Abstract: A remote control system which can reliably provide desired control while saving power. A remote control apparatus is capable of carrying out two-way wireless communication with an apparatus to be controlled. A control signal corresponding to a key switch for remote control is repeatedly transmitted while the key switch is being operated. Repeated transmission of the control signal is inhibited in accordance with reception of a predetermined signal from the apparatus to be controlled.

Abstract: An improved remote control that includes a manual alert mechanism for alerting and providing channel information to television viewer when a regularly viewed television program is about to begin. The improved remote control preferably includes an alerting mechanism having an automatic alert mode whereby, in addition to providing the audible and visual alerting alarms and the channel information of the manual alert mechanism, the automatic alert mode causes the remote control to turn on the television if it is not currently on and to tune the television to the channel of the desired program.

Abstract: A musical tone data communications system having a unit for generating MIDI data of a musical performance by a player, a unit for transmitting the generated MIDI data over a communications network and a unit for receiving the transmitted MIDI data and reproducing musical tones corresponding to the MIDI data in real time.

Abstract: Device names and device control parameters are registered in a content table of a terminal. These device names and control parameters are each associated in the content table with partial images forming a total image. A user causes an arbitrary partial image to be displayed on a display screen of the terminal by moving the position of the total image relative to the display screen. After reading the device name and the control parameters corresponding to the arbitrary partial image from the content table, the terminal remotely controls the targeted terminal based on the information read. Therefore, the targeted device and the control description thereof can be selected using a simple operation, such as moving the position of the image to be displayed on the display screen. The addition or replacement of targeted devices can be easily accommodated by updating the content table.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlling a television. Various embodiments of the apparatus have various components providing compatibility with most brands and types of televisions.

Abstract: A universal remote control (10) is provided for wireless remote control of one or more devices (D1 . . . Dn) equipped for remote control by respective original remote controls having visual appearances different from one another. The universal remote control (10) includes: a memory (40) that stores one or more descriptions associated with one or more original remote controls that are selectively emulated by the universal remote control (10), the descriptions including information describing the visual appearances of the original remote controls that the descriptions are associated with; and, a graphical user interface (20) upon which is displayed a representation of one of the original remote controls selected for emulation by the universal remote control (10), the representation having a visual appearance substantially the same as the original remote control being emulated.

Abstract: A medical video-teleconferencing and treatment system, having a central video-conferencing station and one or more remote video-conferencing stations and a communications link establishing video-conferencing communication therebetween. A central video monitor and audio system is located at the central video-conferencing station, and a controller unit is coupled with the communications link. The remote video-conferencing stations each have a mobile emergency center cart including a remote video monitor and audio system and a video-conferencing camera controlled by the controller unit via the communications link and capable of responding to control signals of the controller unit for panning and zoom movement of said video-conferencing camera by a medical practitioner located at the central video-conferencing station.

Abstract: A teleconferencing robot for enabling a remote conferee to project a sense of presence into a group meeting. The teleconferencing robot includes: a base; a video monitor movably mounted to the base for receiving and displaying an image of the remote conferee; an attention getting device for getting the attention of conferees in the group meeting; a control device mounted on the base for moving the video monitor and actuating the attention getting device in response to an input control signal derived from a remote signal generated by the remote conferee and sending an outgoing data signal to the remote conferee providing feedback to the remote conferee from the robot; and the video monitor and attention getting device move in response to the input control signal to enable the remote conferee to project a sense of presence into the group meeting, and to confirm the movement by the outgoing data signal.

Abstract: A camera server includes a video transmitting part for transmitting a video signal of a video camera to each of a plurality of camera clients in response to their request to acquire the control right of the video camera and their requests to transmit video information of the video cameras, a permission command issuring part for issuing a command to permit control of the video camera in response to the request to acquire the control right of the video camera, and an automatic control part for executing automatic control of the video camera if the command to permit control of the video camera is not issued.

