Abstract: An advanced video teleconferencing (AVTC) system uniquely combines a number of features to promote a realistic “same room” experience for meeting participants. These features include an autodirector to select audio and video sources and to compose shots, a collaboration interface for each participant to communicate nonverbal information, directional LEDs to privately alert participants, audio reflected from the main display, and a collaborative table to share a view of objects or papers on a table. When implemented with sufficient bandwidth for take advantage of these features and to keep latency time low, this AVTC system results in a highly realistic and productive teleconferencing experience.

Abstract: An event management system is configured to provide a communications pathway between persons associated with a scheduled event prior to initiating the scheduled event.

Abstract: A block-based, no-reference sharpness metric is provided taking advantage of Human Visual System (HVS) characteristics. Texture and smooth region blocks are excluded in computing the metric since sharpness is perceived mostly around edges. Overall sharpness metric is computed by pooling simulated combination of information in human brain employing a logistic function to replicate the behavior of HVS.

Abstract: An electronic conference support device has a cut screen information management section that stores information related to a cut screen object which forms a portion of a screen image displayed on a presenter-side display unit; a screen image generation processor that generates a screen image based on stored information related to a cut screen object designated from among cut screen objects contained in a screen image displayed on a participant-side display unit, by incorporating the designated cut screen object into image data to be newly displayed on the participant-side display unit; and an edit screen information storage unit that stores, in association with each other, information related to the generated screen image and information related to the cut screen object incorporated into the screen image.

Abstract: Visual information over a network by filtering a full resolution image signal to produce a series of sub-bands, wherein at least one of the sub-bands constitutes a base sub-band representing an image of reduced resolution and wherein additional sub-bands carry higher resolution information. At least the base sub-band is transmitted to a far end endpoint to permit image reconstruction at the far end endpoint at a degree of resolution dependent on the number of sub-bands used to reconstruct the image.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a cascaded teleconference between digital telephony devices is disclosed. The method comprises selecting a plurality of digital telephony devices for a teleconference. Each digital telephony device includes a microphone, a speaker, an input port, and at least one output port. A cascaded peer to peer network is formed between the selected digital telephony devices. A sum of the local microphone signal and at least one conference microphone signal is transmitted at the output of each of the plurality of digital telephony devices. The at least one conference microphone signal is broadcast over the speaker at each of the plurality of digital telephony devices to provide the cascaded teleconference.

Abstract: Marking a keyframe of a media stream in a communication system involves one or more entry media switches in communication with one or more endpoints. An entry media switch receives a media stream from an endpoint, where the media stream comprises a sequence of packets with a keyframe. The keyframe is detected and marked with a keyframe indicator. The keyframe indicator is operable to notify a downstream device of the keyframe. An output media stream is outputted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transmitting an image using a mobile terminal. The present invention comprises selecting at least one image having a predetermined resolution, checking a first size of the at least one image, determining whether the first size of the at least one image exceeds a transmittable size, adjusting the predetermined resolution of at least one of the at least one image if the first size exceeds the transmittable size, wherein the predetermined resolution is adjusted so that a second size of the at least one image does not exceed the transmittable size, and transmitting that at least one image having the second size.

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: A method of videoconferencing includes arranging a portable environment to include a first wall generally parallel to and spaced from a second wall and facing a videocamera on the first wall toward the second wall. An on-camera subject zone is implemented between the first wall and the second wall via: (1) setting a field-of-view of the videocamera to include the second wall while excluding a peripheral edge of the second wall; and (2) positioning a subject station between the first wall and the second wall and setting the on-camera subject zone within a boundary defined by the field-of-view of the videocamera extending from the subject station to the second wall.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems relate to telepresence at mobile devices. Aspects comprise dynamic configuration of video provided from a server that intermediates between a mobile device and a telepresence system during a telepresence session. The server receives high definition video from the telepresence system and transcodes into a format that can indicated by the mobile device. The mobile device can dynamically update the format in response to real-time battery life and network interface status. A progressive reduction in bandwidth and power consumptive activities can be implemented. The device can implement face detection and face centering, front/back mobile device camera switching, and automatic contrast control and other video quality controls in an outgoing video stream.

