Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for videoconferencing that allows video images from two or more cameras at the same site to be displayed as a single panoramic image. Accordingly, a conferencing endpoint having a single monitor can display the panoramic image of the two or more video images from an endpoint having multiple cameras, such as a telepresence endpoint. A sliding display area can be used to define manually a zoomed portion of the panoramic image to be displayed. Alternatively, the zoomed portion may be determined automatically. The zoomed portion may be changed during the course of the conference.

Abstract: A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to support the operation of a Virtual Media Room or Virtual Meeting Room (VMR), wherein each VMR can accept from a plurality of participants at different geographic locations a variety of video conferencing feeds of audio and video streams from video conference endpoints and enables a multi-party video conferencing session in real time among the plurality of participants. Each of the participants is offered a rich set of conferencing and collaboration interaction hitherto not experienced by video conferencing participants and a moderator of the video conference is further offered with in-meeting management and control over a plurality of security and privacy settings during the video conference. These interactions encompass controlling of a video conferencing session, its configuration, privacy, security, the visual layout of the participants, customization of the VMR and adaptation of the room to different vertical applications.

Abstract: A network apparatus in a collaboration system with a plurality of participants, the apparatus comprising: a processing structure; and a memory including computer program code, wherein the memory and the computer program code are configured, with the processing structure, to cause the network apparatus to at least: present content on a display coupled to the processing structure; select a portion of the display for sharing, the portion having the shared content; simultaneously send said shared content to said display and to an encoder for encoding; automatically discover a network server configured to distribute the shared content with the plurality of participants; couple the apparatus to the network server and transmit the shared content to the network server for distribution to at least one of the plurality of participants, such that the shared content is encoded and decoded, and displayed in real-time.

Abstract: A video endpoint and related methods are disclosed. A video endpoint includes a control circuit configured to provide a user interface configured to enable a user to communicate with another user of another video endpoint with text during video communications with the other user. The user interface is also configured to enable the user to select from text strings stored in a database. A method of operating the video endpoint includes transmitting data corresponding to a selected one of the text strings stored in the database to the other video endpoint during the video communications responsive to the user selecting the selected one of the text strings. A method of transforming a computing device into a video endpoint includes storing computer-readable instructions directed to performing the functions of the control circuit on one or more servers, and transmitting the computer-readable instructions to the computing device.

Abstract: A local video conference system executing a video conference application, that lacks an ability or functionality to control a remote camera of a remote video conference system, can display video from the remote video conference system. The local video conference system can also execute a controller application that can provide the local video conference system control of the remote camera. The controller application can receive user input that selects a region of multiple regions of a display window of the video conference application indicating a camera action for the remote camera, can determine a camera action based on the user input and the selected region, and can provide the camera action to the remote video conference system via a network. The remote video conference system can pan, tilt, and/or zoom the remote camera based on the camera action received from the controller application of the local video conference system.

Abstract: Real-time interactive broadcast sessions for client devices include: for each client device in the interactive broadcast session, configuring downstream video and audio ports for the interactive broadcast session between a central controller and the client device; receiving from each client device a selected broadcaster corresponding to a broadcaster flow control signal; in response to receiving the selected broadcaster from each client device, sending video and audio streams of the selected broadcaster to each client device over the interactive broadcast session; receiving a request from a given client device on the interactive broadcast session to interact with the selected broadcaster; configuring upstream and downstream video ports for one-to-one video chat session between the central controller and the given client device; and sending the video and audio streams of the given client device, and the video and audio streams of the selected broadcaster, to each client device over the interactive broadcast se

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing messaging are described. An illustrative messaging system includes a processor and a content database storing video content and/or other content, and a user database that stores an identifier corresponding to a telecommunications carrier associated with a user mobile phone, and an indicator indicating the messaging capability of the mobile phone of the user. Code is stored in memory that is configured to provide for display on a terminal a form via which a user can view a plurality of videos from the content database, select a video to be sent as a message, and specify a recipient for the video message. The system is optionally configured to initiate the transmission of an approval request message to a terminal, such as a mobile phone associated with the user, wherein the user can approve the sending of the video message to the recipient by taking an action in response to the approval request.

