Abstract: A method for automatically adjusting the pan and tilt of a camera, such as used in a videoconferencing system. A pointer and a picture of the camera's field of view are provided on a display device, such as a television set or a monitor. The pointer is moved on the display device in response to user commands from a user control device, such as a mouse or a joystick. When the user determines that the pointer is in the correct position the user uses the user control device to send a designation command. Then, in response to the designation command, the pan and/or tilt of the camera are adjusted to center the desired object in the picture.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system including error detection, monitoring, and reporting. A controller (10) controls the operation of a camera (17) or a peripheral device, such as a video cassette recorder (20), or a modem (22). A user input device, such as a mouse (12) or a joystick (18), is connected to the controller to allow the user to control the camera or the peripheral device via the controller. The controller sends the user's commands and then monitors status signals to determine whether the commands were properly executed or errors occurred. The controller stores indications of the errors and the command signals associated with the errors and automatically provides notice of the errors associated with the operation of the camera and the peripheral devices. The controller also provides notice of any errors to remote locations via the modem. The user may print out a report listing the errors and the command signals associated with the errors.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system which is easy to use. A camera unit (17) provides a picture which is displayed on the display screen of a monitor (21A, 21B). A controller (10) controls the operation of the camera and also causes a pointer or other indicator to be displayed on the display screen along with the picture. A user input device, such as a mouse (12) or a joystick (18), is connected to the controller. The mouse or joystick is used to position the pointer at a desired location on the picture or to designate an area of interest on the picture. The controller then causes the camera to pan and/or tilt in order to center the desired point or area of interest on the display screen, and to zoom, if appropriate, in order to fill the display screen with the desired area of interest. The range of operation of the camera is divided into a plurality of regions.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system which readily accommodates new devices and new features. A plurality of devices ( 10, 12-18, 20-22) are connected to a network (23) by a plurality of network converters (11). A controller (10) contains software pertinent to each type of converter and the device to which it is connected. The controller (10) loads the appropriate software into each converter (11) so that each converter is then configured for the device (10, 12-18, 20-22) to which it is connected. User instructions are provided by a mouse (12), a control panel (13), or a joystick (18) to the controller (10). The controller (10) interprets the instructions to determine the action required and sends an appropriate command to the selected device. The present invention also provides a method for automatically positioning the camera, automatically zooming and focusing the camera, and for automatically adjusting the pan and tilt rates, and the zoom and focus during pan and tilt operations.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system which is easy to use. A camera unit (17) provides a picture which is displayed on the display screen of a monitor (21A, 21B). A controller (10) controls the operation of the camera and also causes a pointer or other indicator to be displayed on the display screen along with the picture. A user input device, such as a mouse (12) or a joystick (18), is connected to the controller. The mouse or joystick is used to position the pointer at a desired location on the picture and to draw a rectangular area of interest on the display screen, for example by depressing a mouse button when the pointer is at a first location, dragging the mouse to a second location, and then releasing the button. Upon an indication from the user that a desired area of interest has been drawn, for example by a click of the mouse button, the camera pans and/or tilts in order to center the desired area of interest on the display screen and zooms in order to fill the display screen with the desired area of interest.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system for remotely controlling a peripheral device such as a VCR (20). A controller (10) controls the operation of the peripheral device by transmitting a conversion program to a converter (11G) via a network. The converter stores the conversion program in a memory and then uses the conversion program to convert subsequently transmitted network standard control signals into device specific control signals for controlling the peripheral device and also converts signals from the peripheral device into network standard control signals. The controller, or any other device in the network capable of using network standard control signals, may then remotely control and monitor the peripheral device by transmitting network standard control signals to the converter and receiving network standard control signals from the converter.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system which is easy to use. First and second video devices, such as a camera unit (17) or a videocassette recorder (20), provide first and second pictures, respectively. A video control unit (15) combines these pictures to provide a combined picture, such as a split screen display, which is displayed on a monitor (21A, 21B). A controller (10) controls the operation of the video devices and the video control unit, and also causes the video control unit to display a pointer or other indicator on the combined picture. A user input device, such as a mouse (12) or a joystick (18), is connected to the controller. The mouse or joystick is used to position the pointer at a desired location on the combined picture, and also to select the function which a video device is to perform. The controller automatically selects the video device which is to perform the selected function by determining which video device is providing the part of the combined picture in which the pointer is positioned.