Abstract: An audio communications system has an acoustic echo cancellation (AEC) module. The AEC module receives a digital signal sent to a loudspeaker and a digital signal received from a microphone. The signal received from the microphone contains an echo of the signal played through the loudspeaker. The loudspeaker signal is processed by an audio generation module (AGM) that models substantially nonlinear distortions that can occur while producing the signal played through the loudspeaker. The AGM includes a modeling path comprised of one or more distortion modules. Each distortion module receives digital samples as input, modifies the samples to model a form of distortion, and outputs the modified samples. The output of the AGM is provided to an acoustic echo estimation (AEE) module that uses adaptive algorithms to compensate for substantially linear changes in the echo characteristics of the environment in which the loudspeaker and microphone are located.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for cancelling far endpoint echo signals in audio signals transmitted from a near endpoint to a far endpoint. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a near endpoint analysis filter bank operable to divide a near endpoint signal into a plurality of near endpoint subband signals, a far endpoint analysis filter bank operable to divide a far endpoint signal into a plurality of far endpoint subband signals, and a background signal power estimator operable to determine background noise at the near end.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for asynchronous collaboration between a plurality of remote users. More specifically, a system based on a client/server architecture is disclosed, in which a remote user may create a combined message having an audiovisual message and an image file on which collaboration is to occur. The remote user may then transmit the message and file to a central location, where it is stored and then accessed by other remote users for viewing, replying, and editing.

Abstract: A communications system and method performs centralized signal processing on received audio signals. A plurality of terminals are coupled to a processing switch via links. The terminals can be, for example, dedicated speakerphones, desktop handsets, or personal computers with audio capabilities. The links can be wired or wireless, can carry analog or digital signals, and can be shared with other users in a network. The switch receives the audio data from the terminals, processes the data according to desired acoustical procedures, creates one or more output mixes, and provides the output mixes to the appropriate terminals. The operation of the processing switch is controlled by a communications support module (CSM) which can receive, process, and send data to/from multiple terminals simultaneously. The CSM receives audio signals from the terminals.

Abstract: Video calls between video devices are controlled by presenting video call options and receiving inputs of video call information through a telephone network. A video call application associated with a phone server receives video call information and provides the information to a video launch application that controls video devices accordingly. In one embodiment, IP telephones provide video call options such as initiating and terminating video calls through an IP telephone server to a video network platform using XML formatted data. The video network platform provides video call options based on user code information to simplify the IP telephone interface. The video network platform performs the functions represented by the video call information to establish and terminate video calls as appropriate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for detecting processor congestion during decompression of a stream of video and audio data. The system and method includes a processor receiving and decoding a first frame of audio data in accordance with an audio decode software algorithm. The processor generates a first audio time stamp ATS1 indicating the time at which the processor finishes decoding the first frame of audio data. Subsequently, the processor receives and decodes a second frame of audio data in accordance with the same audio decode software algorithm and generates a second audio time stamp ATS2 indicating the time at which the processor finishes decoding the second audio data frame. The first audio time stamp ATS1 is added to a predetermined amount of time T, the result of which is compared with ATS2. T, in one embodiment, is the time it takes a speaker to generate audio corresponding to a decoded frame of audio data.

Abstract: An automatic voice tracking camera system (12) is provided. System (12) includes a camera (18) operable to receive control signals for controlling a view of the camera (18). A microphone array (14) comprises a plurality of microphones. The microphone array (14) is operable to receive a voice of a speaker and to provide an audio signal representing the voice. A beamformer (30) coupled to the microphone array (14). The beamformer (30) is operable to receive the audio signal, to generate from the audio signal speaker position data representing a position of the speaker, and to provide the speaker position data. A camera controller (36) is coupled to the beamformer (30) and to the camera (18).

Abstract: A teleconferencing system with capability to store incoming multiple medium messages for later retrieval and playback is disclosed. The system includes a communications multiplexer which, in normal mode, receives the incoming message and routes the message to various output functions, including video, audio, and computer display. In store mode, the communications multiplexer receives the incoming message and communicates it to disk storage, for example by way of direct memory access. During playback, the communications multiplexer receives data from the disk storage, and controls its communication to the various output functions, in the same manner as during receipt of a normal incoming message during an interactive teleconference. As a result, multiple medium messages may be stored for later retrieval, with the playback appearing in the same manner as a conventional teleconference message.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for reducing audio artifacts and/or avoiding invalid reference memory in a compressed video decoder due to processor congestion. The system and method includes decoding compressed frames of video data, and decoding compressed frames of audio data. The system and method determines whether audio data can be generated without audio artifacts. If it is determined that audio can be generated without audio artifacts, then images corresponding to the decoded frames of video data, respectively, are subsequently displayed. If however it is determined that the audio can not be generated without artifacts due to processor congestion, images are displayed and redisplayed while processor power is shifted to decoding frames of audio data.