Abstract: A video-conferencing system is described that provides physical cues regarding remote participants. Each remote participant is physically represented at a video conference by a robotic unit that includes a monitor, camera, microphone and speaker. In this way, a physical presence of the remote participant is conveyed at the conference, so that other participants are more likely to involve the remote participant. Moreover, the remote participant has access to a gesture determination system, which inputs gesture information about the remote participant that expresses a state of mind of the participant. Such gesture information may include leaning forward to show interest, or leaning back to show disinterest. The gesture information is transmitted to the robotic unit, which is actuated so as to reflect the gesture information, and thereby express the state of mind of the remote participant in a physical, intuitive way.

Abstract: A high-speed RF link connects multiple users with individual data appliances to a projection system in a multi-user meeting. The RF link enables high-speed transmission of graphics data in either compressed or uncompressed form to the projection system where application-aware software/hardware carries out any necessary de-compression before display of the graphics data. The RF link also enables high-speed links between multiple users and between one or more users and an external network via a wireline connection to the projection system. A user's capability may also be enhanced by the addition of a local keyboard and a local display.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a video telephony system, comprising: (a) an imaging device 116 to receive an image of a first participant 104 in a communication interaction with a second participant 120 remote from the first participant; (b) an audio input device 108 to receive the first participant's voice communication with the second participant; and (c) a processor 136 operable to forward the received image and voice communication, respectively, to a display and audio output device associated with the second participant. The imaging device 116 comprises at least one boundary marking device to project, during the communication session, at least one boundary marker 154 visible to the first participant 104. The boundary marker 154 indicates a spatial extent of at least one of the received image and an image circle of the imaging device.

Abstract: Provided in accordance with the invention are a sound source identifying apparatus and method whereby objects as sound sources can be determined as to their locations with higher accuracy by using sound information and image information thereof and are separated from mixed sounds with certainty by using position information thereof. The sound source identifying apparatus (10) is constructed to include a sound collecting part; an imaging part; a sensing part; an image processing part; a sound processing part; and a control part.

Abstract: A multi-user camera control system with automatic tracking capability for use in video conferencing and similar applications includes a plurality of personal controllers, one for each person utilizing the system. Each personal controller includes a micro-computer controlled keypad and associated communication circuitry as well as optional audio and tracking capability. The controller is programmed with the capability to send commands to the camera system. The system employs programmed, automatically trackable controllers for issuing commands to control most of the functions of a camera including lens operation. Personal locator devices are electrically connected and can be programmed as a master and as slaves. In addition, a master having override features may be provided, as well as a director's locator device for system wide control.

Abstract: A voice controller controls a voice-controlled apparatus, such as a television set, and includes a receiver for receiving sound information from a corresponding transmitter, which is associated with at least one sound source, for example an amplifier or the television set itself. A processor coupled to a microphone and the receiver corrects the sound signal registered by the microphone in accordance with the sound information received by the receiver in order to eliminate a component of the sound signal corresponding to the sound information. The sound signal corrected in this way is subjected to voice recognition.

Abstract: A game control unit includes a computer processor for executing game logic stored on a removable memory device. Rich, audiovisual content for the interactive gaming experience is provided on a digital video disk (DVD) in small clips which are selectively played back in a standard DVD player under control of the game control unit. Specifically, the game control unit mimics standard remote control signals to control playback of the audiovisual content by the DVD player.

Abstract: The communications means that are commonly provided for the remote control of electronic components are utilized to effect an exchange of parameters to facilitate a cryptographic key exchange. The bidirectional remote control transceivers, typically infrared transceivers, that are commonly used to communicate commands from the remote control device and to communicate feedback to the remote control device are configured to communicate parameters between a pair of consumer devices that are controllable by the remote control device. In a preferred embodiment of this invention the remote control device contains the control means to effect the transfer of these parameters between the consumer devices.

