Operating With Other Appliance (e.g., Tv, Vcr, Fax, Etc.) Patents (Class 348/14.04)
  • Publication number: 20100157014
    Abstract: A system for storing data during a video telephony call includes a portable terminal which requests data storing; a base station connected to the portable terminal and requests storing of the data to a recording server; a recording server which requests a user registration and data storing to a data management server, and transmits a message indicative of the start of the data storing to the base station; and a data management server which provides the storage of the recorded data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yun Joo MOON
  • Patent number: 7742068
    Abstract: A method and system for automatic camera configuration, upon establishment of a communication session is described. A number is entered into a video phone and a first segment of a communication session is established between the video phone and a service system. The service system retrieves and stores a current default pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) setting from the video phone camera. The service system transmits the video phone's corresponding camera PTZ preset settings and the video phone configures the camera according to the preset. Upon termination of the communication session, a video relay service (VRS) transmits the default PTZ setting to the video phone and the video phone reconfigures the camera according to the original camera setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Sorenson Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Cupal, Glenn Daniel Clapp, Pat Nola
  • Publication number: 20100091084
    Abstract: This combined video phone and television set will revolutionize communications as we know them. It will bring together all peoples of the world for purposes of family, friendship, education, compassion, love and ecology. Its ease of use will allow any person to turn on the television set and dial up anyone in the world for the purposes above. It will contain a Caller ID unit in which privacy can be obtained and all of this can be performed in the comforts and conveniences of the every day household living room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Keith Parker
  • Patent number: 7693316
    Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for displaying hologram of a mobile communication terminal. The present invention can create hologram from two-dimensional image by providing a hologram processing function for a mobile communication terminal and provide the hologram to a user. Further, the mobile communication terminal with the hologram processing function can perform medical diagnosis on a user, and thus can save a life by performing accurate medical diagnosis in emergency through hologram communication with an emergency center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Pantech & Curitel Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Tae Hyo Lee
  • Publication number: 20100073455
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Kazunori Iwabuchi, Hiroki Mizosoe, Mutsumi Shimoda, Setiawan Bondan, Manabu Sasamoto
  • Patent number: 7679681
    Abstract: Disclosed is a television receiver including a presetting section to carry out presetting by assigning a frequency in a receiving band to each of a plurality of receiving channel positions as a preset channel including: a memory section to store telephone number information of a call center which responds to an inquiry of a customer; a display section to display the telephone number information of the call center; a judging section to judge whether or not at least one of the receiving channel positions has been preset by the presetting section; and a display controlling section to read the telephone number information of the call center stored in the memory section and to display the read telephone number information in the display section, when the judging section has judged that no presetting has been carried out in any one of the receiving channel positions by the presetting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Funai Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: YungChuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20100060715
    Abstract: A television receiver system, comprising: a television receiver operable to receive broadcast video signals; a memory storing a communication client application; a processor, coupled to the memory and operable to execute the communication client application, wherein the communication client application is programmed so as when executed to allow a user to establish a video call with one or more other users via a packet-based communication network; a video buffer operable to buffer video data for display on a television screen; and selection means having a first input arranged to receive broadcast video data from the television receiver, a second input arranged to receive video call data from the communication client, an output connected to the video buffer, and a control input connected to the communication client, wherein the selection means is arranged to output the broadcast video data to the video buffer in the absence of a selection signal at the control input, and wherein the communication client is arra
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Skype Limited
    Inventors: Marek Laasik, Madis Kaal
  • Patent number: 7657227
    Abstract: A method and system for providing enhanced display capability for mobile phones and handheld devices, such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), when such devices are within range of external display devices equipped with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and display data receivers. The mobile phone searches for RFID tag-equipped external display devices, and upon locating such a device sends a request to the external device for connection and configuration information. Once the connection and configuration information from the external display device is received by the mobile phone or handheld device, a process of automatic synchronization between the mobile phone and the external display device occurs. The output images of the mobile phone are then transmitted to the external display device, which includes the functionality or mechanisms to receive and regenerate the output images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Hoang Doan, Liliana Orozco, Leonel Saenz, III
