Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling intra-refreshing in a video telephone communication system are provided. A reception apparatus checks a sequence number and a CRC for received video packet data to detect presence of a packet loss, decodes the received video data to check frame type information, generates a control signal for requesting intra-refreshing in accordance with the checked frame type information and the sequence number, and transmits the generated control signal for requesting intra-refreshing to a transmission apparatus.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for processing an image, includes a face detector for detecting an image of a face of a subject contained in a captured image, based on image information of the captured image supplied from an imaging unit, a face feature detector for detecting a face feature contained in the face image, based on image information of the face image detected by the face detector, a normalizer for normalizing the face image detected by the face detector, based on a detected position of the face feature detected by the face feature detector and generating a normalized face image, and a face expression detector for detecting a face expression contained in the face image, based on image information of the normalized face image generated by the normalized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus controls an output level of a voice signal for video telephony by considering the distance between a user and a terminal and surrounding noises. An input image signal and an input voice signal of the user to be used for the video telephony are received at the user's terminal. A received image signal and a received voice signal received from the other party's terminal to which the video telephony is connected, are output on the user's terminal. The user's face region included in the input image signal is extracted. A size information of the extracted face region is checked. A distance information about a distance from the user is checked using the size information. And an output level of the received voice signal is controlled based on the distance information.

Abstract: Particular embodiments generally relate to providing different censoring levels for audio-video streams. In one embodiment, an audio-video stream is received. Metadata including censoring information for the audio-video stream is also received. The audio-video stream and metadata may be sent by a source in separate streams. A first level of censoring associated with a first receiver is determined along with a second level of censoring for a second receiver. A first audio-video stream is generated for the first receiver with a first censor level and a second audio-video stream is generated for the second receiver with a second censor level. For example, the first audio-video stream may include censoring of faces and the second audio-video stream may be an audio-video stream without censoring or may censor some other part of the audio-video. The first audio-video stream and the second audio-video stream are then sent to the first and second receivers, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for reducing delay in video communication, including, for example, video transcoding and continuous presence in a multipoint multimedia conference. The video communication control unit reduces such delay by processing a video stream in a small number of macroblocks referred to as “chunks,” without waiting to get a full frame of video data. Instead, the incoming video stream is converted into decoded chunks. These decoded chunks are transferred to an output module without waiting to decode an entire frame. An encoder in the output module encodes the decoded chunks (also referred to as encoder chunks), and transfers them to an end user without waiting for the entire frame to be processed. Thus, reducing the delay in waiting for the entire frame of video data provides improved real-time video communication.

Abstract: Video send and receive capabilities of participants are determined by the respective machines determining available combinations, as well as preferences for the receivers. Receiver capabilities are forwarded to the source for computation of negotiated video capabilities through a logic intersection of the determined capabilities based on desired number of streams and resolutions. If a resolution of a send capability exists within the receive capability, the highest frame and/or bit rate may be selected for transmission.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a video communication terminal and a method of providing road guidance using the same. More specifically, the present invention provides a road guidance service to a user during video communication by transmitting the user's location information to a user of a correspondent video communication terminal and receiving road guidance information from the correspondent video communication terminal. The method of road guidance includes requesting, by a first video communication terminal road guidance, to a second video communication terminal through video communication, transmitting, if the first video communication terminal receives a signal accepting to provide the road guidance from the second video communication terminal, a location value of the first video communication terminal to the second video communication terminal and displaying a map including the location of the first video communication terminal in the second video communication terminal.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system includes a first videoconferencing unit coupled to a network and associated with a first e-mail address. The first videoconferencing unit receives a second e-mail address and automatically sends a request e-mail requesting connection information to the second e-mail address. A second videoconferencing unit is coupled to the network and is associated with the second e-mail address. The second videoconferencing unit receives the request e-mail and automatically returns a response e-mail including connection information to the first e-mail address. The first videoconferencing unit receives the response e-mail and automatically obtains the connection information from the response e-mail. Using the connection information, the first videoconferencing unit initiates a videoconference call with the second videoconference unit.

Abstract: A communication device (12), computer readable medium and method for synchronizing video data with audio data received by a communication device, the video data including a plurality of segments of video data and the audio data including a plurality of segments of audio data. The method includes receiving a first segment of audio data at the communication device (12); receiving a first segment of video data at the communication device, at the same time or later in time than the first segment of audio data, the first segment of video data being logically related to the first segment of audio data; and applying a synchronization mechanism between the first segment of audio data and the first segment of video data based on a predetermined indicator.

