Abstract: Examples are disclosed herein that are related to gaze tracking via image data. One example provides, on a gaze tracking system comprising an image sensor, a method of determining a gaze direction, the method comprising acquiring image data via the image sensor, detecting in the image data facial features of a human subject, determining an eye rotation center based upon the facial features using a calibrated face model, determining an estimated position of a center of a lens of an eye from the image data, determining an optical axis based upon the eye rotation center and the estimated position of the center of the lens, determining a visual axis by applying an adjustment to the optical axis, determining the gaze direction based upon the visual axis, and providing an output based upon the gaze direction.

Abstract: An image-creation method includes capturing an image as digital data, locating an area of interest of the captured image, extracting, from the digital data, at least some data corresponding to the located area of interest, digitally magnifying the extracted at least some data to yield digitally magnified data, and combining the digitally magnified data with at least some of the digital data of the captured image to yield combined data.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for protecting privacy of a customer and an agent using face recognition in a video contact center environment is presented. A video call is initiated by a customer to a contact center. The customer video is muted while audio of the customer is provided to an agent of the contact center. A determination is made regarding whether a face is present in a video image of the customer. When a presence of a face is determined in the video image of the customer, then video of the customer is enabled. When a presence of a face is not present in the video image of the customer then the customer is notified so the customer can take appropriate action.

Abstract: A communication unit prevents a malfunction which initiates communication against a user's will when communication for the purpose of remote dialog, without requiring a complex operation on the part of the user. This communication unit, used when a sender transmits his or her image or speech information to a recipient, comprises: a device that acquires image and speech information; a home server that transmits communication data indicating the information acquired by the information acquisition device to a device possessed by the recipient; and a detection unit that detects an object to be detected which is generated or changed by an action of the sender. The detection unit detects mutually different types of the objects each to be detected. Then, the home server starts transmitting the communication data when each detection result from each of two or more types of the detection units satisfies a predetermined condition.

Abstract: Enterprise communication display systems enable life-like images for videoconferencing and entertainment productions. Life-like images appear in a 3D environment where imaged people are visible through the use of specially configured see-through displays. Imaged people can also be viewed amongst a reflected foreground. Methods for enterprise wide deployments for corporate, healthcare, education, and government communications, including hotel properties and a property management system are shown. The invention further advances the communication and display art by creating novel direct projection see-through screen configurations that eliminate unwanted secondary images in the room, conceal exposed projector lenses, reduce lens flare, makes practical multi-use room installations, images conferees among a room environment, enables touch screen interactivity, and utilizes extreme short throw projectors to reduce cost and bulk of common throw projectors.

Abstract: A method, device, and system for implementing a video conference includes obtaining in real time an image of a first scene from a main camera located in a first conference site, obtaining in real time an image of a second scene from an auxiliary camera located in the first conference site, the second scene is a part of the first scene, and the second scene includes a target object, generating a target image in real time according to the image of the first scene and the image of the second scene and based on a location of the target object in the first conference site, a location of the image of the second scene in the target image is corresponding to the location of the target object in the first conference site, and sending the target image in real time to a display device located in a second conference site.

Abstract: A method for providing telepresence by employing avatars is provided. The method includes steps of: (a) a corresponding location searching part determining a location in a first space where an avatar Y? corresponding to a human Y in a second space will be placed, if a change of a location of the human Y in the second space is detected from an initial state, by referring to (i) information on the first space and the second space and (ii) information on locations of the humans X and Y, and the avatar X? in the first and the second spaces; and (b) an avatar motion creating part creating a motion of the avatar Y? by referring to information on the determined location where the avatar Y? will be placed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a controller determines a particular compartment of a smart postal box in which a package is to be delivered. The controller associates the particular compartment with an authorized entity. The controller provides the authorized entity access to the particular compartment by aligning rolling doors of the smart postal box with the particular compartment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for streaming video and/or audio from wireless cameras are provided. Methods may include, at a network camera, receiving an instruction to begin video capture from a first network node, including information identifying a second network node. A first video stream may be sent from the network camera to the first network node, and a second video stream may be simultaneously sent to the second network node. The first and second video streams may be based on common video capture data, and may be sent at different bitrates, different resolutions, different frame-rates, and/or different formats. A parameter of the second video stream may be adjusted in response to performance data received from the second network node or another network node.

