Abstract: An electronic device, computer program product, and method are provided that prompt a person who is participating in a video communication session with at least one second electronic device to gaze toward a local image capturing device. A controller of the electronic devices receives an image stream from an image capturing device having a field of view that incorporates a person that is proximate to the display device. The controller communicates the image stream to a video communication session. In response to a trigger that indicates that the first image stream is being presented as a primary image stream by the at least one second electronic device, the controller presents a prompt indicating that the participant should gaze toward the image capturing device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for interoperably performing a service. The method includes searching, by a portable terminal, external device; acquiring a profile of the searched external device from the searched external device or from a profile server storing profile; determining an external device corresponding to the service characteristic as the service interoperation device, based on the acquired profile; recommending the service interoperation device, based on the determined external device; performing the service in interoperation with the recommended service interoperation device; and displaying a configuration image including the recommended service interoperation device performing the service.

Abstract: A special effects communication system may include a camera system at a first location that generates a first dataset based on one or more images or impressions of a first user at the first location. The special effects communication system may also include a control system communicatively coupled to the camera system and a special effects system. The control system may receive a second dataset corresponding to a second user present at a second location or to one or more users at one or more locations while the first user is present at the first location. The control system may also provide one or more control signals to cause the special effects system at the first location to generate special effects to present a visual and/or auditory likeness of the second user using special effects material and/or mediums.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for sharing an audio-visual stream from a server system with a plurality of participant computer systems and for the automated generation of portions. Each participant computer system provides audio and visual data which is converted into the audio-visual stream by the server system. The server system then shares the audio-visual stream with the participant computer systems. During the audio-visual stream, a participant computer can request a portion at a time T. The server will automatically generate a portion audio-visual file using audio and visual data from the stream extending from before time T to after time T. After creation of the portion, the participant computer can modify the timing of the portion and can modify the visual presentation of the portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for interoperably performing a service. The method includes searching, by the portable terminal, external devices; identifying the service interoperation device corresponding to a characteristic of the service among the searched external devices; recommending the service interoperation device; performing the service in interoperation with the recommended service interoperation device; and displaying a screen regarding a configuring state of the portable terminal according to the service.

Abstract: Methods and devices for converting a pin into a hardware loopback pin may include using configuration settings information to identify at least one pin on the USB device in communication with the computer device. The methods and devices may include converting the at least one pin into a hardware loopback pin on the USB device. The methods and devices may include receiving a hardware loopback stream with rendered audio data from the hardware loopback pin on the USB device. The methods and devices may include providing the hardware loopback stream to one or more applications executing on the computer device.

Abstract: A special effects communication system may include a camera system at a first location that generates a first dataset based on one or more images or impressions of a first user at the first location. The special effects communication system may also include a control system communicatively coupled to the camera system and a special effects system. The control system may receive a second dataset corresponding to a second user present at a second location or to one or more users at one or more locations while the first user is present at the first location. The control system may also provide one or more control signals to cause the special effects system at the first location to generate special effects to present a visual and/or auditory likeness of the second user using special effects material and/or mediums.