Abstract: Methods, media, and devices for providing visual resources of video conference participants are provided. In some embodiments, methods for providing a visual resource of a participant to a video conference comprise: determining that the participant is joining or departing the video conference; accessing a visual resource that identifies the participant; and presenting the visual resource to at least one other participant to the video conference.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed invention include an apparatus, method, and computer program product for enabling a user to participate in a videoconference. For example, in one embodiment, a video conferencing eyewear apparatus that includes a network interface for receiving a data stream from a video conference server, the data stream including a video and audio associated with a first party, and a shared presentation. In addition, the video conferencing eyewear apparatus includes a data storage component that stores computer executable instructions; and a processor that executes the computer executable instructions to display the video on a first display of the video conferencing eyewear apparatus; display the shared presentation on a second display of the video conferencing eyewear apparatus; and output the audio to an audio output component of video conferencing eyewear apparatus.

Abstract: The instant video messaging system includes a display unit, an image capture unit, and a capture adjustment sub-system. The display unit is configured to display consecutive images transmitted from a remote end via a network. The image capture unit is configured to capture the consecutive images in a predetermined area. The capture adjustment sub-system is connected to the display unit and the image capture unit and configured to locate select subject aspects, determine if the select subject aspects comply with a predetermined presentation, adjust the select subject aspects of the captured images, and transmit the consecutive images to the remote end via the network.

Abstract: A method for authoring and sending from a network element and receiving at a mobile device, rich media, the sending having the steps of checking whether the rich media includes discrete content; if yes, sending a low resolution version of the discrete content with the rich media; and subsequently sending a higher resolution version of the rich media. The receiving having the steps of receiving a low resolution version of the discrete content in the rich media; rendering the rich media; receiving a higher resolution fragment of the discrete content; and incrementally applying the higher resolution fragments to the low resolution version of the discrete content.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting resolution for a video conference through a set-top box. An invitation to accept a video conference is accepted through a set-top box. A line resolution for the video conference is set based on user input. A determination is made whether available bandwidth is at a threshold to support the line resolution. The line resolution is adjusted based on the determination. The video conference is implemented utilizing the adjusted line resolution.

Abstract: A telepresence system enhances the perception of presence of a remote person involved in a video conference. The system preferably has a two-way mirror, which is between the observer and the display device, positioned at an angle to reflect a backdrop surface. The backdrop surface, which is further away from the two-way mirror than the image plane of the image display device, appears superimposed in a position behind the image of a person from the remote location. The system preferably minimizes image distortion via an optical path for the camera line of sight that is substantially longer than the physical distance between the user and the camera. The system may be asymmetrical, in that one camera is on axis with the user's line of sight while the other camera is off axis with the user's line of sight.

Abstract: A system allocates channel bandwidth based on the data received from a plurality of remote sources. A de-multiplexer/priority circuit separates two or more different data streams into their components parts. A stream modification driver modifies one or more characteristics of the data received from the de-multiplexer/priority circuit based on a priority assigned to the data by the de-multiplexer/priority circuit. The de-multiplexer/priority circuit determines the data transfer rates for each of the different data streams based on the assigned priority.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods disclosed herein provide for multipoint video teleconferencing via a communication network utilizing a relay communication device. The system comprises a plurality of video teleconferencing sites adapted to transmit and receive audio and video data via the relay communication device. Each video teleconferencing site is adapted to transmit audio and video data to the relay communication device. Each video teleconferencing site is adapted to receive audio and video data from the relay communication device, assemble the received audio and video data from each of the other video teleconferencing sites, and present the assembled audio and video data to one or more viewers via an audio and video interface.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example and includes receiving image data at a camera element that is provisioned at a first endpoint, which is configured to conduct a video session involving a second endpoint. The method also includes identifying an incoming request for the video session; signaling to the camera element to open a lens included within the camera element; detecting that the video session has been terminated; and signaling to the camera element to close the lens.

Abstract: Multiple video picture frames are combined into a spatial multiplex video picture frame that may be fully decoded and displayed. The video display of the spatial multiplex video picture frame is a composite combination of all of the video picture frames that have been combined, and may have an appearance such as a mosaic. Multiplexing the video picture frames involves removing picture headers, creating a picture header for the spatial multiplex video picture frame, and altering the headers of individual components of each video picture frame. The new header for the spatial multiplex video picture frame indicates a slice format frame, and headers of the individual components are altered to provide a slice format based picture position for each video picture frame. The headers of the individual components are altered to become slice based, such as in accordance with the ITU-T H.263 video standard, prior to establishing the slice based picture position if the frames are not already of the slice format.

