Abstract: The present invention relates to the packet-based transmission of media that are coded using a layered representation. In particular, it relates to mechanisms for recovering the decoding order of the media packets when such media is transmitted with arbitrary ordering over one or more packet streams.

Abstract: Techniques for transmission and preparation for display of real-time audio-visual content of a plurality of TV programs over electronic communications network channels and display of the audio-visual signals as a part of a TV Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) are disclosed herein. In particular, the use of video coded using a layered codec, and stored in a layered format, allows a properly configured system to present to an end user a live preview of multiple TV channels, along with EPG information (e.g., the channel, time, title and genre of video content, a list of programs scheduled in the future, as well as the ability to, for example, set parental controls, order pay-per-view programs, to search for programs based on theme or category, and to set recordings for the future when combined with a recording system), on his/her TV screen, without taking significantly more resources (e.g., in terms of bandwidth, system complexity) than the traditional digital TV transmission.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting a plurality of video signals scalably coded into layers including a base layer and one or more enhancement layers and associated audio signals, if any, over a communication network for presentation to one or more end users. A layout to display the plurality of video signals is determined based on a set of criteria and only the data of the video signal layers that are necessary for displaying the video signals in the determined layout, and any associated audio signals, is selectively transmitted over the communication network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for scalable video coding using special inter-layer prediction modes (called telescopic modes) are provided. These modes facilitate accelerated operation of encoders with improved coding efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, apparatus, system, and computer readable media containing instructions for preparing and displaying a plurality of audio-visual signals in a digital video distribution system (e.g., IPTV), which enables fast channel switching between channels. The system includes a server which sends a plurality of audio-visual signals coded in a base layer and enhancement layer format to an endpoint. The endpoint receives and decodes the base layer of a first channel, at least one second base layer of a second channel, and at least one enhancement layer of the first channel, and displays them on a video display.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing transcoding in video communication system that use scalable video coding. The systems and methods can be used to transcode or convert input signals having certain characteristics into desired output signals having different characteristics requirements. The systems and methods are based on compressed domain processing, partial decoding-reencoding, or full decoding-reencoding with side information, depending on the specific characteristics of the input and desired output signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating videoconferences in instant messaging systems is described, including posting of a videoconference URL in the instant messaging chat window if any of the desired participants of the videoconferencing session is unavailable, so that the unavailable participants can simply click on the videoconference URL and join the videoconferencing session.

Abstract: System and methods for video decoding include receiving at least one Dependency Parameter Set (DPS); and determining at least one inter-layer dependency based on the received DPS. Systems and methods for video encoding include selecting a layering structure; encoding at least one Dependency Parameter Set (DPS) including a representation of the layering structure in a binary format; and including the encoded DPS in a bitstream or sending the encoded DPS out of band.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for scalable, multiview, and multiple descriptive video coding using an improved Network Adaptation Layer (NAL) unit header. A NAL unit header can include a layer-id that can be a reference into a table of layer descriptions, which specify the properties of the layer. The improved NAL unit header can further include fields for reference picture management and to identify temporal layers.

Abstract: Scalable video codecs are provided for use in videoconferencing systems and applications hosted on heterogeneous endpoints/receivers and network environments. The scalable video codecs provide a coded representation of a source video signal at multiple temporal, quality, and spatial resolutions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting a multi-endpoint video signal conference are provided. Conferencing endpoints are linked by pairs of a reliable and a less reliable communication channel. Conference video signals are scaleable coded in base layer and enhancement layers format. Video signal base layers, which correspond to a minimum picture quality, are communicated over reliable channels. The video signal enhancements layers may be communicated over the less reliable channels. A conference server mediates the switching of video layer information from transmitting endpoints to receiving endpoints without any intermediate coding or re-coding operations. The video conference can be integrated with an audio conference using either scalable coded audio signals or non-scaleable coded audio signals.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system, method, apparatus, and computer readable media containing instructions for pre-filtering one or more pictures of a prediction structure. In an exemplary embodiment, a system includes an input for receiving the one or more pictures and a pre-filter, operatively coupled to the input and receiving the one or more pictures. The pre-filter can include a prediction position determining module for determining a position of at least one picture in the prediction structure, a context memory for storing determined position information, and a filter module for selecting a filter context based on the determined position and using the selected filter context to filter the at least one picture.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques for a system and protocol that provides for composition of a video scene that embeds one or more video sequences into a background image. The protocol enables a video stream presentation system (e.g., IPTV) to automate the embedding by one or more decoders of video sequence content and non-background information, for example, stock tickers, close caption, or date/time information, into a background.

Abstract: The present invention provides bit rate control techniques for a hybrid block based motion compensated predictive video encoder (e.g., H.264, as well as other video coding algorithms and standards). The techniques aim to reduce the picture-to-picture bit rate fluctuations within a prediction structure or over a short time interval that can lead to undesirable additional delay on links without over-provisioned capacity. In one embodiment of the present invention, the end to end delay is estimated. The end to end delay is used to determine limits on the modulation of the target coded picture size, with the goal of trading an acceptable amount of additional delay for a better coding efficiency.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the control and management of multipoint conferences are disclosed herein, where endpoints can selectively and individually manage the streams that will be transmitted to them. Techniques are described that allow a transmitting endpoint to collect information from other receiving endpoints, or aggregated such information from servers, and process them into a single set of operating parameters that it then uses for its operation. Algorithms are described for performing conference-level show, on-demand show, show parameter aggregation and propagation, propagation of notifications. Parameters identified for describing sources in show requests include bit rate, window size, pixel rate, and frames per second.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing videoconferencing using endpoints with multiple monitors and multiple cameras are disclosed herein. These endpoints are comprised of, where each node is comprised of a control unit and one or more node units, each connected to at least one monitor, camera, speaker, or microphone. Video is encoded using scalable coding, and endpoints are connected to each other over a network using an SVCS. Algorithms are described for layout management, tagging of individual streams, and use of tags for dynamic and prioritized layout management.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the packet-based transmission of media that are coded using a layered representation. In particular, it relates to mechanisms for recovering the decoding order of the media packets when such media is transmitted with arbitrary ordering over one or more packet streams.

Abstract: A transmission bit rate control mechanism for a packet-based communication system in which sender transmission bit rates can vary over time is provided. The transmission bit rate mechanism includes a receiver recording mechanism, which receives transmission time information, computes and records statistical parameters of packets received from a sender; and a receiver processing mechanism, which selectively computes a new transmission bit rate using the recorded statistical parameters, and communicates a new transmission bit rate to the sender.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communication of scaleable-coded audiovisual signals over multiple TCP/IP connections are provided. The sender schedules and prioritizes transmission of individual scalable-coded data packets over the plurality of TCP connections according to their relative importance in the scalable coding structure for signal reconstruction quality and according to receiver feedback. Low-latency packet delivery over the multiple TCP/IP connections is maintained by avoiding transmission or retransmission of packets that are less important for reconstructed media quality.

Abstract: Techniques for transmission and preparation for display of real-time audio-visual content of a plurality of TV programs over electronic communications network channels and display of the audio-visual signals as a part of a TV Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) are disclosed herein. In particular, the use of video coded using a layered codec, and stored in a layered format, allows a properly configured system to present to an end user a live preview of multiple TV channels, along with EPG information (e.g., the channel, time, title and genre of video content, a list of programs scheduled in the future, as well as the ability to, for example, set parental controls, order pay-per-view programs, to search for programs based on theme or category, and to set recordings for the future when combined with a recording system), on his/her TV screen, without taking significantly more resources (e.g., in terms of bandwidth, system complexity) than the traditional digital TV transmission.