Abstract: A system for processing audio data comprising an audio data source. A delay system coupled to the audio data source and a delay input and configured to delay audio data provided by the audio data source by an amount of time equal to the delay input. A randomizer system coupled to the delay input and configured to generate an output that randomly changes as a function of time.

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: The present invention provides an image correction method, an image correction apparatus and a video system. The image correction method comprises: obtaining an actual face image; obtaining a target sample image matching with the actual face image; and correcting each eye area of the actual face image according to the target sample image such that orientation of each eye area of the corrected actual face image coincides with orientation of a corresponding eye area of the target sample image. The present invention may enable pupil portions of eye areas in a received face image to look toward a camera, thereby realizing an equal communication and improving sensory experience.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for processing an intermittent information in railway, the method comprising determining that data of a prescribed first length is received in first and second buffers; reading and storing the data of the first length in the first and second buffers; determining that data of a prescribed second length is received in the first and second buffers; reading and storing the data of the second length in the first and second buffers; and generating a final data by combining the data of the first length and the data of the second length.

Abstract: An image rendering method and apparatus where the method includes recognizing a target area from a to-be-rendered image, setting a virtual light source for the target area, and performing rendering on the target area using the virtual light source. When rendering is performed on the to-be-rendered image, the rendering performed on the to-be-rendered image is implemented using the virtual light source. The virtual light source plays a rendering action only on the target area corresponding to the virtual light source, and does not affect another part of the to-be-rendered image, and therefore an image effect of the to-be-rendered image may be relatively good.

Abstract: A sound source localization device, which has a plurality of sound pickup devices which record a sound signal and specifies a direction of a sound source based on sound signals recorded by at least two sound pickup devices of the sound pickup devices, includes a notification device that notifies information based on an arrangement of the sound pickup devices.

Abstract: A method of unlocking an electronic device based on motion recognitions generates motion information by detecting a user's motion, calculates optical flows based on the motion information, converts the optical flows into a code by sorting and grouping the optical flows based on predetermined reference directions, generates a comparison result indicating whether the code is consistent with a predetermined password by comparing the code with the predetermined password, and determines whether to unlock the electronic device based on the comparison result.

Abstract: A communication terminal, installed with a plurality of types of communication application, receives first terminal identification information for identifying the first communication terminal from a second mobile terminal, after the second mobile terminal has received the first terminal identification information from a first mobile terminal, the first mobile terminal being a mobile terminal that has obtained the first terminal identification information from the first communication terminal through a first communication session. The communication terminal activates one of the plurality of types of communication application based on the first terminal identification information, and starts communicating with the first communication terminal through a second communication session using the activated communication application.

Abstract: A conferencing arrangement and method for sharing information within a conference space, the arrangement comprising a common presentation surface positioned within the conference space, the common presentation surface including a presentation surface area, a common presentation surface driver, a system processor linked to the driver, the system processor receiving information content and presenting the information content via the common presentation surface and a user interface device including a device display screen and a device processor, the device processor programmed to provide a dynamic interface via the device display screen that is usable to create an arbitrary number of distinct sharing spaces on the presentation surface area for sharing information content and to automatically modify the interface to include features for controlling content presented in the sharing spaces as the number of distinct sharing spaces is altered.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a system and method for auditing a plurality of multimedia content, creating a contextual cycle of multimedia contents, and associating the plurality of the multimedia content with a source. The system comprises a plurality of multimedia input sources configured for receiving a plurality of multimedia content, an analysis and recognition module connected to the plurality of multimedia input sources and configured for analyzing and recognizing the plurality of the received multimedia contents, and an auditing console communicatively coupled with the analysis and recognition module.

