Abstract: A method of content adaptive encoding video is disclosed. The method comprises segmenting video content into segments based on predefined classifications or models. Examples of such classifications include action scenes, slow scenes, low or high detail scenes, and brightness of the scenes. Based on the segment classifications, each segment is encoded with a different encoder chosen from a plurality of encoders. Each encoder is associated with a model. The chosen encoder is particularly suited to encoding the unique subject matter of the segment. The coded bit-stream for each segment includes information regarding which encoder was used to encode that segment. A matching decoder of a plurality of decoders is chosen using the information in the coded bitstream to decode each segment using a decoder suited for the classification or model of the segment.

Abstract: A method of content adaptive encoding video is disclosed. The method comprises segmenting video content into segments based on predefined classifications or models. Examples of such classifications include action scenes, slow scenes, low or high detail scenes, and brightness of the scenes. Based on the segment classifications, each segment is encoded with a different encoder chosen from a plurality of encoders. Each encoder is associated with a model. The chosen encoder is particularly suited to encoding the unique subject matter of the segment. The coded bit-stream for each segment includes information regarding which encoder was used to encode that segment. A matching decoder of a plurality of decoders is chosen using the information in the coded bitstream to decode each segment using a decoder suited for the classification or model of the segment.

Abstract: A system for content adaptive encoding and decoding video is disclosed. The system comprises modules for segmenting video content into segments based on predefined classifications or models. Examples of such classifications comprise action scenes, slow scenes, low or high detail scenes, and brightness of the scenes. Based on the segment classifications, each segment is encoded with a different encoder chosen from a plurality of encoders. Each encoder is associated with a model. The chosen encoder is particularly suited to encoding the unique subject matter of the segment. The coded bit-stream for each segment includes information regarding which encoder was used to encode that segment. A matching decoder of a plurality of decoders is chosen using the information in the coded bitstream to decode each segment using a decoder suited for the classification or model of the segment.

Abstract: A computing device and computer-readable medium storing instructions for controlling a computing device to customize a voice in a multi-media message created by a sender for a recipient, the multi-media message comprising a text message from the sender to be delivered by an animated entity. The instructions comprise receiving from the sender inserted voice emoticons, which may be repeated, into the text message associated with parameters of a voice used by an animated entity to deliver the text message; and transmitting the text message such that a recipient device can deliver the multi-media message at a variable level associated with a number of times a respective voice emoticon is repeated.

Abstract: A system and method of removing noise in a bitstream is disclosed. The system and method are most applicable to removing noise in a bitstream wherein the bitstream is encoded after being segmented into portions based on predefined classifications or models. Based on the segment classifications, each segment or portion is encoded with a different encoder associated with the portion model and chosen from a plurality of encoders. The coded bit-stream for each segment includes information regarding which encoder was used to encode that segment. A circuit for removing noise in video content comprises a first filter connected to a first input switch and a first output switch, the first filter being in parallel with a first pass-through line, a second filter connected to a second input switch and a second output switch, the second filter connected in parallel with a second pass-through line, and a third filter connected to a third input switch in a third output switch.

Abstract: A method of creating an animated entity for delivering a multi-media message from a sender to a recipient comprises receiving from the sender an image file to a server, the image file having associated sender-assigned name, gender, category and indexing information. The server presents to the sender the image file and a group of generic face model templates. After the sender selects one of the generic face model templates, the server presents the image file and the selected model template to the sender and requests the sender to mark features on the image file. After the sender marks the image file, the server presents to the sender a preview of at least one expression associated with the marked image file. If the user does not accept the image file after the preview, the server presents again the image file and selected model template for the sender to redo or add marked features on the image file.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method is provided for creating a personal animated entity for delivering a multi-media message from a sender to a recipient. An image file from the sender may be received by a server. The image file may include an image of an entity. The sender may be requested to provide input with respect to facial features of the image of the entity in preparation for animating the image of the entity. After the sender provides the input with respect to the facial features of the image of the entity, the image of the entity may be presented as a personal animated entity to the sender to preview. Upon approval of the preview from the sender, the image of the entity may be presented as a sender-selectable personal animated entity for delivering the multi-media message to the recipient.

Abstract: A system and method of removing noise in a bitstream is disclosed. The system and method are most applicable to removing noise in a bitstream wherein the bitstream is encoded after being segmented into portions based on predefined classifications or models. Based on the segment classifications, each segment or portion is encoded with a different encoder associated with the portion model and chosen from a plurality of encoders. The coded bit-stream for each segment includes information regarding which encoder was used to encode that segment. A circuit for removing noise in video content comprises a first filter connected to a first input switch and a first output switch, the first filter being in parallel with a first pass-through line, a second filter connected to a second input switch and a second output switch, the second filter connected in parallel with a second pass-through line, and a third filter connected to a third input switch in a third output switch.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method is provided for creating a personal animated entity for delivering a multi-media message from a sender to a recipient. An image file from the sender may be received by a server. The image file may include an image of an entity. The sender may be requested to provide input with respect to facial features of the image of the entity in preparation for animating the image of the entity. After the sender provides the input with respect to the facial features of the image of the entity, the image of the entity may be presented as a personal animated entity to the sender to preview. Upon approval of the preview from the sender, the image of the entity may be presented as a sender-selectable personal animated entity for delivering the multi-media message to the recipient.

