Abstract: A video decoder receives an entry point key frame comprising first and second interlaced video fields and decodes a first syntax element comprising information (e.g., frame coding mode) for the entry point key frame at a first syntax level (e.g., frame level) in a bitstream. The first interlaced video field is a predicted field, and the second interlaced video field is an intra-coded field. The information for the entry point key frame can be a frame coding mode (e.g., field interlace) for the entry point key frame. The decoder can decode a second syntax element at the first syntax level comprising second information (e.g., field type for each of the first and second interlaced video fields) for the entry point key frame.

Abstract: Video send and receive capabilities of participants are determined by the respective machines determining available combinations, as well as preferences for the receivers. Receiver capabilities are forwarded to the source for computation of negotiated video capabilities through a logic intersection of the determined capabilities based on desired number of streams and resolutions. If a resolution of a send capability exists within the receive capability, the highest frame and/or bit rate may be selected for transmission.

Abstract: A data carousel contains multiple data files having a particular arrangement. These files are cyclically broadcast to a number of receivers of the data files. A procedure modifies the arrangement of data files based on information obtained from receivers of the data files.

Abstract: Background vs. foreground decisions for video frames to be compressed and transmitted in a real time video communication system are made based on a non-parametric approach using signs of pixel value changes in sequential frames. Pixel value changes are tracked as negative or positive. Cost functions may be assigned to rows and columns of predefined blocks and a decision made based on randomness of the signs within the block whether the block represents background (noise) or foreground. Recursive temporal filtering is then employed to reduce the background noise progressively resulting in increased compression and transmission efficiency. Offset tiling is used to increase accuracy of randomness determination when blocks include background and foreground combinations.

Abstract: A video system includes a plurality of frames of video each of which is defined by a plurality of scene elements. The scene elements for a respective frame together define an image of the frame. First auxiliary data is descriptive of a first scene element of the frame and second auxiliary data is descriptive of a second scene element of the frame. A sending device sends the frame of video, including its scene elements, the first auxiliary data, and the second auxiliary data, from the sending device to a receiving device.

Abstract: A video system includes a plurality of frames of video each of which is defined by a plurality of scene elements. The scene elements for a respective frame together define an image of the frame. First auxiliary data is descriptive of a first scene element of the frame and second auxiliary data is descriptive of a second scene element of the frame. A sending device sends the frame of video, including its scene elements, the first auxiliary data, and the second auxiliary data, from the sending device to a receiving device.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate describing, communicating, utilizing, etc. a frame dependency structure in connection with real time video communication. For example, a protocol can be employed to communicate the dependency structure from a sender to a receiver. Moreover, a mechanism on a receiver side can detect frame(s) that will be rendered with artifacts if displayed due to previous frame loss; this mechanism can leverage receiver side knowledge concerning the dependency structure of the of the frames.

Abstract: Procedures for identifying clients in an audio event are described. In an example, a media server may order clients providing audio based on the input level. An identifier may be associated with the client for identifying the client providing input within the event. The ordered clients may be included in a list which may be inserted into a packet header carrying the audio content.

Abstract: A video communication system may include a computer program that implements a feedback control process for automatically controlling a light. The feedback control process may include receiving an image from a video camera and determining an initial difference between the received image and a stored image. For example, the feedback control process may determine, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, whether the color and intensity of a facial region in the captured image is sufficiently close to the color and intensity of a facial region in the stored image. If the difference between the captured image and the stored image exceeds a threshold, the feedback control process includes transmitting an optimization instruction to the light. This optimization instruction, when performed by the light, decreases the difference between the received image and the stored image.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate yielding closed caption service associated with real time communication. For example, audio data and video data can be obtained from an active speaker in a real time teleconference. Moreover, the audio data can be converted into a set of characters (e.g., text data) that can be transmitted to other participants of the real time teleconference. Additionally, the real time teleconference can be a peer to peer conference (e.g., where a sending endpoint communicates with a receiving endpoint) and/or a multi-party conference (e.g., where an audio/video multi-point control unit (AVMCU) routes data such as the audio data, the video data, and the text data between endpoints).

