Abstract: A multi-point videoconferencing system includes video conferencing terminals in communication with a multipoint conferencing node (MCN). A method includes defining at least a first virtual studio and a second virtual studio, each of the at least first and second virtual studios having a policy for each of a set of the tags; initiating a first multi-point videoconferencing session according to the first virtual studio, such that each of the video conferencing terminals in the first multi-point videoconferencing session is connected to the MCN according to the first virtual studio policy of at least one tag of the video conferencing terminal; and reconfiguring, upon switching to the second virtual studio, the first multi-point videoconferencing session according to the second virtual studio, such that each of the videoconferencing terminals in the first multi-point videoconferencing session is connected to the MCN according to the second virtual studio policy for at least one tag.

Abstract: A method of speech detection and speech enhancement in a speech detection and speech enhancement unit of Multipoint Conferencing Node (MCN) and a method of training the same.

Abstract: A multi-point videoconferencing system includes video conferencing terminals in communication with a multipoint conferencing node (MCN). A method includes defining at least a first virtual studio and a second virtual studio, each of the at least first and second virtual studios having a policy for each of a set of the tags; initiating a first multi-point videoconferencing session according to the first virtual studio, such that each of the video conferencing terminals in the first multi-point videoconferencing session is connected to the MCN according to the first virtual studio policy of at least one tag of the video conferencing terminal; and reconfiguring, upon switching to the second virtual studio, the first multi-point videoconferencing session according to the second virtual studio, such that each of the videoconferencing terminals in the first multi-point videoconferencing session is connected to the MCN according to the second virtual studio policy for at least one tag.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for capturing time-stamped data from whiteboard video signals and producing high-resolution whiteboard images. Local patches around a multitude of pixels in the whiteboard are used in classifying background white pixels and foreground color pixels for each foreground marker color. Clustering is performed in alternative color spaces globally and locally in defining background white and each foreground marker color. Color normalization is performed for each foreground pixel classified as a foreground marker color and for each image sensor color plane separately utilizing the maximum local background white and the darkest pixel intensities in local patches. Strokes are reconstructed based on spline interpolation of inflection points of cross sections along the length of each stroke for a foreground marker color with a predetermined width.

Abstract: The present invention creates compositions of pictures in multipoint conferences that emulate natural interaction and existing aesthetic sensibilities learned from visual media by a combination of correcting and adapting the composition of the picture content and the layout, preferably in the MCN of the conference, where real-time conference data is available, in addition to statistics and knowledge of historical conference data. Further, cross checking incoming imagery against a ruleset where compositional deltas are identified is done, and these corrective transformations are applied, and the resulting corrections and remixes are applied to the layout. More advanced transformations to the final composition based on presence and context define a layout. The ruleset could be both static and dynamic, or a combination, and the final recomposition of the layout may be a result of both corrective and adaptive transformations.

