Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided which facilitate the resolution of recording conflicts of a digital video recorder (DVR). A DVR identifies a recording conflict between a first recording timer associated with a first television program and a second recording timer associated with a second television program. A communication is initiated to a communication device associated with a user of the digital video recorder to inform the user of the recording conflict. Responsive to the communication, the user provides information to the DVR via the communication device requesting to resolve the recording conflict. The DVR utilizes the provided information to modify one or more of the conflicted recording timers to resolve the conflict.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a casing, an image reading unit, a mounting board, and an antenna. The casing has a side wall positioned at one end thereof in a first direction. The image reading unit is accommodated in the casing and configured to read an image of an original document by scanning in the first direction. The mounting board is accommodated in the casing and mounts an electronic component that is used when the image reading unit reads the image, the mounting board extending in the first direction. The antenna is accommodated in the casing and configured to receive or transmit a radio signal. The antenna is disposed along and adjacent the side wall.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a media device. The media device comprises an output component configured to deliver an experience to a user. In addition, the media device comprises a pairing communication link for exchanging information about the experience with a paired user device, and a detection component configured to directly detect an indication received from the user device. The indication is received over an air interface other than the communication link. Further, the media device comprises a processing component for decoding the indication. It is configured to exchange information via the pairing communication link with the paired user device in response to decoding the indication, the information including information about an option. The processing component is further configured to detect selection of the option and modify operation of the media device to implement the selected option.

Abstract: A system and process that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, transitioning a processor from a high-power consumption state to a low-power consumption state, wherefrom return to the high-power consumption state includes a boot process. Future demand for operation of the processor in the high-power consumption state is predicted, while the processor is in the low-power consumption state. The processor is transitioned from the low-power consumption state to the high-power consumption state in response to predicting future demand for operation of the processor in the high-power consumption state. Such transition of the processor from the low-power consumption state to the high-power consumption state sufficiently precedes actual demand for operation of the processor in the high-power consumption state so as to avoid perceptible user delay. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for providing call routing analytics. A virtual session initiation protocol switch is provided and hosted in an Internet cloud-based environment. The switch streams live call detail records to a computer system having a processor configured to process all of the subscriber's call records to monitor route performance for the subscriber. Real-time route performance data is transmitted to the subscriber for display at a subscriber computer. The subscriber can then alter a routing of at least a portion of the call utilizing the switch in response to the real-time route performance data to increase quality of signaling and business performance.

Abstract: A first mobile terminal processes video data from a camera of the first mobile terminal to identify occurrence of a second mobile terminal being aligned to electronically image a display device of the first mobile terminal. Responsive to identifying occurrence of the second mobile terminal being aligned to electronically image the display device, the first mobile terminal controls operation of the display device of the first mobile terminal to interfere with an ability of the second mobile terminal to be operated to electronically image the display device. Related mobile terminals and computer program products are disclosed.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a point of sale (POS) device is provided. The POS device includes a memory and at least one processor. The processor is configured to perform an authorized set of functions established by an external management module. The authorized set of functions include purchase transaction processing of inventory identified as available to the POS device by the external management module.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for integrating a user computer with a Codec device so that operation of input devices to a computer is transferred to a display associated with the Codec.

Abstract: Methods are provided for transmitting an emoticon to another party in video telephony communication. Another party's video data is displayed on a first area of a display unit, a user's video data is displayed on a second area of the display unit, and a plurality of emoticons is displayed on a third area of the display unit in a video telephony communication. One of the plurality of emoticons is selected during the video telephony communication from a user input. The selected emoticon is displayed on the first area or on the second area and transmitting the selected emoticon to another party.

