Abstract: A computerized system comprising a processing unit and a memory, the system operating in connection with a real-time video conference stream containing a video of a user, wherein the memory embodies a set of computer-executable instructions, which cause the computerized system to perform a method involving: receiving the real time video conference stream containing the video of the user; detecting and separating the background in the received real time video conference stream from the user; and replacing the separated background with a background received from a system of a second user or with a pre-recorded background.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a first network interface for a first network type and a second network interface for a second network type that is different from the first network type. The system also includes at least one processor configured to cause the system to perform operations. The operations may include obtaining, from the first network interface, audio from a communication session with a remote device established over the first network and obtaining an indication of a communication device available to participate in the communication session and direct audio obtained from the communication session to a remote transcription system. The operations may also include directing the audio to the second network interface for transmission to the communication device, obtaining transcript data from the remote transcription system based on the audio, and directing the transcript data to the second network interface for transmission to the communication device.

Abstract: Systems and methods of emulating a conversation about a thematic content event are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment receives a member dialogue video from a community member who is a member of a plurality of community members, wherein the member dialogue video includes video and audio portions, and wherein the member dialogue video expresses at least one of a personal opinion and a personal viewpoint about the thematic content event; generates dialogue text from the audio portion of each received member dialogue video, wherein the dialogue text comprises words and phrases spoken by the community member in the member dialogue video; receives a modified thematic content event; compares the words and phrases of the dialogue text with the plurality of keywords; and associates at least one portion of the member dialogue video having the words and phrases of the dialogue text that match with the matching keyword of the anchor point.

Abstract: A storage unit storing first drawing data shared in common by at least two video frames among a plurality of video frames. A control unit generating second drawing data based on second drawing instruction data for drawing a portion that differs in drawing data pertaining to the plurality of video frames and generates the drawing data pertaining to the plurality of video frames by combining the first drawing data and the second drawing data. An output unit outputs video based on the drawing data pertaining to the plurality of video frames.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes accessing data of a number of items from a third-party computing system; identifying a subset of the number of items based on a value of a ranking model for each identified item being higher than a pre-determined threshold value; for each identified item of the subset, determining a number of similar items from the number of items; receiving a template for a video from the third-party computing system; for each of the identified items, generating a video incorporating the identified item and the respective number of similar items in accordance with the template; caching the generated videos; and providing for display on a client device of a user, a particular one of the videos selected based on information of the user.

Abstract: One or more users log in to a video conference with a shared, online electronic whiteboard and draw upon a shared whiteboard. Each user has a video and audio stream that are sent to a recording server. Data describing each drawing action upon the shared whiteboard is sent to a database server and each action is then distributed to all users to update their whiteboards. Screenshots of the drawing actions are created by emulating a browser and inputting data describing each action from the database. Alternatively, screenshots are taken by each user computer (after each action or periodically) and sent to the recording server. Audiovisual manipulation software is used to create a whiteboard video from the screenshots are then combined with the audio and video streams to create a resulting video of the entire session. A video clip is created simply by sending begin and end timestamps during the session.

Abstract: A method, computer system, and computer program product for adding individual to a video conference. The method may include capturing a first video stream of a user from a first camera of a device and providing the first video to a device of at least one video conference participant other than the user. The method may include capturing and analyzing second video stream from second camera to detect whether an individual appears in the second video stream. In response to detecting an individual in the second video stream, the method may include determining an identity for the individual and prompting the user to confirm adding the individual to the video conference. In response to receiving the confirmation from the user to add the individual to the video conference, the method may include adding the second video stream to the video conference, thereby adding the individual to the video conference.

Abstract: An information processing device includes an interface configured to receive authentication information from an electronic device. The device also includes circuitry configured to identify an execution range of an association operation program executed by the electronic device, the execution range being indicative of an authentication of an association between the electronic device and another electronic device.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for artificial intelligence communication assistance for aiding in the audio-visual composition of electronic communications.