Abstract: The present invention creates compositions of pictures in multipoint conferences that emulate natural interaction and existing aesthetic sensibilities learned from visual media by a combination of correcting and adapting the composition of the picture content and the layout, preferably in the MCN of the conference, where real-time conference data is available, in addition to statistics and knowledge of historical conference data. Further, cross checking incoming imagery against a ruleset where compositional deltas are identified is done, and these corrective transformations are applied, and the resulting corrections and remixes are applied to the layout. More advanced transformations to the final composition based on presence and context define a layout. The ruleset could be both static and dynamic, or a combination, and the final recomposition of the layout may be a result of both corrective and adaptive transformations.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for alleviating bandwidth limitations of video transmission and enhancing the quality of videos at a receiver. In particular, an improved video transmission system is provided for generating high-resolution videos. The systems have therein a transmitter and a receiver; the transmitter includes an outer encoder and a core encoder, while the receiver includes a core decoder and an outer decoder. The outer encoder is adapted to receive the video from a source and separately output a salient video and an encoded background, and the outer decoder is adapted to merge the background with the salient video thereby producing an enhanced video. Also provided is a system that simulates pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) operations without PTZ hardware. Further provided are methods for video transmission whereby a background model is initialized, a background independently encoded, updated incrementally, and the background and the updates transmitted independently from the video.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for capturing time-stamped data from whiteboard video signals and producing high-resolution whiteboard images. Local patches around a multitude of pixels in the whiteboard are used in classifying background white pixels and foreground color pixels for each foreground marker color. Clustering is performed in alternative color spaces globally and locally in defining background white and each foreground marker color. Color normalization is performed for each foreground pixel classified as a foreground marker color and for each image sensor color plane separately utilizing the maximum local background white and the darkest pixel intensities in local patches. Strokes are reconstructed based on spline interpolation of inflection points of cross sections along the length of each stroke for a foreground marker color with a predetermined width.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for capturing time-stamped data from whiteboard video signals and producing high-resolution whiteboard images. Local patches around a multitude of pixels in the whiteboard are used in classifying background white pixels and foreground color pixels for each foreground marker color. Clustering is performed in alternative color spaces globally and locally in defining background white and each foreground marker color. Color normalization is performed for each foreground pixel classified as a foreground marker color and for each image sensor color plane separately utilizing the maximum local background white and the darkest pixel intensities in local patches. Strokes are reconstructed based on spline interpolation of inflection points of cross sections along the length of each stroke for a foreground marker color with a predetermined width.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for alleviating bandwidth limitations of video transmission, enhancing the quality of videos at a receiver, and improving the VR/AR experience. In particular, an improved video transmission and rendering system is provided for generating high-resolution videos. The systems have therein a transmitter and a VR/AR receiver; the transmitter includes an outer encoder and a core encoder, while the receiver includes a core decoder and an outer decoder. The outer encoder is adapted to receive the video from a source and separately output a salient video and an encoded three-dimensional background, and the outer decoder is adapted to merge the background with the salient video thereby producing an augmented video. Also provided is a system that simulates pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) operations without PTZ hardware.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for capturing time-stamped data from whiteboard video signals and producing high-resolution whiteboard images. Local patches around a multitude of pixels in the whiteboard are used in classifying background white pixels and foreground color pixels for each foreground marker color. Clustering is performed in alternative color spaces globally and locally in defining background white and each foreground marker color. Color normalization is performed for each foreground pixel classified as a foreground marker color and for each image sensor color plane separately utilizing the maximum local background white and the darkest pixel intensities in local patches. Strokes are reconstructed based on spline interpolation of inflection points of cross sections along the length of each stroke for a foreground marker color with a predetermined width.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for alleviating bandwidth limitations of video transmission and enhancing the quality of videos at a receiver. In particular, an improved video transmission system is provided for generating high-resolution videos. The systems have therein a transmitter and a receiver; the transmitter includes an outer encoder and a core encoder, while the receiver includes a core decoder and an outer decoder. The outer encoder is adapted to receive the video from a source and separately output a salient video and an encoded background, and the outer decoder is adapted to merge the background with the salient video thereby producing an enhanced video. Also provided is a system that simulates pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) operations without PTZ hardware. Further provided are methods for video transmission whereby a background model is initialized, a background independently encoded, updated incrementally, and the background and the updates transmitted independently from the video.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for alleviating bandwidth limitations of video transmission and enhancing the quality of videos at a receiver. In particular, an improved video transmission system is provided for generating high-resolution videos. The systems have therein a transmitter and a receiver; the transmitter includes an outer encoder and a core encoder, while the receiver includes a core decoder and an outer decoder. The outer encoder is adapted to receive the video from a source and separately output a salient video and an encoded background, and the outer decoder is adapted to merge the background with the salient video thereby producing an enhanced video. Also provided is a system that simulates pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) operations without PTZ hardware. Further provided are methods for video transmission whereby a background model is initialized, a background independently encoded, updated incrementally, and the background and the updates transmitted independently from the video.