Abstract: Presence based content access control techniques are described in which presence of users is used as a basis for enforcing content restrictions. In an implementation, applications are registered to receive feedback regarding users' presence in relation to a presentation of content via a computing device. The presence of users is recognized independently of authentication of the users to access user accounts. For example, an imaging sensor such as camera may be employed for recognition of multiple users engaged with the computing device. In addition or alternatively, presence devices associated with users such as badges, key fobs, or access cards may be detected to ascertain the presence of users. Feedback indicative of the one or more users that are recognized may then be supplied to the registered applications. The feedback enables the applications to control the presentation of content by enforcing content restrictions and/or taking other presence based actions.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering content over the Internet from a content source to a destination is disclosed which includes the use of an overlay network, built on an underlying IP network. Additionally, error correction capability is added to the overlay network to allow the destination to reconstitute packets lost during the transmission over the Internet. In one embodiment, an overlay network is created using a plurality of overlay nodes, which may be geographically distributed, either throughout the country or throughout the world. Each respective content source or destination is also a part of the overlay network. Overhead, capable of providing error correction capability, is added to the content flow as it enters the overlay network. As the content flow leaves the overlay network, this overhead is removed from the content flow. In the case of transmission errors across the overlay network, the overhead information is used to reconstitute lost or corrupted packets.

Abstract: A broadcaster apparatus, content operator apparatus, and receiving terminal for augmented broadcasting service, and an augmented broadcasting service method. A service user may select a predetermined content operator among content operators that provide augmented content in an environment for providing an augmented broadcasting service according to an exemplary embodiment.

Abstract: A system teleconferences first and second speakers in first and second connected remote teleconference sites. Each teleconference site includes corresponding transceivers to transmit and receive electronic signals. First and second acquirers are configured to acquire an image of the first and second speakers, and to generate the electronic signals based on the acquired image. First and second remote image displays process the electronic signals to display the image of the remote speaker. The first remote image display includes a processor with a screen to display the image of the remote speaker. The first acquirer is adjacent the screen, so the acquired image of the first speaker, while looking at the image of the second speaker, is similar to an image acquired if the first speaker would look at the first acquirer. The second display includes a displaying screen suitable to contain an image projected life-size of the first speaker.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a page includes determining a selected page on a display device of the electronic device. An image of a user of the electronic device is acquired at a predetermined time interval using a camera module of the electronic device. A facial contour is recognized from the acquired image and a circumcircle of the recognized facial contour is computed. A reference circumcircle corresponding to a reference facial contour of the user is acquired from a storage device of the electronic device. According to the computed circumcircle and the reference circumcircle, an adjustment ratio of the selected page and an adjustment direction of the selected page are computed. According to the adjustment ratio and the adjustment direction of the selected page, the selected page is adjusted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for connecting at least one man-machine interface for manipulating, particularly remotely manipulating, at least one data source connected to a video conferencing system within the scope of video conferences, wherein signals generated by the man-machine interface are transmitted to the video conferencing system via a transmission channel provided for controlling a video camera. The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising means for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) piloting authorization implementations are presented that authorize a pilot to operate a UAV in regulated airspace. In general, a UAV authorization system is employed which incorporates a control authorization unit into a UAV controller device and a control instruction authentication unit into a UAV. The control authorization unit obtains a signed digital certificate associated with a UAV pilot, checks that it is signed by a trusted signatory, and then determines that it is currently valid using cloud or server based validation service. If the digital certificate is currently valid, the pilot is allowed to initiate control instructions via the UAV controller device. The signed digital certificate is attached to any control instructions initiated by the pilot before transmission to the UAV. The control instruction authentication unit goes through a similar procedure to authenticate any received control instruction before allowing the UAV to execute the instruction.