Abstract: System and method involving user interfaces and remote control devices. These user interfaces may be particularly useful for providing an intuitive and user friendly interaction between a user and a device or application using a display, e.g., at a “10 foot” interaction level. The user interfaces may be specifically designed for interaction using a simple remote control device having a limited number of inputs. For example, the simple remote control may include directional inputs (e.g., up, down, left, right), a confirmation input (e.g., ok), and possibly a mute input. The user interface may be customized based on current user activity or other contexts (e.g., based on current or previous states), the user logging in (e.g., using a communication device), etc. Additionally, the user interface may allow the user to adjust cameras whose video are not currently displayed, rejoin previously left videoconferences, and/or any of a variety of desirable actions.

Abstract: A user terminal comprising: a network interface; a display; and a communications module configured to: receive video data from at least one further user terminal over a communications network during a communication event with said at least one further user terminal via said network interface; receive location information from said at least one further user terminal over the communications network via said network interface; in response to receiving said location information, display a map on said display, said map displaying a plurality of locations; and for each of said at least one further user terminal, control the video data received from said further user terminal to be displayed on said display to provide a visual indication of the location of said further user terminal at one of said plurality of locations.

Abstract: A remote camera device is enabled to be used as a source of a video stream in a video call where the local endpoint host in the call, such as a TV, functions as a local endpoint proxy. The TV receives the video stream and transmits it to a remote endpoint host (the other end of the video call) using a conventional video call application. A TV without a camera is able to function as a local endpoint proxy in a video call with a remote device. In another scenario, the TV discovers and connects to a remote camera device. The remote camera, such as a cell phone, streams video to the TV which functions as a local endpoint proxy in the video call. The TV transmits the video to the device at the other end of the call.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the display of content are provided. In at least one embodiment, a method for controlling the display of live video feeds in a video chat is provided. The method includes displaying the video feed in a first manner, altering the display of the video feed when a predefined time elapses, and maintaining the altered display of the video feed until at least one predetermined event occurs.

Abstract: System and method involving user interfaces and remote control devices. These user interfaces may be particularly useful for providing an intuitive and user friendly interaction between a user and a device or application using a display, e.g., at a “10 foot” interaction level. The user interfaces may be specifically designed for interaction using a simple remote control device having a limited number of inputs. For example, the simple remote control may include directional inputs (e.g., up, down, left, right), a confirmation input (e.g., ok), and possibly a mute input. The user interface may be customized based on current user activity or other contexts (e.g., based on current or previous states), the user logging in (e.g., using a communication device), etc. Additionally, the user interface may allow the user to adjust cameras whose video are not currently displayed, rejoin previously left videoconferences, and/or any of a variety of desirable actions.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a system for controlling multipicture display. The method includes receiving a sliding track of a user operation, and performing an operation on a multipicture division line according to the sliding track of the user operation; and controlling picture display on a target screen according to a multipicture display mode formed using the multipicture division line that is obtained after the operation. The method, apparatus, and system for controlling multipicture display according to the embodiments of the present invention can implement visual and flexible setting of a multipicture display mode.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus may include a detecting unit to detect a pointing object in a captured image, and a generation unit to generate pointing information based on detection of the pointing object by the detecting unit. The pointing information may indicate a position of the pointing object determined using a pointable range set based on a user in the captured image. The apparatus may further include a communication unit to transmit the pointing information to an external apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for connecting at least one man-machine interface for manipulating, particularly remotely manipulating, at least one data source connected to a video conferencing system within the scope of video conferences, wherein signals generated by the man-machine interface are transmitted to the video conferencing system via a transmission channel provided for controlling a video camera. The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising means for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods that allow a video conference participant to efficiently review semantically meaningful events within the video streams shared by their peers. Because participants are engaged in real-time communication, it is important to provide tools that let them quickly jump back to past events that were shown previously, not requiring them to manipulate a standard video timeline. Our techniques thus find meaningful events in the video stream such as scrolling pages, moving windows, typing text, etc. Using these techniques, a participant can then easily go back to e.g. the last PDF page shown by a peer, while still listening to the live audio.