Abstract: A system and process for selecting objects in an ubiquitous computing environment where various electronic devices are controlled by a computer via a network connection and the objects are selected by a user pointing to them with a wireless RF pointer. By a combination of electronic sensors onboard the pointer and external calibrated cameras, a host computer equipped with an RF transceiver decodes the orientation sensor values transmitted to it by the pointer and computes the orientation and 3D position of the pointer. This information, along with a model defining the locations of each object in the environment that is associated with a controllable electronic component, is used to determine what object a user is pointing at so as to select that object for further control actions.

Abstract: A camera system comprising a camera, a monitor, an image detector, a touch screen, and a remote control. The monitor displays a field of view of a lens of the camera. The image detector provides a viewer image to the remote control whereby the remote control can determine a desired image within the field of view that the viewer is gazing upon. The touch screen enables a viewer of the monitor to point to the desired image of the field of view and provides signal(s) indicative of the pointing. The remote control is operable to activate various drives to pan and/or tilt the camera, or to zoom and/or focus the lens to the desired image and to follow any movement of the image within the field of view.

Abstract: When a control command for a video camera is entered, a client issues an acquisition request for a video camera control right and a camera server issues a permission command for the video camera control right in response to the acquisition request for the video camera control right from the client, and controls the video camera in accordance with the control command from the client.

Abstract: Disclosed is a remote monitoring apparatus comprising a control/monitoring unit located in a user's place for remote monitoring; a mobile communication terminal with a camera for photographing a subject, for performing a call service and an image processing/transmission service including an operation of photographing a subject with the camera; and a dynamic support located in a remote place to be monitored and having the mobile communication terminal mounted on the dynamic support itself, for controlling a posture of the mounted mobile communication terminal and positional movement of the dynamic support itself upon receiving a posture/position control command on the mounted mobile communication terminal from the control/monitoring unit via the wireless Internet and the mounted mobile communication terminal.

Abstract: The present invention provides for controlling a controlled apparatus, which is controlled by a remote control signal. The remote control signal transmitted from a remote control apparatus is received, and the controlled apparatus or a second controlled apparatus is selected according to the remote control signal. A control command corresponding to the remote control signal is transmitted to the second controlled apparatus, if the second controlled apparatus is selected. An operating state of the second controlled apparatus is checked before the control command is transmitted to the second controlled apparatus. The controlled apparatus is controlled according to the remote control signal, if the controlled apparatus is selected.

Abstract: An automated system and method for broadcasting meetings over a computer network. The meeting is filmed using an omni-directional camera system and capable of being presented to a viewer both live and on-demand. The system of the present invention includes an automated camera management system for controlling the camera system and an analysis module determining the location of meeting participants in the meeting environments. The method of the present invention includes using the system of the present invention to broadcast an event to a viewer over a computer network. In particular, the method includes filming the event using an omni-directional camera system. Next, the method determines the location of each event participant in the event environment. Finally, a viewer is provided with a user interface for viewing the broadcast event. This user interface allows a viewer to choose which event participant that the viewer would like to view.