Abstract: A method includes sending, by a first device, a first message to a second device, sending a third message to the second device, where the first message includes information about at least one media capture capability supported by the first device, and at least one first association identifier, the third message includes at least one configuration item supported by the first device and at least one second association identifier, and the at least one first association identifier corresponds to the at least one second association identifier in a one-to-one manner, and receiving, a second message and a fourth message sent by the second device, where the second message includes at least one media capture capability that is selected by the second device according to the first message and the third message, and at least one third association identifier corresponding to the at least one media capture capability.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sending video content to a mobile device is described. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprising embedding a widget in a website, the widget generating a form. The form is provided when a user visits the website so as to execute the widget. The form includes a first field to enter a recipient phone number, a send selector, and one or more non-visible fields, the non-visible fields containing a content service provider identifier, and a video URL. A data packet is generated with the widget when the user selects the send selector, the data packet including the recipient phone number, the video URL, and the content service provider identifier. An encoded version of the data packet is sent to the content service provider and a video link message is sent to the recipient phone number.

Abstract: Implementations relate to selection of networks for voice call transmission. In some implementations, a method includes determining a voice call for communication between a sending device initiating the voice call and a receiving device and determining one or more first characteristics of the voice call. The method selects, based on the first characteristics, one of a phone network and a data network to use to route data of the voice call from the sending device to an intermediary server on the data network. The method causes the data of the voice call to be sent to the intermediary server over the selected network. The data of the voice call is sent from the intermediary server to the receiving device on one of the phone network and the data network chosen by the intermediary server based on one or more second characteristics of the call.

Abstract: A camera having communication ability can switch a mode between a communication mode and a shooting mode. The camera combines features of a communication device and a digital camera. The camera comprises a communication device, an imaging device, and a switching device. The switching device switched the communication mode to the shooting mode responsive to completion of communication.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provides a system and method for extracting information pertaining to a portable wireless communications device (103) which is connectable to a cellular communication network comprising the steps of: disposing the portable wireless communications device within an enclosure (101) substantially impenetrable by electromagnetic radiation; generating a cell of a cellular communication network within the enclosure; transmitting a signal to the device, the transmitted signal being suitable for initiating registration of the device with the generated cell; receiving a signal from the device comprising information pertaining to the device, the received signal being suitable for registering the device with the generated cell; and extracting information pertaining to the device from the received signal. Embodiments also provide the additional step of generating a message dependent upon the extracted information and transmitting the same, via the generated cell, to the user's device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for presenting communication information in video communication, including: controlling collection of audio information and video information of a video communication site; determining a position of a speaker in the video communication site according to the audio information, where the speaker is a person of participants in the video communication site that speaks; acquiring speech video information from the video information according to the position of the speaker, where the speech video information is video information of the speaker within a speaking period; and controlling presentation of the speech video information.

Abstract: A method for transitioning a video call is provided. The method can include a wireless communication device participating in a video call with a remote communication device via a first video call session established over a connection between the wireless communication device and a first cellular network. The video call can include a packet switched video stream carried over a first bearer and an audio stream carried over a second bearer. The method can further include the wireless communication device determining a degradation in a connection quality for the first cellular network; transitioning to a legacy cellular network having a circuit switched domain in response to the degradation in connection quality for the first cellular network; establishing a second video call session on the legacy cellular network; and using the second video call session to continue the video call on the legacy cellular network.

Abstract: A telecommunications device (1) comprises a base part (2), a cap part (4), a body part (3), a control panel (5), an upper light ring (9), a lower light ring (8), a plurality of sound microphones and a plurality of sound speakers. The cap part (4) is concave in shape. The body part (3) is frusto-conical in shape and tapers outwardly away from the cap part (4) towards the base part (2). The body part (3) and the cap part (4) cover the sound microphones and the sound speakers. The control panel (5) is inclined relative to the plane of the support surface (6) and relative to the plane of the base part (2). The control panel (5) protrudes upwardly from the upper edge of the body part (3) over the concave cap part (4), and the control panel (5) protrudes downwardly from the lower edge of the body part (3). The control panel (5) controls operation of the sound microphones and the sound speakers. The upper light ring (9) is located between the cap part (4) and the body part (3).