Abstract: A method makes a first and a second devices support for interactions with respect to a 3D object. The method includes steps of: (a) allowing the first device to acquire information on physical 3D object and information on images of a user; (b) allowing the second device to receive the information relating to the physical 3D object and the information on images of the user of the first device, then display virtual 3D object corresponding to the physical 3D object and display 3D avatar of the user of the first device; (c) allowing the first device to transmit information on manipulation of the user of the first device regarding the physical 3D object and information on images of the user of the first device who is manipulating the physical 3D object and then allowing the second device to display the 3D avatar of the user of the first device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a conference call user interface and methods thereof. In one illustrative embodiment, the user interface provides a simple teleconferencing solution that allows a user to establish a conference as well as an individual conversation. Graphical representations, in the form of avatars, can be provided. A table surrounded by the avatars can be used to mimic a meeting room as though the parties were actually there. When phone icons on the chests of the avatars are actuated, a directory application to search for parties can be provided. A consult line, separate from the avatars, can also be provided. After connecting and associating the parties with an avatar, call handling actions can be displayed on or around each of the avatars.

Abstract: A Video Phone Kiosk system for providing audio and video phone calls, video mail, greeting cards, and custom, targeted, income generating advertising as well as establishing a platform for the deployment of additional pay and enhanced services that can be added to the video phone kiosk or customize with expanded service delivery of the video phone kiosk to address specific vertical markets, such as senior citizens, shopping, cultural, social, travel, medical, financial and investments. The advantage over public pay phones and kiosks lies in the fact that the video phone kiosk can generate income on a near continuous basis through the use of additional non-telephony specific pay services and an attractor that displays forms of advertising and entertainment which can be updated remotely and targeted to specific market or demographic.

Abstract: A video conference system includes two cameras placed on opposite sides of a touch screen display. Multimedia processing is performed in order to automatically switch between the cameras and to display items on the touch screen display based on user position or user interactions with the system.

Abstract: Overriding a ring back signal involves receiving a ring back signal at a communications apparatus from a communication network in response to a user-initiated connection request. The ring back signal is rendered to a user of the communications apparatus, and a user input is received at the communications device to override the ring back signal. An alternate output is rendered to the user in place of the ring back signal.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing an emotion expression service in a mobile communication terminal are provided. The method includes performing a video call with another terminal, recognizing, by the mobile communication terminal, a shaking of the other terminal using images received from the other terminal, and generating a vibration of the mobile communication terminal corresponding to the recognized shaking of the other terminal.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes various aspects of remote presence interfaces (RPIs) for use on portable electronic devices (PEDs) to interface with remote telepresence devices. An RPI may allow a user to interact with a telepresence device, view a live video feed, provide navigational instructions, and/or otherwise interact with the telepresence device. The RPI may allow a user to manually, semi-autonomously, or autonomously control the movement of the telepresence device. One or more panels associated with a video feed, patient data, calendars, date, time, telemetry data, PED data, telepresence device data, healthcare facility information, healthcare practitioner information, menu tabs, settings controls, and/or other features may be utilized via the RPI.

Abstract: A federated media server system. The federated media server system may include a plurality of media servers. A first media server may be coupled to a second media server over a network. The first media server may also be coupled to a third media server over the network. Additionally, the second and third media servers may be coupled to a plurality of respective clients. The first media server may be configured to record video, e.g., videoconferences, and stream recordings to clients and/or the second and third media servers. The second and third media servers may assist in performing video recording, transcoding, storage of recordings, multicasting, etc.