Abstract: Interactions between agents of a contact center and customers provide the bulk of many communications and generally work well, except when the customer is deaf or mute. Customers that sign would often prefer to conduct interactions in sign language but the pool of agents having such skills is limited. By providing systems and methods to alter an image of a non-signing agent, a customer may be presented with an image of a signing agent. Additionally, systems and methods herein enable a non-signing agent to be presented with generated speech and/or text translated from the signing gestures provided by the image of the signing customer.

Abstract: An electronic device displays an image during a communication between two people. The image represents one of the people to the communication. The electronic device determines a location where to place the image and displays the image such that the image appears to exist at the location.

Abstract: A novel system and method to implement a modified Learn-by-Teaching (LdL) method within a video-graphic context. The system and method include a narration step that is structured to cause the student or Group completing a Video Project to simultaneously engage different parts of the brain so as to work in concert to reinforce the proficiency skill being taught. During the narration step, the student must view a silent video while composing a textual script to serve as a voice-over narration. The student must then practice audibly reciting the script. The student is positively challenged during the narration step in two ways: achieve synchronicity with video, and to teaching an inanimate object in the form of an abstract audience of unknown scope. The combination of multi-modal actions and challenges facilitates implementation of a LdL method in a new and powerful way.

Abstract: A method and device are described for implementing instant communication. Information indicating that a first user is logged into an instant communication interface is obtained. On-line users are displayed to the first user in response to the login of the first user. A first user selects an object to follow from the on-line users and, information about the selected object to follow is received in response to the first user selecting the object to follow from the on-line users. The first user may be set into a first instant communication room in which the selected object to follow resides, for performing instant communication. The device includes: an obtaining module, a displaying module and a processing module. In this manner communication between strangers is facilitated and the efficiency of making friends is enhanced.

Abstract: In one aspect, a device includes a processor, a microphone accessible to the processor, at least a first sensor that is accessible to the processor, and storage accessible to the processor. The storage bears instructions executable by the processor to receive first input from the microphone that is generated based on audible input from a user. The instructions are also executable by the processor to receive second input from the first sensor, perform natural language understanding based on the first input, augment the natural language understanding based on the second input, and provide an output based on the augmentation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and media for navigating a user interface are provided. In some embodiments, methods for navigating a user interface is provided, the method comprising: causing a user interface to be presented including media identifiers that correspond media assets; causing the media identifiers to be arranged along a first direction; causing a first media identifier at a first position to be highlighted; causing a menu element to be presented at a first menu position associated with the first media identifier; receiving an instruction from a user input device to navigate to a next element along the first direction; causing a second media identifier next to the first position to be highlighted in response to receiving the instruction; causing the menu element to be presented at a second menu position associated with the second media identifier; and inhibiting presentation of the menu element at the first menu position.

Abstract: A client device receives a request to initiate a communication session with a particular user of a first plurality of users that are registered with the client device. The client device determines, using a sensor of the client device, a respective identity of each of a second plurality of users that are proximate to the client device. The client device determines whether an identity of the particular user matches the respective identity of any of the second plurality of users, and, in response to determining that the identity of the particular user matches the respective identity of any of the second plurality of users, the client device transmits the request to a device of the particular user.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus making a video call includes a processor dividing an image of a user of the electronic apparatus into a plurality of areas and editing an area, which is not selected from the user, from among the plurality of areas to generate the edited image, an input device receiving a selection input to select at least one area among the plurality of areas from the user, and a communication device transmitting the edited image to an electronic apparatus of a video call counterpart.

