Abstract: A remote location having at least one monitoring device is monitored via a temporary communication channel so that an image from the remote location is displayed at a monitoring location along with a graphic signal that depends on the source of the image. Scrutiny information is sent from the remote location to the monitoring location, including the image. The graphic signal may represent a map of the remote location, and may include text providing helpful information relating to the remote location. In some cases, the temporary communication channel is provided at least in part through an online computer service. In some cases, the communications interface is a wireless communications interface.

Abstract: An enhanced interface for voice and video communications, in which a gesture of a user is recognized from a sequence of camera images, and a user interface is provided include a control and a representation of the user. The process also includes causing the representation to interact with the control based on the recognized gesture, and controlling a telecommunication session based on the interaction.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for measuring a signal quality between an entertainment device and a remote control. The entertainment device, for example, may include, but is not limited to, a signal receiver, a memory configured to store a predetermined data sequence, and a controller coupled to the signal receiver and the memory. The controller may be configured to receive a data sequence from the signal receiver, compare the received data sequence to the predetermined data sequence, and generate signal quality data on the received data sequence based upon the comparison.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, apparatus, and computer program product for initiating by a remote user a video conference through a streaming device of a first user.

Abstract: A remote control for a digital video recorder includes an integrated display screen configured to display a recording list including programs scheduled to be recorded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a live avatar include features for directing the live avatar gaze to be consistent with a remote operator's view of the live avatar's surroundings. Indication of gaze direction may be continuously provided to the live avatar using movable optics, for example a heads-up display, or a movable optical prism or lens. Gaze direction or operator commands may be communicated using a haptic device. Video and control streams from multiple live avatars may be aggregated through a host server and allocated via an online interface to multiple prospective remote operators.

Abstract: A remote video capture system includes a first camera, a control device, a video device, and a server. The first camera records a first video during a video shoot in response to a record signal from a remote device. The control device receives a record mode request signal associated with a first camera from the remote device and adjusts a view of the first camera based on received adjustment signals. The video device provides a video feed from the first camera to the remote device in response to the record mode request signal. The server is in communication with the first camera and with a second camera. The server creates a video chat session between the server and the remote device, provides a substantially real-time video from the second camera to the remote device via the video chat session, and stores the first video when the video shoot is completed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method for intuitively controlling a far-end camera via physical movements. The method includes the steps of receiving an image captured by a first camera and including a digital representation of at least a portion of a user of the first camera, analyzing the digital representation to identify a position of the user relative to the first camera, computing a value associated with a first property of a second camera based on the position of the user, and transmitting the value to the second camera, wherein, in response to receiving the value, a perspective of the second camera is modified based on the value.

Abstract: A method of controlling a home appliance having a touch panel and a touch panel home appliance using the same, such as a remote controller for controlling a television receiver, facilitate user recognition and selection of a specific function key displayed on a touchscreen, to enable enhanced control of the function key by a user desiring to step through many values of a range of values quickly and accurately.

Abstract: A tele-presence system that includes a portable robot face coupled to a remote station. The robot face includes a robot monitor, a robot camera, a robot speaker and a robot microphone. The remote station includes a station monitor, a station camera, a station speaker and a station microphone. The portable robot face can be attached to a platform mounted to the ceiling of an ambulance. The portable robot face can be used by a physician at the remote station to provide remote medical consultation. When the patient is moved from the ambulance the portable robot face can be detached from the platform and moved with the patient.

Abstract: A method for roaming control of nodes at multiple locations is described. The method may include various elements. The method may include identifying a first location. The method may include mapping a control function based on the first location. The method may include communicating with a first node at the first location.

Abstract: A remote control device is operative to enable and facilitate user control of video systems that are operative to provide one or more three-dimensional (3D) viewing effects. According to an exemplary embodiment, the remote control device includes a user input terminal having an input element operative to receive user inputs to adjust at least one of a volume setting and a channel setting of a video system, and further operative to receive user inputs to adjust a three-dimensional (3-D) viewing effect of the video system. A transmitter is operative to transmit control signals to the video system in response to the user inputs.

Abstract: A telepresence unit control and communication methods are disclosed. The telepresence unit enables a virtual presence of a controller, a human being, located away from the telepresence unit. The telepresence unit control and communication methods enable a mechanical motion control of the telepresence unit by utilizing a visual communication between the telepresence unit and a computer administered by the controller. The telepresence unit utilizes a mobile computing device to establish the visual communication channel to the computer via the internet. Once the visual communication channel is established, the present invention provides a video modification as means of controlling and communicating with the telepresence unit.