Abstract: A data carousel contains multiple data files. A procedure determines a worst case latency between successive transmissions of a data file in the data carousel. The worst case latency is compared with a threshold latency value. The composition of the data carousel is modified if the worst case latency exceeds the threshold latency value.

Abstract: During remote communication session, there can be situations where information needs to be sent at a high resolution. Sending information at a high resolution allows for the capture of detail that can be lost without the use of a high resolution. A web camera can obtain information in both a higher resolution and standard resolution. A sending component can send this information encoded with markers that allow a receiving component to process and display the information.

Abstract: The techniques and mechanisms described herein are directed at transmitting elementary streams in a broadcast environment. The mechanisms provide a buffer controller and packet scheduler that allow a media format to be transmitted through the broadcasting environment in a manner resulting in a low channel switch delay. A buffer-fullness indicator allows the operation with various types of decoders. A lower bound and an upper bound are calculated for each frame within the elementary stream. The lower bound corresponds to an earliest time for sending the frame without causing an overflow condition within a decoder buffer. The upper bound corresponds to a latest time for sending the frame without causing an underflow condition within the decoder buffer. A send time is then scheduled based on the lower bound and the upper bound that determines when a packet associated with the frame is transmitted over a channel in a broadcast environment.

Abstract: A carousel having multiple instances of at least one data or object module. The carousel may be encapsulated into a transmission, such as an MPEG-2 transport stream, for periodic transmission to a receiver.

Abstract: Validating a color that is selected in an authoring environment for display in a destination media environment includes selecting a color for an application, converting the values of the color to those in a fundamental color space, and converting the values from the fundamental color space to those in a color space corresponding to the destination media environment. Validity of the selected color in the destination media environment depends on the component values in the destination media environment being within an acceptable range of values.

Abstract: Validating a color that is selected in an authoring environment for display in a destination media environment includes selecting a color for an application, converting the values of the color to those in a fundamental color space, and converting the values from the fundamental color space to those in a color space corresponding to the destination media environment. Validity of the selected color in the destination media environment depends on the component values in the destination media environment being within an acceptable range of values.

Abstract: A mosaic image construction system includes at least one of a decoder receiving or an encoder transmitting a sequence of pixel data frames. The sequence includes at least a first pixel data frame and a second pixel data frame. The second pixel data frame is preferably temporally later than the first pixel data frame. The second pixel data frame has an associated parameter indicating the motion of the second frame with respect to the first frame and is used in the construction of the sequence of the pixel data frames. The mosaic image is constructed using at least the first and second pixel data frames together with the associated parameter.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to the robust delivery of data. A transmitter (e.g. a server or RF broadcaster) passes parameters to a receiver and/or client enabling operation of a generalized buffer model within the receiver that regulates the proper decoding of the elementary stream. An exemplary transmitter system is configured to perform a method for specifying buffer control parameters and transmitting them within an MPEG-2 Transport Stream to a receiver. The receiver is configured to implement the generalized buffer model according to the parameters received within the stream.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed at improving the quality of a video stream that is transmitted between networked computers. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that dynamically modifies the properties of a video stream based on network conditions. In this regard, the method includes collecting quality of service data that describes the network conditions that exist when the video stream is being transmitted. Then, the amount of predicted artifact in the video stream is calculated using the collected data. In response to identifying a triggering event, the method modifies the properties of the video stream to account for the network conditions.

Abstract: Techniques to perform distributed caching for multimedia conference calls are described. An apparatus may comprise a conferencing server and a frame management module. The conferencing server may receive a sequence of video frames from a sending client terminal and send the sequence of video frames to multiple receiving client terminals. The frame management module may receive a client frame request for one of the video frames from a receiving client terminal, retrieve the requested video frame, and send the requested video frame in response to the client frame request. Other embodiments are described and claimed.