Abstract: A method for correcting perspective distortion includes acquiring a plurality of images of a given subject by at least one camera of a mobile device, wherein each of the images is taken using respective actual settings for the camera captured by at least one sensor of the mobile device. The method further includes processing the images and the respective actual settings for each of the images to synthesize a single image of the given subject, wherein the single image emulates using specified virtual settings for the camera. The method further comprises displaying the synthesized single image of the given subject to a user of the mobile device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dynamically selecting one or more networked cameras for providing real-time camera feeds to a video conference. The systems and methods may include identifying one or more networked cameras associated with an area of a conference participant. A server may analyze real-time camera feeds from the identified cameras, and select a video feed having a view of the participant. The server may provide the selected feed to the video conference via a conference bridge, and continue monitoring camera feeds of cameras associated with the participant's area for another camera feed having a better view of the participant. Networked cameras may include fixed and mobile cameras owned and operated by individuals that are not associated with the participant, but who have registered their cameras with the server for use in video conferences.

Abstract: A method for digital image color conversion includes, at a first computing device, capturing a first digital image of a first real-world environment. Based on ambient lighting conditions of the first real-world environment, a first ambient lighting-agnostic digital image is generated using a capture-side ambient lighting color conversion. The first ambient lighting-agnostic digital image is transmitted to a second computing device in a second real-world environment. From the second computing device, a second ambient lighting-agnostic digital image is received, the second image having been generated by the second computing device from a second digital image using the capture-side ambient lighting color conversion. Based on the ambient lighting conditions of the first real-world environment, a lighting-corrected digital image is generated from the second ambient lighting-agnostic digital image using a display-side ambient lighting color conversion.

Abstract: A video packaging and origination service can include one or more encoder components that receive content for encoding and transmitting to requesting entities. Responsive to a request for content, an encoder can determine an initial set of parameters based on network measurements, including buffer size, bitrate and output resolution. Once the updated encoder component is instantiated and configured, the encoder can monitor performance and dynamically modify keyframe interval and framerate parameters to allow for streaming in lower bandwidth networks.

Abstract: Improved video coding is described to encode video data within a sequence of video frames. To this end, at least a portion of a reference frame is encoded to include motion information associated with the portion of the reference frame. At least a portion of a predictable frame that includes video data predictively correlated to said portion of said reference frame is defined based on the motion information. At least said portion of the predictable frame is encoded without including corresponding motion information and including mode identifying data. The mode identifying data indicate that the encoded portion of the predictable frame can be directly derived using at least the motion information associated with the portion of the reference frame.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a directional propagation method and apparatus for audio signal, a terminal device and a storage medium. The method comprises acquiring a current location of a target user and audio data corresponding to the target user; propagating audio signal corresponding to said audio data towards said current location in a directional manner. By acquiring a current location of a target user in real time, this technical solution dynamically adjusts the audio data corresponding to the target user to be propagated in a directional manner towards said current location, wherein different audio data types (e.g. Chinese language audio or English language audio) may correspond to different target users, in such a way, it can be realized that different audio signals are propagated in a directional manner towards different locations.

Abstract: A method of determining a participant's contribution to a conversation or dialogue by generating a contribution score is provided. The contribution score may be determined based on at least one of a prosody analysis of a participant's input and an input reaction measure indicative of another participant's reaction to the participant's input. An associated computer system and computer program product is also provided.

Abstract: A connected classroom system provides for local and remote control and display of media streams. An instructor may, for instance, direct audio/video streams of the instructor to any number of displays and speakers located within a classroom. The system may send and receive control instructions to and from remote classrooms as well, through a network interface. The control instructions may configure any set of presentation devices in any classroom to reproduce any content originating from any source within any classroom. Accordingly, multiple classrooms located in disparate locations may participate in media exchanges arising from any source, including instructors and individual student seating locations within the classrooms.