Abstract: A management system comprising an apparatus and a control device, wherein the control device comprises a transmitter configured to transmit, to the apparatus, a command controlling the apparatus, the command includes version information indicating a version corresponding to the control device, and the version defines an information element included in the command.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, providing media content to a presentation device, wherein the media content comprises first audio content in a first language; receiving, from an end user device, a language request, wherein the language request identifies a second language; obtaining, responsive to the second language, second audio content, wherein the second audio content is a translation of the first audio content into the second language; providing, to the end user device, the second audio content; obtaining, responsive to the second language identified in the language request, supplemental audio content, wherein the supplemental audio content is in the second language, wherein the supplemental audio content is not a translation of the first audio content into the second language, and wherein the supplemental audio content relates to the second language; and providing, to the end user device, the supplemental audio content. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An information processing system that acquires first image data captured by a first camera unit disposed on a first side of a housing; acquires second image data captured by a second camera unit disposed on a second side of the housing, which is opposite to the first side of the housing; and modifies the second image data based on the first image data.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for facilitating eye contact in a virtual meeting system where at least one of the meeting participants drags and drops a window of a projected image of another remote meeting participant to a location on a portion of a two-way mirror so that said projected image is along a line of sight and between the viewer and a camera disposed behind the two-way mirror.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and techniques for security and/or automation systems are described. In one embodiment, the method including identifying a presence of a first person at a first location, capturing a first video related to the first person at the first location, and initiating an adjustment of a display of the first video based at least in part on identifying the presence of the first person.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for enabling user friendly interaction with a camera system. Specifically, the inventive system and method has several aspects to improve the interaction with a camera system, including voice recognition, gaze tracking, touch sensitive inputs and others. The voice recognition unit is operable for, among other things, receiving multiple different voice commands, recognizing the vocal commands, associating the different voice commands to one camera command and controlling at least some aspect of the digital camera operation in response to these voice commands. The gaze tracking unit is operable for, among other things, determining the location on the viewfinder image that the user is gazing upon. One aspect of the touch sensitive inputs provides that the touch sensitive pad is mouse-like and is operable for, among other things, receiving user touch inputs to control at least some aspect of the camera operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a video encoder and a method of operating the video encoder to implement high-precision bit rate control by reducing the risk of overflow of an intermediate buffer coupled between a quantizer and an encoding section. The intermediate buffer supplies a selection control signal indicative of whether the amount of stored data is large or small to a selector. If the selection control signal indicates large, the selector outputs an estimated code amount from a code amount estimation section to the rate controller. If the selection control signal indicates small, the selector outputs an actual code amount from the encoding section to the rate controller. The rate controller calculates the quantization scale according to the output of the selector and feedbacks the calculated quantization scale to the quantizer. The quantizer adjusts the quantizer scale.

Abstract: An article of manufacture includes a machine-readable medium that stores a multimedia content file in a first format and multiple program sets. Each program set is a version of software that, when executed by a respective electronic system, produces the multimedia content file in a second format for use in the respective electronic system. A first program set is compatible with a first operating system executed by a first electronic system and a second program set is compatible with a second operating system executed by a second electronic system. The second operating system is distinct from the first operating system.

Abstract: A method for audio calibration of an audio device is provided. The method comprises: registering, by a microphone, a representation of an audio signal; processing, by a data processing unit, the registered representation of the audio signal into feedback image data; displaying on a display, the feedback image data; capturing, by a camera, the feedback image data displayed on the display; altering a setting affecting audio of the audio device based on the feedback image data captured by the camera. A system for audio calibration of an audio device is further provided.

Abstract: A video conferencing/presentation system includes a PC docking station and a room media unit. The dock includes speakerphone and tactile user interface. The wall-mounted RMU, including a wide field camera and speaker(s), is coupled to a monitor. The dock communicates with the RMU. A speakerphone mic captures room audio. During conferencing, room audio and camera video are sent to a docked PC; the PC communicates with remote nodes using video chat software, sending room A/V; remote A/V is received from the PC by the dock, and transmitted for RMU output. During presentation, room audio, and/or PC media software presentation, may be output through the RMU, or to the PC for remote transmission. The dock provides the PC network access. Dock/RMU may each be equipped with a bidirectional transceiver, which uses prioritized opportunistic sequencing to assemble/disassemble a combined media/control packet stream over a cable, and transfer power from dock to RMU.

Abstract: A method for audio calibration of an audio device is provided. The method comprises: registering, by a microphone, a representation of an audio signal; processing, by a data processing unit, the registered representation of the audio signal into feedback image data; displaying on a display, the feedback image data; capturing, by a camera, the feedback image data displayed on the display; altering a setting affecting audio of the audio device based on the feedback image data captured by the camera. A system for audio calibration of an audio device is further provided.

Abstract: A server apparatus configured to receive a job from an information processing apparatus and generate print data to be printed by a printing apparatus searches for, in response to reception of the job, a camera configured to image a printing apparatus identified by the job. The server apparatus receives an image of the printing apparatus captured by the camera, and distributes the received image to an information processing apparatus identified by the job.

Abstract: A locker rental system includes electronic lockers centrally managed by a locker manager. The locker manager is in communication with a separate external system, which handles admissions and sales for a venue. Users are provided with a unique external identification (ID) code for purposes such as admission to the venue. Determinative sequences of the external ID codes are provided to the locker manager as validation codes. When the external ID code is scanned, the locker manager validates the external ID code using the validation codes. A valid external ID code may be used to rent and access lockers in the locker system. In some implementations, locker rights may be sold through the external system and details of the transaction provided to the locker manager. If the external ID code is valid, the locker manager generates a rental plan.