Abstract: A picture control device configured to convert and output a bit-rate of an input picture data stream having an input bit-rate, includes: a first decoder configured to decode the input picture data stream; an encoder configured to encode the output of the first decoder with a plurality of converted bit-rates; an output unit configured to output the picture data encoded with a first bit-rate by the encoder, for recording; a second decoder configured to decode the same picture data encoded at a second bit-rate by the encoder; and a control unit configured to determine the second bit-rate based on the first bit-rate.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system which encodes different streams of information. The information may include video, audio, speech recognized versions of the audio, and language translated versions of the audio. Text may be sent as part of the videoconference.

Abstract: Video processing architectures, systems, and methods for a multipoint control unit are provided. In one example, a video processing system includes a motherboard and at least one daughterboard, each daughterboard having a plurality of processors interconnected via a daughterboard switch, where the daughterboard switch is configured to switch data between the plurality of processors and between the motherboard and daughterboard. The video processing system may further include a plurality of daughterboards each having an identical hardware and/or mechanical configuration. The plurality of daughterboards may be configured to be mechanically and electrically couplable together in any order, and may be stackable to form a series chain of daughterboards extending from the motherboard, each respective daughterboard switch being further configured to switch data to a daughterboard switch on another daughterboard to permit data flow along said series chain.

Abstract: The present invention allows a user to customize her personal conference bridge such that conference participants who connect to the bridge are provided conference information selected by the user. In particular, after each conference participant gains access to the personal conference bridge, the conference information is delivered to a terminal of the conference participant. Although the user associated with the personal conference bridge may be a conference participant, delivery of conference information to the user is optional. The conference information may be any type of media content, or information identifying the location of media content to present to the conference participants.

Abstract: A telepresence apparatus, a method of operating a telepresence apparatus, and a tangible computer readable storage medium in a telepresence apparatus that is configured with instructions that when executed cause operating of the telepresence apparatus. The telepresence apparatus includes video cameras districted co-planar with a display wall and capturing camera views of a scene. The camera views from the video processor combined to form a video signal for transmission to one or more remote endpoints, the video signal corresponding to a synthetic view from a point that is substantially behind the wall and as if the wall was not there.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for upstream video sources to be synchronized in vertical sync time and in frame rate, so that a downstream device can create a composite image with low latency. At a video compositor device, a plurality of video streams are received that comprise at least first and second video streams. First and second vertical synchronization points associated with the first and second video streams points are determined. A difference in time between the first and second vertical synchronization points is determined. At least one control signal or message is generated that is configured to change a video capture frame rate associated with one or both of the first and second video streams to reduce the difference in time and the control message is sent to video capture devices for one or both of the first and second video streams. Techniques are also provided for upstream video sources, e.g., cameras, to receive the control message and respond accordingly.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example and includes receiving a request to establish a video session between a first user and a second user. The request is sent by the second user by dialing an identifier string associated with the first user. The method also includes evaluating whether the first user has accepted the request. If the first user has not accepted the request over a designated interval, then the second user is directed to an element configured for recording a videomail message for access by the first user. The method also includes identifying the first user has accepted the request, and establishing the video session between the first user and the second user.

Abstract: Video communication systems and methods for operating the same are provided with the method determining privacy settings for a video communication event; establishing a video communication link with a video communication system at a remote site; capturing video images of a field of view of at least one image capture device; determining a video context based at least in part upon a determined contextual classification for the communication event; analyzing the captured video images to identify privacy sensitive areas in the captured video images, using a scene analysis algorithm which examines a content of the video images and image context characteristics of the video images based upon the determined privacy settings; modifying the image characteristics in identified privacy sensitive image areas of captured video images, to control the image and image context characteristics to an extent consistent with the determined privacy settings; and transmitting the modified video images.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes generating a user interface for displaying one or more images, receiving a request from a remote device to view the user interface, determining whether the remote device is a mobile device communicating over a wireless network, depending on a result of the determination, generating a low resolution version of the user interface that is computationally less intensive to render compared to the previously generated user interface, and transmitting the low resolution version of the user interface to the requesting device.