Abstract: An apparatus and mechanism to manage multi-modal real-time or quasi real-time sessions such as voice, video, instant messaging, or web-conferencing across multiple devices through a simple subscription to a session management service. A user can subscribe to the service from many devices (e.g. mobile device, desk phone, personal computer, internet appliance, internet TV, communication terminal, etc.) and through the service seamlessly move sessions back and forth between subscribed devices. In a preferred embodiment, a user utilizes a “virtual slider” in a simple “two touch” procedure to effectuate the movement of a communication session from one device to another device via the service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing voice boxes including Ai and IoT circuits into premises grids of low voltage communication lines and AC power lines, supported by cascading intelligent support boxes providing optical optoports and accesses for communicating noiseless voice signal via optical cables segments in a cascaded chains connected to a controller, including voice via cordless telephone circuit and frequency band, all fed with a noiseless power feed riding over the AC live line to further enable the measuring of noises current drain and power consumed by electrical appliance via hybrid switch and AC outlets.

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: A method and apparatus for accurately interpreting American Sign Language (ASL) including extracting facial features from a detected face and identifying an ASL user using these features. The linguistic markers are extracted and compared with linguistic markers stored in an ASL emotions database. An accurate emotion associated with the linguistic markers is received and displayed on a user interface.

Abstract: A method for transmitting audio is disclosed that includes transmitting, by a sending terminal, a sending audio signal to a receiving terminal after a connection between the sending terminal and the receiving terminal is established, the sending audio signal comprises a sending audio, receiving a playing audio played by the receiving terminal; and determining that the sending audio is not played by the receiving terminal based on the sending audio and the playing audio, notifying that the sending audio transmitted to the receiving terminal is not played by the receiving terminal.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an identifying unit configured to identify a protection region for protecting privacy, a setting unit configured to set, as an image to be used as a background image, an image selected from existing images based on a user operation, and an image combining unit configured to combine a protection image with the protection region identified by the identifying unit and included in the background image set by the setting unit to generate a privacy protection image.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a two-dimensional imager, a three-dimensional imager, and a thermal sensor. One or more processors determine whether at least one image captured by the two-dimensional imager matches a first predefined criterion, whether at least one facial depth scan captured by the three-dimensional imager matches a second predefined criterion, and whether thermal energy detected by the thermal sensor matches a third predefined criterion. Touchless authentication of a person as an authorized user of the electronic device occurs when the at least one image matches the first predefined criterion, the at least one facial depth scan matches the second predefined criterion, and the thermal energy matches the third predefined criterion. Additional security factors, such as the expression of a predefined mien, can be used as well.

Abstract: Provided is an information processing apparatus including a receiving section that receives a captured image of a video communication partner from a communication destination apparatus and a control section that controls a display of the received captured image on a display section. The control section executes image processing to display the captured image such that a line of sight of a communication partner appearing in the captured image appears to point towards a user looking at the display section, on a basis of information indicating that the communication partner appearing in the captured image is looking at the user being displayed on the communication destination apparatus.

Abstract: The intercommunication system according to the invention is an intercommunication system used in an apartment complex comprising plural residential buildings. Each of the plural residential buildings is equipped with room parent devices installed in respective rooms; a collective entrance device which enables a call manipulation for calling one of the room parent devices; and a building control unit which connects, by an intercom line, the collective entrance device and the room parent devices of the respective rooms of the residential building. The collective entrance device has a storage unit which is stored with terminal information of the collective entrance device. The building control units of the plural respective residential buildings are connected to each other by a network in which a communication is performed according to a general-purpose protocol and can communicate, over the network, with an external apparatus that is connected to an external network.

Abstract: A method for identifying and associating information with particular individuals to render same sufficient for registration and login purposes by a specific individual, used in an identity information matching system, includes identifying individuals in scene, recording voices in the scene, identifying individual voices and words and semantics used, and determining an action from a target individual given in response to a trigger voice emanating from the individual voices. The trigger voice and words and semantics associated with the responding target individual are recorded. An identity information matching system and a user device processing the identity information matching method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A user terminal apparatus and a control method thereof are provided. The user terminal apparatus includes a display including a main display area which is disposed on a front surface of the user terminal apparatus, and a sub display area which extends from one side of the main display area and is disposed on at least one area of a rear surface of the user terminal apparatus, a camera configured to photograph an image, and a processor configured to display a live view acquired through the camera on one of the main display area or the sub display area, and control the display to display, in response to an orientation of the user terminal apparatus being changed, the live view on another one of the main display area or the sub display area.