Abstract: Scalable video codecs are provided for use in videoconferencing systems and applications hosted on heterogeneous endpoints/receivers and network environments. The scalable video codecs provide a coded representation of a source video signal at multiple temporal, quality, and spatial resolutions.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method is provided for creating a personal animated entity for delivering a multi-media message from a sender to a recipient. An image file from the sender may be received by a server. The image file may include an image of an entity. The sender may be requested to provide input with respect to facial features of the image of the entity in preparation for animating the image of the entity. After the sender provides the input with respect to the facial features of the image of the entity, the image of the entity may be presented as a personal animated entity to the sender to preview. Upon approval of the preview from the sender, the image of the entity may be presented as a sender-selectable personal animated entity for delivering the multi-media message to the recipient.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method is provided for creating a personal animated entity for delivering a multi-media message from a sender to a recipient. An image file from the sender may be received by a server. The image file may include an image of an entity. The sender may be requested to provide input with respect to facial features of the image of the entity in preparation for animating the image of the entity. After the sender provides the input with respect to the facial features of the image of the entity, the image of the entity may be presented as a personal animated entity to the sender to preview. Upon approval of the preview from the sender, the image of the entity may be presented as a sender-selectable personal animated entity for delivering the multi-media message to the recipient.

Abstract: A method of content adaptive decoding involves receiving a bitstream encoded wherein video content is segmented into portions based on predefined classifications or models, such as action scenes, slow scenes, low or high detail scenes, and brightness of the scenes. Based on the segment classifications, each segment or portion is encoded with a different encoder chosen from a plurality of encoders. The chosen encoder is particularly suited to encoding the unique subject matter of the segment. The coded bit-stream for each segment includes information regarding which encoder was used to encode that segment. A matching decoder of a plurality of decoders is chosen using the information in the coded bitstream to decode each segment using a decoder suited for the classification or model of the segment on a generic decoder.

Abstract: A system and method of delivering a multi-media message to a recipient is disclosed. The multi-media message is created by a sender and contains a talking entity for delivering a sender message. A determination is made as to whether the recipient device has rendering software for delivering a video portion of the multi-media message. If the recipient device does not have the rendering software, the multi-media message is streamed from a server such that a generic rendering software device will deliver the multi-media message.

Abstract: A system and method of creating a customized multi-media message to a recipient is disclosed. The multi-media message is created by a sender and contains an animated entity that delivers an audible message. The sender chooses the animated entity from a plurality of animated entities. The system receives a text message from the sender and receives a sender audio message associated with the text message. The sender audio message is associated with the chosen animated entity to create the multi-media message. The multi-media message is delivered by the animated entity using as the voice the sender audio message wherein the mouth movements of the animated entity conform to the sender audio message.

Abstract: A method is provided for customizing a multi-media message created by a sender for a recipient, in which the multi-media message includes an animated entity audibly presenting speech converted from text by the sender. At least one image is received from the sender. Each of the at least one image is associated with a tag. The sender is presented with options to insert the tag associated with one of the at least one image into the sender text.

Abstract: A method of creating a personal animated entity for delivering a multi-media message from a sender to a recipient is disclosed. The method comprises receiving from the sender an image file at a server, the image file having an entity and a background image. The server presents to the sender the image file and requests the sender to mark features on the image file. After the sender marks the image file, the server presents to the sender the image file as an optional animated entity when the sender chooses an animated entity to deliver a multi-media message. If the sender selects the image file for delivering the multi-media message, the server delivers the multi-media message using the personal animated entity in the context of the background image of the image file. Extrapolation is used to fill in background voids created by the movement of the personal animated entity in the context of the background image.

Abstract: A system and method of providing sender customization of multi-media messages through the use of inserted images or video. The images or video may be sender-created or predefined and available to the sender via a web server. The method relates to customizing a multi-media message created by a sender for a recipient, the multi-media message having an animated entity audibly presenting speech converted from text created by the sender. The method comprises receiving at least one image from the sender, associating each at least one image with a tag, presenting the sender with options to insert the tag associated with one of the at least one image into the sender text, and after the sender inserts the tag associated with one of the at least one images into the sender text, delivering the multi-media message with the at least one image presented as background to the animated entity according to a position of the tag associated with the at least one image in the sender text.

Abstract: A system and method of providing sender-customization of multi-media messages through the use of emoticons is disclosed. The sender inserts the emoticons into a text message. As an animated face audibly delivers the text, emoticons associated with the message are started a predetermined period of time or number of words prior to the position of the emoticon in the message text and completed a predetermined length of time or number of words following the location of the emoticon. The sender may insert emoticons through the use of emoticon buttons that are icons available for choosing. Upon sender selections of an emoticon, an icon representing the emoticon is inserted into the text at the position of the cursor. Once an emoticon is chosen, the sender may also choose the amplitude for the emoticon and increased or decreased amplitude will be displayed in the icon inserted into the message text.

Abstract: A system and method of delivering a multi-media message to a recipient is disclosed. The multi-media message is created by a sender and contains a talking entity for delivering a text message using text-to-speech means. The method comprises transmitting to the recipient a message containing a link to the multi-media message, wherein the multi-media message is contained on a server. Upon the recipient clicking the link to the multi-media message, the method comprises determining whether a client terminal associated with the recipient contains client software to deliver the multi-media message. If client software exists on the client terminal, the method comprises determining whether permission is granted for delivering the multi-media message. If client software exists on the client terminal and permission is granted, the multi-media message is delivered to the recipient using the client software.