Abstract: A display control apparatus includes; a display unit; a web display control unit which causes a web page to be displayed; an instruction acceptance image display control unit which causes a download instruction acceptance image to be displayed in a web page; a download instruction acceptance unit which accepts a download instruction in accordance with an operation based on the download instruction acceptance image; a processing acceptance image display control unit which displays a processing acceptance image for accepting an instruction for carrying out printing, saving or transmission in respect of the data to be downloaded, when the download instruction is accepted; and a processing acceptance unit which accepts the selection of any one of the aforementioned processes in accordance with an user's operation based on the processing acceptance image.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, apparatus, and methods for generating an information feed based on contextual data. User contextual data associated with a user is retrieved. The user contextual data identifies entities associated with the user. Data objects may be identified based on the retrieved user contextual data. Data object contextual data associated with the data objects may be retrieved. Feed items may be generated based on the data objects and the retrieved data object contextual data. A weight associated with each of the feed items may be generated. The weight may be generated based on the retrieved user contextual data and the retrieved data object contextual data. An information feed including at least some of the feed items may be generated. The information feed may arrange the at least some of the feed items based on the generated weight associated with each of the at least some of the feed items.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are related to systems and methods for a docking station that wirelessly connects to a mobile device, facilitates charging the mobile device, and enables the mobile device to interact with a virtual desktop infrastructure.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for use in videoconferencing. The method typically includes installing a videoconferencing services switch at an access point to an IP network, and registering a plurality of subscribers for videoconferencing services. Each subscriber typically has a plurality of endpoints. The method further includes receiving subscriber-specific settings to be applied to multiple videoconferencing calls from the plurality of endpoints associated with each subscriber. The method further includes storing the subscriber-specific settings at a location accessible to the switch, and configuring the switch to connect calls from the plurality of endpoints at each subscriber based on the corresponding subscriber-specific settings.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, obtaining first images that are captured by a first camera system at a first location associated with a live presentation by the first user, transmitting first video content representative of the first images over a network for presentation by a group of other processors that are each at one of a group of other locations associated with corresponding other users, receiving second video content representative of second images that are associated with each of the other users, and presenting the second video content in a telepresence configuration that simulates each of the other users being present in an audience at the first location. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems facilitate troubleshooting or maintenance of in vitro diagnostic equipment. An operator of the equipment utilizes an app on mobile device to receive status information from the equipment and capture images of the equipment. Tutorials and interactive remote technical support can be provided utilizing this data.

Abstract: A docking assembly for docking a handheld device thereto is provided. The docking assembly includes a cradle for receiving the handheld device, and a handle adjacent to the cradle and reciprocally movable inwardly and outwardly relative to the cradle between an open and a position. The handle has a handle interface facing a corresponding device interface of the handheld device when the handheld device is placed in the cradle. The handle interface has a pair of alignment projections and a handle data connector connectable to a device data connector of the handheld device, the alignment projections being engageable with complimentary alignment cavities of the handheld device. The docking assembly further includes a displacement mechanism configured such that, as the handle moves toward the closed position, the alignment projections progressively engage the alignment cavities and guide the handle and device data connectors toward each other for connection therebetween.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a camera determines whether to acquire an image (e.g., automatically), determines whether to store the acquired image, and determines how to store the acquired image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for medical device inventory tracking are described. One embodiment is a medical device inventory tracking system, including a shipping container configured to contain a medical device, a sensor coupled to the shipping container and configured to detect the presence of the medical device, and a processing circuit integrated into the shipping container and configured to receive a signal from the sensor and perform an action based upon the signal. Another embodiment is a system for monitoring a surgical procedure using a medical device in an operating room, including a camera and display mounted in the operating room and a telecommunications interface configured to permit a videoconference between personnel in the operating room and a product specialist associated with the medical device using the display and the camera.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating telepresence are disclosed. The apparatus for generating telepresence includes a visual information sensing unit that is mounted on a robot which is located in a remote location, and senses visual information corresponding to a view of the robot, a tactile information sensing unit that is mounted on the robot, and senses tactile information in the remote location, an environmental information sensing unit that is mounted on the robot, and senses environmental information which is information for a physical environment of the remote location, a robot communication unit that receives movement information for movement performed by a user who is located in a space separated from the remote location in correspondence to the visual information, the tactile information, and the environmental information, and a robot control unit that drives the robot based on the movement information.

Abstract: A system for remotizing a user service is provided. The system includes elements of audiovisual communication between a station of a user and a video assistance station belonging to an operator that is selected automatically—at the time of the service request by the user—from a plurality of operators. The elements are adapted to enable the acquisition of personal information of the user by the selected operator. A scanning device acquires an identification document of the user. A control system is configured to enable the user to use the service following the activation performed by the operator.