Abstract: A system for enabling virtual live video, comprising a live video media server; a host computing device comprising at least a processor, a memory, a camera, a microphone, and a display; and a plurality of participant computing devices comprising at least a processor, a memory, a camera, a microphone, and a display. A host user establishes a session using the host computing device and a plurality of participants log in to the session each using one of the plurality of participant computing devices; at least some of the participants are selected for live video viewing by the host, whereupon the respective participant computing devices are directed by the host computing device to activate their cameras and microphones; and the host computing device subscribes to each of the activated cameras' video feeds and a plurality of participant video feeds is displayed in a grid on the host computing device.

Abstract: A system comprising multiple devices that are operable when servicing a device-under service is described. A DAQ device is operable to generate input data from input signals received from the device-under-service and to transmit the input data to a display device via a wireless network. The DAQ device comprises multiple buffers to store the input data. One of the buffers stores two frames of the input data, which can be live input data or historical input data. At any one time, a display at the display device visually presents one frame of input data for each respective input channel of the DAQ device. At any one time, a display at the DAQ device visually presents a half-frame of input data for each respective input channel of the DAQ device. Another buffer at the DAQ device can store more than two frames of input data including historical input data.

Abstract: An audio locating and tracking apparatus, a method of directing a camera to view an audio source, and a video conferencing terminal are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) an audio source identifier configured to locate an audio source based on multimodal sensor data from at least two different types of sensors and (2) an image selector configured to automatically direct a camera to view the audio source.

Abstract: A mesh network sensor and video surveillance system and method for providing communication between a base system having at least one wireless sensor capture device SCD and other SCD(s) and at least one input capture device ICD and other ICD(s), wherein the SCD(s) are capable of smart cross-communication with each other and with the ICD(s) and where the where the ICD(s) are capable of smart cross-communication with each other and offer remote access to their inputs and the SCD(s) inputs via a server computer, including the steps of providing this base system; at least one user accessing the ICD and SCD inputs remotely via a user interface through a remote server computer and/or electronic device communicating with it, for providing a secure sensor surveillance system with extended inputs range and wireless smart cross-communication for monitoring a target environment.

Abstract: A video conference system built in an internet protocol (IP) network is provided. The system has: a multimedia capturing unit configured to photograph and output a first video signal; a DECT telephone configured to receive sounds and output a first audio signal; and a video conference terminal apparatus, including: an audio processing unit is an audio codec; a video processing unit is an video codec; and a network processing unit for transmitting a first network packet consisting of first audio/video streams generated by the audio/video processing units to the IP network, wherein the network processing unit receives a second network packet consisting of second audio/video streams from the IP network, wherein the second audio/video streams are decoded by the audio/video processing units, respectively, to generate second audio/video signals, which are displayed on the DECT telephone and a display apparatus, respectively.

Abstract: A remote control system includes a PC and a MFP capable of remotely controlling an external device. PC includes a browsing portion to receive an operation screen from the MFP, a display control portion to allow a projector to project the received operation screen onto a projection plane, and a position detection portion to detect a position pointed to by a user in the projected operation screen. The browsing portion transmits to the MFP a command which is included in the operation screen and is related to the detected position in the operation screen. The MFP includes an operation screen transmission portion to transmit to the PC the operation screen, including a command for specifying control, for accepting an operation, a command reception portion to receive a command transmitted from the PC, and a process control portion to control the external device or the device itself in accordance with the received command.

Abstract: A video conference invitation is sent from a computing device in a first conference room to a second conference room for a video conference. Further, an acceptance of the invitation is received at the computing device. In addition, a list of available devices for video conferencing is retrieved from a device information database. The list of available devices indicates a locally connected device and a remotely connected device. The computing device is connected to the video conference through a platform independent interface. Further, the computing device locally controls operation of the locally connected device through a platform independent interface during the video conference and remotely controls operation of the remotely connected device during the video conference.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a display device with mobile communication, and more particularly to a display device configured with a processing unit which is led to the subscriber identity module (SIM) card module, enables the display device equipped with functions of mobile communication and networking for environmental safety.