  • Publication number: 20090309955
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Philip Gladstone
  • Patent number: 7634254
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile set integrating a memory efficient data storage system for the real time recording of voice conversations, data transmission and the like. The data recorder has the capacity to selectively choose the most relevant time frames of a conversation for recording, while discarding time frames that only occupy additional space in memory without holding any conversational data. The invention executes a series of logic steps on each signal including a voice activity detector step, frame comparison step, and sequential recording step. A mobile set having a modified architecture for performing the methods of the present invention is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Fei Xie
  • Patent number: 7631261
    Abstract: A method for creating visual telepresence for a large number of simultaneous users includes the step of simultaneously and continuously processing sets of images from a plurality of cameras to produce sets of short visual sequences that provide for virtual short movements in the environment. Additional steps include routing these many simultaneous repetitive short sequences to a plurality of user service processes. These short sequences are then composed into continuous video streams that provide convincing visual display of telepresence to many simultaneous users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Inoue Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas D. Williams, Alfred A. Hough
  • Patent number: 7616226
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a video conference system (SC, SE, VI) comprising at least one visual scan means (SC), a mediating Server entity (SE) and a at least one visual presentation means (VI) for presenting a scanned perspective view connected via a network, where the visual scan means (SC) comprises change means for changing the perspective view, and the video conference system (SC, SE, VI) comprises further mediating means (SE), storage means (MO), and control means that are adapted to process individual visual perspectives for the at least one visual presentation means, where the mediating means are adapted to aggregate multiple scanned views, where the storage means buffer the aggregate multiple scanned views, where the control means are adapted to instruct the change means for selecting a scan perspective, and where retrieval means are adapted to extract a requested individual perspective view out of the aggregated multiple scanned views.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Horst Roessler, Peter Szabo, Michael Walter Hoche
  • Patent number: 7617063
    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 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Tiegs
  • Patent number: 7609286
    Abstract: A videoconferencing system couples to a network for providing videoconferencing services to a user. The videoconferencing session is controlled and initiated by a user in a manner consistent with establishing a conventional audio-only session. In one embodiment, an independently operable voice-only telephone handset couples to an audio and video communication device. The videoconferencing session is established by taking the telephone handset to an off-hook status and entering a dialed phone number sequence. The audio and video communication device retrieves a network address corresponding to the dialed phone number sequence and initiates a call sequence corresponding to the retrieved network address until the telephone handset goes into an on-hook status. The audio and video communication device further includes video interfaces for presenting the video aspects to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Sorenson Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Cupal, Dave Perkes, Doug Jewell, Scot Brooksby
  • Patent number: 7593031
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a videoconferencing system that has been integrated into a flat panel display or computer monitor. The integration provides an improved form factor for the videoconferencing system. In addition, the integration offers the dual use as a computer monitor and as a videoconferencing system. The system includes a videoconferencing module attaching to a back of the flat panel display. The videoconferencing module has videoconferencing electronics that electronically connect to integral electronics of the display. The system also includes a microphone/camera module attaching to a top of the flat panel display. The microphone/camera module has a camera and microphone that both electronically connect to the videoconferencing electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Polycom, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Root, Anthony M Duys, Daniel R Phelps
  • Patent number: 7583320
    Abstract: A dynamic picture display system. The system consists of an LCD display that is approximately the size of a framed picture, a USB cable that is connected to the LCD display, and a computer system for formatting still or moving images, (pictures) for display on the computer system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Darrell Griffin
  • Patent number: 7573498
    Abstract: A system and methods are described for providing video conferencing services to a television-service subscriber via a television host device and a television-service-provider network. A request to participate in a video-communication session is sent from a television host device to a network entity. Based on the request, the network entity establishes a video-communication session between the television host device and at least one video-communication endpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Shingara Singh Dhanoa, Ezzat Suleiman Atieh