Abstract: An advanced video teleconferencing system facilitates an engaging and realistic video conferencing experience. Key design elements and video, audio, and control capabilities are provided for a video conferencing experience that cannot be attained with conventional methods, which elements and capabilities include careful design of the table and room at each site, supplementary displays showing imagery in a mirrored manner, networked environmental control, an AutoDirector with keyword and gesture recognition, and audio reflection from a display or beam splitter.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a system and method for controlling the rate a data encoder generates compressed data. The system and method are preferably implemented as program code stored and executed by a processor or computer that is interfaced to standard variable or constant bit rate encoders known in the art. The system preferably encodes and compresses video signals received from a camera, and controls the rate at which the compressed data is generated by the encoder so that storage capacity reserved for the compressed data will not be exceeded. The device preferably takes advantage of periods when the data generation rate is low to increase the quality of video data generated during periods of high activity.

Abstract: A streaming video system may include a video capture terminal configured to communicate with a first communications network and a video receiving terminal configured to communicate with a second network operatively connected to the first network. The video capture terminal may be configured to capture video data and stream the video data to the receiving terminal via the first network and the second network in substantially real-time.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating user communication from a location. The system comprises two or more cameras for capturing two or more videos at a first location, a control unit for streaming one or more of the videos captured to a first communication unit at the first location through a first network, and streaming one or more of the videos captured to a second communication unit located at a second location through a second network, a server for identifying a location data of the first location based on an identifier of the control unit, and a communication platform associated with the first location. The communication platform is accessible by the first and second communication units through the first and second networks respectively.

Abstract: Video communication systems and methods for communicating between an individual in a local environment, and a remote viewer in a remote environment are provided. The system has an image display device; at least one image capture device which acquires video images for fields of view of a local environment, and any individuals therein; an audio system having an audio emission device and an audio capture device; a computer, which includes a contextual interface having a gaze adapting process, and image processor; and a communication controller which transmits and receives video images of the local environment and the remote environment, and data regarding video scene characteristics thereof across a network between the local environment and the remote environment; wherein the gaze adapting process identifies video scene characteristics of the local environment indicative of eye gaze image capture and altering the video images when the characteristics are indicative.

Abstract: Video communication devices and methods are provided. The device has an image display device; a first image capture device that acquires video images depicting a wide field of view within the local environment; a second image capture device that acquires video images depicting a narrow field of view within the wide field of view; a communication system that is adapted to use a communication network to transmit outgoing video images; and a computer causing the capture of video images during a communication event, and further being adapted to identify a video context for the communication event; wherein said computer uses a scene analysis algorithm to examine concurrent video images from the image capture device based upon the identified video context to determine the extent to which video images from the first image capture device and the second image capture device are to be incorporated into the outgoing video images.

Abstract: A camera operably coupled to a configurable camera interface within a wireless terminal operable to process images in accordance with multiple data formats. This camera interface has an ARM and an image process accelerator operably coupled to the ARM. The combination receives a captured digital image having a first data format from an image sensor operably coupled to the camera interface. The accelerator is configured based on information contained within the captured digital image. The captured digital image will be processed to produce additional digital images having a differing data formats. The captured digital image and/or additional digital images will be supplied to multiple devices or clients. This configuration allows the compute intensive operations to be offloaded from the processing module onto the image process accelerator within the camera interface in order to improve the overall system efficiency.

Abstract: An image capture and display device is described. The device includes a liquid crystal display panel, which can switch between two states, a display state and the capture state. Wherein at least a portion of the display and a switchable diffuser become transparent in the capture state. One or more image capture devices are located behind the display. Holes or windows are provided in the backlight for the image capture devices to capture images of the scene in front of the device when in the capture state.

Abstract: A certain embodiment of the invention provides a video media server (10) for implementing a video intercommunication gateway function and a video intercommunication method, the video media server (10) including: a video access control system module (11), which is configured to apply to the video media server (10) for a first video port supporting first coding and a second video port supporting second coding, complete media negotiation between the first video port and a call center (13), and complete media negotiation between the second video port and a video access network; a code converting module, which is configured to realize code conversion between the first video port and the second video port. The function of a video intercommunication gateway device is realized using a video media server (10) supporting the second coding multiplexing and demultiplexing function.

Abstract: A method for presenting metadata during a video conference includes receiving a first video conferencing stream from a first site. Metadata associated with the first video conferencing stream is identified. A second video conferencing stream incorporating the identified metadata is created using a processor. The second video conferencing stream is presented at a second site.