Abstract: Systems and methods for camera-based fingertip tracking are disclosed. One such method includes identifying at least one location of a fingertip in at least one of the video frames, and mapping the location to a user input based on the location of the fingertip relative to a virtual user input device.

Abstract: A system and method providing gesture controlled video conferencing includes a local capture device detecting movements of a user in a local environment and an audio/visual display. A processor is coupled to the capture device and a remote capture device and a remote processor at a remote environment via a network. The local processor includes instructions to render a representation of the remote environment on the display responsive to the remote processor and remote capture device. The processor also tracks movements of a local user in a space proximate to the local capture device. Responsive to a user gesture detected at the local capture device, the audio or visual signals provided by the remote capture device are altered to change the representation of the remote location is altered locally.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed in which an optical image connector is moved from a second position to a first position. Light is received from a first direction and accordingly forming of a first optical image on an image sensor is caused using a first optical input. The optical image connector is moved from the first position to the second position. Light is received by the optical image connector from a second optical input. The second optical input is in a direction at least 90 degrees different than the first direction. A second optical image corresponding to the received light is formed on the image sensor by the optical image connector.

Abstract: A method is disclosed which provides for multicasting video of an event, thereby allowing geographically dispersed members of a user's social network to experience a user's current locale, so that the user's friends may join him via live video at events (concerts, clubs, or other venues) which they cannot attend in person. The method includes the steps of enabling transmission of an invitation to at least one selected individual; processing an acceptance of the invitation; processing a live video signal of the event; storing the signal in a streaming database; and outputting a video stream in accordance with the acceptance. The outputting may be performed in real time. The processing of the live video signal may also include caching the video signal, so that the event may be viewed other than in real time.

Abstract: A method for sharing media within a chat room system, including: in response to receipt of a sharing selection from a user at a device, rerouting an audio output from a default audio output of the device to a virtual audio output, capturing a primary audio stream generated by an application executed on the device with the virtual audio output, sending the primary audio stream to an external server for distribution to secondary user devices, receiving a secondary audio stream from the external server and concurrently playing the primary audio stream and secondary audio stream at an audio output of the device.

Abstract: A mobile telephone device (10) comprises a microphone (20) and one or more spaced audio sensors (12) to sense the position and/or voice characteristics of one or more individual speakers (16). A mute control means (14) employs sound phase, and/or sound time of arrival, and/or sound loudness to create a map of the positions of individual speakers (16). The mute control means (14) identifies individual speaker (16) voice characteristics using one, the other or both of audio signal analysis of the sound of individual speaker's voices; and use of voice CODEC analysis results for each individual speaker. A call may involve no sound muting, may involve sound muting except for one individual speaker (16), or sound muting except for any one of a plurality of accepted individual speakers. A default individual speaker position immediately before and closest the microphone is provided. Positional tolerance for individual speakers of at least 5% to 10% is employed.

Abstract: A video conferencing system conducting a videoconference comprising a computing device comprising a processor that, upon receiving input to mute the videoconference from a first participant of the videoconference creates a looping video and displays the looping video to a number of participants of the videoconference and converts detected speech of a number of participants of the videoconference into text and displays the text on a monitor of the computing device.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a system that implements a multi-channel command and data processing device for multichannel data processing and transmission systems that are designed to connect to different types of data sources and sinks and describes a device configured to implement a novel endpoint parameter management architecture for generic devices. The system uses a multi-channel command and data processing device with one or more inputs and one or more outputs, with a processor and a memory, in communication with a data storage that manages endpoint parameters of one or more input devices and one or more output devices. The system further includes a data terminal and a plurality of endpoints.

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

Abstract: A transmission apparatus configured to transmit image data to a reception apparatus through a network, in which a setting value for generating captured data and a setting value for generating image data by an encoding unit are updated according to reception of a command that sets the setting value for generating the captured data by the image capturing unit. When the setting value for generating the captured data is updated according to the received command, notification is performed through the network regardless of a restart process is performed.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a watchlist of products relating to any type of item/service/event for which any type of purchase may be made by a user. The system permits a user to access a website and identify items of the website that are of interest and other users (or friends) and associate one or more users with one or more items in the watchlist. The system stores the identified items and friends in a watchlist for later retrieval, review, transmission or action by the user. The system may periodically inform the user of any changes to the items of interest or any changes in purchases made by the users friends to items in the watchlist. Items may alternatively be added from multiple websites, multiple emails or automatically by the system.