  • Patent number: 7558977
    Abstract: A display device for managing power supply in an active stand-by mode is disclosed. More specifically, the display device includes a signal mode supply unit which provides control signals for a mode in which a digital cable ready (DCR) feature is selected or for a mode in which a digital video recorder (DVR) feature and a signal processing circuit are selected. Furthermore, the device includes a stand-by power supply unit for supplying power for operating a micro computer and for operating at least one DCR feature if the DCR feature is selected, and a multi-power supply unit for supplying power for operating at least one DVR feature and for operating a signal processing circuit if the DVR feature is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dae Hyun Kim, Tae Hwa Lee
  • Publication number: 20090167838
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for cleaning a telemedicine booth include identifying a custodian in the booth, providing visual and/or audio prompting or instructions on cleaning the booth, receiving input from the custodian regarding the status of the cleaning performed on the booth, and transmitting information regarding the cleaning of the booth to a remote computer system. The method and apparatus further include providing an ultra-violet light source in the booth and activating the light source to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria, or kill bacteria. An alert/notification may be sent to a custodian that the booth needs or could use cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: David I. Poisner, Kenny B. Bailey
  • Patent number: 7555312
    Abstract: A mobile terminal comprising a first body comprising an image receiving unit, an image output unit, a first sound output unit, a first information input unit and a wireless communication module, a second body comprising a second information input unit, a second sound input unit, a second sound output unit and a wireless communication module, wherein the second body is capable of being slidingly mounted to the first body and separated from the first body, and a locking unit for preventing separation of the second body from the first body, wherein the wireless communication modules of the first body and the second body are capable of wirelessly communicating with each other when the first body and the second body are detached from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Eun-Mi Kim, Yoo-Seok Cho, Dong-Eun Kim, Jung-Pil Yun
  • Publication number: 20090141117
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: ELBEX VIDEO LTD.
    Inventor: David ELBERBAUM
  • Patent number: 7536029
    Abstract: An apparatus for tracking and identifying objects includes an audio likelihood module which determines corresponding audio likelihoods for each of a plurality of sounds received from corresponding different directions, each audio likelihood indicating a likelihood a sound is an object to be tracked; a video likelihood module which receives a video and determines video likelihoods for each of a plurality of images disposed in corresponding different directions in the video, each video likelihood indicating a likelihood that the image is an object to be tracked; and an identification and tracking module which determines correspondences between the audio likelihoods and the video likelihoods, if a correspondence is determined to exist between one of the audio likelihoods and one of the video likelihoods, identifies and tracks a corresponding one of the objects using each determined pair of audio and video likelihoods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Changkyu Choi, Hyoung-ki Lee, Sang Min Yoon, Donggeon Kong
  • Publication number: 20090122131
    Abstract: A method for controlling two devices, separated from each other, during an audio muting mode operation. A control device causes an audio device to become muted during the audio muting mode. The control device also causes a video device to output a text service during the duration of the audio muting mode. Preferably, the text service corresponds to the audio portion of a media service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Gilmore Mears
  • Publication number: 20090109277
    Abstract: A mobile communication terminal for providing a Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) service interworking with video telephony and a method thereof are provided. The mobile communication system includes a first mobile communication terminal for generating RFID service information by using RFID tag information and for transmitting the generated information to a second mobile communication terminal, and the second mobile communication terminal for parsing the RFID service information received from the first mobile communication terminal and for outputting the parsed RFID service information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Min-Cheol KANG
  • Patent number: 7508412
    Abstract: A portable electronic device and a video conference system integrated with the portable electronic device are described. The video conference system has a portable electronic device, a computer, and a display. The portable electronic device generates first video data. The computer receives second video data and second voice data from a remote electronic device. The computer receives the first video data through a transmission interface. The computer has an audio-receiving device for receiving an audio signal and generating first audio data. The display receives and displays the second video data. The computer displays the second audio data and sends the first video data and the first audio data to the remote electronic device through a network transmission medium, so that a video conference is conducted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventor: Wan-Hsieh Liu
