Abstract: A home videoconferencing system interfaces with traditional set-top boxes and typical home A/V equipment. The system includes a camera, a microphone, and a codec module. The module can couple to a modem connected to a television network and can couple to a display and a set-top box. Alternatively, the module can connect to a network for exchanging videoconference data and can connect between the set-top box and the display. The set-top box can connect to the television network on its own.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image display apparatus includes a communication module, an acquisition module, an identification module, and a determination module. The communications module receives and transmits call information with communications equipment connected to the communications module through a network, the call information indicating information to communicate with the communications equipment. The acquisition module acquires environmental information representing an external environment of the image display apparatus. The identification module identifies personal information indicating a person existing in the environment or age information indicating an age of a person existing in the environment from the environmental information.

Abstract: A system and method of determining the quality of audio-visual services of a mobile telephone is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes wirelessly receiving streaming audio-video content at the mobile telephone and wherein the audio-video content comprises video content and audio content. The video content is formed of a plurality of video frames with each encoded with one or more video symbols. The audio content is formed of a plurality of audio segments with each encoded with a sequence of tones. The method further includes outputting the audio content with the mobile telephone and displaying the video content with the mobile telephone. A computer processes the video symbols of each video frame of the displayed video content to determine a video quality of the displayed video content and processes the sequences of tones of the outputted audio content to determine an audio quality of the outputted audio content. The determined audio and video quality is then output by the computer.

Abstract: A method of transmitting video data comprising: establishing a bidirectional video channel between a first terminal and a second terminal in a packet-based communication network; beginning a live, face-to-face video call over the established channel by generating first video data from a video camera of the first terminal, transmitting the first video data to the second terminal for display on a screen of the second terminal, receiving second video data generated from a video camera of the second terminal, and displaying the second video data on a screen of the first terminal; generating third video data at the first terminal from a source other than the video camera of the first terminal; receiving a user selection at the first terminal; and in response to the user selection, transmitting the third video data to the second user over the established channel of the packet-based communication network.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a video telephone system includes: a digital broadcast receiver which receives a digital broadcast signal and reproduces a 2D or 3D video signal and an audio signal; a display unit and speakers which output the signals; a camera unit and a microphone unit for a TV phone call; a communication unit which transmits a 2D or 3D image data taken by the camera unit and an audio data picked up by the microphone unit to the outside, and which receives a 2D or 3D image data and an audio data from the outside; and a controller which receives meta-information indicating whether a counterpart TV receiver is in a 3D video displayable state, and transmits at least one of the 2D or 3D image data, the audio data, and a message to the counterpart TV receiver depending on a condition of the counterpart TV receiver.

Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of systems and methods that use protocols and techniques that can stream audio from a video device to a separate device while reducing or eliminate audio/video synchronization errors. In some embodiments, these systems and methods use Voice over IP (VoIP) technology to stream audio to mobile devices with low latency, resulting in little or no user-perceivable delay between the audio stream and corresponding video presentation. As a result, users can enjoy both the audio and video of any video display in an establishment. In addition, the systems and methods described herein may be implemented in the home or other locations to allow viewers who may be hard of hearing to listen to audio clearly via headphones.

Abstract: A method and a system for video surveillance based on an interactive voice response IVR technology, including: receiving, by a video IVR system, a video call request sent by a video terminal, where the video call request includes an identifier of the video terminal and a video call service code; querying, according to the identifier of the video terminal and the video call service code, a video surveillance system for a surveillance device list which corresponds to the video terminal; receiving, the surveillance device list which corresponds to the video terminal and is returned by the video surveillance system, and providing the surveillance device list for the video terminal; and obtaining, according to selection for the surveillance device by the video terminal, a media stream surveilled by the selected surveillance device from the video surveillance system, and providing the media stream for the video terminal for playing.