Abstract: A method and computing system for monitoring an AV synchronous communication session of a user. The AV synchronous communication session includes an audio channel and a video channel. A performance characteristic is determined for the audio channel. The performance characteristic is compared to a defined audio performance threshold. If the performance characteristic does not meet the defined audio performance threshold, the video channel is adjusted to reduce the bandwidth requirements of the video channel.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system has a videoconferencing unit that use portable devices as peripherals for the system. The portable devices obtain near-end audio and send the audio to the videoconferencing unit via a wireless connection. In turn, the videoconferencing unit sends the near-end audio from the loudest portable device along with near-end video to the far-end. The portable devices can control the videoconferencing unit and can initially establish the videoconference by connecting with the far-end and then transferring operations to the videoconferencing unit. To deal with acoustic coupling between the unit's loudspeaker and the portable device's microphone, the unit uses an echo canceller that is compensated for differences in the clocks used in the A/D and D/A converters of the loudspeaker and microphone.

Abstract: Voice or video communication is incorporated into a television or compatible audio capable visual display by routing a television signal through a communication interface apparatus connected to a voice or video communication network and switching between a call and at least the audio portion of the television signal when a call is detected and the user chooses to answer the call in response to an on-screen menu superimposed on the video portion of the television signal. The communication interface apparatus includes a controller that is configured to allow speed dialing using a wireless remote, as well as making calls from a user-defined contact list or a regional phone directory that is updatable from a remote source via the Internet.

Abstract: A universal remote control device (10) is programmed by determining layout properties of an existing remote control device (12) that must be replaced by the universal remote control device (10). Information identifying at least part of said layout properties is input into a selection system (14, 18). A command set for the universal remote control device (10) is selected dependent on said information. The universal remote control device (10) is programmed to implement the selected command set.

Abstract: A method and system for providing remote vision to a remote operator with respect to a plurality of machines includes a remote vision system with one or more display screens and a receiver for receiving video information and machine information from each of the one or more machines. A controller console is linked to the remote vision system and the receiver, and is configured to calculate a priority ranking of the plurality of machines based on the received machine data and to display the video information from each machine as one or more video displays on a display screen wherein at least one of the one or more video displays is modified in appearance and/or position or duration of placement based on the priority ranking.

Abstract: A method for displaying a menu corresponding to one or more devices included in the one or more media signal sources connected to the media signal sink. The method includes checking connection states of the one or more signal sources to the signal sink, displaying menu items of the one or more devices included in one or more signal sources connected to the signal sink in a graphic user interface (GUI) screen, based on a result of the connection state check; selecting a specific one of the menu items displayed in the GUI screen, determining whether a device corresponding to the selected menu item, among the one or more devices included in the one or more signal sources, is in its on or off state, generating a signal for turning-on the corresponding device when it is determined that the corresponding device is in its off state and transmitting the generated turning-on signal to the corresponding device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that relate to a centralized communication hub at a user location for coordination of receiving/sending phone calls, SMS/MMS messages, and requests for video conferences to/from a display. A user may indicate that she wishes to receive a call/message by selecting an option on a remote control associated with the display. A microphone and/or camera connected to a gateway may provide audiovisual capabilities during a call. In a separate embodiment, the functionality of the communication hub may be split between two devices; one device detects incoming calls and a separate device routes the calls/messages to/from the appropriate gateway.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for providing two-way audio and video communications in a remote customer assistance environment. Upon initiation of an audio communications session using an audio server, separate video communications are established between the devices in a customer terminal and a remote attendant workstation. The dial plan of the audio server may used to add additional information to the incoming audio call request for use by the attendant workstation in initiating the video communications sessions.

Abstract: An information providing device is capable of communicating with an image forming device, a data managing device, and a transmission terminal. The information providing device includes a storage unit; a communication unit that transmits a forming instruction to instruct the image forming device to perform image forming, and receives, from the image forming device, storage location information indicating the data managing device that stores data obtained by image forming by the image forming device and indicating a storage location in the data managing device; and a storage location managing unit that generates, in the storage unit, management information in which identification information of the image data is associated with the storage location information. The communication unit receives the data saved in the storage location indicated by the storage location information from the data managing device and transmits the received data to the transmission terminal.