Abstract: An automatic voice tracking camera system (12) and method of operation are disclosed. The system (12) includes a first camera (18) and a camera controller (36). The first camera (18) is operable to receive control signals for controlling a view of the first camera (18). The camera controller (36) is operable to determine a responsive camera movement of the first camera (18) based upon coordinates for a point in space where the determination comprises comparing the coordinates with a first spacial region (90) defined around a current speaker position. The camera controller (36) is then operable to generate camera control signals based upon the appropriate responsive camera movement and to provide the camera control signals to the first camera (18). In one embodiment, the camera controller is further operable also to compare the coordinates with a second spacial region (92) defined around the current speaker position.

Abstract: An automated video call graph layout engine accepts video call configuration information and presents a video call graph of the video call to resemble a video network topology. For instance, video call configuration information is accepted in a tree structure that lists video devices of the video call. Video device graph nodes are constructed for each video device, each node having a radius and links to other video devices. Super graph nodes are created by identifying leaf and branch graph nodes and constructing a super graph node for each branch graph node by interconnecting the leaf graph nodes with the branch nodes. A video call graph layout is completed by identifying leaf and branch super nodes and associating leaf super nodes to branch super nodes until all video devices are interconnected.

Abstract: A computer based television signal recording device is provided. This recording device allows for the recording of input streams onto a mass storage device such as a computer hard drive. The playback of individual programs can be done independently of the recording. A user interface is provided which has a list of the recorded television signals and the user can select for playback any of the listed recorded television signals.

Abstract: A method and system configures video calls and schedules the calls for a video call network based on a query from a user to establish a video call between end points of the video call network. A configuration engine accepts video call information from a query engine based on the video call request and applies device data and rules to determine one or more possible call configurations. The configuration engine or an associated optimization engine determines a preferred video call configuration and schedules devices of the video call network without requiring the user to have any in depth understanding of the device limitations and capabilities. Automatic configuration and scheduling of video calls simplifies the use of a video call network to reduce the expense and complexity of efficiently using network resources.

Abstract: A method and system for routing video calls includes one or more video endpoints. An array of infrastructure routing elements transmits the video calls between the video endpoints along one or more principle routes and one or more back-up routes. The system and method further includes a video network platform in communication with the video endpoints and the infrastructure routing elements, and the video network platform prioritizing the principle routes and the back-up routes. A scheduling engine associated with the infrastructure routing elements is operable to monitor the performance of the infrastructure routing elements, determine a reliability model for each infrastructure routing element, and intelligently route the video calls based on the reliability models without losing communication between the video endpoints.

Abstract: A system and method for re-routing a failed video call schedules one or more reserve video devices for use in the event of failure of the video devices selected to support a video call. Upon detection of a failure of a video device, the video network platform re-establishes the video call by using the reserve video devices to replace the failed video device, thus avoiding the waste of video network resources and delays in the completion of a video call. More efficient use of reserve video devices is obtained by pooling the reserve video devices with a reserve video network that supports plural primary video networks.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for managing streaming data. The system includes a management module and a processing module. The processing module includes a CODEC and a streaming appliance. The CODEC connects to a MCU, receives video conference data, and decompresses video conference data. The streaming appliance functions to receive video conference data, format video conference data for streaming, and send streaming video conference data to a selected network address. The management module functions to selectively manage the CODEC and the streaming appliance and their communication with associated systems. More particularly, the streaming appliance may be a web server that functions to transmit video conference data to a selected internet address.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system and method for a call control system for managing a video network. The call control system includes a master gatekeeper that is able to associate with and manage multiple video network elements, including circuit switched video network elements and packet switched video network elements. The call control system also includes a call control database and a connection engine. The call control database stores registration and status information related to associated network elements. The connection engine analyzes conference call requests and determines the appropriate connection required for the associated network element.

Abstract: A teleconferencing system with capability to store incoming multiple medium messages for later retrieval and playback is disclosed. The system includes a communications multiplexer which, in normal mode, receives the incoming message and routes the message to various output functions, including video, audio, and computer display. In store mode, the communications multiplexer receives the incoming message and communicates it to disk storage, for example by way of direct memory access. During playback, the communications multiplexer receives data from the disk storage, and controls its communication to the various output functions, in the same manner as during receipt of a normal incoming message during an interactive teleconference. As a result, multiple medium messages may be stored for later retrieval, with the playback appearing in the same manner as a conventional teleconference message.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for reserving fractionally schedulable resources. The system includes a scheduling engine to receive reservation requests. The scheduling engine applies the reservation request to a resource usage table corresponding to a fractionally schedulable resource required by the reservation request. If the fractionally schedulable resource has adequate capacity to comply with the requested reservation, the scheduling engine will add the reservation request to a resource usage table.

Abstract: A teleconferencing system with capability to store incoming multiple medium messages for later retrieval and playback is disclosed. The system includes a communications multiplexer which, in normal mode, receives the incoming message and routes the message to various output functions, including video, audio, and computer display. In store mode, the communications multiplexer receives the incoming message and communicates it to disk storage, for example by way of direct memory access. During playback, the communications multiplexer receives data from the disk storage, and controls its communication to the various output functions, in the same manner as during receipt of a normal incoming message during an interactive teleconference. As a result, multiple medium messages may be stored for later retrieval, with the playback appearing in the same manner as a conventional teleconference message.