Abstract: A method and system for collaborative communications is described. In one embodiment, a central virtual reality communications environment is created. A plurality of client communication devices are connected to the central virtual reality communications environment. Each one of the connected plurality of client communication devices are represented as an avatar present in the central virtual reality communications environment. An uploaded data object is received from any one of the connected plurality of client communication devices. Finally, the data object is displayed in the central virtual reality communications environment to the connected plurality of client communication devices.

Abstract: Horizontal and vertical video shape padding (with or without attendant motion compensation) are facilitated through use of a two-dimensional small array of processing elements. Multiple pixel value assignments are determined and made with each clock cycle or iteration, thereby greatly reducing overall cycle time to complete the shape padding. This approach is compatible with MPEG 4.

Abstract: A method (100) and apparatus (300) for displaying operational information about an electronic device, that determines a change of an operational status of the electronic device, maps the operational status to at least one of an appearance characteristic and an action of an avatar (205, 210, 215, 220) related to the operational status changes the at least one of the appearance characteristic and action of the avatar in a manner related to the change of the operational status, and presents the avatar on a display (345) of the electronic device.

Abstract: A method for head pose estimation may include receiving block motion vectors for a frame of video from a block motion estimator, selecting at least one block for analysis, determining an average motion vector for the at least one selected block, combining the average motion vectors over time (all past frames of video) to determine an accumulated average motion vector, estimating the orientation of a user's head in the video frame based on the accumulated average motion vector, and outputting at least one parameter indicative of the estimated orientation.

Abstract: A method for head pose estimation may include receiving block motion vectors for a frame of video from a block motion estimator, selecting at least one block for analysis, determining an average motion vector for the at least one selected block, combining the average motion vectors over time (all past frames of video) to determine an accumulated average motion vector, estimating the orientation of a user's head in the video frame based on the accumulated average motion vector, and outputting at least one parameter indicative of the estimated orientation.

Abstract: A method and system for collaborative communications is described. In one embodiment, a central virtual reality communications environment is created. A plurality of client communication devices are connected to the central virtual reality communications environment. Each one of the connected plurality of client communication devices are represented as an avatar present in the central virtual reality communications environment. An uploaded data object is received from any one of the connected plurality of client communication devices. Finally, the data object is displayed in the central virtual reality communications environment to the connected plurality of client communication devices.

Abstract: Horizontal and vertical video shape padding (with or without attendant motion compensation) are facilitated through use of a two-dimensional small array of processing elements. Multiple pixel value assignments are determined and made with each clock cycle or iteration, thereby greatly reducing overall cycle time to complete the shape padding. This approach is compatible with MPEG 4.

Abstract: A redundant processing system includes a pair of processors, each processor having an error detector, a key generator, and a lock circuit. The error detectors sense the outputs generated by their processors and generate an error signal when defective data is sensed. The key generators develop multi-bit codes of known patterns that are disrupted in response to receipt of an error signal from an error detector. The codes generated by the key generators are supplied to lock circuits which produce the same known multi-bit codes, and which compare their own codes to the codes supplied by the key generators. If a mis-match is detected, it will be due to a disrupted code that resulted from an error signal. Data from the processor associated with the error signal is rejected.

Abstract: A zener diode random number generator circuit is described which produces a random binary number output having a statistical distribution exhibiting a controlled degree of randomness determined in response to an input control signal. A microprocessor feedback circuit monitors the random number output and produces the input control signal in response to the difference between the degree of randomness of the output signal and that of a pre-determined statistical distribution. The digital feedback automatically adjusts the zener diode biasing point and the limiter threshold such that part-to-part tolerance, component aging, temperature variations, or voltage fluctuations will not adversely affect the randomness of the bit stream output. In the preferred embodiment, the microprocessor tests the ratio of ONES bits to ZERO bits of the random number such that a desired 1:1 ONES/ZERO ratio is approximated.

Abstract: A circuit for simulating the effects of a temperature change in a digital transmission medium. The circuit generates lengthened or shortened frequency pulses digitally by operating a pulse counter to reset early for a shortened pulse or skip a timing pulse for a lengthened interval pulse. A second counter and associated decoder are utilized to alternately control the operating modes.