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 system and method for integrating a personal computer based presentation with a videoconferencing system. A coupling device includes a card, insertable into a PCMCIA slot of a laptop computer or like machine, which includes a cable coupled to the card at a first end and to a connector coupled at a second end. The card includes firmware for loading into RAM of the computer and software operable to execute code.

Abstract: A system and method for acoustic source location using a horizontal and vertical microphone array. Tilt sensors are provided within each array to allow full determination of the tilt of each array. Based on the acoustic source location results, an image capture device may be maneuvered to focus in the direction of the acoustic source location.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a system and method for computing a location of an acoustic source is disclosed. The method includes steps of processing a plurality of microphone signals in frequency space to search a plurality of candidate acoustic source locations for a maximum normalized signal energy. The method uses phase-delay look-up tables to efficiently determine phase delays for a given frequency bin number k based upon a candidate source location and a microphone location, thereby reducing system memory requirements. Furthermore, the method compares a maximum signal energy for each frequency bin number k with a threshold energy Et(k) to improve accuracy in locating the acoustic source.

Abstract: A local conferencing exchange subscriber line conferencing system and method using a series of input signals from the phone of a subscriber, such as a dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF) sequence of key inputs starting with a star key input, to initiate the conference. The conference is set up in a bridge and the phone of the subscriber is connected to the bridge. All subsequent callers to the subscriber's phone number at the local exchange carrier are routed and connected to the conference at the bridge. When the conference call ends, the subscriber's phone is returned to normal service.

Abstract: A local conferencing exchange subscriber line conferencing method using a series of input signals from the phone of a subscriber, such as a dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF) sequence of key inputs starting with a star key input, to initiate the conference by enabling a termination attempt trigger. The conference is set up in a bridge and the phone of the subscriber is connected to the bridge. All subsequent callers to the subscriber's phone number at the local exchange carrier are routed and connected to the conference at the bridge. When the conference call ends, the subscriber's phone is returned to normal service.

Abstract: An audio conferencing method in a hybrid network. Input from a plurality of endpoints connected to an audio conference in the hybrid network is received in a media gateway. The media gateway converts the input to an MCU-usable format and selects input based on predetermined selection criteria. An MCU mixes the selected input with other selected input to form an output stream and a sum stream which are matched with the endpoints in the audio conference. The media gateway converts the output stream and the sum stream to an endpoint-compatible format which is returned to the endpoints in the audio conference. Audio conference participants can dial-out from the MCU to bring additional participants into the audio conference. Once established in the hybrid network, the audio conference supports full service audio conferencing. In addition, dynamic routing permits an operator to service multiple MCUs, and an audio conference participant and/or an entire audio conference to be moved between MCUs.

Abstract: The present invention allows video images with improved subjective quality to be transmitted without a concomitant increase in a total number of bits transmitted per frame. Quantization parameters are applied to coefficients of macroblocks within a given video frame. A lower value of quantization parameter is applied near a central region of a video frame. This central region is referred to as a prime video region. Applying a lower quantization parameter to the prime video region has the effect of increasing the bit density within that area thereby improving the video quality. Outside of the prime video region, the bit density is progressively decreased on a macroblock-by-macroblock basis so as to have a zero or near-zero net-gain in bit density over the entire video frame.

Abstract: A portable integrated videoconferencing unit has an integral housing in which an interior chamber houses an electronics board for performing video, audio, and communications processing. Integrally mounted on the housing are a video camera and preferably a microphone array for providing directive audio processing. The electronics board receives and processes video and audio outputs of the camera and microphone array respectively, and generates compressed video and audio outputs for transmission over the communications channel. The electronics board also receives compressed video conferencing signals from the channel and processes those signals to generate the appropriate video and audio signals for connection to a video monitor. Various elements are isolated from the microphones to reduce noise and vibration, and an answer bar can be mounted on the integrated unit to provide an easy known answer capability where an automatic answering mode is not desired.

Abstract: A system and method for closed caption in a videoconference environment. In a method according to one embodiment of the present invention, a connection is established with a videoconference device. Subsequently, a closed caption page associated with the videoconference device is selected. Text is then entered on the closed caption page. The text is displayed to at least one device associated with a videoconference in which the videoconference device is participating.

