Abstract: Techniques for delivery and presentation/display of audio-visual signals over electronic communications network channels are disclosed herein. In an exemplary embodiment, a video server for an IPTV system is disclosed. The system includes a video extractor/transporter (shortly referred to as video extractor) for extracting encoded audio-visual signals from at least one video source, and distributing the signals over the electronic communications network channels. The system also includes control logic which can receive control messages from receivers and invoke the video extractor to extract audio-visual signals therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, method, apparatus, and computer readable media containing instructions for displaying video files for rapid searching. In two different types of exemplary embodiments, a standalone video skimming system, and a video skimming system includes a server and a client system are disclosed, where the video file may be locally or remotely stored, or can be obtained from a live feed. The system displays many small windows simultaneously, in which different parts of the video chosen by the user are shown at the same time to shorten the skimming time. The video file is encoded using layered encoding to display smaller versions using lower layers, and without needing any processing to generate smaller versions of the video from the original full screen version.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, apparatus, system, and computer readable media containing instructions for preparing and displaying a plurality of audio-visual signals in a digital video distribution system (e.g., IPTV), which enables fast channel switching between channels. The system includes a server which sends a plurality of audio-visual signals coded in a base layer and enhancement layer format to an endpoint. The endpoint receives and decodes the base layer of a first channel, at least one second base layer of a second channel, and at least one enhancement layer of the first channel, and displays them on a video display.

Abstract: A method of content adaptive encoding video is disclosed. The method comprises segmenting video content into segments based on predefined classifications or models. Examples of such classifications include action scenes, slow scenes, low or high detail scenes, and brightness of the scenes. Based on the segment classifications, each segment is encoded with a different encoder chosen from a plurality of encoders. Each encoder is associated with a model. The chosen encoder is particularly suited to encoding the unique subject matter of the segment. The coded bit-stream for each segment includes information regarding which encoder was used to encode that segment. A matching decoder of a plurality of decoders is chosen using the information in the coded bitstream to decode each segment using a decoder suited for the classification or model of the segment.

Abstract: A method of content adaptive encoding video is disclosed. The method comprises segmenting video content into segments based on predefined classifications or models. Examples of such classifications include action scenes, slow scenes, low or high detail scenes, and brightness of the scenes. Based on the segment classifications, each segment is encoded with a different encoder chosen from a plurality of encoders. Each encoder is associated with a model. The chosen encoder is particularly suited to encoding the unique subject matter of the segment. The coded bit-stream for each segment includes information regarding which encoder was used to encode that segment. A matching decoder of a plurality of decoders is chosen using the information in the coded bitstream to decode each segment using a decoder suited for the classification or model of the segment.

Abstract: A system for content adaptive encoding and decoding video is disclosed. The system comprises modules for segmenting video content into segments based on predefined classifications or models. Examples of such classifications comprise action scenes, slow scenes, low or high detail scenes, and brightness of the scenes. Based on the segment classifications, each segment is encoded with a different encoder chosen from a plurality of encoders. Each encoder is associated with a model. The chosen encoder is particularly suited to encoding the unique subject matter of the segment. The coded bit-stream for each segment includes information regarding which encoder was used to encode that segment. A matching decoder of a plurality of decoders is chosen using the information in the coded bitstream to decode each segment using a decoder suited for the classification or model of the segment.

Abstract: A computing device and computer-readable medium storing instructions for controlling a computing device to customize a voice in a multi-media message created by a sender for a recipient, the multi-media message comprising a text message from the sender to be delivered by an animated entity. The instructions comprise receiving from the sender inserted voice emoticons, which may be repeated, into the text message associated with parameters of a voice used by an animated entity to deliver the text message; and transmitting the text message such that a recipient device can deliver the multi-media message at a variable level associated with a number of times a respective voice emoticon is repeated.

Abstract: A computing device and computer-readable medium storing instructions for controlling a computing device to customize a voice in a multi-media message created by a sender for a recipient, the multi-media message comprising a text message from the sender to be delivered by an animated entity. The instructions comprise receiving from the sender inserted voice emoticons, which may be repeated, into the text message associated with parameters of a voice used by an animated entity to deliver the text message; and transmitting the text message such that a recipient device can deliver the multi-media message at a variable level associated with a number of times a respective voice emoticon is repeated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to model the relation between the delay samples and congestion losses and to protect media flows against congestion losses are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises measuring congestion by delay samples, and performing a dynamic FEC algorithm that uses convex hull clustering for loss-event classification, including determining an FEC rate according to the loss-event classification. In another embodiment, the method comprises measuring congestion by delay samples, modeling loss events associated with the delay samples by grouping loss events as unions of convex hulls to identify a period of potentially increased congestion, dynamically changing the FEC rate based on the modeling, and applying FEC protection to the media flow during the period based on the FEC rate.