Abstract: A system and method for virtual social colocation with dynamic participation and audience among users with defined relationships are disclosed. In one embodiment, bridging of digital content and audio and/or video streams originating from one of first end points and incoming audio and/or video streams from remaining first end points is enabled on the one of the first end points. Further, first integrated audio and/or video streams and a second integrated audio and/or video stream are created based on the digital content and the audio and/or video streams originating from the one of the first end points and the incoming audio and/or video streams and sent to the remaining first end points and a virtual social colocation service (VSCS), respectively, by the one of the first end points. Also, the second integrated audio and/or video stream is broadcasted to the second end points by the VSCS.

Abstract: A communication management system and a method of managing communication.

Abstract: A web-based video conferencing system and method for providing remote visitation with inmates incarnated in a prison. All visitations are initiated by the inmates and no endpoint control by prison personnel is required. Inmate terminals in the prison communicate via Internet with visitor Internet-enabled devices. Payment for services is paid by visitors using an on-line payment service relieving prison personnel of any handling of money. All calls (excluding clergy, lawyers, etc.) are typically recorded and no routine monitoring is required by prison personnel. A fee-per-minute is charged. Time is tracked for each call and the call duration and remaining time for a call based upon the maximum allowed call length and an inmate's available minutes are displayed for both the visitor and the inmate.

Abstract: Provided are data transmitting apparatuses and methods, data receives apparatuses and methods, and data transceiving systems and methods. A data transmitting apparatus includes: a packet generator configured to generate an audio metadata packet; and a transmitter configured to transmit the generated audio metadata packet to a data receiving apparatus, wherein a header of the generated audio metadata packet includes a split screen information field in relation to audio data represented by the generated audio metadata packet.

Abstract: Systems and methods for videoconferencing using an avatar are described. The presence of a user may be detected by analyzing video captured by a digital camera. The avatar may be provided to a remote device to represent the detected user.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for identifying a characteristic of an object. The technique includes determining that the object is a target of a directional gesture and detecting a trigger event that occurs while the object is the target of the directional gesture. The technique further includes, in response to the trigger event, acquiring sensor data associated with the object via one or more sensors and analyzing the sensor data to identify at least one characteristic of the object.

Abstract: A mobile device, and a method and computer program product for displaying a streaming video image at the mobile device during a packet based video call via a channel established over a wireless communication network, the method includes receiving a speed indication of the mobile device and sending said indication to a communication client application; and responsive to receiving said indication, the communication client application is configured to limit the amount of information in the streaming video image that is supplied for display on a display of the mobile device during the video.

Abstract: A first near-end terminal is able to conduct voice or video calls with at least one far-end terminal via a packet-based communication system, the first near-end terminal being a mobile user terminal of a near-end user. The first near-end terminal is enabled to discover proximity of at least one second near-end terminal available to provide a resource for use by the near-end user in conjunction with the first near-end terminal when conducting one of said calls, the resource being for use in conducting at least part of the call or in conjunction with the call. The first near-end terminal is also arranged, based on discovering said proximity, to present the near-end user with a message indicating the availability of the second near-end terminal to provide the resource when conducting the call.

Abstract: Systems and methods of graphically presented virtual DVDs are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment receives a request from an electronic device of one of an owner or a guest. In response, data corresponding to the owner's personal virtual DVD collection is communicated to the electronic device, wherein the communicated data is used to present a first image corresponding to a graphical representation of a virtual bookshelf case to the owner and to present a plurality of second images each corresponding to a graphical representation of one of a plurality of virtual DVDs in the owner's personal virtual DVD collection.