Abstract: A TV phone is provided, which includes a TV module; an MRFU for demodulating an incoming call received through a forward channel, and modulating and transmitting a signal on a reverse channel; a TV control section for supplying a tuning signal to the TV module; an MSP for establishing a phone or TV mode; and a display unit for displaying synchronized signals on an image viewing screen. In a TV mode, the TV phone receives an incoming call, stops the TV module; switches off and on output of an audio signal of the selected TV broadcasting channel; displays a character message on the TV viewing screen; or superimposes a graphic image over the image on the TV viewing screen.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system using an audio mixer for managing endpoint parameters of an input audio device and an output audio device. The system includes a data terminal, multiple endpoints, and the audio mixer, where the data terminal provides multiple data files including configuration parameters of endpoints. The endpoints include a first endpoint and a second endpoint. The audio mixer is configured to receive the data files from the data terminal, process the data files to obtain a first set of configuration parameters corresponding to the first endpoint and a second set of configuration parameters corresponding to the second endpoint, convert the first set and the second set of configuration parameters into a predefined common data format, and organize the predefined common data structure into a generic data structure.

Abstract: Monitoring, via a network of sensors each communicatively coupled to a home gateway system, movement and location of one or more individuals within their own residence. The home gateway system may also respond to inquiries as to a potential or probable or possible status of the one or more individuals within the residence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to capturing and presenting, in conjunction with video assistant selection, personalized, user-specific performance ratings for video assistants that the user has transacted/interacted with in the past. Once a user logs in or otherwise presents identifying credentials, the system or methodology accesses the user's recent remote video assistant session data (i.e., which video assistants the user previously transacted with and at least one corresponding user-specific performance rating) and presents a listing of the video assistants which the user previously interacted with along with at least one user-specific performance rating for each remote video assistant.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: an input configured to receive at least one audio signal from a further apparatus; an input configured to receive at least one audio signal associated with the apparatus; an orientation/location determiner configured to determine a relative orientation/location difference between the apparatus and the further apparatus; an audio processor configured to process the at least one audio signal from the further apparatus based on the relative orientation/location difference between the apparatus and the further apparatus; and a combiner configured to combine the at least one audio signal from the further apparatus having been processed and the at least one audio signal associated with the apparatus.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods and apparatus for decoding data. In one aspect, the method comprises decoding encoded video data to obtain decoded video frame data, the encoded video data comprising encoded video frame data encoded at a first frame rate and embedded data. The method further comprises determining a camera parameter from the embedded data and up-converting the decoded video frame data to a second frame rate based on the camera parameter. The determined camera parameter may be, for example, a parameter associated with one or more of a zoom factor, an auto focus status, lens position information, frame luma information, an auto exposure (AE) convergence status, an automatic white balance (AWB) convergence status, global motion information, and frame blurriness information, and the like. An encoding device may embed the camera parameter(s) in an encoded video bit stream for a decoder to utilize during frame rate up-conversion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transcoding metadata are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein to meter media content presented by a media device includes accessing first metadata accompanying media to be presented by the media device, the first metadata not being detectable by a metering device collecting audience measurement data associated the media device, transcoding the first metadata into second metadata having a format that is detectable by the metering device and capable of being inserted into at least one of an audio signal or a video signal corresponding to the media to presented by the media device, inserting the second metadata into the at least one of the audio signal or the video signal, and providing the at least one of the audio signal or the video signal with the inserted second metadata to the media device for presentation.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for analyzing and determining properties of virtual environments rendered on a display. The disclosed embodiments include, for example, a method for obtaining, by one or more processors, one or more depth parameters comprising one or more display parameters reflecting characteristics of the display, wherein the display parameters include a height and width of the display, and one or more environment depth multipliers reflecting a scaling factor to optimize display performance. The method may also include calculating, by the one or more processors, a diagonal display distance based on the display parameters. The method may also include calculating, by the one or more processors, an environment depth based on the diagonal display distance and the one or more environment depth multipliers. The method may also include setting, by the one or more processors, the depth of the display equal to the environment depth.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an identification unit configured to identify an object in image data, an acquisition unit configured to acquire position information indicating a position of the object, a setting unit configured to set, based on the position information of the object, a movable range in which a position of the virtual illumination can be set, a specified position acquisition unit configured to acquire a specified position input by a user on a display screen, a determination unit configured to determine the position of the virtual illumination based on the movable range and the specified position, and a lighting processing unit configured to execute lighting processing on the object in the image data based on the position of the virtual illumination determined by the determination unit.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may capture images using a camera system at a location associated with a user, transmit video content representative of the images over a network for presentation by another media processor at another location, receive at a media processor object content and second video content representative of second images that are associated with the second user, and present at a display device of the location the object content and the second video content in a telepresence configuration that simulates a presence of the other user at the location, where at least one of the object content and the video content is presented as three dimensional content or holographic content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for implementing a video phone on a communication terminal, and the communication terminal thereof. The method comprises the steps of: determining, by the communication terminal, that it supports video phone services and is located in a second communication access network which supports the transmission of a second data contained in the video phone services; initiating or waiting for a video phone call; establishing and maintaining a video phone connection with a second communication terminal; and switching CS domain services to a first communication access network which supports the transmission of a first data contained in the CS domain services after the video phone connection is terminated.

