. The previous steps are repeated for each audio sample in a sequential stream of received audio samples such that the dynamic threshold is maintained and used to determine the talk/listen state.