Abstract: A video-communication service in which a separation in different components of the video-communication is caused at the telephone equipment of the users, e.g., a separation in a video and in a voice component. The different components are transmitted on different connections between the telephone equipment of the users. The users have the possibility of selectively dropping any one of the different connections.

Abstract: Method, system, and computer program product example embodiments of the invention are disclosed to manage multiple network zones interconnected over a wide area network for video conferencing. In one example embodiment of the invention, an interface of a zone controller is configured to receive a first user request to schedule local resources for a video conferencing session within a local network zone. The zone controller is configured to access local services in the zone to schedule the local resources for the video conferencing session. The interface of the zone controller is further configured to receive a second user request to schedule remote resources in a remote network zone for the video conferencing session. A local Network Zone Manager in the zone controller is configured to determine a remote Network Zone Manager responsible for the remote resources in the remote network zone in response to the second user request.

Abstract: Video send and receive capabilities of participants are determined by the respective machines determining available combinations, as well as preferences for the receivers. Receiver capabilities are forwarded to the source for computation of negotiated video capabilities through a logic intersection of the determined capabilities based on desired number of streams and resolutions. If a resolution of a send capability exists within the receive capability, the highest frame and/or bit rate may be selected for transmission.

Abstract: Methods and systems for presenting video images generated by multiple endpoints in a videoconference such that the displayed images have consistent appearance, for example consistent brightness levels are disclosed. Sampling methods and algorithms are used to calculate an appropriate amount of correction for each video image and the images are adjusted accordingly. Brightness correction may implement one or more brightness sampling and analyzing logical modules (BSAM) and one or more transforming logical module (TLM). The brightness matching methods may be implemented in centralized architecture, for example, as part of a multipoint control unit (MCU). Alternatively, the methods may be implemented using a distributed architecture.

Abstract: A method to produce in an area of restricted size in a realistic manner while minimizing perspective distortion and subject distortion a recording of an individual that produces the illusion that the individual is located in a larger area.

Abstract: A method including: obtaining, with the video processing apparatus, video frames, the video frames including macroblocks; comparing, with a video processing apparatus, a current macroblock in a current frame stored in a current frame buffer with a corresponding reference macroblock in a reference frame stored in a reference frame buffer; and setting, with the video processing apparatus, a flag value for said current macroblock if the comparing indicates that the current macroblock and the corresponding reference macroblock are substantially different.

Abstract: A synchronization relationship determiner comprising an input visual information signal receiver configured to receive an input visual information signal, and a capture signal receiver configured to receive a capture signal generated by a capture device. The synchronization relationship determiner is configured to determine a synchronization relationship between the input visual information signal and the capture signal. The synchronization relationship determination is signal based.

Abstract: A visual-collaborative system including a display screen configured to display images and a camera configured to capture images. The system also includes a video cross-talk reducer configured to estimate video cross-talk that is to be displayed on the display screen and captured by the camera, and reducing the estimated video cross-talk from captured images by the camera. The estimation of the video cross-talk and reduction of the video cross-talk is signal based.

Abstract: Method, system, and computer program product example embodiments of the invention are disclosed to provide a secure room control isolator for a multi-network secure video teleconferencing room that meets the DISA and other standard security requirements. An example embodiment of the invention is a secure room control isolator coupled between a video teleconferencing room controller and a codec, to enable control commands to be sent from the room controller to the codec, but which permits only status information to be returned from the codec to the room controller. In this manner, classified information in the codec cannot be accessed by the room controller.

Abstract: Video receiving capabilities of participants and source capabilities are compared and conference capabilities for providing different resolutions, frame rates, bit rate, and number of streams are determined by maintaining a conference receiving capability list updated as number and capability of participants' changes. Preferred receiving capabilities of participants are also taken into account in determining conference characteristics based on comparison with allowed capabilities.

Abstract: Regions of interest in video image capture for communication purposes are selected based on one or more inputs based on sound source localization, multi-person detection, and active speaker detection using audio and/or visual cues. Exposure and/or gain for the selected region are automatically enhanced for improved video quality focusing on people or inanimate objects of interest.

Abstract: A method and communication system is provided to identify a calling/called party when the call is being set up but before the call is answered. In the method, a first terminal and a second terminal are respectively provided with opposing terminal's image data before the call is answered. The image data of the first and second terminals can be registered in a media server disposed between the first and second terminals, and the image data can be transmitted between the first terminal and the media server and between the second terminal and the media server in accordance with an SIP protocol.