Abstract: A videoconferencing system may include, for example, a camera, microphones, speakers, a computer system (e.g., a portable computer) and a codec box. The videoconferencing system may send/receive signals through a network coupled to the computer system. In some embodiments, the codec functionality may be incorporated in a set-top box (e.g., a cable box, a satellite box, or a gaming box). The various functions to support the videoconference (e.g., compression and decompression of video signals, etc.) may be performed, for example, by circuitry in the camera, codec box/set top box, and/or the computer system. For example, video processing and encoding of signals for the videoconference may be implemented in the camera and audio processing and decoding of signals for the videoconference may be implemented in the codec box.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system may include a camera, microphones, speakers, and a codec. In some embodiments, the codec functionality may be incorporated in a set-top box (e.g., a cable box, a satellite box, or a gaming box). The codec functionality may also be split between different components of the videoconferencing system. The camera and speakers may be coupled to or placed around a display. The videoconferencing system may send/receive signals through a network coupled to the computer system. The various functions to support the videoconference (e.g., compression and decompression of video signals) may be performed by circuitry in the camera base, codec/set top box, and/or on the computer system. The computer system may be a laptop computer. In some embodiments, ported speakers may be used to maximize sound quality for the provided speaker size.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the components of a videoconferencing system may be incorporated in a unitary housing. For example, an integrated videoconferencing system may include microphones to capture participant audio and a camera to capture participant video (along with corresponding audio processing capabilities) in a unitary housing. The unitary housing may also include speakers to produce audio from conference participants and a display to provide video of conference participants. The integrated videoconferencing system may include a codec for encoding and/or decoding). The integrated videoconferencing system may also perform other conference related functions. The integrated videoconferencing system may be used as a speakerphone (e.g., in audio only calls) and/or a videoconference system. The integrated videoconferencing system may also fold into a compact form for portability.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a multi-component videoconferencing system (MCVCS) may be used as a videoconferencing endpoint. The MCVCS may include a camera, microphones, speakers, and a codec. The camera and speakers may be coupled to or placed around a display. The MCVCS may send/receive signals through a network coupled to the computer system. The various functions to support the videoconference (e.g., compression and decompression of video signals) may be performed by circuitry in the camera base, codec box, and/or on the computer system. The computer system may be a laptop computer. In some embodiments, the codec functionality may be incorporated in a set-top box. In some embodiments, the components of the MCVCS may be incorporated into a unitary housing. In some embodiments, ported speakers may be used to maximize sound quality for the provided speaker size.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a videoconferencing system may support using high definition images (e.g., 1280×720 pixels) for high definition displays. The videoconferencing system comprises a plurality of participant locations that may participate in the videoconference. Each participant location may comprise videoconferencing equipment, such as at least one camera, microphone(s), a display, one or more speakers, and a videoconferencing codec. The camera may be a high definition camera operable to acquire or capture images having a high resolution compatible with HDTV. In one embodiment, the videoconferencing equipment comprises a H.264 encoder and is operable to encode the video stream of high definition images using H.264 encoding techniques. In one embodiment the network may be 1.544 MB or less (e.g., T1 or less). In another embodiment, the network is 2.048 MB or less.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a speakerphone and/or remote control may be used to control a video conferencing system through a system codec. In some embodiments, video conferencing features may be provided through the speakerphone and/or remote control. For example, features to manage video calls, audio calls, and bridging multiple video and/or audio calls into a single conference may be accessed through a keypad on the speakerphone, a remote control, and/or through a video conference system. Options and indicators may be provided on a screen of the speakerphone and/or video conferencing system. In some embodiments, a video call may be dialed, redialed, muted, answered, added to an existing conference, and/or terminated using a speakerphone and/or remote control. In some embodiments, a call length timer may be implemented, the volume may be adjusted, or a camera may be adjusted through a speakerphone and/or remote control.

Abstract: A system and method for high resolution video conferencing is shown and described. A transmitting station and a receiving station including video cameras or sensors, a plurality of microphones and speakers, video, audio and communication processing engines are disclosed. Video is processed and transferred through the system allowing for multiple video streams to be produced and audio is processed and transferred through the system allowing for sound to be played back with an indication of position in relation to the videoconferencing system.

Abstract: A system and method for high resolution video conferencing is shown and described. A transmitting station and a receiving station including video cameras or sensors, a plurality of microphones and speakers, video, audio and communication processing engines are disclosed. Video is processed and transferred through the system allowing for multiple video streams to be produced and audio is processed and transferred through the system allowing for sound to be played back with an indication of position in relation to the videoconferencing system.

Abstract: A videoconferencing unit is provided which integrates several components of a videoconferencing system to facilitate system setup and operation. The videoconferencing unit comprises a generally planar base structure adapted to be removably supported on a top surface of a video display monitor, such as a television monitor. The base structure terminates forwardly in a lip member which engages a front surface of the video display monitor. A first set of microphones is located at the lower portions of the lip member, and a second set of microphones is located at the upper edge surface of a tower member extending upwardly from the rear portion of the base structure. The vertical offset between the two sets of microphones thus established enables differential signal analysis to locate sound sources. The lip member may also be provided with one or more transmitters for transmitting control signals to a cooperatively placed receiver on the video display monitor.