  • Publication number: 20090073253
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a video communication apparatus. A LAN connection unit connected to a LAN so as to connect to the Internet. A modem provides access to a PSTN. A DSP processes digital signals received from the LAN connection unit and the modem, and converts internal signals into digital signals. A CPU receives standard signals, and to converts them into signals suitable for a TV, or directly/indirectly receives signals through a terrestrial wave/cable broadcast signal reception unit or camera signals and transmits them to the DSP. A memory unit records programs and protocols. A PIP processing unit directly/indirectly receives signals from the CPU or the terrestrial wave/cable broadcast signals, receives adjustment commands for image compilation, and transmits compiled signals so as to arrange images, to be displayed, in a predetermined manner. A TV receives and displays the compiled signals from the PIP processing unit. A user interface inputs commands for the CPU and inputs additional signals for the CPU.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Digital Multimedia Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hee Kee Lee
  • Publication number: 20090046138
    Abstract: A home network integrates a television to enable a user to use the television to conduct an Internet video conference by leveraging the Internet video conferencing functionality provided by a home computer connected to the Internet. The television is connected to the home network via a TV client module, and a video camera co-located with the television is also connected to the TV client. The TV client presents on the television an Internet conferencing option selectable by a user to invoke the video conferencing functionality of the personal computer. During the video conference, video and audio data captured by the video camera are transmitted by the TV client over the home network to the personal computer fro forwarding onto the conferencing parties on the Internet, and user interface data representing video/audio streams received from the Internet are transmitted by the personal computer to the TV client for display on the television.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Salim S. AbiEzzi, Kosar Jaff
  • Patent number: 7484015
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a user interface is provided. The apparatus includes a transmitting/receiving unit-that receives a instruction signal transmitted by a control device, and a control unit in communication with the transmitting/receiving unit that determines whether devices connected to an audio-video (AV) network can be operated according to the instruction signal that is received, wherein the control device includes a first button that is operable to display a list menu that lists the devices connected to the AV network on a display, and a second button that is operable to display a function menu of at least one function corresponding to the devices on the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-woo Kim, Young-jae Ryu
  • Publication number: 20090021574
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Yohei Iwami
  • Patent number: 7477413
    Abstract: An Internet fax apparatus and its method are proposed. In the present invention, an Internet fax program capable of functioning together with conventional scanners, printers, or a combination of both, is provided. By connecting to a computer, which has the Internet fax program installed therein, with an image-capturing device, a sound-recording device and a handwriting input device, the present invention can attach video or handwritten attachment to a facsimile file and send it via the Internet. Thus, the present invention reduces the cost of sending a fax and provides a powerful and user-friendly facsimile function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: Chao-Hung Wu
  • Publication number: 20090009586
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Cassanova
  • Patent number: 7456857
    Abstract: The invention provides a mobile communication terminal in which the operating time can be prolonged when the videophone function is used, and a videophone with many persons involved therein can be realized while maintaining the freedom of the movement. A TRX unit receives video and audio data sent from a base station. A radio processing LSI performs the A/D conversion of the video and audio data. A CPU extracts the received video and audio data from a compressed state by use of MPEG or the like, and then outputs the resulting data to a built-in LCD and a built-in loudspeaker. When the data output destination is changed to a Bluetooth control LSI by manipulating operation keys, the built-in LCD and built-in loudspeaker are turned off. By using a Bluetooth TRX unit, the Bluetooth control LSI sends the compressed data through a Bluetooth receiver to an external display and loudspeaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Hikaru Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7450148
    Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of devices including a master device having AV terminals and slave devices connected to the master device through a communication control line, with the use of a single remote control. The method includes detecting the slave devices, and allocating a device ID to each of the slave devices, identifying to which slave device each AV terminal is connected, by controlling the detected slave devices to be powered on or off through the communication control line with the use of the device ID, receiving a predetermined key code from a user's remote control, and determining which device among the master device and the slave devices to control and determining an operation of the device, by referring to an item of mapping table corresponding to the key code, and controlling operation of the device through the communication control line with the use of the device ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-kwon Kim, Yong-jun Kim, Hyo-dae Kim, Yu-seong Jeon, Jong-wook Park, Eu-gene Choi, Sung-hee Kim, Young-mi Kang