Abstract: A media device and methods that identify playback states reachable from a current content playback state and identify a reachable state that is likely to occur, are disclosed. A memory associated with the media device may receive frames that enable a smooth transition between the playback state and the reachable state. The media device may receive frames that correspond to points in the content that are separated by an amount of time that is proportional to the playback rate of the likely state. The frames may be frames corresponding to an image that may be played back at the playback rate of the likely state.

Abstract: An infotainment system having an operating element for a vehicle is disclosed. The operating element is mounted in a spring-elastic manner with springs on and/or in a housing along a vertical axis of movement. One or more sensors for detecting an actuating movement of the operating element can also be included. The operating unit can further have an actuator arranged in and/or on the housing for feedback movement of the operator control element. Torques acting at a center of mass of the operating element as a result of the return spring elements can cancel one another out, with the result that during the feedback movement of the operating element along the axis of effective movement of the drive element of the actuator said operating element does not additionally rotate or tilt.

Abstract: Provided are a method used by a user to change focus of a camera to a particular point with respect to a target object via a wearable device and the wearable device performing the method. The wearable device may display a target object image displayed on a preview display of the camera and may receive a user input for changing focus to a particular point of the target object image. The wearable device may request the camera to change focus based on the user input.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method comprises using a media server, establishing a video conference between a first instance of a media application and a second instance of the media application over a relay connection, in response to determining that the video conference comprises only the first instance and the second instance of the media application, determining by the first instance of the media application candidate addresses for a peer to peer (P2P) connection with the second instance of the media application, the candidate addresses excluding the media server, sending the candidate addresses to the second instance of the media application, establishing the P2P connection using a particular candidate address, in response to establishing the P2P connection, setting the relay connection to an inactive state and sending media data for the video conference over the P2P connection.

Abstract: Provided are a video communication method and a robot implementing the same. The robot includes a camera configured to acquire a first video for a video call, a multi-channel microphone configured to receive a sound signal, a memory storing one or more instructions, and a processor configured to execute the one or more instructions. The processor calculates positions at which a plurality of voice signals included in the sound signal are generated, calculates positions of N users appearing in the first video (here, N is an integer greater than or equal to 2), selects N voice signals generated at the same positions as the N users from among the plurality of voice signals, calculates a ratio of times during which a voice is detected from waveforms of the N voice signals in a previous time period prior to a first time point, and determines a main user of the video call at the first time point on the basis of the ratio of times.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-photographing system and method. The self-photographing system comprises an electronic device having a taking photo or recording video, and a self-photographing device. The electronic device is disposed on the self-photographing device. The self-photographing device comprises a controller, an infrared receiver and a rotating platform. The controller defines a first area from a signal sensing range of the infrared receiver. The controller controls the rotation of the rotating platform, so that the infrared receiver is able to receive the infrared signal in the first area of the signal sensing range, and therefore a lens of the electronic device can take photo or record video for the user in a particular angle.

Abstract: A communication terminal includes circuitry. The circuitry receives data of a whole image, data of a material image, and superimposition position information indicating a position where the material image is to be superimposed on the whole image, the data of the whole image, the data of the material image, and the superimposition position information being transmitted from another communication terminal. The circuitry superimposes the material image on the whole image at the position indicated by the superimposition position information. The circuitry causes a display to display a predetermined-area image, which is an image of a predetermined area of the whole image. When at least a part of the material image being superimposed is not displayed in the predetermined-area image, the circuitry changes the position where the material image is superimposed such that the material image is displayed at a predetermined position in the predetermined-area image.

