Abstract: A medical telepresence system includes, at a first location, a local video camera having a field of view and a medical treatment device having a device display for displaying real-time information and also having a device control interface. The local video camera is coupled to a communications link for transmitting video images to a second location that is physically remote from the first location. The medical treatment device is positioned so that the device display and the device control interface are within the field of view of the local video camera and the field of view also simultaneously accommodates a patient. The local video camera can be a robot video camera carried by a mobile telepresence robot, which may include a physical manipulator or a manually positionable arm to hold the medical treatment device.

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 said display.

Abstract: A video communication method includes: acquiring a plurality of 2D images corresponding to a talker using a 3D camera; adjusting a point of convergence of the plurality of 2D images using a feature point of the talker; detecting an object located between the talker and the 3D camera using the acquired plurality of 2D images; scaling an original sense of depth of the detected object to a new sense of depth; and generating a 3D talker image including the object with the new sense of depth and transmitting the 3D talker image to a 3D video communication apparatus of a listener.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system uses a modular terminal that includes a conventional digital still camera coupled to the input port of the videocommunicator, such as a set top box. There are various features provided by this arrangement, including using the digital still camera to present video information to the videocommunicator with a split screen image representing the still image, a receiver arrangement permitting the digital still camera to fit securely and adjacent to the videocommunicator, and pan/tilt/zoom camera features provided electronically.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium in a media controller having computer instructions to execute a soft-phone client application on the media processor, receive an audio call or a video call originating from an IP Multimedia Subsystem network where the calls are directed to the media processor by a gateway having a switch that routes the audio call or video call in accordance with a destination address included in a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) header message, and selectively answer one of the audio call or the video call. The computer instructions can be operable to present an audio portion of the audio call through a speaker of a presentation device when an audio call is answered. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium in a media controller having computer instructions to execute a soft-phone client application on the media processor, receive a call originating from an IP Multimedia Subsystem network where the calls are directed to the media processor by a gateway having a switch that routes the call in accordance with a destination address included in a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) header message, and selectively answer the call at any of a plurality of terminal devices including a mobile cellular phone coupled to the media processor via a femtocell. The computer instructions can be operable to present an audio portion of the call through a speaker of a presentation device operatively coupled to the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for managing ad hoc telepresence sessions is described. The method includes sensing a presence of a user in an ad hoc telepresence zone. The method also includes managing a list of contacts associated with the user. The method also includes determining an availability of a remote user at a remote telepresence zone. The remote user is selected from the list of contacts associated with the user. The method also includes displaying a list of available remote users. The method also includes initiating a telepresence session between the user and the remote user according to an input from the user to select the remote user from the list of available users.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for providing video calling solutions. In some such solutions, a video calling device resides functionally inline between a set-top box and a television set. Such solutions can provide, in some cases, high performance video calling, high video quality, simplified installation, configuration and/or use, and/or the ability to enjoy video calling in an inclusive, comfortable environment, such as a family room, den, or media room.

Abstract: A TV 1 with a calling function that simplifies operation of an information-processing device having a channel interface and allows smooth communication includes a communication unit 104, an operation input unit 101 for a channel selecting operation, and a calling program processing unit 109 executing a calling program when a call channel is selected. The calling program can be executed by a very simple operation of channel selection, and any one can easily activate video-phone. TV 1 with a calling function includes an on-hold information management unit 106 storing call status information indicating whether a call is in progress or not, and in response to a channel switching request from the call channel to another channel during a call, the call status information stored in the on-hold information management unit 106 is referred to and a process is selected and executed depending on its value.

Abstract: A hybrid device having a plurality of task-handlers corresponding to a function key uses a user interface method. The user interface method includes receiving information necessary to change priorities of the task-handlers corresponding to the function key; changing the priorities of the task-handlers based on the received information; and storing information regarding the changed priorities according to a predetermined application type.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a digital video recording method, and in particular, when a recording mode is audio detection, according to an audio signal transmitted from a mike mounted on a camera or a mike mounted separately, this method records the video taken by said camera during the time period for which a recording speed and video resolution is already set as super-high speed and high video resolution. After the elapse of an already set time period, when the audio signal is sensed, this method records the video by varying the recording speed and video resolution from super-high speed and high video resolution into low-speed and low video resolution at a time interval which is already set. Therefore, it becomes possible to obtain the specific information about the video data which is important in an unmanned security system.

