Abstract: A data call between at least two internetworked computers is established using a central server. Once the data call is in place, prerecorded motion video is shared between the two computers by creating a streaming video server on one user's computer for streaming the prerecorded motion video simultaneously to both users as clients of the streaming server. Either user can pause, rewind, or fast forward the streamed video as it is viewed by both users.

Abstract: The identity and continued presence of an individual at a computer workstation are verified prior to and during execution of an application on the computer workstation. A first biometric sample of an individual proximate to the workstation is gathered at a first time. A first identity is established corresponding to the first biometric sample using a first biometric comparison, wherein the first biometric comparison consumes a first processing load. The application is executed in conjunction with the first identity. A second biometric sample of an individual proximate to the workstation is gathered at a second time following the first time by a delay. A second identity is established corresponding to the second biometric sample using a second biometric comparison, wherein the second biometric comparison consumes a second processing load which is less than the first processing load. The application conditionally continues to execute in conjunction with the first identity if the second identity matches.

Abstract: A service provider communication system includes a computer network-enabled workstation for a service provider (e.g., a medical caregiver) and a computer network-enabled communication device for a requester (e.g., a patient) in a location remote from the service provider workstation. A data network interconnects the service provider workstation and the requester communication device, and the service provider workstation and the requester communication device have respective network addresses. A requester information database stores a data record corresponding to the requester. The requester communication device includes a signaling device for generating a request signal and a controller responsive to the request signal for initiating a video communication link between the requester communication device and the service provider workstation using the respective network addresses and for initiating display of the data record at the service provider workstation.

Abstract: Reproduction of voice signals and video signals in a video telephony call are synchronized at the receiving end. Voice signals are transmitted from a first telephone device of a first party to a second telephone device of a second party via a public switched telephone network (PSTN) connection. The video signals are transmitted from a first computer of the first party to a second computer of the second party via packets in a computer data network. The video signals comprise successive video frames. A video latency time is determined for transmission of the video signals over the computer data network. If the video latency time is in a first predetermined range then transmission of the voice signals is delayed from the first telephone device to the second telephone device by a selected delay in response to the video latency time. The selected delay is no greater than a predetermined maximum voice delay.

Abstract: Computerized video telephony enhances the interaction between a calling party and a called user wherein the called user is an enterprise employing a computerized, automated telephone response system together with a pool of live human operators or agents. The present invention coordinates the handling of the network data call(s) so that video image content may be provided to the calling user while connected to the automated system and then after the telephone call is transferred to the live operator.

Abstract: A combined telephonic/computerized on-demand ordering system for goods or services employs a computer network communication session that is established automatically in response to a telephone call made from a requestor to a provider. The computer network data call can provide video images synchronized to menu selections presented by an automated telephone response system.

Abstract: The present invention establishes a direct communication session between separate users that are engaged in active sessions in an Internet chat or instant messaging environment. Within these active sessions, a video telephony call is initiated for sending video over a public data network simultaneously with sending voice within a telephone call placed over a public telephone network.

Abstract: The present invention establishes a direct communication session between separate users that are engaged in active sessions in an Internet chat or instant messaging environment. Within these active sessions, a video telephony call is initiated for sending video over a public data network simultaneously with sending voice within a telephone call placed over a public telephone network.

Abstract: A data call between at least two internetworked computers is established using a central server and call clients in the two computers. Once the data call is in place, a video telephony conversation is initiated. In addition, still images such as a slideshow of personal photographs are shared between the two computers while the video telephony call fully continues. Image viewer subclients utilize the same network session as is used by the call clients. Either user can pause, navigate through, or change the display a parameters of the slideshow as it is being viewed by both users.

Abstract: A user system uses a called number to establish a telephone call over a public telephone network to a called party. In response to the telephone call, the user system transfers a video call request to a server system over a public data network. The server system uses the called telephone number to check a database to determine if the called party is ready to receive video calls. If the called party is ready and accepts the video call, the server system exchanges video between the caller and called parties over the public data network.