  • Publication number: 20080218581
    Abstract: A network audio/video communication system, a communication device and operation and an audio/video data processing method for the same is disclosed. A user utilizes a remote control unit for operating communication software inside a network audio/video communication device to achieve audio/video communication anywhere via the Internet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Midas Tsai
  • Patent number: 7421246
    Abstract: A wireless communication device comprising a search apparatus and a detection apparatus, wherein the search apparatus searches for a peripheral device when the detection apparatus detects that the peripheral device is likely to be utilized by the wireless communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin Richard Layley, Trevor John Beer
  • Patent number: 7417535
    Abstract: An apparatus for converting a low voltage alternating current (AC) wiring circuit to a high speed data communications link, comprising a primary coupling circuit and a secondary coupling circuit. The apparatus provides low voltage AC power to a data device and couples data signals between the data device and the AC power line via the converted low voltage AC wiring circuit. An example is provided for retrofitting a door chime system to a high speed data link such as a video camera system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: RadioShack Corporation
    Inventors: David K. Mathews, Alfred C. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20080117284
    Abstract: One multimedia network sound box, which combines network camera, speaker, microphone and sound box shell into one entity and applies one set of audio & video transmission facility to transmit signal to mainframe of PC so as to provide remote audio & video signal transmission of Internet for video conference and chat. Therefore, it is practical and furthermore reduces installation steps and the cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Hui-Hu Liang
  • Patent number: 7339605
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Polycom, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Rodman, David Drell, Rick A. Vander Kam, Martin G. Sexton, Don Binford, Alain Nimri, Jeff Ratcliff, Carolyn Kilday, Michael J. Hess
  • Patent number: 7339604
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: 8x8, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Barraclough, Bryan R. Martin, Kevin Deierling
  • Patent number: 7251329
    Abstract: A personalized smart card stores therein public and private cryptography keys stored which are used to securely request and receive subscriber content data from a service provider, utilizing a remote control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Ari M. Ikonen, Harri Okkonen, Pekka J. Heinonen
  • Publication number: 20070153083
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for applying a background skin in an Internet protocol (IP) network, a first terminal sends a call request message, including background skin index information, to a second terminal. The second terminal sends a response message, including background skin index information, to the first terminal in response to the received call request message. The first terminal and the second terminal separately receive and display background skin data transmitted between the first terminal and the second terminal, and display multimedia data transmitted and received during a session established between the first terminal and the second terminal, together with the background skin displayed on each terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventor: Hang-Rak Choi
  • Patent number: 7227512
    Abstract: A bi-directional communication system comprising a base apparatus and a display apparatus. The display apparatus is a portable liquid crystal display for viewing video programs and browsing the internet. The base apparatus contains a television turner for receiving broadcast signals and wirelessly transmits programming to the display apparatus. An infrared remote control device connected to the base apparatus is used to control various external input-devices (e.g., a VCR or DVD player). Control menus for the base apparatus and the external input device can be displayed on the display apparatus. The display apparatus contains a touch screen, so that a user can select operational commands for controlling the base apparatus and external input devices. The display apparatus wirelessly transmits selected operational commands to the base apparatus, which then retransmits the commands to the appropriate external input device using the infrared remote control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Mami Uchida, Ayumi Mizobuchi, Kasumi Takeda
  • Patent number: 7227529
    Abstract: A system and method for enabling a wireless terminal to access and operate ubiquitous devices (“UDs”), such as televisions, DVD players, etc. The system comprises a server coupled to access points and UDs via a LAN or a WLAN. Each access point is associated with both a map of an associated area and an overlay indicating the location of the UDs within that area. In response to wireless terminal requests relayed by an access point, the server retrieves the map and overlay associated with the access point, and transmits that data to the terminal for display. Alternatively, a list of UDs may be transmitted. Selection of a UD from the display causes an image of the UD's control panel to be displayed, from which the device may be remotely controlled by the user. A mechanism is also provided to permit users to display maps of areas other than the one in which the user is currently located to permit remote control of UDs in such areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Riku Suomela
  • Patent number: 7181240