Abstract: Various technologies are applied to focus audio received from a plurality of microphones of a mobile device. A camera can be used to portray a scene, and a selection within the scene can focus audio to a desired audio focus region. Techniques can account for movement of the mobile device or an object being tracked. Pre-computed audio filters can be used to customize the audio focus process to account for a particular mobile device geometry.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for video communication. The methods include: configuration information of an objective terminal in video communication is obtained; a corresponding camera resolution is selected as a resolution for sampling video according to the configuration information; a video is sampled according to the resolution for sampling video; and the sampled video is sent to the objective terminal.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for ultrasonic emitter based floor audio units. An example floor audio unit may comprise one or more ultrasonic emitters and may be placed on or near a floor. The floor audio unit may generate audio output that comprises ultrasonic signals, and may emit the ultrasonic signals using the one or more ultrasonic emitters, where the one or more ultrasonic emitters may be configured to emit the ultrasonic signals upward. Further, directionality of emission of the ultrasonic signals is based on a position of a listener and/or a location of the listener's head relative to the enclosure of the floor audio unit. The ultrasonic signals and/or the positioning of the one or more ultrasonic emitters may be adjusted based on the position of the listener and/or the location of the listener's head to optimize the directionality of emission of the ultrasonic signals.

Abstract: A personal safety system, method, and apparatus provides image, audio, and data capture and transport system (IADCTS) features wherein an electronic device placed on a user can capture data associated with a potential perpetrator of a crime against the user. The electronic device sends the captured data (such as images or audio) to a secure and remote storage location. The capturing and sending of the data cannot be reversed or canceled by the user or potential perpetrator. The potential perpetrator is notified that the potential perpetrator's data has been captured by the electronic device, thereby discouraging the potential perpetrator from further proceeding with the crime.

Abstract: Users of a communication system can initiate electronic payments during a communication session hosted by the communication system or via a social network identity page hosted by the communication system. The communication system detects a payment signal from a user of the communication system and the collects payment information details either by displaying a payment object interface in a communication application of the user or receiving payment information input directly from the user's communication device. The payment information includes sender and recipient payment account identifiers that are communicated to a payment processing system for processing and delivery of the designated payment amount to the recipient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for providing real-time visual customer support. In one embodiment, the present system is configured to enhance native phone communication by simultaneously being able to deliver one-way real-time visual streaming from the end consumer. In this way, the present invention allows businesses to participate in collaborative audio-visual communication during the very first customer contact over the phone.