Abstract: A multimedia distribution device includes an embedded stream encoder and an embedded stream server for encoding and transmitting, through utilization of streaming technology, audio and video content originating from a videoconference site and received through a network interface, to network-connected terminals. In situations in which the videoconference includes the presentation of slides or other content, the device may include a file conversion engine for converting the presentation content received through a data interface into a standard graphic image format, for synchronous distribution with the audio and video content stream. The multimedia content may be viewed in a multiple-window interface, wherein the audio and video content is presented by a streaming media player, and the presentation content is displayed in a separate window. Additionally, the interface may include an interactive text entry interface, through which the viewer may submit comments or questions to the conference presenters.

Abstract: An automatic switching system and method for determining and effecting an optimal video display mode based on the interaction among participants in a conference or discussion is disclosed. The system includes a timer which continuously monitors the duration of signals received from each of a number of endpoints. The system further includes a signal switching processor which compares the signal durations to predefined parameters which define various display mode switching thresholds. The system reacts to the conversational interaction of endpoint participants by automatically switching the display mode of all endpoints between single-window, single speaker presentation mode, and multiple-window, multiple speaker discussion mode.

Abstract: A multipoint communication system uses Internet protocol trunking to facilitate communication between media control units (for sending and receiving multipoint communication signals between end-point devices), a media gateway (for translating between non-Internet protocol multipoint communication signals and Internet protocol communication signals), and a controller (for establishing and controlling a multipoint communication session between the end-point devices). In addition, a multimedia gateway (for use in a multipoint communication system) is described that incorporates an interactive voice response unit through which users of non-Internet protocol devices (connected to the multimedia gateway) interact to establish a communication session with a multipoint communication system.

Abstract: An adaptive electronic zoom system is described which includes an electronic camera having an image sensor with pixels, a controller communicating with an address generator to select in response to an external input or feedback signals from the electronic camera a subset of pixels from the pixels of the image sensor, the subset of pixels defining a zoom area. The zoom area can be located at any position within the image sensor area. The zoom ratio/pan/tilt of the zoom area is automatically adjusted so as to maintain the location of the zoom area entirely within the image sensor area. The adaptive electronic zoom system is particularly suited for set-top boxes for video conferencing applications.

Abstract: According to the principles of the invention, there is provided a system, apparatus, and method for managing media in a multimedia conferencing system according to media roles. Each media stream may be explicitly labeled with a role that describes the function or purpose of the stream, such as “people” or “content.” The labels may be hierarchical, and may include layers for media type, additional media source description, and the like, e.g., “people/presenter” or “people/presenter/video.” A policy manager is provided for managing roles, such that the multimedia conference may be more effectively presented to participants. A token management system may also be provided so that control of the multimedia conference roles can be transferred during the conference.

Abstract: A portable videoconferencing system includes a camera, a monitor, speakers, a microphone or microphone array and processing means within a single housing. The portable videoconferencing system may additionally be provided with a docking means coupled to a network. The portable videoconferencing system optionally connects by wireless means to the network.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a system and method for computing a location of an acoustic source is disclosed. The method includes steps of processing a plurality of microphone signals in frequency space to search a plurality of candidate acoustic source locations for a maximum normalized signal energy. The method uses phase-delay look-up tables to efficiently determine phase delays for a given frequency bin number k based upon a candidate source location and a microphone location, thereby reducing system memory requirements. Furthermore, the method compares a maximum signal energy for each frequency bin number k with a threshold energy Et(k) to improve accuracy in locating the acoustic source.

Abstract: A system and method for acoustic source location using a horizontal and vertical microphone array. Tilt sensors are provided within each array to allow full determination of the tilt of each array. Based on the acoustic source location results, an image capture device may be maneuvered to focus in the direction of the acoustic source location.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system includes an embedded web server and a network interface for connecting the videoconferencing systems to a network. Computers and other devices on the network may manage and control various operations of the videoconferencing system through a conventional browser interface by accessing web pages transmitted by the embedded web server. In addition, users of network-connected computers may upload presentation files to the videoconferencing system to enable transmission of presentation slides to remote conference endpoints. The videoconferencing system may also be provided with an integrated network hub to allow connection of the videoconferencing system to one or more local computers.

Abstract: Transmitting and receiving video data includes an encoder storing macroblocks in a plurality of reference buffers, the encoder transmitting macroblocks encoded relative to each of the reference buffers, a decoder receiving the macroblocks, and, in response to the decoder indicating an error with respect to a particular macroblock corresponding to a first one of the buffers, the encoder using a second one of the buffers for error recovery if there is no error associated with the second buffer. In response to the decoder indicating an error with respect to a particular macroblock and all of the buffers having errors associated therewith, the encoder may transmit at least one macroblock that is encoded independent of any other macroblocks.