Abstract: In order to display selected content as desired by a viewer by performing an easy operation without interrupting current viewing, a display apparatus includes a reception unit for receiving from a remote controller for transmitting an operation instruction to the display apparatus operation information including the amount of operation of a selection member which is detected at the time of selecting content and identification information identifying selected content, a determination unit for determining an output attribute of the selected content identified using the identification information based on the amount of operation, an output image generation unit for generating an output image of the selected content based on the output attribute determined by the determination unit, and a display control unit for displaying the output image generated by the output image generation unit.

Abstract: An operation controlling apparatus executing operation controlling for plural equipment connected therewith, including: an equipment management portion configured to manage a control command for each of plural numbers of control commands, for each of the plural numbers of equipments; a projector portion configured to project an image of each control item, for each of the plural numbers of equipments; a distance detector portion configured to detect distance from said projector portion to a projection surface, on which the projector portion project the image; and a controller portion configured to control the projector portion so as to change the control item to be projected by the projector portion, depending on the distance detected by the distance detector portion, and to bring the equipment of control target to execute the control command, which is managed by the equipment management portion, when execution of the control item projected is determined.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top-box (STB) having a controller to operate the STB coupled to an interactive television network as an audio visual answering machine using a digital video recorder forming a part of the STB, use at least one camera coupled to the STB to capture video, use at least one microphone coupled to the STB to capture audio, present video from at least a calling party on a television set coupled to the STB, and present audio from at least the calling party on speakers coupled to the STB. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a remote operation system capable of coordinating the operations of a plurality of devices without harming the familiar, intuitive behavior style of remote control operation. The remote operation system is provided with: a remote operation device which captures images of each of a plurality of devices connected to a network and specifies the devices to be operated, and which transmits operation scenario information on the coordinated operations performed among the plurality of devices to be operated, the coordinated operations being determined by the combination of the types of the specified devices to be operated; and a network control unit which outputs operation commands for executing operations specified by the operation scenario information received, to the devices specified by the operation scenario information received, when the network accommodating the plurality of devices is constructed and the operation scenario information is transmitted from the remote operation device.

Abstract: A method and system to permit TV viewers to interact with program content broadcast over a subscriber network, such as cable, satellite, internet, or cellular telephone. The details of the ability for the viewer to interact is embedded as data in the program signal. The subscription provider broadcasts a visual indicator as a small icon during programming that informs the viewer that interaction is permitted. The viewer then uses a remote control to purchase products, vote on events, respond to polls, download files, request information, and request callback actions. The TV viewer uses the remote control to send information to a set-top box front-end application, and to iteratively create transactions that are batched and then sent to a back-end core application and database which then handles fulfillment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for service acquisition. In an aspect, a method is provided for service acquisition. The method includes generating one or more channel switch video (CSV) signals associated with one or more multimedia signals, encoding the CSV signals and the multimedia signals to produce error coded blocks, and encapsulating the error coded blocks into a multiplex signal. In an aspect, an apparatus is provided for service acquisition. The apparatus includes a source encoder configured to generate one or more channel switch video (CSV) signals associated with one or more multimedia signals, an error encoder configured to encode the CSV signals and the multimedia signals to produce error coded blocks, and a packer configured to encapsulate the error coded blocks into a multiplex signal.

Abstract: A tele-presence system that includes a cart. The cart includes a robot face that has a robot monitor, a robot camera, a robot speaker, a robot microphone, and an overhead camera. The system also includes a remote station that is coupled to the robot face and the overhead camera. The remote station includes a station monitor, a station camera, a station speaker and a station microphone. The remote station can display video images captured by the robot camera and/or overhead camera. By way of example, the cart can be used in an operating room, wherein the overhead camera can be placed in a sterile field and the robot face can be used in a non-sterile field. The user at the remote station can conduct a teleconference through the robot face and also obtain a view of a medical procedure through the overhead camera.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method to present several ways to analyze one or more camera feeds captured in a room. This may include selection of different optimized feeds. This may include further optimization of feeds by changing the pan, tilt, zoom settings of the cameras. These methods and optimizations are applied to views shown to remote participants.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor communicatively coupled to a remote controller by way of a wireless interface. The media processor can have a controller to wirelessly transmit to the remote controller provisioning information stored in the media processor for restoring at least a portion of the provisioning information stored in the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a mobile streaming adaptor includes a processor configured to receive media content from a remote camera, process the received media content by capturing, encoding and encapsulating the media content at a mobile electronic device, connect to a remote streaming server through function of a mobile networked device; and stream the encapsulated media content to the mobile networked device for communication of the encapsulated content to the remote streaming server through an Internet Protocol (IP) network for real-time distribution to a communication device. A corresponding computer program product and method are also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely controlling a remote-controlled device (RCD) includes receiving an instruction from a remote control (RC). The instruction may include an RC code and a control code. The RC code may identify the RC and the control code may identify an operation to be performed on the RCD. RC codes matching an authorized set of RC codes may cause the control code to be accepted, since the RC is authorized. If a non-matching RC code is received, the control code may be rejected as coming from a prohibited RC. An authorization mode on the RCD may allow modification of the authorized set of RC codes.