Abstract: A terminal control apparatus 1 for causing various terminal devices to perform appropriate operations. The terminal control apparatus comprises a communication section 11, a control section 12, and a data-storing section 13. The communication section 11 accomplishes communication with a terminal device 2. The control section 12 controls the terminal device 2. The terminal device 3 comprises a communication section 21, a control section 22, and a terminal section 23. The communication section 21 achieves communication with the terminal control apparatus 1. The control section 22 transmits terminal information to the terminal control apparatus 1. The terminal information represents the type and capacity of the terminal device 2. The terminal control apparatus 1 performs terminal control functions in accordance with the terminal information. The control section 22 controls the terminal section 23 in accordance with the terminal control functions the apparatus 1 has performed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for the projection of a remote conferee's presence into a group meeting environment by using a combination of videoconferencing/teleconferencing and robotics technology. The remote conferee's face is shown substantially life-size on a video monitor. The remote conferee's eyes appear to be looking directly at the viewer. The video monitor can turn left or right to point at the person speaking, automatically or by manual control, to give the impression that the remote conferee is turning his head to look at the person speaking. The video screen can be raised and lowered to give the impression that the remote conferee is standing up and sitting down. An attention-getting mechanism prompts the attention of the other conferees when the remote conferee wants to interrupt or enter a conversation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for predicting events using acoustic and visual cues. The present invention processes audio and video information to identify one or more (i) acoustic cues, such as intonation patterns, pitch and loudness, (ii) visual cues, such as gaze, facial pose, body postures, hand gestures and facial expressions, or (iii) a combination of the foregoing, that are typically associated with an event, such as behavior exhibited by a video conference participant before he or she speaks. In this manner, the present invention allows the video processing system to predict events, such as the identity of the next speaker. The predictive speaker identifier operates in a learning mode to learn the characteristic profile of each participant in terms of the concept that the participant “will speak” or “will not speak” under the presence or absence of one or more predefined visual or acoustic cues.

Abstract: A video processing system tracks a moving person or other object of interest using a combined audio-video tracking system. The audio-video tracking system comprises an audio locator, a video locator, and a set of rules for determining the manner in which settings of a camera are adjusted based on outputs of the audio locator and video locator. The set of rules may be configured such that only the audio locator output is used to adjust the camera settings if the audio locator and video locator outputs are not sufficiently close and a confidence indicator generated by the audio locator is above a specified threshold. For example, in such a situation, the audio locator output alone may be used to direct the camera to a new speaker in a video conference. If the audio locator and video locator outputs are sufficiently close, the system determines if a confidence indicator generated by the video locator is above a specified level, and if so, the video locator output may be used to adjust the camera settings.

Abstract: A terminal device stores in a nonvolatile memory a video encoding method, a size expressed by pixels, a frame rate, a bit rate, and a key frame insertion interval suitable for reception. A receiving side terminal device notifies information to a sending side terminal. According to the information, the sending side terminal device encodes video data obtained by shooting an object and transmits encoded video data. Also, the sending side terminal device cuts, from the video data, video data of a size not exceeding a least size among a size of the video data obtained by the sending side terminal device, a size expressed by pixels suitable for transmission in the sending side terminal device, and a size expressed by pixels suitable for reception in the reception side terminal device. The sending side terminal device encodes and transmits the video data.

Abstract: A video-telephony system comprising a plurality of cameras, each capable of generating a video signal; a plurality of display units which are able to receive video signals from the cameras via a wireless link; a plurality of telephones which are able to communicate with each other; means for identifying a camera convenient for a user of a first one of the telephones; and means for transmitting a video signal generated by the camera to a display unit convenient for a user of a second one of the telephones engaged in a call with the first one of the telephones.

Abstract: A remote control transmission monitoring system. The system monitors remote control transmissions for the purpose of updating state tables for one or more remotely controllable appliances. The state tables may then be queried for the purpose of determining the present state of an appliance whereby the transmission of a command that would place an appliance in an unintended state may be avoided.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to the present invention provide a control framework for organizing, selecting and launching media items including graphical user interfaces coupled with an optional free space control device for collection of the basic control primitives of point, click, scroll, hover and zoom which permit for easy and rapid selection of media items, e.g., movies, songs etc., from large or small collections. The remote control maps natural hand movements and gestures into relevant commands while the graphical display uses images, zooming for increased/decreased levels of detail and continuity of GUI objects to provide easy organization, selection and navigation among the media items by a user.

Abstract: Process for commanding a remote video processing chain (20) producing a video stream transmitted to a terminal with a view to acting on the transmitted video stream, this process comprising steps in which the terminal transmits a command to the remote video processing chain to modify the transmitted video stream, and the video processing chain executes the command on the video stream before transmitting it to the terminal, the video stream processing commands able to be performed by the video processing chain (20) comprising commands containing the definition of an image region of the image contained in the transmitted video stream, associated with the definition of processing to be applied to the image.