Abstract: Example techniques involve systems with multiple acoustic echo cancellers. An example implementation captures first audio within an acoustic environment and detecting, within the captured first audio content, a wake-word. In response to the wake-word and before playing an acknowledgement tone, the implementation activates (a) a first sound canceller when one or more speakers are playing back audio content or (b) a second sound canceller when the one or more speakers are idle. In response to the wake-word and after activating either (a) the first sound canceller or (b) the second sound canceller, the implementation outputs the acknowledgement tone via the one or more speakers. The implementation captures second audio within the acoustic environment and cancelling the acoustic echo of the acknowledgement tone from the captured second audio using the activated sound canceller.

Abstract: A user terminal apparatus and a control method thereof are provided. The user terminal apparatus includes a display including a main display area which is disposed on a front surface of the user terminal apparatus, and a sub display area which extends from one side of the main display area and is disposed on at least one area of a rear surface of the user terminal apparatus, a camera configured to photograph an image, and a processor configured to display a live view acquired through the camera on one of the main display area or the sub display area, and control the display to display, in response to an orientation of the user terminal apparatus being changed, the live view on another one of the main display area or the sub display area.

Abstract: A communication apparatus may determine whether a first external apparatus is a target apparatus by referring content of a predetermined area included in a first connection request, in a case where the first connection request is received from the first external apparatus via a wireless interface, under a state where the communication apparatus operates in a first operation mode, and establishes a first wireless communication with the first external apparatus in a case where it is determined that the first external apparatus is the target apparatus. A wireless communication with the first external apparatus may not be established in a case where it is determined that the first external apparatus is not the target apparatus. The communication apparatus may store setting information in a setting area in a memory in a case where the setting information is received from the first external apparatus by using the first wireless connection.

Abstract: A method and system. An information content is displayed on one or more respective screens in corresponding locations. An import request, for importing a digital representation of a physical object placed on a current screen in a current location, is received. A first digital image at least partially representing the current screen is acquired by one or more digital cameras. An object digital image representing an object area of the current screen being covered by the physical object is obtained. The object area is identified from comparison between the first digital image and a displayed digital image. A digital document representing the physical object is generated from the object digital image. The digital document is added to the information content for displaying the digital document at a position on each screen corresponding to a position of the physical object on the current screen.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mobile electronic device, which includes a body, a display screen disposed to an obverse surface of the body, an input-output module, and a drive assembly coupled to the input-output module. The display screen is able to display a start tag and a mode tag. The input-output module includes a base and a camera disposed to the base, and the input-output module is able to be at least partially accommodated in the body. The drive assembly is configured to drive the input-output module to be exposed from an end portion of the body in accordance with a user input signal for the start tag, and is configured to drive the input-output module to rotate in accordance with a user input for the mode tag. A mobile phone is also provided.

Abstract: A live uplink transmission and broadcasting management system and method for managing a plurality of live uplink transmissions and broadcasting events, the system comprising: (i) a publication portal for publishing transmissions of live events; (ii) a database for storing metadata, system data, broadcast data and user data; (iii) a broadcast manager adapted for receiving and processing in real-time metadata information related to a plurality of live uplink transmission events wherein each live uplink transmission event transmits in a plurality of uplink channels, wherein processed metadata information generate data elements adapted for being used in telecom and datacom real time management applications, said broadcast manager also adapted for updating the publication portal with live event information and (iv) a set of Quality of Service (QoS) management methods to coordinate the usage of Uplink transmissions based on the received metadata and their processing in the broadcast manager.

Abstract: A method and a multi-camera portable device for producing stereo images. The device has at least two image sensors, at least one of which is arranged on a first face of the portable device and a second one of which is arranged on a second face of the portable device opposite to the first face thereof. The method involves substantially simultaneously recording a first image containing a picture of an object and a second image containing a picture of a mirrored view of the object, obtaining the direction and the length of a mirroring vector from the distance ratio of a first distance in reality and a corresponding second distance in the second image, obtaining a capturing focal length of the second image sensor, and transforming the coordinate system of the first image sensor into the coordinate system of the virtual second image sensor to generate a stereo image pair.