Abstract: A method may include receiving, via a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) session over a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) channel, a digital audio signal from a remote control configured to receive audible information; terminating, responsive to receiving the digital audio signal, the SIP session; converting the digital audio signal into text based on a number of speech grammars corresponding to program guide information; obtaining, using the program guide information, a matching set of program guide entries related to the text to determine command information corresponding to the audible information; sending, via hypertext transfer protocol or file transfer protocol, the command information to a set-top box; and generating, at the set-top box responsive to receiving the command information, a display indicative of the matching set.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a remote controllable video display system and a controller therefor, wherein positional information is generated by a sensor according to light from a light source. The controller includes a button with a predetermined function, wherein when the button is pressed or released, the status of the button (pressed or released) is outputted but (i) the positional information is not outputted or not processed within a predetermined period of time; or (ii) the positional information is not outputted or not processed when the remote controller has an acceleration larger than a predetermined value. Or, when the button is pressed once, the controller outputs double-click or multiple-click action information.

Abstract: A system, method, and web-based application platform enabling a television viewer to utilize an Internet device to request a Video-On-Demand (VOD) server to stream a selected video to the viewer's Set Top Box (STB). An Internet Protocol (IP) connection is established between the Internet device and an application executing at a web site, and an Internet device identifier is passed to the application. The application communicates with the VOD server to obtain a listing of available videos, and provides the listing to the Internet device. When the viewer selects a video, the application accesses an equipment-mapping table, which associates the Internet device identifier with an STB identifier. The application then sends the STB identifier and a request for the selected video to the VOD server, which delivers the video to the STB over a television delivery system.

Abstract: Controllable device selection based on controller location is described. In embodiments, a companion utility is executed by a portable device to interface the portable device with a selected one of multiple controllable devices via a wireless network. A location of the portable device can be determined based on a positioning unit that is integrated with the portable device. A controllable device can then be selected that is proximate the location of the portable device for input control of the controllable device via the wireless network.

Abstract: Remote control signal detection systems and methods are operable to set media device operation preferences in a media device. An exemplary embodiment detects a remote control communication signal transmitted from a remote control, wherein the remote control communication signal includes a unique identifier associated with the transmitting remote control; determines that at least one foreign language preference is associated with the transmitting remote control; and reconfigures information generated by the media device into the preferred foreign language.

Abstract: A telepresence robot uses a series of connectible modules and preferably includes a head module adapted to receive and cooperate with a third party telecommunication device that includes a display screen. The module design provides cost advantages with respect to shipping and storage while also allowing flexibility in robot configuration and specialized applications.

Abstract: When a communication terminal determines that restriction processing is to be applied based on a sound input through the communication terminal or a user instruction, the communication terminal restricts output of conference information received from a counterpart terminal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, by an endpoint from a client, an image generated by the client. The endpoint determines that the image generated by the client includes a matrix barcode. The endpoint decodes the matrix barcode to determine one or more instructions associated with text encoded within the matrix barcode. The method further includes performing the one or more instructions associated with the encoded text.

Abstract: Control of an operation of a multimedia terminal by an application, for example, a game or interactive television module, using remote control input signal is provided. An application is downloaded (S1), input signals from remote control units (RC-1, RC-2, RC-N) are received (S3) at the multimedia terminal, a message, including a source indication indicating the remote control from which the input signal was received, is sent (S5) to the downloaded application. According to the downloaded application, the operation of the multimedia terminal is controlled (S6) based on the source indication. The message may be sent to the downloaded application by an application program interface-based module resident at the multimedia terminal. A disable signal to disable a key could be transmitted to one or more of the remote control devices, for example, to disable the key for a specified time or a specified turn of a user.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a head-separated camera device includes an imaging unit, a control unit configured to control the imaging unit and a connection unit configured to connect the imaging unit and the control unit. The imaging unit includes a sensor configured to capture an image to provide a video signal, a superimposition module configured to superimpose, on serial data, the video signal, the synchronization signal, and the clock signal, the serial data serving to reproduce the image captured by the sensor, and a transmitter configured to transmit the serial data to the control unit. The control unit includes a receiver configured to receive the serial data and a separation module configured to separate the serial data received by the receiver, into the video signal, the synchronization signal, and the clock signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for videoconferencing that allows video images from two or more cameras at the same site to be displayed as a single panoramic image. Accordingly, a conferencing endpoint having a single monitor can display the panoramic image of the two or more video images from an endpoint having multiple cameras, such as a telepresence endpoint. A sliding display area can be used to define manually a zoomed portion of the panoramic image to be displayed. Alternatively, the zoomed portion may be determined automatically. The zoomed portion may be changed during the course of the conference.