Abstract: A system and method of removing noise in a bitstream is disclosed. The system and method are most applicable to removing noise in a bitstream wherein the bitstream is encoded after being segmented into portions based on predefined classifications or models. Based on the segment classifications, each segment or portion is encoded with a different encoder associated with the portion model and chosen from a plurality of encoders. The coded bit-stream for each segment includes information regarding which encoder was used to encode that segment. A circuit for removing noise in video content comprises a first filter connected to a first input switch and a first output switch, the first filter being in parallel with a first pass-through line, a second filter connected to a second input switch and a second output switch, the second filter connected in parallel with a second pass-through line, and a third filter connected to a third input switch in a third output switch.

Abstract: A method of creating an animated entity for delivering a multi-media message from a sender to a recipient comprises receiving from the sender an image file to a server, the image file having associated sender-assigned name, gender, category and indexing information. The server presents to the sender the image file and a group of generic face model templates. After the sender selects one of the generic face model templates, the server presents the image file and the selected model template to the sender and requests the sender to mark features on the image file. After the sender marks the image file, the server presents to the sender a preview of at least one expression associated with the marked image file. If the user does not accept the image file after the preview, the server presents again the image file and selected model template for the sender to redo or add marked features on the image file.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method is provided for creating a personal animated entity for delivering a multi-media message from a sender to a recipient. An image file from the sender may be received by a server. The image file may include an image of an entity. The sender may be requested to provide input with respect to facial features of the image of the entity in preparation for animating the image of the entity. After the sender provides the input with respect to the facial features of the image of the entity, the image of the entity may be presented as a personal animated entity to the sender to preview. Upon approval of the preview from the sender, the image of the entity may be presented as a sender-selectable personal animated entity for delivering the multi-media message to the recipient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for performing content-based and royalty-based encoding. In one embodiment, the method comprises: selecting one or more encoding tools to encode media based on a royalty cost associated with at least one of the one or more encoding tools and a corresponding decoding tool for each of the one or more encoding tools, decoded media quality that each corresponding decoding tool produces, and one or more transmission bandwidth constraints; encoding the media, in accordance with the media content, using the one or more encoding tools; and transmitting encoded data generated by at least one of the one or more encoding tools.

Abstract: A system and method of removing noise in a bitstream is disclosed. The system and method are most applicable to removing noise in a bitstream wherein the bitstream is encoded after being segmented into portions based on predefined classifications or models. Based on the segment classifications, each segment or portion is encoded with a different encoder associated with the portion model and chosen from a plurality of encoders. The coded bit-stream for each segment includes information regarding which encoder was used to encode that segment. A circuit for removing noise in video content comprises a first filter connected to a first input switch and a first output switch, the first filter being in parallel with a first pass-through line, a second filter connected to a second input switch and a second output switch, the second filter connected in parallel with a second pass-through line, and a third filter connected to a third input switch in a third output switch.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting a multi-endpoint video signal conference are provided. Conferencing endpoints are linked by pairs of a reliable and a less reliable communication channel. Conference video signals are scaleable coded in base layer and enhancement layers format. Video signal base layers, which correspond to a minimum picture quality, are communicated over reliable channels. The video signal enhancements layers may be communicated over the less reliable channels. A conference server mediates the switching of video layer information from transmitting endpoints to receiving endpoints without any intermediate coding or re-coding operations. The video conference can be integrated with an audio conference using either scalable coded audio signals or non-scaleable coded audio signals.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method is provided for creating a personal animated entity for delivering a multi-media message from a sender to a recipient. An image file from the sender may be received by a server. The image file may include an image of an entity. The sender may be requested to provide input with respect to facial features of the image of the entity in preparation for animating the image of the entity. After the sender provides the input with respect to the facial features of the image of the entity, the image of the entity may be presented as a personal animated entity to the sender to preview. Upon approval of the preview from the sender, the image of the entity may be presented as a sender-selectable personal animated entity for delivering the multi-media message to the recipient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting a multi-endpoint video signal conference are provided. Conferencing endpoints are linked by pairs of a reliable and a less reliable communication channel. Conference video signals are scaleable coded in base layer and enhancement layers format. Video signal base layers, which correspond to a minimum picture quality, are communicated over reliable channels. The video signal enhancements layers may be communicated over the less reliable channels. A conference server mediates the switching of video layer information from transmitting endpoints to receiving endpoints without any intermediate coding or re-coding operations. The video conference can be integrated with an audio conference using either scalable coded audio signals or non-scaleable coded audio signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for reducing at least one of both flicker and noise in video sequences. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving an input video and performing operations to reduce one or both of noise and flicker in the input video using spatial and temporal processing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a set of processes and systems for implementing a forward weight-adaptive over-complete transform of an image/video frame, an inverse weight-adaptive over-complete transform of an image/video frame, and fast and low-memory processes for performing the forward weight-adaptive over-complete transform, processing coefficients in the transform domain and performing the inverse weight-adaptive over-complete transform simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for a quality enhancement/super resolution technique. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a first version of media at a first resolution and creating a second version of the media at a second resolution higher or equal to the first resolution using at least one transform and adaptive thresholding.