Abstract: A minutes taking system includes a change detection portion that detects a change of a displayed image for a description object out of displayed images that are a plurality of stream images serving as information displayed in a conference, a separation detection portion that detects a separation temporally separates a content of the displayed image; and an extraction portion that extracts a recorded time segment to be recorded as minutes information composing a minutes, on the basis of a change time when the change detection portion detects the change of the displayed image for the description object and a separation time when the separation detection portion detects the separation according to the plurality of streams.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system includes a camera, a microphone, and an interface module. The module is coupled a modem connected to a television network and is coupled to a television set and a set-top box. The module decodes encoded audio video signals received from the modem that are part of a videoconferencing session. The module also encodes audio and video signals received from the camera and the microphone and sends the encoded audio video signals to the modem to be part of the videoconferencing session. The module can selectively send decoded audio signals to the television set or can selectively send video received from the set-top box to the television display. In addition, the module can send compressed audio and video signals received from the microphone and camera to the set-top box for processing and delivery to the television display.

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: Provided are a video call device and method. The video call device performs a video call by exchanging images with another video call device in real time. The video call device includes: an image obtaining unit obtaining an original image in real time; an image processing unit comprising a first image conversion unit which receives the original image and converts the original image into a first conversion image in real time; and an interface unit transmitting the first conversion image.

Abstract: A videoconferencing application includes a user interface that provides multiple participant panels, each of which is displayed with perspective with the panels appearing to be angled with respect to the user interface window. The participant panels display live video streams from remote participants. A two-way layout provides two participant panels for two remote participants, each of which is angled inwardly towards a center position. A three-way layout provides three participant panels for three remote participants, with a left, center and right panel, with the left and right panels angled inwardly towards a center position.

Abstract: A method for modifying a composite video signal generated by a video composing server, the composite video signal including a plurality of spatially mixed video conference streams. The method includes displaying, on a touch screen, a graphical representation of the composite video signal, and modifying the graphical representation based on an input received at the touch screen. In turn, the composite video signal is modified to conform with the modified graphical representation.

Abstract: Techniques for compressing video stream in a video conference are disclosed. According to one aspect of the techniques, the method comprises obtaining a frame image sequence and selecting a reference frame image; determining whether an N-th frame image has acute movements relative to the reference frame image according to a predetermined threshold; and if yes, compressing and transmitting the N-th frame image; otherwise, not compressing and transmitting the N-th frame image; increasing N by 1 and repeating the above operations till the frame image sequence is over.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an architecture for establishing multi-participant video conferences. This architecture has a central distributor that receives video images from two or more participants. From the received images, the central distributor generates composite images that the central distributor transmits back to the participants. Each composite image includes a set of sub images, where each sub image belongs to one participant. In some embodiments, the central distributor saves network bandwidth by removing each particular participant's image from the composite image that the central distributor sends to the particular participant. In some embodiments, images received from each participant are arranged in the composite in a non-interleaved manner. For instance, in some embodiments, the composite image includes at most one sub-image for each participant, and no two sub-images are interleaved.

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: In a video conference system capable of providing multiple video streams, displayed streams for participants are configured based on automatic selection by the system (such as active speaker) and manual override by the participants. The displayed views are further enhanced by implementing duplicate detection to avoid display of duplicate streams between the automatic selections and manual selections.

Abstract: An omni-directional camera (a 360 degree camera) is proposed with an integrated microphone array. The primary application for such a camera is videoconferencing and meeting recording, and the device is designed to be placed on a meeting room table. The microphone array is in a planar configuration, and the microphones are located as close to the desktop as possible to eliminate sound reflections from the table. The camera is connected to the microphone array base with a thin cylindrical rod, which is acoustically invisible to the microphone array for the frequency range [50-4000] Hz. This provides a direct path from the person talking to all of the microphones in the array, and can therefore be used for sound source localization (determining the location of the talker) and beam-forming (improving the sound quality of the talker by filtering only sound from a particular direction). The camera array is elevated from the table to provide a near frontal viewpoint of the meeting participants.