Abstract: An electronic device is communicatively coupled to at least one video camera during a video conference, and also includes a touchscreen display having video conference participant representations displayed on the touchscreen display. A haptics feedback system is integrated into the touchscreen display and is responsive to a user touching the video conference participant representations displayed on the touchscreen display. A speech-to-text controller converts video conference participant's speech into text and creates an identification tag for each video conference participant. In addition, an ongoing commentary controller provides feedback on non-verbal cues about the video conference participants.

Abstract: System and method for user interfaces using remote control devices. More specifically, these user interfaces may be particularly useful for providing an intuitive and user friendly interaction between a user and a device or application using a display, e.g., at a “10 foot” interaction level. The user interfaces may be specifically designed for interaction using a simple remote control device having a limited number of inputs. For example, the simple remote control may include directional inputs (e.g., up, down, left, right), a confirmation input (e.g., ok), and possibly a mute input. These user interfaces may allow a user to quickly browse and filter lists of items, efficiently provide input (e.g., having multiple data types), customize directional and/or mute functionality of the remote control, perform camera control (e.g., for videoconferencing), etc.

Abstract: A communication device may include logic configured to detect a request to initiate a video call by the user of the communication device; select an avatar for the video call, wherein the avatar corresponds to an image selected by the user to be used as a replacement for a video stream for video calls associated with the user; determine a facial expression associated with the user of the communication device; select an avatar facial expression for the selected avatar, based on the determined facial expression; and incorporate the selected avatar facial expression into a video stream associated with the video call.

Abstract: A local video conference system executing a video conference application, that lacks an ability or functionality to control a remote camera of a remote video conference system, can display video from the remote video conference system. The local video conference system can also execute a controller application that can provide the local video conference system control of the remote camera. The controller application can receive user input that selects a region of multiple regions of a display window of the video conference application indicating a camera action for the remote camera, can determine a camera action based on the user input and the selected region, and can provide the camera action to the remote video conference system via a network. The remote video conference system can pan, tilt, and/or zoom the remote camera based on the camera action received from the controller application of the local video conference system.

Abstract: System and method involving user interfaces and remote control devices. These user interfaces may be particularly useful for providing an intuitive and user friendly interaction between a user and a device or application using a display, e.g., at a “10 foot” interaction level. The user interfaces may be specifically designed for interaction using a simple remote control device having a limited number of inputs. For example, the simple remote control may include directional inputs (e.g., up, down, left, right), a confirmation input (e.g., ok), and possibly a mute input. The user interface may be customized based on current user activity or other contexts (e.g., based on current or previous states), the user logging in (e.g., using a communication device), etc. Additionally, the user interface may allow the user to adjust cameras whose video are not currently displayed, rejoin previously left videoconferences, and/or any of a variety of desirable actions.

Abstract: A mobile terminal including a speech recognition unit configured to recognize input speech; a mobile communication unit configured to perform a calling operation with at least one other terminal; and a controller configured to receive a predetermined input while performing the calling operation, to recognize voice call contents through the speech recognition unit based on the received predetermined input, to tag the recognized voice call contents to at least one application executed by the mobile terminal, and to execute the at least one application using the tagged voice call contents.

Abstract: Among other aspects, on computer-implemented method includes: receiving at least one command in a computer system from a handheld device; positioning a virtual camera and controlling a virtual scene according to the command; and in response to the command, generating an output to the handheld device for displaying a view of the virtual scene as controlled on a display of the handheld device, the view captured by the virtual camera as positioned.

Abstract: Quick Response barcodes (“QR Codes”) are used for videoconferencing between a peripheral device and a videoconferencing system, which can include a conferencing server and/or a videoconferencing unit. Conferencing related QR codes are embedded within video frames and are identified by either a peripheral device or a videoconferencing unit. Once identified, the device or unit acts according to the information provided by the QR code. The QR codes enables the peripheral device, videoconferencing unit, and conferencing server to operation in conjunction with one another even though one or more of the device may not share a compatible operation platform that would allow for direct communication of requests and responses.