Abstract: A remote control transmitter is so constructed that when a group menu representing a combination of individual functions is selected by operation of an operating part, a controller effects display of the individual functions of the group menu in parallel with the group menu. Since the correspondence between an overview of the plurality of group menus and the individual functions of the specified group menu is easy to understand, the remote control transmitter obtained allows easy setting of the function.

Abstract: User presence information is incorporated with file displays to facilitate contacting users associated with the files. User groups are associated with information based on user presence information to further enhance a file display. The notion of presence is extended to files and file groups to still further enhance the file display.

Abstract: A personalized smart card stores therein public and private cryptography keys stored which are used to securely request and receive subscriber content data from a service provider, utilizing a remote control device.

Abstract: Radio waves transmitted from the antenna of a broadcasting station are received by the antenna of a television receiver. The television receiver extracts an EPG from the received radio waves and transmits it to a remote controller via an infrared transmission/reception section. The remote controller displays the received EPG on a LCD and is then rendered in a state of waiting for selection of a program. If some program is selected and then a reserve button is manipulated, the remote controller transmits a control command for a recording reservation to a video tape recorder. The video tape recorder receives the control command with an infrared transmission/reception section, whereby the recording reservation of the designated program is set.

Abstract: A signal receiving apparatus of the present invention has a receiver for receiving television signals, a processor for processing the television signals received by the receiver to obtain image signals, a display unit for displaying images according to the image signals obtained by the processor, a transmitting and receiving unit for receiving information sent from the remote controller and transmitting information to the remote controller, and a control unit for performing control operations so as to transmit setting information concerning operation setting conditions of the receiver to the remote controller in accordance with a command associated with a manipulation of a predetermined key, which is transmitted from the remote controller.

Abstract: A visual telephone unit is disclosed, that comprises a first inputting portion for inputting a picture frame, a second inputting portion for inputting a compensation amount of a rotation angle of the picture frame around a perpendicular line that passes through the picture frame, and a rotating portion for rotating the picture frame by the compensation amount.

Abstract: In a processing terminal, operational request information inputted from an operational request unit is transmitted as additional information to a communication unit of a CATV distributor. In the CATV distributor, the additional information is received in the communication unit, and when the additional information is the operational request information, an operational command generator generates operational command information corresponding to the operational request information. The operational command information is transmitted to a communication unit of a receiver through the communication unit. In the receiver, as the communication unit receives the operational command information for the receiver, an operating unit operates the receiver to perform the desired operation in response to the operational command information.

Abstract: A system utilizes the camera control server of the CPU to transfer the camera control command, received through the network, to the camera control device to control the camera in order to vary the audio input/output characteristics in linkage with the camera operation and to thereby improve the realistic feeling. In more details, the camera control server also sends control commands to the audio input control device, the audio output device and the video display control device according to the camera control thereby controlling the input characteristics (spreading, direction and sensitivity) of the microphone and the output characteristics (spreading, direction and depth) of the speaker and varying the image displayed on the monitor. The system also includes technology for displaying, on the monitor, the information on the operator of the camera and on the receiver of the image, and for varying the direction of the monitor according to the panning or tilting operation of the camera.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transmitting image and sound from a mobile phone to an ordinary analog television receiver using a mobile phone accessory. The invention relates to third generation UMTS-/IMT 2000 data terminal equipments, all kinds of GSM-applications, such as: WAP, HSCSD, GPRS, EDGE and CDMA-phones. The invention is based on that the accessory module (2) is attached to an ordinary analog television receiver (3). Bluetooth technology is exploited in data transmission from the mobile phone to the accessory attachable to the television. Because of its function, smallness and essence the accessory module is suitable as mobile phone accessory. The accessory module uses supply current. The module operating as an accessory comprises in addition to the actual modification part, also a Bluetooth accessory, which receives image and sound transmitted by the modile phone, e.g. UMTS data terminal equipment.