Abstract: Embodiments relates to a display apparatus that can perform a video call and a method of connecting to a video call thereof, in which the method includes: receiving a control signal from an external device where an identification information for a video call is registered when a video call is received; turning on the display apparatus in response to the received control signal; and connecting to the received video call.

Abstract: A system includes one or more transmitter devices constructed and adapted to transmit wireless streaming media, the transmitter device connected to at least one video source, wherein the transmitter device is further constructed and adapted to automatically detect a type of active source signal from the at least one video source and automatically to convert that signal, if necessary, to an appropriate output signal; and one or more receiver devices constructed and adapted to receive wireless signals, the receiver connected to at least one video output device, wherein the at least one receiver device is further constructed and adapted to produce, automatically, a appropriate signal for the at least one video output device connected thereto.

Abstract: The present invention allows a reproducing device that can be used in various device environmental conditions to execute adequate output operation according to a device environmental condition. When reproducing a content signal of audio and video, a reproducing device determines a device environmental condition as the coupling state of the reproducing device and surroundings of the reproducing device. Subsequently, the reproducing device implements control according to output part information and control information that are set with being associated with the device environmental condition. Based on the output part information, either or both of a main-body output unit and an external output unit are controlled as a part for outputting audio or video. In addition, control corresponding to the registered control information is executed inside the device, or details of the control are indicated to a coupled external device.

Abstract: A telemedicine device and system for audio/video communication and real time interfacing with peripheral biomedical devices accessible by individuals in different locations.

Abstract: A television comprising: a television screen for displaying video signals to a user; a network interface for accessing a packet-based network; processing apparatus coupled to the television screen and network interface, arranged to execute a communication client application for receiving communication events via the network interface and packet-based network; power-saving circuitry coupled to the television screen and processing apparatus, configured to switch between a higher-power mode in which the television screen is switched on and a lower-power mode in which the television screen is switched off; and a user input device communicable with the power-saving circuitry for switching between the power modes, the lower-power mode thus being a mode set in response to a manual user input from the user input device. The client continues to monitor the network interface during the low power mode in order to provide notifications and/or wake up the television.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for region-of-interest (ROI) processing for video telephone (VT) applications. According to the disclosed techniques, a recipient device defines ROI information for video information transmitted by a sender device, i.e., far-end video information. The recipient device transmits the ROI information to the sender device. Using the ROI information transmitted by the recipient device, the sender device applies preferential encoding to an ROI within a video scene. In this manner, the recipient device is able to remotely control ROI encoding of far-end video information by the sender device.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for remotely controlling and interacting with a multimedia device using a mobile phone. This is accomplished by utilizing cell and mobile phones capable of establishing persistent Internet connections. A software application is provided for the mobile phone which receives inputs entered by a user on the mobile phone's keypad and translates the inputs into commands that are recognized by a multimedia device. For example, the multimedia device may be a television, set top box, or a digital video recorder such as a Tivo or ReplayTV. The software application transmits the data input by the user to the device, either directly, or through at least one central server. Mapping of the commands entered on the mobile phone into commands recognized by the remote device may occur on the phone, at a central server, or at the device itself.

Abstract: A method of audio-visual communication using a television and a television using the same are provided, wherein the broadband network and television technologies are used to achieve services of audio-visual communication over a network, such that a user uses the television to conduct audio-visual communications.

Abstract: A conference link between devices in teleconference system at one site is disclosed. The linked devices include video conference units, speakerphones or stand-alone loudspeakers. Audio data can be transmitted through the conference link between devices. Audio data processing can be performed in either a video conference unit or a speakerphone. The microphones and loudspeakers in the video conference unit may be eliminated. The microphones and loudspeakers in the speakerphone are used. Other data, for example directories of dialing information, may also be transmitted through the conference link and the data processing may be allocated among processors in devices connected by conference links. The conference link may be wired or wireless, analog or digital. The devices may be linked by conference link in parallel or series. A dialing program can adapt the dialing stream with the locations of the near end site and the dialed far end site.

