Abstract: A request to establish video communication with a recipient associated with multiple communication devices is received. The recipient is identified using information contained within the request. A set of communication devices associated with the recipient is determined. A first communication device with a highest probability of being accessible to the recipient is selected from the set. The video communication request is forwarded to the first selected communication device.

Abstract: Providing interaction between a user with remote data stored on a network is disclosed. A physical medium has at least one hot spot encoded with linking data enabling access to remote data. The linking data is encoded according to a spectral encoding scheme. At least part of the linking data is visible and is blended with and appears to comprise at least part of an un-encoded graphic or text visible on the physical medium such that it is not apparent to a viewer of the physical medium that said linking data is encoded in said at least one hot spot. A sensor measures the hot spot and decodes the linking data. A transmitter coupled to the sensor transmits the linking data to a remote computer system. The remote computer system responds to the linking data to retrieve the remote data and present the remote data to the user.

Abstract: Eye-to-eye videoconferencing may be carried out through the use of a camera secured to an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism removably secures the camera to a screen portion of a display screen such that the camera is disposed between the display screen and a person engaged in videoconferencing. In one embodiment, the attachment mechanism is a suction cup. In one alternate embodiment, the attachment mechanism takes the form of first and second strips of double-sided tape. In another alternate embodiment, the attachment mechanism includes first and second magnets removably secured to front and back sides of a flat panel display. Magnetic force between the first and second magnets removably secures the camera to a screen portion of the flat panel display.

Abstract: Eye-to-eye videoconferencing may be carried out through the use of a flexible coupling that removably disposes a camera between a screen portion of a display and a person viewing the screen portion. The camera may be attached to a camera portion of the flexible coupling, and a fixation portion of the flexible coupling may be secured to the display. According to one example, the flexible coupling is an elastic or inelastic flexible loop that encircles the display. According to another example, the flexible coupling is a flexible line suspended from a base attached to a top side of the display.

Abstract: Eye-to-eye videoconferencing may be carried out through the use of a motion coupling that positions a strut at least partially across a screen, near the eye level of the viewer. A camera may be mounted on a camera portion of the strut to obtain a video image of the viewer. The motion coupling may permit translation or rotation of the strut to reposition the camera. The motion coupling may be selectively lockable through internal,friction or through the use of a locking device. The camera may be movable along the camera portion via a camera translational coupling.

Abstract: Eye-to-eye videoconferencing may be carried out through the use of a bendable coupling that removably disposes an image receiving device between a screen portion of a display and a person viewing the screen portion. According to one example, the image receiving device comprises a lens that conveys light into the distal end of a coherent fiber optic bundle. The light then moves through the cable to reach a camera offset from the screen portion. Alternatively, the image receiving device may be a miniature camera that provides a video signal via a video cable connected to the camera. As another alternative, the camera may be coupled to a miniature wireless transmitter. A wireless receiver offset from the screen portion may then receive the video signal and convey it to a display or communications network.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a variety of methods and systems for providing computer/human interfaces. According to one method, the user interfaces with an electronic device such as a computer system by engaging a sensor with desired regions of an encoded physical medium. The encoded physical medium is preferably chosen to provide intuitive meaning to the user, and is thus an improved metaphor for interfacing with the computer system. Suitable examples of the encoded physical medium include a data-linked book magazine, globe, or article of clothing. Some or all of the selected regions have had certain information encoded therein, information suitable for interfacing and controlling the computer system. When the user engages the sensor with a region having a certain encoded information, the certain encoded information is interpreted and an appropriate action taken. For example, the sensor or the computer system may provide suitable feedback to the user.

Abstract: Eye-to-eye videoconferencing may be carried out through the use of a motion coupling that positions a strut at least partially across a screen, near the eye level of the viewer. A camera may be mounted on a camera portion of the strut to obtain a video image of the viewer. The motion coupling may permit translation or rotation of the strut to reposition the camera. The motion coupling may be selectively lockable through internal friction or through the use of a locking device. The camera may be movable along the camera portion via a camera translational coupling.

Abstract: Eye-to-eye videoconferencing may be carried out through the use of a camera secured to an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism removably secures the camera to a screen portion of a display screen such that the camera is disposed between the display screen and a person engaged in videoconferencing. In one embodiment, the attachment mechanism is a suction cup. In one alternate embodiment, the attachment mechanism takes the form of first and second strips of double-sided tape. In another alternate embodiment, the attachment mechanism includes first and second magnets removably secured to front and back sides of a flat panel display. Magnetic force between the first and second magnets removably secures the camera to a screen portion of the flat panel display.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a variety of methods and systems for providing computer/human interfaces. According to one method, the user interfaces with an electronic device such as a computer system by engaging a sensor with desired regions of an encoded physical medium. The encoded physical medium is preferably chosen to provide intuitive meaning to the user, and is thus an improved metaphor for interfacing with the computer system. Suitable examples of the encoded physical medium include a data-linked book, magazine, globe, or article of clothing. Some or all of the selected regions have had certain information encoded therein, information suitable for interfacing and controlling the computer system. When the user engages the sensor with a region having certain encoded information, the certain encoded information is interpreted and an appropriate action taken. For example, the sensor or the computer system may provide suitable feedback to the user.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a variety of methods and systems for providing computer/human interfaces. According to one method, the user interfaces with an electronic device such as a computer system by engaging a sensor with desired regions of an encoded physical medium. The encoded physical medium is preferably chosen to provide intuitive meaning to the user, and is thus an improved metaphor for interfacing with the computer system. Suitable examples of the encoded physical medium include a data-linked book, magazine, globe, or article of clothing. Some or all of the selected regions have had certain information encoded therein, information suitable for interfacing and controlling the computer system. When the user engages the sensor with a region having certain encoded information, the certain encoded information is interpreted and an appropriate action taken. For example, the sensor or the computer system may provide suitable feedback to the user.