Abstract: In a wireless communication system, a vehicle communication apparatus and a portable communication apparatus provide service in cooperation. Both the apparatuses execute in cooperation each of a first application and a second application. When switching from the first application to the second application, a connection destination of a specific profile used in both the apparatuses is switched from the first application to the second application. This improves the connection of profiles.

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: Negotiation of a future communication through a personal virtual assistant is provided. A trigger command is received. The trigger command identifies a communication received for a recipient from a sender. Schedule information is accessed. The schedule information is related to the recipient of the received communication. A plurality of options is presented to the sender. The plurality of options are for arranging a future communication between the sender and the recipient, and include at least one option determined based on the accessed schedule information. A selection of an option for arranging a future communication is received. The selected option is executed to arrange the future communication.

Abstract: A method for providing control and visualization of media. A first media stream having an initial resolution is received from a source computer; the first media stream is rescaled to generate a second media stream with a second resolution; the second media source stream is transmitted to a destination computer; after receiving instructions from the destination computer indicating a selection of the second media stream, the stream is rescaled in accordance with the received rescaling information, to generate a third media stream with a third resolution, which is transmitted to the destination computer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for efficiently generating images and videos as an array of objects of interest (e.g., faces and hands, plates, etc.) in a desired resolution to perform vision tasks, such as face recognition, facial expression analysis, detection of hand gestures, among others. The composition of such images and videos takes into account the similarity of objects in the same category to encode them more effectively, providing savings in terms of time transmission and storage. Transmission time is less advantage to such a system in terms of efficiency, while less low cost storage means for storing data.

Abstract: Implementations generally relate to displaying a presenter during a video conference. In some implementations, a method includes providing a user interface of a video conference between at least a first user and a second user, where the first user is associated with a first endpoint and the second user is associated with a second endpoint. The method also includes determining view rank values for each of the first endpoint and the second endpoint. The method also includes causing the user interface to display a first user video stream in a current presenter position and to display a second user video stream in a secondary presenter position based on the view rank values.

Abstract: An interactive whiteboard appliance includes the capability to integrate and manage, in a user-friendly manner, interactive electronic whiteboard sessions and videoconferencing sessions between the interactive whiteboard appliance and one or more client devices. An application manager executing on the interactive whiteboard appliance manages an interactive whiteboard application and a collaboration client executing on the interactive whiteboard appliance to maintain a videoconferencing session window on top of an interactive whiteboard session window during videoconferencing sessions. The application manager also provides graphical user interface controls displayed on the interactive whiteboard appliance that allow users to initiate and manage interactive electronic whiteboard sessions and videoconferencing sessions, including switching between interactive electronic whiteboard sessions and videoconferencing sessions.

Abstract: A video receiving apparatus includes: a receiving unit which receives video content; an extracting unit which extracts a partial content which is a portion of the video content by analyzing the video content, to obtain a feature of the partial content item, the feature being characteristic within the video content; an information generating unit which generates a composition information item indicating the partial content item and including at least one of a character and an image; a priority setting unit which sets a priority of the composition information item based on the feature obtained from the partial content item, the priority indicating a degree of association between the video content and the composition information item; and a display control unit which controls display of the composition information item on a display screen according to the priority of the composition information item set by the priority setting unit.

Abstract: A data processing method, a data processing apparatus and an electronic device are provided. The method includes: receiving second communication data from a second communication device, in the case where a data path is established between the first communication device and the second communication device; displaying, by the first display unit, a second content corresponding to the second communication data; collecting, by the first input unit, a first operation of a user of the first communication device; determining, based on the first operation, a second processing instruction for transforming the second content, in the case where the first operation meets a first predetermined condition; and controlling, in response to the second processing instruction, the first display unit and/or a second display unit to display third content associated with the second content.

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: Voice commands and gesture recognition are two mechanisms by which an individual may interact with content such as that on a display. In an implementation, interactivity of a user with content on a device or display may be modified based on the distance between a user and the display. An attribute such as a user profile may be used to tailor the modification of the display to an individual user. In some configurations, the commands available to the user may also be modified based on the determined distance between the user and a device or display.