Abstract: A remote presenting system, includes: a plurality of displays, configured to display a remote image; an audio output apparatus, configured to output remote audio information; a multimedia communication terminal, configured to process and control audio/video information obtained by a local end and audio/video information sent by a remote end; a plurality of video cameras, configured to shoot a local video image and send the shot video image to the multimedia communication terminal to be processed; an audio collection apparatus, configured to collect local audio information, and send the collected audio information to the multimedia communication terminal; and a plurality of user locations, corresponding to the plurality of video cameras respectively, and respectively being in an approximately perpendicular relationship with optic axes of camera lenses of the plurality of video cameras.

Abstract: A 3D pointing device for use with a content delivery system is provided. The pointing device can operate in one of at least one of two modes: a first 3D or scrolling mode, and a second non-3D mode that can also be referred to as an up-down-left-right (UDLR) mode. The pointing device can include one or more directional sensors, to provide orientation and movement information. For either of the at least two modes, an optical finger navigation module is provided that can detect movement of a user's finger or object across its screen, and provides a predetermined threshold that must be exceeded before movement information is generated from the OFN module. The pointing device can generate scroll and UDLR commands based on the information from the orientation and movement sensors, as well as the OFN module, or can provide the information from the orientation and movement sensors to a user interface that can generate the appropriate scrolling or UDLR commands for use by the content delivery system.

Abstract: A remote control unit configured to wirelessly control a mobile robot moving through an environment and having a robot camera. The remote control unit comprises a privacy button operable by a local user and configured to engage a privacy mode of the mobile robot, and a wireless transmitter configured to emit a wireless control signal to the mobile robot based on input from a keypad of the RC unit. The wireless control signal is configured to cause the robot camera to block the field of view of the robot camera such that the environment of the mobile robot is obscured when the privacy mode of the mobile robot is engaged.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a wireless video conference system, which comprises: a conference control module and a wireless conference switching module which are located at a system side, and a wireless video conference terminal module located in a wireless terminal, wherein the conference control module is configured, when a new conference is started, to send data information of the new conference and data information of an original conference to the wireless conference switching module; the wireless conference switching module is configured, when the new conference is started, to send a conference start instruction to the wireless terminal in a member list of the new conference, and to switch the wireless terminal to the new conference or maintain the wireless terminal in the original conference according to a conference switching instruction from the wireless terminal; and the wireless video conference terminal module is configured to receive the conference start instruction from the wireless conference switc

Abstract: A system includes a processor and a memory accessible to the processor. The memory includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations including, in response to an activation event, sending information to a biometric input device to activate the biometric input device. The operations further include receiving biometric data corresponding to a particular user from the biometric input device. The operations include determining whether an identification of the particular user matches the biometric data. In response to determining that the identification of the particular user matches the biometric data, a service is provided to a device associated with the particular user.

Abstract: A remote video capture system includes a first camera, a control device, a video device, and a server. The first camera records a first video during a video shoot in response to a record signal from a remote device. The control device receives a record mode request signal associated with a first camera from the remote device and adjusts a view of the first camera based on received adjustment signals. The video device provides a video feed from the first camera to the remote device in response to the record mode request signal. The server is in communication with the first camera and with a second camera. The server creates a video chat session between the server and the remote device, provides a substantially real-time video from the second camera to the remote device via the video chat session, and stores the first video when the video shoot is completed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for identifying a source or sources of noise that interferes or potentially interfere with communications between a remote and a receiver. The noise source may be detected through the operation of a noise detector which is integrated as a component of a remote. The remote may be configured to operate in one of two modes. In a first mode, the remote may convey commands inputted by a user from the remote to the receiver. In a second mode the receiver may operate as a noise detector device.