Abstract: A method of transmitting video data comprising: establishing a bidirectional video channel between a first terminal and a second terminal in a packet-based communication network; beginning a live, face-to-face video call over the established channel by generating first video data from a video camera of the first terminal, transmitting the first video data to the second terminal for display on a screen of the second terminal, receiving second video data generated from a video camera of the second terminal, and displaying the second video data on a screen of the first terminal; generating third video data at the first terminal from a source other than the video camera of the first terminal; receiving a user selection at the first terminal; and in response to the user selection, transmitting the third video data to the second user over the established channel of the packet-based communication network.

Abstract: An internet video chat capable television with personal computer hardware has a digital screen, a tuner, a camera, a microphone, and a plurality of wireless communication devices and wireless or wired communication ports for connecting to the internet or another digital network and accessories such as a remote, keyboard or a headset. A motherboard, central processing unit, solid state hard drive and associated chipset and other electronic components on par with a personal computer enable installation of a full operating system capable of supporting web applications such as Voice over Internet Protocol and video communications as well as home security, home automation and child minding applications, among many others, without the need for a separate computer. The camera has an infrared option for video monitoring in low light conditions.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a display controller, a communication module and a determination module. The display controller is configured to display an operation screen, which is used for operating another electronic apparatus, on a display. The communication module is configured to transmit an operation signal, which indicates an operation in accordance with the operation screen, to the another electronic apparatus. The determination module is configured to determine that a function of the another electronic apparatus is activated in response to transmission of the operation signal. The display controller includes an object generation module configured to generate an object representing an operation button for activating a function of the another electronic apparatus with one operation and to arrange the generated object on the operation screen, when the determination module determines that the function is activated through a plurality of operations.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an imaging apparatus and a control method thereof. The apparatus enables a user to simultaneously conduct a video call while watching a broadcasting program. When transmitting an acoustic signal to an opposite user, the apparatus cancels the speech of the opposite user and the background sound from the broadcasting program, and thus, superior communication quality may be maintained.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for recording videos in a video call. The method includes: determining a key voice input end of the video call and acquiring an image of the key voice input end; storing audio data of the video call; synthesizing the acquired image and audio, and then writing the synthesized image and audio into a recorded video file. The present invention solves the defect that the existing video call methods can not record flexibly by determining a source of a key voice, acquiring an image corresponding to the key voice, and synthesizing the image and a recorded audio, so that the sound and the image in the recorded video can be displayed correspondingly, and since only the image of the key voice input end in the call is displayed, the image in the recorded video is clearer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and composition of matter to support safe, assisted, independent living. The process is to create ubiquitous monitoring of the invention user's activities, physiology, and environment; analyze information from monitoring and sensing devices; and act on the information in a prioritized manner to address emergent events, and potentially undesirable conditions. The invention uses a software architecture and schema called Adaptive Scalable Plug&play Infrastructure for Responsive Engineering (ASPIRE).

Abstract: An image display device and a home network system are provided. The image display device transmits a broadcasting signal including at least one of a video data, an audio data, and an additional data according to predetermined transmission conditions. The home network system includes at least one external device connected to the image display unit through a wire or wireless network to output the transmitted broadcasting signal.

Abstract: A television system for providing video telephony includes a user input device; and a signal processing apparatus. The user input device includes an image photographing unit which photographs an image of a user; and a voice receiving unit which receives a voice of the user. The signal processing apparatus includes a display unit; a voice output unit; a communication unit which receives an image and a voice of counterpart and transmits the user image and the user voice; a voice processing unit which processes the received counterpart voice and outputs the processed voice to the voice output unit; an image processing unit which includes a first image processing block which processes the received counterpart image; and a controller which processes the user image using a software decoder and controls the image processing unit.

Abstract: A media device comprising: a memory storing a communication client application; a processor, coupled to the memory and operable to execute the communication client application, wherein the client application is programmed so as when executed to allow a user to establish a call with one or more other users via a packet-based communication network; and a remote control unit comprising wireless communication means arranged to transmit data to the processor, a control means coupled to the wireless communication means and configured to control the wireless communication means, user input means coupled to the control means and arranged to receive input commands from the user and provide the input commands to the control means, and a microphone coupled to the control means and arranged to receive audio signals from a user, wherein, responsive to the control means receiving a command to establish a call from the user input means, the control means is arranged to activate the wireless communication means from a deacti

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a camera of a portable terminal are provided. The method includes determining a rate at which at least a portion of a subject occupies an input image obtained in a video phone call from camera, comparing the determined rate with a preset reference level, automatically controlling a zoom function of the camera according to the comparison result, and transmitting the input image obtained from the camera in which the zoom function is automatically controlled.

