Abstract: Various systems and methods are disclosed herein to increase the quality of the sound and intelligibility of speech delivered to a user by combining electric audio signals from more than one hearing assistance device that incorporates an active signal enhancement system. The method includes receiving electric audio signals at a first hearing assistance device, and sending electric audio signals to a second hearing assistance device. The electric audio signal is encoded as a replacement for input to an microphone channel located at the second hearing assistance device. The electric audio signals from the microphone located at the first hearing assistance device and the microphone located at the second hearing assistance device are combined. The combined electric audio signals are processed through a digital signal processor in the first hearing assistance device to enhance the amplitude of the desired signal via constructive interference.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are disclosed herein to increase the quality of the sound and intelligibility of speech delivered to a user by combining electric audio signals from more than one hearing assistance device that incorporates an active signal enhancement system. The method includes receiving electric audio signals at a first hearing assistance device, and sending electric audio signals to a second hearing assistance device. The electric audio signal is encoded as a replacement for input to an microphone channel located at the second hearing assistance device. The electric audio signals from the microphone located at the first hearing assistance device and the microphone located at the second hearing assistance device are combined. The combined electric audio signals are processed through a digital signal processor in the first hearing assistance device to enhance the amplitude of the desired signal via constructive interference.

Abstract: A video conference receiving system receives a panoramic view of a meeting. The panoramic view is displayed in a panoramic window of a display unit with additional windows so that a remote participant of the meeting enjoys many of the benefits of physically attending the meeting. For example, a virtual camera window can be displayed in the display unit. The remote participant can pan the virtual camera window to view different areas of the meeting. Furthermore the remote participant can cause the virtual camera window to zoom in or zoom out to obtain the desired image. An auto-tracking window can be displayed that automatically tracks an object, such as a on-site participant of the meeting or the active speaker of the meeting. Furthermore, an application that is shared by the participants of the meeting can be displayed in an application window.

Abstract: According to one aspect the invention, a panoramic imaging arrangement is provided which includes at least a first lens block including a convex reflective surface and a transparent component. The convex reflective surface has a substantially vertically extending axis of revolution and is capable of receiving light from a 360° surrounding panoramic scene, and reflecting the light for further manipulation. The transparent component covers the convex reflective surface. The convex reflective surface is thereby protected from environmental conditions which may otherwise result in damage to the convex reflective surface.

Abstract: According to one aspect the invention, a panoramic imaging arrangement is provided which includes at least a first lens block including a convex reflective surface and a transparent component. The convex reflective surface has a substantially vertically extending axis of revolution and is capable of receiving light from a 360° surrounding panoramic scene, and reflecting the light for further manipulation. The transparent component covers the convex reflective surface. The convex reflective surface is thereby protected from environmental conditions which may otherwise result in damage to the convex reflective surface.

Abstract: According to one aspect the invention, a panoramic imaging arrangement is provided which includes at least a first lens block including a convex reflective surface and a transparent component. The convex reflective surface has a substantially vertically extending axis of revolution and is capable of receiving light from a 360° surrounding panoramic scene, and reflecting the light for further manipulation. The transparent component covers the convex reflective surface. The convex reflective surface is thereby protected from environmental conditions which may otherwise result in damage to the convex reflective surface.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a panoramic imaging arrangement comprising lens block and a system of lenses. The lens block has a substantially vertical axis of revolution and is capable of receiving light from a first, 360° surrounding panoramic scene. The system of lenses has a vertical axis of revolution substantially coinciding with the axis of revolution of the lens block and is positioned to receive light from a second scene which is at least partially located above the first, surrounding panoramic scene, and projecting the light from the second scene.