Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for storing media identification data in a file using a digital computer in communication with a media presentation system. The method includes the step of receiving at the digital computer a signal indicating a command to position a marker within the file. The method also includes the step of presenting audio/visual information at the media presentation system. The method further includes the step of receiving a signal indicating a relationship between the position of the marker and the presented audio/visual information. In addition, the method includes the step of transmitting a signal indicating a request for media identification data and the step of transmitting a signal representing the media identification data. The method finally includes the step of storing the media identification data in the file at the position of the marker.

Abstract: An apparatus for selecting and controlling devices located remotely from a local site where an operator resides. A laser or other source of a focused electromagnetic bean moves in association with a camera located at the remote site. The camera thus can detect the object on which the focused laser beam projects. The camera outputs a video signal which is transmitted from the remote site to the local site. The operator at the local site views the video signal on a monitor so that the operator can determine the location of the laser beam. When the laser beam illuminates at least one particular transponder out of one or a plurality of transponders, the transponder outputs a signal to at least one device to activate or deactivate the device, thus providing the operator remote control of the device. A light may also be associated with the transponder and activates when the transponder has been selected to provide a positive indication to the operator that only the particular transponder has been selected.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling devices remotely by embedding command information within video signals. The command information includes gestures or icons which are imbedded into the video signal and enable the user to interpret the command information by viewing the icon or gesture on a monitor or display device. By viewing the monitor or display device, the user can determine what command information is conveyed within the video signal. Further, imbedding the visually interpretable icon or gesture within the video signal facilitates transmitting the video signal having the command information imbedded therein using analog to digital conversions and reconversions and transmission through any of a various number of switching networks. The remote devices may by any of a number of electronically controlled electrical or mechanical devices. A device controller at the remote end receives, the decoded command information and generates the appropriate commands to operate the controlled device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing teleinteractive video teleconferencing between two or more teleconference sites, and for enabling any number of teleconference sites to overlay a pointer to point within the video image originating from any teleconference site. The systems and methods employ at least one video imaging device to capture images at a local teleconference site and N display devices to display images captured at the local and the remote teleconference sites, where N is the total number of teleconference sites comprising the system. The teleinteractive capability is accomplished when a local teleconference site selectively inputs the video imaging signal from a remote teleconference site into a pointer overlay device rather than the local video image. The pointer overlay device then overlays the pointer and the overlaid video signal is then transmitted to the remote teleconference sites.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing tele-operations with the active assistance and supervision of a cognitive agent, such as a human being, who generates a future path plan in real time for immediate use by an automated on-line controlled agent, such as a work robot or other manipulator, are disclosed. The systems and methods may employ a visual display to present images of the controlled agent, of a foward simulation of the controlled agent, and of the future path plan being generated to enable a human operator to assess and control the on-going activity. The system simultaneously operates the controlled agent and produces the forward simulation and path plan, all under real time conditions. The cognitive agent, display and forward simulation equipment may be at one location and the controlled agent and its controller at another remote location.