Abstract: A method and communication device disclosed includes displaying a video on a display, converting voice audio data to textual data by applying voice-to-text conversion, and displaying the textual data as scrolling text displayed along with the video on the display and either above, below or across the video. The method may further include receiving a voice call indication from a network, providing the voice call indication to a user interface where the voice call indication corresponds to an incoming voice call; and receiving a user input for receiving the voice call and displaying the voice call as scrolling text. In another embodiment, a method includes displaying application related data on a display; converting voice audio data to textual data by applying voice-to-text conversion; converting the textual data to a video format; and displaying the textual data as scrolling text over the application related data on the display.

Abstract: An image information storage device is configured such that, when an output control unit makes the output unit output an image represented by first image data stored in an image data storage, the output control unit makes the output unit also output the registration information which has been associated with the first image data, or when the output control unit makes the output unit output first registration information stored in the registration information storage unit, the output control unit makes the output unit also output an image represented by image data which has been associated with first registration information. Further, when there is an input specifying association of the first registration information stored in the registration information storage unit with second image data, the registration control unit associates the first registration information with the first image data and the second image data, and stores in the registration information storage unit.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to present an overlay combined with a presentation of media content at each of a plurality of computing devices on an electronic communications network to illustrate a collection of one or more commentaries temporally associated with portions of the presented media content where the portions of the presented media content comprises portions of a teleconference workflow meeting, to collect one or more commentaries from each of the plurality of computing devices, and to present the commentaries from the plurality of computing devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus having corresponding methods and non-transitory computer-readable media comprise: a transmitter configured to transmit first wireless signals to a video call device, wherein the video call device has a plurality of operating states; a receiver configured to receive second wireless signals from the video call device, wherein the second wireless signals include contextual information describing a current one of the operating states of the video call device; and a user interface configured to display an indication of the current one of the operating states of the video call device.

Abstract: A media appliance comprising: video apparatus for outputting signals to a screen; a network interface for accessing a packet-based network; a memory storing a communication client application; and processing apparatus arranged to execute the communication client application. The client application is configured to allow a local user of the media appliance to participate in bidirectional communication sessions with other remote users via the network interface and packet-based network. The client application is further configured so as: to receive an invitation signal from a remote user terminal over the packet-based network, the received invitation signal comprising a trigger condition specifying a future event for triggering participation of the media appliance in a proposed one of said communication sessions with said remote user terminal; to monitor the received trigger condition at said media appliance; and to join the proposed session in dependence on an occurrence of said event.