Abstract: A short range inductively coupled wireless communication system employs analog frequency modulation of a high frequency carrier and magnetic coupling between a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna. A transmitter coupled to the transmitting antenna modulates multiple high-fidelity analog audio signals and digital control messages onto separate high frequency (“HF”) carriers. The electric field portion of the transmitted electromagnetic field is substantially eliminated during transmission, while the magnetic field portion is substantially unaffected. The receiving antenna is coupled to a demodulator which reproduces the audio frequency signals and decodes control messages sent by the transmitter.

Abstract: Acoustic modules adapted to be worn on the head of a wearer, such as with a headband, or fastened to a hat or eyeglasses, are provided. The modules are situated on opposite sides of the wearer's head, adjacent the ears, and each contains a transducer, an outlet port and a vent port. The audio system is connected to, or in communication with, a conventional source of audio signals, such as a radio, tape player, CD player, cellular telephone, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a variety of methods and systems for providing computer/human interfaces. According to one method, the user interfaces with an electronic device such as a computer system by engaging a sensor with desired regions of an encoded physical medium. The encoded physical medium is preferably chosen to provide intuitive meaning to the user, and is thus an improved metaphor for interfacing with the computer system. Suitable examples of the encoded physical medium include a data-linked book, magazine, globe, or article of clothing. Some or all of the selected regions have had certain information encoded therein, information suitable for interfacing and controlling the computer system. When the user engages the sensor with a region having certain encoded information, the certain encoded information is interpreted and an appropriate action taken. For example, the sensor or the computer system may provide suitable feedback to the user.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a variety of methods and systems for providing computer/human interfaces. According to one method, the user interfaces with an electronic device such as a computer system by engaging a sensor with desired regions of an encoded physical medium. The encoded physical medium is preferably chosen to provide intuitive meaning to the user, and is thus an improved metaphor for interfacing with the computer system. Suitable examples of the encoded physical medium include a data-linked book, magazine, globe, or article of clothing. Some or all of the selected regions have had certain information encoded therein, information suitable for interfacing and controlling the computer system. When the user engages the sensor with a region having certain encoded information, the certain encoded information is interpreted and an appropriate action taken. For example, the sensor or the computer system may provide suitable feedback to the user.

Abstract: A device with a speaker system and adapted to wear on the head of a wearer, such as a headband, is provided. Transducers are situated in a wearable device and positioned on opposite sides of the wearer's head, adjacent the ears. In one embodiment, the transducers share a common enclosure and are driven 180.degree. out of phase, so that back pressures cancel and low frequency response is enhanced. In another embodiment, two vented enclosures are provided, each with its own transducers. In other embodiments, acoustic concentrators can be incorporated to direct the audio more directly toward the wearer's ears. The speaker system is connected to or in communication with a conventional source of audio signals, such as a radio, tape player, CD player, cellular telephone or the like.

Abstract: A wearable speaker system which provides improved quality audio response and which does not interfere with the wearer's activities or block environmental sounds is disclosed. Transducer arrays, e.g. pairs of speakers, are situated in a wearable garment, headband, or the like and positioned on opposite sides of the wearer's head. In one embodiment, the transducer arrays share a common enclosure and are driven 180.degree. out of phase, so that back pressures cancel and low frequency response is enhanced. In another embodiment, two open-ended enclosures are provided, each with its own transducer array. In another embodiment, linear arrays of transducers are provided with appropriate time-delays between the audio signals. The speaker system is connected to or in communication with a conventional source of audio signals, such as a radio, tape player, CD player, cellular telephone or the like.

Abstract: A portable, wearable personal audio system which includes an acoustic sample chamber and an acoustically transparent ear insert member. A tubular member transmits the audio from the sample chamber and module to the ear canal. An additional transducer, preferably made from a piezoelectric material, can be provided in the ear insert member or at the outer end of the tubular member. An electronics mechanism is preferably supplied as part of a behind-the-ear module or as part of the temple of a pair of eyeglasses. Stereo systems require separate systems for each ear. A quick exchange adapter mechanism is provided to connect the eyeglasses with a behind-the-ear module. A Velcro-type fastener or magnetic fastener mechanism connects the end of the eyeglasses to the module.

Abstract: A portable, wearable personal audio system which includes an acoustic sample chamber and an acoustically transparent ear insert member. A tubular member transmits the audio from the sample chamber and module to the ear canal. The ear insert stabilizes and secures the tubular member in the ear canal. One or more surfaces of the ear insert member can be coated with a perforated flexible material. An additional transducer, preferably made from a piezoelectric material, can be provided in the ear insert member or at the outer end of the tubular member. An electronics mechanism is preferably supplied as part of a behind-the-ear module or as part of the temple of a pair of eyeglasses. Stereo systems require separate systems for each ear.