Abstract: A processing device of a universal controlling device is programmed to distinguish between a first input type provided to a touch-sensitive surface and a second input type provided to the touch-sensitive surface. In response to the touch-sensitive surface being provided the first input type which is indicative of a static touch made upon the touch-sensitive surface the processing device causes a transmitter to transmit first data representative of the static touch made upon the touch-sensitive surface. In response to the touch-sensitive surface being provided the second input type which is indicative of a moving touch made across the touch-sensitive surface, the processing device causes the transmitter to transmit second data being representative of the moving touch made across the touch-sensitive surface.

Abstract: A master testing control system includes at least one remote computer with one or more communications lines for communicating over a communications network and a plurality of remote sensors, a two way real-time digital video system, a two-way real-time digital audio system. A set of instructions is on each remote computer for sending and receiving data over one or more data lines and for remote display. A set of instructions is on each remote computer for displaying data. At least one local computer is located geographically distant from the remote computer and able to monitor and control the display, storage, and transmission of data acquired by to the remote computer. The remote computer collects data from the plurality of sensors and transmits this data to the local computer, under the control of the local computer, for permanent recording.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for switching, controlling, programming and operating communications devices, particularly communications terminals or communications systems. According to the invention, the at least one communications device (TE1, TE2, MOF, SYS) can be connected to at least one entertainment terminal (FER) via at least one interface (IEE), and the communications device TE1, TE2, MOF, SYS) and the at least one entertainment terminal (FER) are configured for exchanging signals and/or data via the at least one interface (IEE). The communication device is configured to switch from a first mode to an administrative mode to search for an active entertainment terminal. The entertainment terminal (FER) advantageously has at least one display (ANZ) and at least one input (BED). The entertainment terminal is, for example, a television set (FER).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a servo control device and method for remote surveillance and monitoring. The servo control device at least comprises an internet interface processing unit, an internet phone processing unit, an external device management unit, a wireless RF unit, a storage unit and a power unit. The method of the servo control device includes that the internet phone processing unit verifies if the phone number and password of the external communication device is correct; if YES, the external communication device enters a command; if the external communication device enters a change command, the servo control device change the status of at least an external device and the changed status information is stored in the storage unit; in addition, the internet phone processing unit transforms the status information to a image file and the image file is sent back to the external communication device.

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: A method for providing a videoconferencing service between two fourth generation wireless terminal types including cellular or wireless mobile and fixed terminals, said fixed terminals to include television receivers with a 4G wireless interface, each terminal employing a video camera, a microphone and loudspeaker. All terminal types will be rendered parametrically compatible by use of subscriber tables which identify called terminal parameters and which contain a class of service sequence which identifies the originating terminal's parameters wherein said class of service sequence is sent to the receiving terminal in an alternate caller ID along with selection characters which cause direct routing to the receiving terminal. The called subscriber may opt out of a video send mode by sending a “canned” video frame advising the caller that video is not available.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting and operating plurality of lockers in a multi apartment or multi office building connected via an interface to a video interphone system and via a local guardman or a virtual guardman over a network, for providing access to the building and opening a locker for a deliveryman to deliver packages, parcels and ordered goods. The tenants receiving a message through their video interphone monitor can retrieve the deliveries by opening the specific locker from their video interphone monitor, through the entry panel and through associated accessories.

Abstract: An in-vehicle apparatus includes: a main body part; an analog input terminal; a video processing circuit; an audio processing circuit; an input control circuit; and a microcomputer.

Abstract: A method and system for contacting emergency service providers may allow using a remote control (RC) at a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) client location. An MCDN user may use the RC, which may be configured to control customer premises equipment at the MCDN client, to signal an emergency event. In response, an MCDN server may be queried for emergency user information associated with the MCDN client and/or the MCDN user. Based on the emergency user information, third parties, such as emergency service providers, medical service providers, or private persons, may be contacted via the MCDN. A communications channel, including audio and/or video, between an emergency service provider and the MCDN client may be initiated based on the emergency user information.