Abstract: A method to provide privacy protection on a video includes performing people recognition on the video, when a registered person is recognized, determining if a privacy setting is turned on, and, when the privacy setting is turned on, performing privacy protection on the video. Performing privacy protection on the video includes pausing a recording of a live video, obscuring the registered person in the live video or a recorded video, or skipping ahead or deleting part of the recorded video.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for enabling electronic communication with an audibly-impaired user are disclosed. A communication device receives a call from a video endpoint associated with a calling party, wherein the call is intended for the audibly-impaired user. If the audibly-impaired user is unavailable to receive the call, information is selected from a database with one or more entries associated with the audibly-impaired user. The one or more entries include a video greeting previously recorded by the audibly-impaired user and a text greeting previously entered by the audibly-impaired user. The video greeting and the text greeting are combined as a merged video stream. The merged video stream is then presented on the video endpoint associated with the calling party.

Abstract: Provided is a method of performing communication by using a plurality of network interfaces mounted on a communication terminal apparatus. The method includes allocating different Internet protocol (IP) addresses corresponding to the plurality of network interfaces to a plurality of applications of the communication terminal apparatus, relaying data transmitted or received between the plurality of applications and the plurality of network interfaces based on the allocated IP addresses, and simultaneously performing communication with an external network by the plurality of network interfaces through the relaying of the data.

Abstract: Multiple video and/or content feeds are combined and synchronized in real-time into a single mobile IP data network compatible stream for presenting as a coherent display on a mobile device.

Abstract: A system may be configured to receive an indication that a call has been placed (e.g., to a call center), and may provide a customized visual interface. The customized visual interface may include information that is potentially relevant to a user who has placed the call, and may be based on, for example, a user profile or history information, a purchase history of goods or services offered by an entity associated with the called party. The customized visual interface may allow the user to more quickly satisfy the purposes of his or her call than through traditional audio or touchtone menus.

Abstract: Techniques for inter-user equipment (UE) transfer (IUT) are disclosed. An application server may receive an IUT request for transfer of a media session toward at least one initial UE such that the media session is to be played by at least two target UEs. The server may determine eligibility for IUT with group synchronization based on the request. The server may send a message to the initial UE that IUT with group synchronization is not allowed on a condition that IUT with group synchronization is not allowed. Further, the server may trigger inter-destination media synchronization (IDMS) for group synchronization of media sessions among the UEs on a condition that IUT with group synchronization is allowed. The media sessions may include a first media session and second media session. The media stream may be played by at least two UEs that are geographically separated after the transfer.

Abstract: Solutions for facilitating enhanced video calling functionality. Embodiments include functionality for handling video calling through a communications hub. According to some embodiments, the communications hub is a user supersystem having multiple clients, each with an integrated camera and display, capable of seamlessly handing off video call functionality among the clients. Other embodiments integrate other functionality of the communications hub (e.g., web browsing, multimedia, etc.) into the video call environment.

Abstract: Multiple video picture frames are combined into a spatial multiplex video picture frame that may be fully decoded and displayed. The video display of the spatial multiplex video picture frame is a composite combination of all of the video picture frames that have been combined, and may have an appearance such as a mosaic. Multiplexing the video picture frames involves removing picture headers, creating a picture header for the spatial multiplex video picture frame, and altering the headers of individual components of each video picture frame. The new header for the spatial multiplex video picture frame indicates a slice format frame, and headers of the individual components are altered to provide a slice format based picture position for each video picture frame. The headers of the individual components are altered to become slice based, such as in accordance with the ITU-T H.263 video standard, prior to establishing the slice based picture position if the frames are not already of the slice format.

Abstract: An information processing device including an image transmission control function includes an image pickup unit that picks up an image including a facial image of a speaker; a transmission unit that transmits a picked-up image; a reception unit that receives an image including a facial image picked up by a communication counterpart device; a display unit that displays a received image; and a transmission control unit that inhibits transmission of the image picked up by the image pickup unit in a case where the facial image is not being picked up by the communication counterpart device.