Abstract: A videophone system includes a processor which selectively sets a television (TV) broadcast program viewing function mode and videophone function mode in response to manual operation of a remote control, a decoder which performs, in the TV program view mode, a TV program-use decode function for decoding a broadcast program signal received from a TV tuner to thereby display it on a display screen while producing audio sounds by loudspeakers and which performs, in the videophone function mode a videophone-use decode function for decoding a videophone signal received from a distant party to thereby display on the screen an image of the distant party using the screen and speakers, and an encoder which performs a videophone-use encode function for encoding a video signal from a camera and a voice signal from a microphone to generate a videophone signal, which is sent to the distant party via a network.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer products for querying for an interactive assistant for communication over a network via the set-top box. Communications are initiated between a subscriber and an interactive assistant. A diagnostic data log is uploaded from the set-top box to the interactive assistant. Based on the communications between the subscriber an interactive assistant and the diagnostic data log, diagnostic protocols are executed within the set-top box to generate a diagnostic report. The interactive assistant provides feedback analytics via the set-top box based on the communications between the subscriber and the interactive assistant, the diagnostic data log and the diagnostic report. Firmware solutions are downloaded to the set-top box based on results from the diagnostic report.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a display controller, a communication module and a determination module. The display controller is configured to display an operation screen, which is used for operating another electronic apparatus, on a display. The communication module is configured to transmit an operation signal, which indicates an operation in accordance with the operation screen, to the another electronic apparatus. The determination module is configured to determine that a function of the another electronic apparatus is activated in response to transmission of the operation signal. The display controller includes an object generation module configured to generate an object representing an operation button for activating a function of the another electronic apparatus with one operation and to arrange the generated object on the operation screen, when the determination module determines that the function is activated through a plurality of operations.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a video communication method and system, wherein, during an audio conversation between a calling party and a called party, an IMRS (Integrated Media Resource Server) plays a video to the calling party or the called party; or when a calling party initiates a video phone call request to a called party which does not support video phone call, an audio channel is established between the calling party and the called party and a video channel is established between the calling party and an IMRS, and when an audio conversation is established between the calling party and the called party, the IMRS plays video to the calling party; or when an audio conversation and a video conversation are established between a calling party and a called party, one party replaces its video with that played to the other party by the IMRS, therefore capabilities of developing new communication services are improved.

Abstract: In a communication environment where a voice bearer is established between a multimedia terminal of a first user and a voice terminal of a second user to allow voice communications between the first and second users, the present invention allows the second user to gain access to video content of the first user through a web session.

Abstract: A receiver device for use in conjunction with an MCDN includes a computer readable storage resource, a controller to execute stored instructions, a network interface coupling the device to the MCDN, and a decoder to decode streaming multimedia content received via the network interface. The receiver includes a remote control interface to detect a remote control command from a remote control device and a handset interface to communicate audio data with a handset device. A local video interface receives video data from a camera or other local video resource. The stored instructions include, a remote control application to execute remote control commands, a handset module to communicate audio date with the handset device, and a session initiation module to establish a video conferencing session. A video conferencing module integrates the audio data and the video data and communicates the integrated data via the video conferencing session.

Abstract: A method of initiating outbound calls through a telephony interface. The method accepts an inbound call from a user, authenticates the inbound call against a predetermined user identity, accesses an address book associated with the user identity, receives an spoken request from the user, selects a telephone record in the address book associated with the spoken request, initiates an outbound call to the telephone record; and connects the inbound call with the outbound call responsive to a connection established on the outbound call. In an alternative embodiment the method accepts an inbound call, authenticates the inbound call against a predetermined user identity, receives a dual-tone frequency-modulated input representing a desired outbound call target, initiates an outbound call to the outbound call target, and connects the inbound call with the outbound call responsive to a connection established on the outbound call. A corresponding computer system for each embodiment is also provided.

Abstract: A system, method and device for providing communications with an in-home system at a residence of a user are provided.

Abstract: Voice or video communication is incorporated into a television or compatible audio capable visual display by routing a television signal through a communication interface apparatus connected to a voice or video communication network and switching between a call and at least the audio portion of the television signal when a call is detected and the user chooses to answer the call in response to an on-screen menu superimposed on the video portion of the television signal. The communication interface apparatus includes a controller that is configured to allow speed dialing using a wireless remote, as well as making calls from a user-defined contact list or a regional phone directory that is updatable from a remote source via the Internet.

Abstract: In an image information storage device, a registration information storage unit stores registration information while associating it with first image data stored in an image data storage unit, while storing registration information for area information representing one of areas set in a drawing area of first image data stored in the image data storage unit. When an input specifying an area represented by area information is made while an image represented by first image data stored in the image data storage unit is displayed on a display screen, a search unit searches for second image data associated with registration information that has been associated with the area information in the registration information storage unit. An output control unit controls output of image/information to the display screen while outputting an image represented by the second image data search by the search unit to the display screen.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a terminal for transferring video, comprising an audio-video splitting/assembling unit for assembling locally acquired video stream and audio stream, or splitting an audio-video assembly sent from a counter-terminal into video stream and audio stream; a device discovering unit responsible for searching for a first device with video capturing and displaying functions; wherein the audio-video splitting/assembling unit is adapted to receive a video stream of images captured by the first device after the device discovering unit has found the first device, and then to use the video stream for the local audio-video assembly, or the audio-video splitting/assembling unit is adapted to send the split video stream to the first device for video display.

