The invention provides an apparatus and method that allows the operator of each
user device participating in a multimedia conference to selectively receive information
services during the multimedia conference. The apparatus includes a controller
for receiving start-up signals from a user device, sending start-up requests to
destination user devices, and receiving start-up signals from the destination user
devices. The start-up signals may include information as to whether each user device
requests information services to be provided during the multimedia conference.
The controller establishes the multimedia conference and selectively provides the
information services to the respective user devices. The information services are
provided continuously or non-continuously at the preference of the user devices.
The information services may also be provided in various formats at the preference
of the user devices.