    Abstract: When a terminal apparatus such as a cellular phone having a main body and a subsidiary body provided with a display unit, receives a digital terrestrial television broadcasting signal including multiplexed video data and text data, an image process is executed to display an image of the video data on an upper half portion of the display unit and to display an image of the text data on a lower half portion of the display unit, when the subsidiary body is kept in a first transit position while the main body is kept in a fixed position. When the subsidiary body is kept in a second transit position while the main body is kept in a fixed position, the image process is executed so as to display the image of the video data on the entire area of the display unit and to display the image of the text data on the displayed image of the video data in an overlapping manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyoichi Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 7145609
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus of processing input signals of a display appliance having a plurality of external input terminals and connected to a set top box with a plurality of external input terminals. The method comprises the steps of: detecting a connecting state to the set top box, a signal receiving state from the set top box, a signal receiving state via the external input terminals of the display appliance; selecting and outputting any one of signals supplied from the set top box and signals supplied via external input terminals of the display appliance; and during outputting the selected signal, if a user requests to output a signal inputted from any one of external input terminals of the set top box and the display appliance, selecting and outputting the selected signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Min Kyung Kim
  • Patent number: 7091866
    Abstract: When an emergency push-button is depressed, an alarm sound output part in a portable telephone set outputs a high volume level alarm sound, and a flashlight part 8 emits light or flickered light. Furthermore, at the time of the light emission from the flashlight part 8, a camera 7 picks up an evidence photograph and causes the picked-up photograph to be automatically transmitted to a predetermined mail address of police or a guard company.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Takahisa Nishibori
  • Patent number: 6944880
    Abstract: A remote control for an interactive television system includes an integrated microphone and a wireless transmitter for transmitting audio information generated by the microphone to the interactive television system. A set top box for the interactive television system includes a wireless receiver for receiving the audio information and a converter for transforming the audio information into a network-compatible audio stream for transmission to a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Digeo, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul G. Allen
  • Patent number: 6847403
    Abstract: A portable integrated videoconferencing unit has an integral housing in which an interior chamber houses an electronics board for performing video, audio, and communications processing. Integrally mounted on the housing are a video camera and preferably a microphone array for providing directive audio processing. The electronics board receives and processes video and audio outputs of the camera and microphone array respectively, and generates compressed video and audio outputs for transmission over the communications channel. The electronics board also receives compressed video conferencing signals from the channel and processes those signals to generate the appropriate video and audio signals for connection to a video monitor. Various elements are isolated from the microphones to reduce noise and vibration, and an answer bar can be mounted on the integrated unit to provide an easy known answer capability where an automatic answering mode is not desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Polycom, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy W. Forsberg, Jr., Alan M. Rock, Andrew H. Nilssen, Dennis S. Kallelis, Mark R. Duckworth
  • Publication number: 20040239753
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for enabling an improved portable media player are provided. The apparatus provides improved media recording, synchronization, rendering and user interface experiences for a user. In various embodiments, portable media players are provided with a closed position for substantially protecting the media screen when music is being played, and an open position which uncovers the media screen for the viewing of video, photos, movies and the like. For instance, there is provided a portable media player with a small screen with a dual-sided cover spreading outward to reveal a large screen with wings on either side. User Interface controls may be located on the wings, and the functionality may be augmented or replaced with swappable, interchangeable wings offering cartridge like replaceable functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: David W. Proctor, Michael Cerceo, Udiyan Ilanjeran Padmanabhan, Joost Godee, Maximillian Philip Burton
  • Publication number: 20040207721
    Abstract: A user interface support system and method. The user interface support system of the present invention includes a UI support module provided in a household electric appliance, for supporting UIs through input/output modules depending on the conditions of respective users; and an external UI support module provided in a web server or home server connected to the UI support module through a wired/wireless communication network, for managing the input/output modules depending on the conditions of the respective users transmitted through the UI support module and providing an input/output module requested by the UI support module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun-Sik Yoon, Kyoung-Hoon Yi