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 system includes a service provider network configured to communicate with a plurality of television-based user devices. The system also includes a database storing a status of user activity with respect to each of the plurality of television-based user devices and storing indicators of user-defined relationships between respective users of the plurality of television-based user devices. The system further includes a dedicated channel accessible to a group of users of the plurality of television-based user devices. The dedicated channel is arranged to enable interactive activity between members of the group.

Abstract: Digital television system overlays subscriber two-way communication during broadcast program delivery to create virtual audience community. Individual or group billing and advertisement is personalized per DTV receiver program viewing and/or conferencing activity. Subscriber receiver includes camera and other media I/O device for multi-way video conferencing. Participants may be added or removed dynamically during programming or conferencing.

Abstract: A portable wireless system that comprises a display accessory in communication with a mobile device. The mobile device is configured to communicate with a base station. The mobile device has a memory component configured to receive and store compressed audio video content. The display accessory comprises a controller module, a local power supply, a display, and an auditory output device. The controller module is configured to communicate with the mobile device and receive the stored audio video content through a connection medium. The local power supply supplies energy to the display accessory. The display depicts video signals received from the controller module and receives power from the local power supply. The auditory output device processes audio signals from the controller module and receives power from the local power supply.

Abstract: A novel mechanism is disclosed by which a sender can direct information such as an audiovisual signal to a particular recipient's audiovisual display device, such as a cable television set and, thereby, share information between the sender and the recipient. In one embodiment of the invention, a calling party originates a telephone call and associates that telephone call with audio-visual information that exists on the caller's personal computer or on an Internet server. The called party answers the call, and can tune an associated cable television to the appropriate channel in order to view the audio-visual information. The caller can modify the audio-visual information during the call. Accordingly, the current invention ties together the telephone, cable, and IP networks in a manner that does not require large investments from cable or telephone service providers.

Abstract: In a communication of audio signals between first and second portable-telephone devices through a first portable-telephone base station, a second portable-telephone base station and a portable-telephone line network has been connected, IP addresses are exchanged. The IP addresses are for communicating image data by first and second terminal adapters associated with the first and second portable-telephone devices respectively through an OCN. Image data is then transmitted to the IP addresses through the OCN.

Abstract: Digital television system overlays subscriber two-way communication during broadcast program delivery to create virtual audience community. Individual or group billing and advertisement is personalized per DTV receiver program viewing and/or conferencing activity. Subscriber receiver includes camera and other media I/O device for multi-way video conferencing. Participants may be added or removed dynamically during programming or conferencing.

Abstract: A communication system including a communication network, an entertainment device connected to the communication network, and an application server connected to the communication network. The entertainment device has a software client adapted to provide real time two-way communication between the entertainment device and a telephony device connected to the communication network. The application server is adapted to communicate with the software client and facilitate the real time two-way communication between the entertainment device and the telephony device.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal and method of video communications thereof are disclosed, by which a broadcast program currently received by the mobile communication terminal can be transmitted to a correspondent terminal by real time using the video communications. The present invention includes a transceiver unit connecting a video call, a broadcast receiving unit receiving a broadcast program, a codec decoding the received broadcast program, and a control unit controlling the decoded broadcast program to be transmitted using the video call.

Abstract: An invention is provided for allowing user association in a computer environment. The invention includes a central server having a subscriber database, the subscriber database storing a plurality of subscriber data entries, each subscriber data entry including characteristics of a related subscriber. The system also includes a plurality of user association and communication devices. Each user association and communication device is associated with a user database that stores calling criteria data indicating preferred characteristics of subscribers. In use, the central server facilitates a calling connection between at least two user association and communication devices based on the calling criteria data stored in a user database and characteristics stored in the subscriber database.

Abstract: A control device that interacts with an entertainment system. The entertainment system drives a speaker device. The control device has a user interface that receives a user input identifying an audio selection and a language. At least one module of the control device transmits a control signal adapted to cause playing of audio information corresponding to the audio selection in the language identified by the user input on the entertainment system. The entertainment system may in addition drive a plurality of speaker devices. The control device may receive an additional language selection and cause playing of the audio information in a plurality of languages corresponding to the additional language selection on the plurality of speaker devices. Also for example, the control device may drive a second plurality of speaker devices. The control device may be adapted to receive media guide information and/or language guide information and present such information to a user.