Abstract: An electronic door lock system having a doorbell for automatically ringing the doorbell is provided. The electronic door lock system includes an outdoor unit installed outside a door and provided with a keypad implemented using a numeric key area so that a password is entered so as to open and shut the door, and an indoor unit installed inside the door and configured to open and shut the door in response to door unlock and lock signals based on a password. Further, a doorbell button for calling a person in an indoor area is mounted in a predetermined place on the outdoor unit so that when the doorbell button is manipulated, a melody is output, and when the numeric key area of the keypad is pressed, a melody is output in a same manner as when the doorbell button is manipulated.

Abstract: The local address book of a device can be crawled for contact information, which is communicated to an address clearinghouse. The clearinghouse can indicate whether a contact is a participant in a video calling service. If so, an indication can be stored locally indicating that the contact is a participant. Later, during an audio-only call with the contact, an option to escalate the audio-only call to a video call via the video calling service can be presented.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method for operating the same are discussed. The method for operating the mobile terminal includes displaying on the mobile terminal a remote control screen for remotely controlling an image display apparatus, entering a wireless audio reception mode if a wireless audio reception mode start signal is received during the displaying of the remote control screen, and displaying on the mobile terminal a wireless audio reception mode screen. Accordingly, it is possible to improve user convenience.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a file operation method and a file operation apparatus for use in a network video conference system. The method comprises: acquiring a user image in real time; identifying a user's limb; judging whether or not the user's limb is associated with a file; and if the user's limb is associated with the file, matching a limb action of the user with a predetermined action set, so as to operate the file. When using the network video conference system, users can operate the file on a desktop through the limb actions, so as to facilitate the communication between the users and improve the user experience.

Abstract: A system and method for point to point video enable communication and the provisioning of at least one commodity. The communication between two remote devices may include both video and audio and may be activated by use of at least one touch screen associated with a device for provisioning the at least one commodity, such as, for example, a vending machine.

Abstract: A display apparatus which is controllable by a remote control apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes: a communicator which communicates with the remote control apparatus, a storage which stores user interface (UI) screen information which is mapped to each application executable in the display apparatus, and a controller which, if a first application is executed based on a user command, controls a transmission of UI screen information corresponding to the first application from among the UI screen information stored in the storage to the remote control apparatus.

Abstract: A user terminal has an input for receiving a video signal, and a display for displaying to a user a video image derived from the video signal. A selection input is provided for receiving from the user at least one effect for enhancing the video image derived from the video signal. The user terminal has a rendering device for rendering on the display the video image derived from the video signal enhanced by the selected effect.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a web optimized user device is provided. The web optimized device reduces complexity and facilitates interaction with web-based services and content. The web optimized device can be configured without a hard drive, facilitating integration of web-based services into a computing experience. The web optimized device presents a user interface that integrates video chat functionality into every aspect of the computer content accessed. In particular, a display manager manages the user interface presented and integrates video chat displays and features into the content displays in a content and/or context aware manner. These displays permit a user to intuitively interact with the video chat content and features while the user changes content, for example, web-based services, web-based applications, and other media content, without interruption of or interference from the video chat content.

Abstract: A method for video messaging includes recording a video message, at a device, for a recipient; and selecting a contact as a recipient of the video message, at the device, without requiring typing at the device.