Abstract: An advanced video teleconferencing (AVTC) system uniquely combines a number of features to promote a realistic “same room” experience for meeting participants. These features include an autodirector to select audio and video sources and to compose shots, a collaboration interface for each participant to communicate nonverbal information, directional LEDs to privately alert to participants, audio reflected from the main display, and a collaborative table to share a view of objects or papers on a table. When implemented with sufficient bandwidth for take advantage of these features and to keep latency time low, this AVTC system results in a highly realistic and productive teleconferencing experience.

Abstract: In transmission of video signals of a plurality of channels using a digital interface in conformity with the high definition multimedia interface (HDMI) standard, a transmission minimized differential signaling (TMDS) mixing circuit and a TMDS separation circuit are provided, to perform time-division transmission of TMDS data of the video signals of the plurality of channels at a frequency higher than the transmission rate of the video signals. Video signals of a plurality of channels are therefore transmitted via an inexpensive type A connector and cable.

Abstract: A processing method of an image processing system, which is applied with at least one real-time messaging video communication system of an electronic device and contains a start module, a process detecting module and an image processing module, includes the steps of: installing the process detecting module into the real-time messaging video communication system by the start module; detecting whether the real-time messaging video communication system starts the real-time communication by the process detecting module; installing the image processing module into the real-time messaging video communication system when the real-time messaging video communication system starts the real-time communication; and generating a plurality of converted frame data by the image processing module in accordance with a plurality of frame data to be displayed by the real-time messaging video communication system. In addition, the image processing system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic camera having a continuous shooting function includes a resolution conversion unit capable of performing resolution conversion at least at a high resolution and at a low resolution that is lower than the high resolution, an image compression unit capable of performing image compression at least at a low compression factor and at a high compression factor that is higher than the low compression factor, and when a continuous shooting unit executes continuous shooting, the image compression unit performs image compression at a high compression factor if the resolution at the resolution conversion unit is set to a low resolution.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for calling video communication service by video communication terminal. The method comprises the steps of: (a) a first video communication terminal launches a call to a multipoint control unit (MCU) and sends an conference information needed for convening a conference to the MCU through an In-Band channel established between both sides; (b) the MCU convenes the conference according to the conference information received. The invention also discloses a message data form for transferring information through an In-Band channel in a video communication service. The message data form comprises: a data starting mark field, a data type field, a data length field, a field for no less than one piece of sub-information, a data ending mark field and a cyclic redundancy check field.

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: The method of transmitting an indication of presence of a subject comprises the steps of detecting the presence of a subject in a first geographical area, transmitting an indication of presence of the subject to a remote system if the subject is present in the first geographical area, detecting the presence of a subject in a second geographical area, and transmitting realistic live images of the subject to the remote system if the subject is present in the second geographical area.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for improved audio, video, and data conferencing. The present invention provides a conferencing system comprising a plurality of endpoints communicating data including audio data and control data according to a communication protocol. A local conference endpoint may control or be controlled by a remote conference endpoint. Data comprising control signals may be exchanged between the local endpoint and remote endpoint via various communication protocols. In other embodiments, the present invention provides for improved bridge architecture for controlling functions of conference endpoints including controlling functions of the bridge.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving device includes a card slot, a fan, a temperature sensor, a memory component and a control unit. The card slot accepts an IC card. The fan rotates to cool the IC card. The temperature sensor measures a first temperature. The memory component stores correlation information indicating a correlation between the first temperature and a second temperature of the IC card. The control unit acquires the second temperature based on the first temperature and the correlation information. The control unit determines if the second temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. The control unit switches from a first output mode, in which an audio-video signal is outputted via the IC card, to a second output mode, in which the audio-video signal is outputted by bypassing the IC card, when the control unit determines that the second temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A communication device is operable to construct one or more image sequences that correspond to voice information, where the image sequences simulate video streaming via the communication device. The image sequences are synchronized with the voice information during active video based connection via the communication device. The image sequences are generated and/or retrieved within the communication device, and/or retrieved from an external source. At least some of the images may be generated via a secondary device that is communicatively coupled with the communication device. The generated images are stored within the secondary device and/or are stored in a dedicated video support server. The secondary device is operable to communicate the images directly during communication with the communication device and/or to communication information that enable retrieving and/or constructing the image sequences. Alternatively, the communication device is operable to generate the image sequences independently.