Abstract: A mobile communications device, method, and medium are provided for enhanced video communications for hearing-impaired users. A hearing-impaired call mode can be selected by a user, causing the device to establish a hearing-impaired call mode configuration. Establishing a hearing-impaired call mode configuration can include disabling a microphone and speakers and enabling an adjustable camera. The adjustable camera can tilt, pan, change focus, and the like to maintain a region of interest within a viewing angle of the camera.

Abstract: A TV with Internet communication capability includes a built-in microphone and video camera. Signals from the microphone and video camera are processed by an IP phone module in the TV, multiplexed together, and sent over the Internet to one or more user-selected addresses. Incoming videoconferencing signals are demultiplexed and presented on the TV display and speaker.

Abstract: A teleconferencing system in which a teleconference controller advantageously uses information relating to the network topology layout of remote nodes which are to participate in a teleconference, and then advantageously directs the transmission of video and/or audio streams from a source node to an identified subset of the remote nodes based on the capabilities of the nodes and the network links. These nodes which initially receive the video and/or audio streams then advantageously forward the streams in turn to other nodes in their vicinity using peer-to-peer network connectivity techniques. The identification of the subset of nodes which serve as peer-to-peer forwarding nodes may be based on node activity, node service capacity, the impact on network links between the node and the requester, the distance and/or latency between the node and the requester, and the ability of the node to meet requests including video transcoding requests.

Abstract: We disclose a concierge device that can be configured to register, control and support a consumer device. It can alternatively or redundantly connect to a home management bridge and/or cloud-based management servers. It can accept menus that allow a single concierge device to provide a wide range of functions for various consumer devices. The concierge device allows the user in a single action to initiate a support session, automatically identifying the consumer device. The concierge device can be configured for voice or video support calls. The concierge device in conjunction with a home management bridge or gateway can manage on boarding of components of an automated home, such as switches and lamps. Implementations of the concierge device that include a display can show supplemental information, such as advertising, optionally in coordination with media being played on a consumer device coupled in communication with the concierge device.

Abstract: A video conference (VC) device for communicating with VC terminals includes a VC box and a set-top box (STB). The VC box includes a VC controller module, a media stream receiver module, and a decoder module. When a session is established between one of the VC terminals and the VC box, the VC controller detects if the decoder module is available. When the decoder module is available, the media stream receiver module receives a media stream sent from the VC terminal and transmits the media stream to the decoder module, and the decoder module processes the media stream to generate corresponding video and audio signals for the session. When the decoder module is unavailable, the media stream receiver module transmits the media stream to the STB, and the STB processes the media stream to generate corresponding video and audio signals for the session.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for improving the audio quality during a in a living-room type of environment having multimedia equipment. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the audio signals emanating from various speakers are modified/altered, so as to capture audio signals with the highest signal to noise ratio. One situation where embodiments of the present invention are usable is in the context of a video/audio call. Since the positions of the microphone and speakers are generally fixed, in some embodiments, the speaker outputs are controlled/modified to provide an improved signal-to-noise ratio. In accordance with one embodiment, the audio emanating from the central speaker is subdued or eliminated to reduce significantly the problems that occur due to the audio from the center speaker being captured by the microphone, which is typically in close proximity to the center speaker. The audio may be provided to the speakers by various ways, such as HDMI, RCA, and so on.

Abstract: A mobile terminal device equipped with radio communicating portions capable of holding a radio communication in accordance with a predetermined communication standard, and a standard signal outputting portion for outputting a signal in a format based on a predetermined signaling system to any display device prepared on an outside, includes a communication standard detecting means for detecting a type of the communication standard selected based on operating conditions of radio communicating portions, when one of the radio communicating portions conforms to plural types of communication standards or when a plurality of radio communicating portions conform to plural types of communication standards respectively, and a signaling system selecting means for selecting automatically a signaling system of the signal that the standard signal outputting portion outputs, in response to the type of the communication standard that the communication standard detecting means detects.

