Abstract: A method of capturing data for use in a video conference includes capturing data of a first party at a first location using an array of one or more video cameras and/or one or more sensors. The three-dimensional position(s) of one or more features represented in the data captured by the video camera(s) and/or sensor(s) are determined. A virtual camera positioned at a three-dimensional virtual camera position is defined. The three-dimensional position(s) determined for the feature(s) are transformed into a common coordinate system to form a single view of the feature(s) as appearing to have been captured from the virtual camera. The video image and/or sensor data of the feature(s) viewed from the perspective of the virtual camera and/or data representative of the transformed three-dimensional position(s) of the feature(s) are then transmitted or stored.

Abstract: A method (and a computer-readable medium comprising executable instructions for generating a user interface on a display) are disclosed for controlling a plurality of media objects connected to a network. The method displays a subset of a group of predefined functional interfaces. A functional interface comprises one or more user menus and each user menus is associated with at least one media object. The method forwards a user request to a control server and to receive a response to the user request from the control server. A user request comprises one or more user interactions with the subset of the functional interfaces. The method further comprises updating the subset of the functional interfaces on the display screen.

Abstract: A method (and a computer-readable medium comprising executable instructions for generating a user interface on a display) are disclosed for controlling a plurality of media objects connected to a network. The method displays a subset of a group of predefined functional interfaces. A functional interface comprises one or more user menus and each user menus is associated with at least one media object. The method forwards a user request to a control server and to receive a response to the user request from the control server. A user request comprises one or more user interactions with the subset of the functional interfaces. The method further comprises updating the subset of the functional interfaces on the display screen.

Abstract: A method (and a computer-readable medium comprising executable instructions for generating a user interface on a display) are disclosed for controlling a plurality of media objects connected to a network. The method displays a subset of a group of predefined functional interfaces. A functional interface comprises one or more user menus and each user menus is associated with at least one media object. The method forwards a user request to a control server and to receive a response to the user request from the control server. A user request comprises one or more user interactions with the subset of the functional interfaces. The method further comprises updating the subset of the functional interfaces on the display screen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control any one of a plurality of devices. The method comprises, for each device of the plurality, receiving a definition language. The definition language including a command description to be associated with the device. The method further comprises accepting input from a user. The method further comprises generating one or more control signals for at least one of the devices of the plurality. The generating is to control the at least one of the devices according to the accepted input. The generating uses the definition language and the accepted input.