Abstract: At one of the timings: during a period between the moment when one of terminals which performs transmission calls out a communication partner and the moment of response and at the timing after the communication between the terminals is complete; content data is read out from a database and the read out content data is converted according to conversion information based on reproduction at the terminal. The converted content data is transmitted to the terminal.

Abstract: A conferencing system, which can prevent useless data processing that accompanies data communication from occurring even when a presenter's device that outputs image data is switched, is provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing extended presence information for multi-user devices are described. Communication devices used in conference rooms represent a different nature than single user devices such as a personal computer. Conference rooms also have attributes that may be added to existing presence information and provide an enhanced experience for scheduling and dissemination of conference room capabilities. Information such as actual people in attendance may be added to the presence information maintained by a presence server to provide an overall enhancement to the meeting room whether it is physically a single conference room or a multitude of endpoints remotely connected to a conference.

Abstract: A method of setting up communication sessions in a telepresence call including a multiple point-to-point connections between at least two telepresence systems, wherein the information required for setting up the communication sessions is embedded in a control protocol message flow establishing a first communication session between the two telepresence systems.

Abstract: A system and method for audio/visual displaying, capturing, streaming, recording and playback is disclosed. The invention has many applications including distance learning and video capture of legal proceedings. The video deposition embodiment of the present invention facilitates paperless depositions by allowing the simultaneous, single channel recording and streaming of a deponent (witness) and his or her exhibits during a litigation deposition or similar process, such as courtroom record-making and teleconferencing. One aspect of the present invention is the paperless, digital display of rich media exhibits at the deposition on a large-format display such as an LCD, DLP, or plasma screen that is positioned next to the deponent, facing the camera, displaying exhibits in a digital (paperless) format.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for capturing and transmitting frames in a video conference. The method comprises determining a frame rate and a shutter speed according to variable control data, capturing image data according to the determined shutter speed, and transmitting the captured image data through a communication interface to a remote video conference system. The variable control data specifies a relationship between the frame rate and the shutter speed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the dynamic video equalization of images. Face tracking is used to identify a portion of an image corresponding to a human face. Those areas of the image identified as corresponding to a human face are optimized as compared to other areas of the image. Optimization is performed by allocating a greater number of image parameters to the area of the image corresponding to a human face than are allocated to other areas of the image. Accordingly, the portion of an image containing the human face is of higher quality as compared to other portions of the image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus obtains a difference between a partial region of an input image and a partial region of a background image, stored in a storage device, corresponding to the partial region of the input image, determines whether each partial region of the input image is a moving body region or a background region based on the difference, and combines the partial region of the input image determined as the background region and the partial region of the background image corresponding to the partial region of the input image to update the background image.

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.

Abstract: In various embodiments, multiple participants (at endpoints) may connect through a video conferencing system. A screen may display other participants in the conference call. For example, multiple participants may be displayed in respective portions of the screen. In some embodiments, each of the participants may use video conferencing systems that support different resolutions. In some embodiments, a transcoder may resolution transcode signals to allow the conference call participants to be displayed on each participant's respective screen at up to the highest possible resolution supported by the respective screen. For example, low resolution video conferencing systems may be displayed on a high definition screen of a high resolution system at the low resolution of the low resolution video conferencing system while another image on the same high definition screen from a different, higher resolution video conferencing system, may be displayed at the higher resolution.