Abstract: System and method involving user interfaces and remote control devices. These user interfaces may be particularly useful for providing an intuitive and user friendly interaction between a user and a device or application using a display, e.g., at a “10 foot” interaction level. The user interfaces may be specifically designed for interaction using a simple remote control device having a limited number of inputs. For example, the simple remote control may include directional inputs (e.g., up, down, left, right), a confirmation input (e.g., ok), and possibly a mute input. The user interface may be customized based on current user activity or other contexts (e.g., based on current or previous states), the user logging in (e.g., using a communication device), etc. Additionally, the user interface may allow the user to adjust cameras whose video are not currently displayed, rejoin previously left videoconferences, and/or any of a variety of desirable actions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a communication apparatus for real-time screen interaction in video communications, which includes: a video output conversion device for generating a first video stream based on a sound input and a video input; a communication device for transmitting the first video stream and receiving a second video stream; a sound retrieving module for providing a first sound signal as the sound input; an input interface for receiving a user operation to generate at least one operation instruction; a processor for generating a screen image based on the second video stream and/or at least one operation instruction; and a switching device for selecting one of an image pickup device and an image retrieving device to provide the video input based on the at least one operation instruction.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: status information input means for inputting status information indicating an operating state and power consumption of each of a plurality of electronic appliances targeted for connection from the plurality of electronic appliances; list screen generating means for generating a list screen that associates the status information inputted from each of the plurality of electronic appliances with the plurality of electronic appliances; and a display control means for controlling display means for displaying the list screen thereon.

Abstract: Methods and systems permit one or more users to navigate through imagery of an environment. The system may include a first user interface device having first user inputs associated with first movement through the environment and a second user interface device having second user inputs associated with a second movement through the environment. Thus, a first user and a second user are able to navigate simultaneously and independently. In certain embodiments the system processes imagery of the environment to smooth user navigation through the environment.

Abstract: The present invention is an interactive system and method whereby participants may engage in a contest that is simultaneously or subsequently broadcast. The broadcast signal may be for the purpose of a pure entertainment source or may be an enticement to play the shown or other interactive games. The games may be computer simulation games, role-playing games, strategy games, question and answer games, casino games, or other games as desired. The broadcast signals may show a specialized view of the game being played and may contain live commentary or other enhancements. The games may be played with set top boxes connected to a television, a broadcast network, and a server system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating videoconferences in instant messaging systems is described, including posting of a videoconference URL in the instant messaging chat window if any of the desired participants of the videoconferencing session is unavailable, so that the unavailable participants can simply click on the videoconference URL and join the videoconferencing session.

Abstract: System and method involving user interfaces and remote control devices. These user interfaces may be particularly useful for providing an intuitive and user friendly interaction between a user and a device or application using a display, e.g., at a “10 foot” interaction level. The user interfaces may be specifically designed for interaction using a simple remote control device having a limited number of inputs. For example, the simple remote control may include directional inputs (e.g., up, down, left, right), a confirmation input (e.g., ok), and possibly a mute input. The user interface may be customized based on current user activity or other contexts (e.g., based on current or previous states), the user logging in (e.g., using a communication device), etc. Additionally, the user interface may allow the user to adjust cameras whose video are not currently displayed, rejoin previously left videoconferences, and/or any of a variety of desirable actions.

Abstract: VoIP calls associated with VoIP applications installed on a mobile computing device are treated similar to calls not associated with installed VoIP applications. VoIP applications invoke the same native incoming call user interface that is invoked when a mobile device detects an incoming call that is not associated with an installed VoIP application. Mobile devices can simultaneously host a VoIP call and a call not associated with an installed VoIP application while a mobile device is locked. A reduced call user interface is displayed while a mobile device is simultaneously hosting multiple calls. Selection of the reduced call user interface causes the mobile device to make the active call the inactive call and vice versa. The reduced call user interface is managed by the mobile device operating system.

Abstract: A medical equipment case is provided for containing and transporting at least one article of medical equipment and a two-way audio-visual system. Such equipment may be used, for example, for telemedicine applications by a patient discharged from a hospital, or other subject in need of remote health care monitoring. The medical equipment case may include features that provide for security and facilitate return of the medical equipment case and medical equipment and audio-visual system contained therein, such as machine-readable indicia encoding information for return of the case from a usage location. The medical equipment case and contained medical equipment and two-way audio visual system together form a medical support system that can be used by a patient discharged from a hospital. Methods of controlling the medical support system are also described.