Abstract: A social networking system enables cable television viewers to watch television programs as a virtual group, each watching within his/her own home, while simultaneously communicating with one another, for example, via voice and/or video chat. The system enables a viewer to find friends, or other like-minded viewers not acquainted with the viewer, for virtual communal viewing parties. The system can enable participants in a viewing party to synchronize viewing sessions enabling each participant to share in a common viewing experience. The system can also enable a system operator to recognize communal viewing groups and enable more effective advertisement targeting.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, the invention relates to an electronic device that features a display unit, a storage unit and a processor. The storage unit is adapted to store a plurality of widgets. Coupled to the storage unit, the processor is adapted to control downloading of the plurality of widgets upon gaining access as a member to a viewing room, and thereafter, to control operations of the plurality of widgets in providing interactive communications with other members of the viewing room as content is being played back on the display unit.

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: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates managing one or more devices utilized for communicating data within a telepresence session. A telepresence session can be initiated within a communication framework that includes two or more virtually represented users that communicate therein. A device can be utilized by at least one virtually represented user that enables communication within the telepresence session, the device includes at least one of an input to transmit a portion of a communication to the telepresence session or an output to receive a portion of a communication from the telepresence session. A detection component can adjust at least one of the input related to the device or the output related to the device based upon the identification of a cue, the cue is at least one of a movement detected, an event detected, or an ambient variation.

Abstract: Voice or video communication is incorporated into a television or compatible audio capable visual display by routing a television signal through a communication interface apparatus connected to a voice or video communication network and switching between a call and at least the audio portion of the television signal when a call is detected and the user chooses to answer the call in response to an on-screen menu superimposed on the video portion of the television signal. The communication interface apparatus includes a controller that is configured to allow speed dialing using a wireless remote, as well as making calls from a user-defined contact list or a regional phone directory that is updatable from a remote source via the Internet.

Abstract: The present invention includes a video camera system configured to provide real-time video streams over subscriber-based networks. The video camera system includes a network camera with a built-in web server, a cellular modem/Ethernet gateway, and a power supply. The video camera system can operate over any subscriber-based network, such as AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile, and the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods for combining tomographic images with human vision. The systems preferably include a first assembly located proximal to an object to be imaged and a second assembly remote from the target. The first assembly is preferably able to collect a tomographic image from a target object and superimpose that tomographic image onto a direct view of the target object. The first assembly also includes components that allow the transmission of the tomographic image to the remote assembly. At the remote location, a highly trained expert may interact with the captured image by placing electronic markers on the image via an electronic interface. The captured image plus electronic marker are then preferably transmitted back to the local site via a second transmitter-receiver. The local user may use the electronic marker to guide his actions during the appropriate task.

Abstract: We disclose a concierge device that can be configured to register, control and support a consumer device. It can alternatively or redundantly connect to a home management bridge and/or cloud-based management servers. It can accept menus that allow a single concierge device to provide a wide range of functions for various consumer devices. The concierge device allows the user in a single action to initiate a support session, automatically identifying the consumer device. The concierge device can be configured for voice or video support calls. The concierge device in conjunction with a home management bridge or gateway can manage on boarding of components of an automated home, such as switches and lamps. Implementations of the concierge device that include a display can show supplemental information, such as advertising, optionally in coordination with media being played on a consumer device coupled in communication with the concierge device.

Abstract: A videotelephony system has an electronically controllable camera with a field of view, a visual token disposed within the field of view, and a camera controller. The camera controller is configured to detect the visual token and reconfigure the field of view relative to a detected position of the visual token.

Abstract: Outgoing video communication requests are intercepted and screened by one or more unauthorized recipient lists, authorized recipient lists, caller-specific authorized/unauthorized recipient lists, and/or various combinations of these. The video communication requests may be blocked or forwarded to the recipient depending on whether the recipient is included or not included in one of the various lists.