Abstract: A system for enhancing eye gaze in a telepresence system includes a plurality of local cameras coupled to at least one local display. Each local camera is directed to at least one respective local user section and operable to generate an image of the respective local user section. The system also includes a plurality of remote displays. Each remote display is operable to reproduce the local video image of the local user section. Within the system the plurality of remote displays and the plurality of local cameras are aligned such that when a first local user within a local user section looks at a target at least one remote display is operable to reproduce the local video image of the first user section comprising the first local user such that the eye gaze of the reproduced image of the first local user is directed approximately at a corresponding target.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes video compression techniques in providing multi display and user control of picture layout with a single non-mechanical camera. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a subsection of interest within a general view captured by the camera is coded based on the prediction of the main picture. In one aspect of the embodiment, scaling of the predicted pixel values in the subsection to match with the corresponding raw pixel data of extended resolution is carried out before subtracting the prediction from the raw data to provide the residual in the coding process. In a second aspect, the frame rate and the number of quantization intervals are increased when coding the subsection relative to the coding of the general view.

Abstract: An association of videoconferencing services is disclosed that enables two or more videoconferences to be generated with each videoconference running independently from the others and having its own conferees. The association is achieved by having at least one conferee (a traveler) that can “move” or “travel” from one videoconference to another in the association. The one or more travelers belong to the association and not to any particular videoconference. In exemplary embodiments, the traveler can choose between the various associated videoconferences by making a selection to a multipoint control unit (MCU) that controls the associated videoconferences.

Abstract: A method and corresponding system for communicating over a network using a first device and a peripheral device, wherein the first device comprises a user interface and a network interface for connecting to the network, and the peripheral device has a local connection to the first device, the local connection being independent of the network. The method comprises receiving data packets from the network at the network interface of the first device and forwarding the received data packets from the first device to the peripheral device via the local connection. A client engine of a communication client is executed on a processor of the peripheral device to process the received data packets. Processed data packets are sent from the peripheral device to the first device via the local connection such that data contained in the received data packets is conveyed to a user of the first device using the user interface of the first device.

Abstract: The present invention allows administrators of conference equipment, remotely localized from the ordinary managing interface, to execute simple commands for solving a problem that may have occurred during a conference or at conference set up. This is provided by a parser translating user terminal commands transmitted from the user terminal (e.g. a cellular phone) of the system administrator to Conference Management System codes, which are executed on the conference equipment in question from the Conference Management System. The present invention also allows system administrators to be alerted by a message (e.g. SMS) at any errors occurring during a conference or conference set up, and to correct the errors by responding to the alert without the need of addressing the equipment in which the errors occur.

Abstract: A method of automatically determining a need to service a digital image acquisition system including a digital camera with a lens assembly includes analyzing pixels within one or more acquired digital images according to probability determinations that such pixels correspond to blemish artifacts. It is automatically determined whether a threshold distribution of blemish artifacts is present within one or more of the digital images. A need for service is indicated when at least the threshold distribution is determined to be present.

Abstract: To mix video signals of plural channels in time division and record these video signals onto a recording medium, as well as to select and transmit the video signal of a specific channel to a terminal device at a remote location, there is a video signal switching unit for mixing the video signals of the plural channels in time division; a first video signal compressing unit for compressing the mixed video signals from the video signal switching unit; a unit for recording the video signal compressed by the first video signal compressing unit into the recording medium; second video signal compressing units for selecting a channel from the mixed video signals and compressing the video signals with a compressibility higher than that of the first video signal compressing unit; and a unit for transmitting the video signal compressed by the second video signal compressing unit to a remote location.

Abstract: In some embodiments, spatially realistic audio may be provided for a conference call. Voices from participants on the left side of a display, in a conference call, may be directed through audio on the left side of the display at the other conferencing system in the conference call (similarly for voices from the center and right side of the display). In some embodiments, two speakers may be used in the system to create synthesized stereo sound at a location specified by directional information received as side information along with the existing audio channel. The location may be determined by using beamforming with integrated microphones on a camera or speakerphone. In some embodiments, the audio signal and directional information may be sent in the form of a left audio channel and a right audio channel.