Abstract: Timeline (200) information is provided to endpoints in a video conferencing system. The timeline (200) comprises a starting time point (201), a current time point (203) and a plurality of timestamps (202) that represent respective points in time between the starting time point and the current time point. A plurality of events are detected that are associated with respective system generated activities or activities performed by participants located at the endpoints. Event information is provided, to at least one endpoint, for displaying along the timeline a respective graphical item (204) representing respective detected events. This providing of event information is performed repeatedly such that the graphical items slide along the timeline in a direction away from the current time point.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, by a processor, a first annotation corresponding to one or more markings made by a first user within a first collaboration region of a first surface. The first surface is remote from a second surface. The method also includes identifying, by the processor, a second collaboration region on the second surface. The second surface is proximate a camera. The method also includes displaying, by the processor, the first annotation in the second collaboration region. The method also includes creating, by the processor, a second annotation corresponding to one or more markings made by a second user within the second collaboration region on the second surface. The method also includes transmitting, by the processor, the second annotation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for alleviating bandwidth limitations of video transmission and enhancing the quality of videos at a receiver. In particular, an improved video transmission system is provided for generating high-resolution videos. The systems have therein a transmitter and a receiver; the transmitter includes an outer encoder and a core encoder, while the receiver includes a core decoder and an outer decoder. The outer encoder is adapted to receive the video from a source and separately output a salient video and an encoded background, and the outer decoder is adapted to merge the background with the salient video thereby producing an enhanced video. Also provided is a system that simulates pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) operations without PTZ hardware. Further provided are methods for video transmission whereby a background model is initialized, a background independently encoded, updated incrementally, and the background and the updates transmitted independently from the video.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for alleviating bandwidth limitations of video transmission, enhancing the quality of videos at a receiver, and improving the VR/AR experience. In particular, an improved video transmission and rendering system is provided for generating high-resolution videos. The systems have therein a transmitter and a VR/AR receiver; the transmitter includes an outer encoder and a core encoder, while the receiver includes a core decoder and an outer decoder. The outer encoder is adapted to receive the video from a source and separately output a salient video and an encoded three-dimensional background, and the outer decoder is adapted to merge the background with the salient video thereby producing an augmented video. Also provided is a system that simulates pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) operations without PTZ hardware.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, by a processor, a first annotation corresponding to one or more markings made by a first user within a first collaboration region of a first surface. The first surface is remote from a second surface. The method also includes identifying, by the processor, a second collaboration region on the second surface. The second surface is proximate a camera. The method also includes displaying, by the processor, the first annotation in the second collaboration region. The method also includes creating, by the processor, a second annotation corresponding to one or more markings made by a second user within the second collaboration region on the second surface. The method also includes transmitting, by the processor, the second annotation.

Abstract: A computer-implemented interface for a local telepresence video conferencing facility, pre-assigns displays at the local telepresence video conferencing facility to respective video images from remote telepresence video conference facilities such that respective video images from the remote telepresence video conference facilities will be displayed on corresponding displays at the local telepresence video conferencing facility once communications connections are made. A controller pre-assigns the displays according to control commands from a tactile input device prior to establishing the communication connections with the remote telepresence video conference facilities. A touchscreen display presents avatars of remote conference participants to illustrate pre-assignments of displays to particular remote telepresence video conference facilities prior to the communication connections being made.

Abstract: A computer-implemented interface for a local telepresence video conferencing facility, pre-assigns displays at the local telepresence video conferencing facility to respective video images from remote telepresence video conference facilities such that respective video images from the remote telepresence video conference facilities will be displayed on corresponding displays at the local telepresence video conferencing facility once communications connections are made. A controller pre-assigns the displays according to control commands from a tactile input device prior to establishing the communication connections with the remote telepresence video conference facilities. A touchscreen display presents avatars of remote conference participants to illustrate pre-assignments of displays to particular remote telepresence video conference facilities prior to the communication connections being made.