Abstract: Techniques for calibrating a video detection system are disclosed. A videoconferencing system may include a sensor configured to capture sequential frames of video image data during a videoconference. A processing subsystem may be configured to, using a multidimensional filter, generate data indicative of active areas of interest detected within respective ones of a plurality of video frames captured by the sensor, wherein the multidimensional filter is configured to identify active areas of interest (AAOIs) based at least on part upon a programmable density threshold. The processing subsystem may further: determine, based on the data indicative of AAOIs, that the videoconferencing system is in an unstable state; perform a calibration routine to identify one or more threshold values that reduce system instability; and apply the one or more threshold values to the multidimensional filter during further generation of data indicative of active areas of interest.

Abstract: Techniques for video processing using a topological map are disclosed. Program instructions stored on a computer-readable medium may be executable to receive data indicative of an active area of interest detected within a video frame captured by a detection system, and based upon one or more inclusion criteria, include the active area of interest within a stack of previously identified active areas of interest. The stack may occupy a primary frame within a two-dimensional video space. The instructions may be further executable to update a topological map of the two-dimensional video space based upon the stack, identify within the topological map a two-dimensional region that satisfies a density threshold, and adjust framing of a primary imaging camera based upon the two-dimensional region.

Abstract: Techniques for detecting an active area of interest within video data are disclosed. A videoconferencing system may include a sensor configured to capture sequential frames of video image data during a videoconference, and a processing subsystem. The processing subsystem may be configured to, for a given frame, apply filter(s) to individual pixels of the given frame to identify one or more pixels of interest within the given frame, where the filter(s) include a motion detection filter. The processing subsystem may further apply a multidimensional filter to the one or more pixels of interest, the multidimensional filter specifying one or more programmable density thresholds. The processing subsystem may further designate at least one group of pixels of interest that satisfies the one or more programmable density thresholds as an active area of interest; and control an aspect of the videoconference based at least in part upon the active area of interest.

Abstract: Providing high availability multi-way conferencing. Separate signaling and media components may be provided within an MCU or among a cluster of MCUs. A signaling server may control signaling aspects of a conference while a media server may provide media support for the conference. In the event of media server failure, the signaling server may assign a new media server to provide media support for the conference. A backup signaling server may also monitor the signaling server and may provide signaling support for the conference in the event of signaling server failure.

Abstract: System and method involving user interfaces and remote control devices. More specifically, these user interfaces may be particularly useful for providing an intuitive and user friendly interaction between a user and a device or application using a display, e.g., at a “10 foot” interaction level. The user interfaces may be specifically designed for interaction using a simple remote control device having a limited number of inputs. For example, the simple remote control may include directional inputs (e.g., up, down, left, right), a confirmation input (e.g., ok), and possibly a mute input. The user interface may be customized based on current user activity or other contexts (e.g., based on current or previous states), the user logging in (e.g., using a communication device), etc. Additionally, the user interface may allow the user to adjust cameras whose video are not currently displayed, rejoin previously left videoconferences, and/or any of a variety of desirable actions.

Abstract: System and method for discovering videoconferencing systems. A first videoconferencing system may contact a known second videoconferencing system. The first videoconferencing system may receive contact information of one or more other videoconferencing systems from the second videoconferencing system. The first videoconferencing system may send a request signal to a third videoconferencing system of the one or more other videoconferencing systems. The request signal may use the contact, wherein the first videoconferencing system sending the request signal uses the contact information of the third videoconferencing system. The first videoconferencing system may receive a response from the third videoconferencing system, and the response may include information regarding the third videoconferencing system.

Abstract: A videoconference may be initiated between a plurality of endpoints. At least one of the endpoints may be coupled to a recording server, which may be configured to record the videoconference. A configuration may be selected (e.g., automatically or manually) for performing the recording. The endpoint (e.g., acting as an MCU) may transmit information to endpoints and may transmit recording information to the recording server. The recording information may be different from the videoconference information. For example, it may be in a “streaming friendly” format, at a different bit rate, encoded differently, have different inputs, etc. The manner in which the videoconference is stored and/or recorded may be based on the selected configuration. Clients may be configured to receive and display the videoconference from the recording server and may be configured to change the provided layout to different layouts, e.g., based on user input.

Abstract: System and method for user interfaces using remote control devices. More specifically, these user interfaces may be particularly useful for providing an intuitive and user friendly interaction between a user and a device or application using a display, e.g., at a “10 foot” interaction level. The user interfaces may be specifically designed for interaction using a simple remote control device having a limited number of inputs. For example, the simple remote control may include directional inputs (e.g., up, down, left, right), a confirmation input (e.g., ok), and possibly a mute input. These user interfaces may allow a user to quickly browse and filter lists of items, efficiently provide input (e.g., having multiple data types), customize directional and/or mute functionality of the remote control, perform camera control (e.g., for videoconferencing), etc.

Abstract: A mechanism for performing a motion vector search at a current block within a current frame of video data. For each test vector position v of a plurality of test vector positions, compute a rate distortion value J(v) based on a combination of a distortion value D(v) and a bit cost value R(v,p,C). The distortion value D(v) represents a measure of distortion of the current block relative to a corresponding block Bv in the reference frame. The bit cost value R(v,p,C) depends on the test vector position v, a prediction vector p for the current block and a set C of one or more vectors c1, c2, . . . , cn. The one or more vectors c1, c2, . . . , cn are estimates (or predictions) of statistically-popular motion vectors for the current frame. The test vector position v* that gives a minimum rate-distortion value J(v*) is selected as the motion vector for the current block.

Abstract: A method for displaying information in a videoconference is disclosed. Video information from a first endpoint of the videoconference may be received. The video information may include an image of a participant at the first endpoint. Participant information for the participant (e.g., name, phone number, job title, etc.) may also be received. The video information and the participant information for the participant may be displayed together on a display screen at a second endpoint of the videoconference.

Abstract: A videoconference may be initiated between a plurality of endpoints. At least one of the endpoints may be coupled to a recording server, which may be configured to record the videoconference. A configuration may be selected (e.g., automatically or manually) for performing the recording. The endpoint (e.g., acting as an MCU) may transmit information to endpoints and may transmit recording information to the recording server. The recording information may be different from the videoconference information. For example, it may be in a “streaming friendly” format, at a different bit rate, encoded differently, have different inputs, etc. The manner in which the videoconference is stored and/or recorded may be based on the selected configuration. Clients may be configured to receive and display the videoconference from the recording server and may be configured to change the provided layout to different layouts, e.g., based on user input.

Abstract: System and method involving user interfaces and remote control devices. These user interfaces may be particularly useful for providing an intuitive and user friendly interaction between a user and a device or application using a display, e.g., at a “10 foot” interaction level. The user interfaces may be specifically designed for interaction using a simple remote control device having a limited number of inputs. For example, the simple remote control may include directional inputs (e.g., up, down, left, right), a confirmation input (e.g., ok), and possibly a mute input. The user interface may be customized based on current user activity or other contexts (e.g., based on current or previous states), the user logging in (e.g., using a communication device), etc. Additionally, the user interface may allow the user to adjust cameras whose video are not currently displayed, rejoin previously left videoconferences, and/or any of a variety of desirable actions.

Abstract: Providing high availability multi-way conferencing. Separate signaling and media components may be provided within an MCU or among a cluster of MCUs. A signaling server may control signaling aspects of a conference while a media server may provide media support for the conference. In the event of media server failure, the signaling server may assign a new media server to provide media support for the conference. A backup signaling server may also monitor the signaling server and may provide signaling support for the conference in the event of signaling server failure.