Abstract: A communication system including a communication network, an entertainment device connected to the communication network, and an application server connected to the communication network. The entertainment device has a software client adapted to provide real time two-way communication between the entertainment device and a telephony device connected to the communication network. The application server is adapted to communicate with the software client and facilitate the real time two-way communication between the entertainment device and the telephony device.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for providing real-time notification and disposition of voice services in a cable television services system. A voice services application server enables communications between one or more telecommunications sources and subscriber set-top boxes in the cable television services system. The voice services application server, in communication with a telecommunications network, enables a subscriber to receive real-time notification of incoming telephone calls on a television connected to a set-top box and to issue disposition instructions for managing the incoming telephone calls. The disposition instructions may include answering a call, not answering a call, or forwarding a call to a voicemail system, or forwarding a call to an alternate telephone number.

Abstract: A processing device of a universal controlling device is programmed to distinguish between a first input type provided to a touch-sensitive surface and a second input type provided to the touch-sensitive surface. In response to the touch-sensitive surface being provided the first input type which is indicative of a static touch made upon the touch-sensitive surface the processing device causes a transmitter to transmit first data representative of the static touch made upon the touch-sensitive surface. In response to the touch-sensitive surface being provided the second input type which is indicative of a moving touch made across the touch-sensitive surface, the processing device causes the transmitter to transmit second data being representative of the moving touch made across the touch-sensitive surface.

Abstract: A processing device of a universal controlling device is programmed to distinguish between a first input type provided to a touch-sensitive surface and a second input type provided to the touch-sensitive surface. In response to the touch-sensitive surface being provided the first input type which is indicative of an icon selection made upon the touch-sensitive surface the processing device causes a transmitter to transmit first data representative of the selected icon. In response to the touch-sensitive surface being provided the second input type which is indicative of a moving touch made across the touch-sensitive surface, the processing device causes the transmitter to transmit second data being representative of the moving touch made across the touch-sensitive surface.

Abstract: An interactive visual menu system seamlessly integrates an interactive visual menu with an audio menu provided in an interactive voice response system. The system augments a voice menu by displaying the content of the voice menu to a caller. The system assumes that the caller is placing a call near an interactive device such as a computer and the user is logged onto the interactive device using, for example, instant messaging. The system “pushes” a graphical menu through the Internet onto the interactive device. Display of the graphical menu is synchronized with the audio menu. The caller selects the desired choices either by pressing the phone keypad or by clicking on graphical menus on the interactive device; both voice and visual information are updated accordingly.

Abstract: An optical system comprises a first image capture device for capturing an image of an observation area, a first display device, a semi-reflecting plate, a concave mirror disposed facing the first display device, and a second display device for displaying a background image. A light beam is scattered by the first display device through the semi-reflecting plate and then reflected by the mirror and the semi-reflecting plate in order to display an aerial image between the semi-reflecting plate and the observation area. A projector projects a light beam toward one of the display devices. The first image capture device is adapted to capture the image of the observation area via said one display device. A alternating control device alternates capture of an image of the observation area by the first image capture device and projection of the light beam projected by the projector.

Abstract: A network voice and video communication system for communicating with remote computer users via at least two chat applications. The network voice and video communication system captures voice and image data, acquires voice and image data, and stores voice and image data. The network voice and video communication system further receives transmission instructions from the at least two chat applications and transmits the voice and image data to the at least two chat applications. The at least two chat applications simultaneously transmits the voice and image data to corresponding network addresses of the remote computer users.

Abstract: Upon detection to connection to a cradle, a control section of a mobile communication terminal accesses a storage section to determine whether setting information indicating operation settings of various functions is stored therein. When setting information is stored therein, the control section turns on power of the mobile communication terminal and controls the respective sections to execute an operation according to the setting information. While, no setting information is stored therein, the control section performs a charging operation without turning on power of the mobile communication terminal. Then, upon detection of release of connection to the cradle, the executed operation is finished based on the setting information.

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 system to convey user alert messages is disclosed. The system may have a alert service coupled between alert providers and a number of households. After receiving in the alert service an alert message from an alert provider, the alert service may alter the alert message to identify the household designated to receive the alert message. The alert service sends a notification to a home media system within the household designated to receive the alert message.