Abstract: A method for real-time video communication. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention discloses a method of video conferencing that captures a plurality of real-time video streams of a local participant from a plurality of sample viewpoints. From the plurality of video streams, a new view synthesis technique can be applied to generate a video image stream in real-time of the local participant rendered from a second location of a second participant with respect to a first location of the local participant in a coordinate space of a virtual environment. A change in either of the locations leads to the modifying of the video image stream, thereby enabling real-time video communication from the local participant to the second participant.

Abstract: A remote site interactive system includes a host system having an instructor console, at least one remote system having a base unit and a communication system between the host system and the base unit which is adapted to communicate an instructor audio signal from the host system to the base unit and a responding audio signal from the base unit to the host system. The communication system includes an audio enhancer which enhances the audio signals by regulating signal level, signal muting and/or signal authenticity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital camera DIY wireless photo print device. The device comprises a billing box, a wireless image-receiving unit, a processor, a monitor, and a photo printer. Wherein, the processor includes a plurality of control and IrDA protocol-processing programs to control the other units that are connected to the processor. The billing box provides a variety of payment methods. The monitor displays the two-way communication between the device and the user, and also displays the status of the image file transmission. The wireless image-receiving unit receives the optic signal of the image file, processes the photo-electronic transformation, and outputs an image file data to the processor. The processor controls the photo printer to print and output the photo.

Abstract: An automatic camera steering control for directing video conferences including a communicator with a microphone and a voice activated LED emitter. Cameras receive an LED signal transmitted by the LED emitter and focus on the speaker associated with the activated LED emitter. A controller automatically selects and inserts into the video stream the audio and video of the speaker.

Abstract: A cordless communication and control device has a handset that includes communications equipment and remote control equipment. The communications equipment provides cordless telephone functionality, and the remote control equipment provides for remote control of one or more entertainment appliances. The handset also includes a mode controller in communication with the communications equipment and the remote control equipment. The mode controller provides at least one convenience mode. When a convenience mode is active, the mode controller responds to detection of an incoming call by automatically limiting utilization of the communications equipment and/or one or more entertainment appliances, based on the active convenience mode. In a first embodiment, the cordless communication and control device automatically limits the utilization by automatically preventing the communications equipment from producing an audible indication of the incoming call.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a videoconference system is provided in which a conference can be controlled by an end user (e.g., a participant of the conference) without the assistance of an operator. In another embodiment, the end user is presented with a graphical feature on an image associated with an ongoing conference that links to a menu, which in turn links to routines for selecting various options that change the setup of the conference. In yet another embodiment, the parameters of the conference can be changed while the conference is ongoing. In a further embodiment, the conference control unit includes a menu generator. Any combination of the above embodiments can be used together in one embodiment.

Abstract: A multi-user camera control system with automatic tracking capability for use in video conferencing and similar applications includes a plurality of personal controllers, one for each person utilizing the system. Each personal controller includes a micro-computer controlled keypad and associated communication circuitry as well as optional audio and tracking capability. The controller is programmed with the capability to send commands to the camera system.

Abstract: A method for avoiding invalid camera positioning in a video conference establishes a boundary within the view of a camera, such that when a request is made to direct the camera to a point outside of the boundary, the camera positioning module transforms the request to one requesting the camera to be directed to a point just within the boundary. In one embodiment, the boundary includes a maximum extent and a minimum extent, corresponding respectively to the maximum and the minimum expected heights of a speaker.

Abstract: An apparatus for use within a video conferencing system comprising an image analysis circuit and a control circuit is presented. As described herein, the image analysis circuit is operative to analyze at least a video frame of video conferencing signals of a video conference. The control circuit, coupled to the image analysis circuit, is operative to control a remote video camera of a remote conferencing apparatus communicatively coupled to the video conferencing apparatus to conduct the video conference, responsive to the results of said analysis.