Abstract: A Video Phone Kiosk system for providing audio and video phone calls, video mail, greeting cards, and custom, targeted, income generating advertising as well as establishing a platform for the deployment of additional pay and enhanced services that can be added to the video phone kiosk or customize with expanded service delivery of the video phone kiosk to address specific vertical markets, such as senior citizens, shopping, cultural, social, travel, medical, financial and investments. The advantage over public pay phones and kiosks lies in the fact that the video phone kiosk can generate income on a near continuous basis through the use of additional non-telephony specific pay services and an attractor that displays forms of advertising and entertainment which can be updated remotely and targeted to specific market or demographic.

Abstract: An example method and apparatus for audio-visual communication is provided. In some examples, a method as disclosed herein may include receiving an incoming call indication comprising a conversation request from a remote party, wherein the outgoing call request is displayed in a visual communication screen area on a display; establishing a communication link with the remote party in an instance in which an answering signal has been received, the communication link enabling a multi-directional audio and visual conversation; and causing a received video of the remote party to be displayed in the visual communication screen area, wherein the display is operable to display multimedia content in a multimedia screen area simultaneously with the received video of the remote party in the visual communication screen area.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a remote video conferencing system which is specifically suited for use in a medical environment. The video conferencing system comprises an elongate, primary support structure such as a pole which is outfitted with castors or similar structures to allow for the selective positioning thereof in any prescribed location within an operating room. Attached to an upper region of the pole is at least one remote controlled video camera which preferably includes a laser pointer operatively coupled thereto. During a surgical procedure, the remotely located manufacturer's representative or other medical professional is able to use the internet to remotely control the video camera, and hence the laser pointer coupled thereto.

Abstract: A method, client application and user terminal, the method including providing a packet-based communication system for conducting voice or video calls over a packet-based network and providing an instance of a client application enabling a first user terminal to access the packet-based communication system. The client application is configured so as when executed on the first terminal to receive an input from multiple different audio and/or video input transducers of the first terminal, to analyze those inputs in relation to one another, and based on that analysis to select at least one audio and/or video input transducer and/or output transducer of the first terminal for use in conducting a voice or video call with a remote user terminal via the packet-based communication system.

Abstract: Quick Response barcodes (“QR Codes”) are used for videoconferencing between a peripheral device and a videoconferencing system, which can include a conferencing server and/or a videoconferencing unit. Conferencing related QR codes are embedded within video frames and are identified by either a peripheral device or a videoconferencing unit. Once identified, the device or unit acts according to the information provided by the QR code. The QR codes enables the peripheral device, videoconferencing unit, and conferencing server to operation in conjunction with one another even though one or more of the device may not share a compatible operation platform that would allow for direct communication of requests and responses.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus capable of reducing the trouble of operation of the user, when being disconnected from and reconnected to an information processing apparatus for transmission and reception of maintenance work data for maintenance work. When the image forming apparatus is disconnected from and reconnected to the information processing apparatus for the above-mentioned purpose, identification information for identifying the information processing apparatus to be reconnected is stored in a storage section. An icon for enabling user to reconnect to the information processing apparatus identified by the identification information is displayed on a display section when the identification information is stored. The image forming apparatus reconnects to the information processing apparatus when the reconnection is instructed by the user using the icon.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method for operating the same are discussed. The method for operating the mobile terminal includes displaying on the mobile terminal a remote control screen for remotely controlling an image display apparatus, entering a wireless audio reception mode if a wireless audio reception mode start signal is received during the displaying of the remote control screen, and displaying on the mobile terminal a wireless audio reception mode screen. Accordingly, it is possible to improve user convenience.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus can provide videophone communications though the introduction of a video device and upgrade of a CPE device providing packetized voice communication. The video portion of the videophone call can be displayed on standard devices. Other implementations provide improvements through integration with a set-top box.

Abstract: A system facilitates managing one or more devices utilized for communicating data within a telepresence session. A telepresence session can be initiated within a communication framework that includes a first user and one or more second users. In response to determining a temporary absence of the first user from the telepresence session, a recordation of the telepresence session is initialized to enable a playback of a portion or a summary of the telepresence session that the first user has missed.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: status information input means for inputting status information indicating an operating state and power consumption of each of a plurality of electronic appliances targeted for connection from the plurality of electronic appliances; list screen generating means for generating a list screen that associates the status information inputted from each of the plurality of electronic appliances with the plurality of electronic appliances; and a display control means for controlling display means for displaying the list screen thereon.