Abstract: A projector based user interface unit is described for implanting an interactive workspace. The interface unit projects a graphical workspace onto a display surface and monitors user interactions with the workspace. A mirror is placed on or near the workspace to reflect the face of the user to the interface unit. The interface unit captures the mirrored face of the user and provides images of the face of the user to other users for use in conjunction with collaborative techniques such as video conferencing or content sharing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selective content sharing with a communication target apparatus are provided. In various aspects, communication with a communication target apparatus may be established, and content indicated by content data may be reproduced, where the reproduced content may represent audio or audio and image content. A determination may be made whether or not to share the reproduced content indicated by the content data with the communication target apparatus and a process to share or not share the reproduced content indicated by the content data with the communication target apparatus may be selectively performed. When the reproduced content is determined not to be shared with the communication target apparatus, a generated speech audio signal may be shared with the communication target apparatus while the reproduced content indicated by the content data may not shared with the communication target apparatus.

Abstract: A communication terminal comprising: a communication part, a display portion, comprising one of an AMOLED type comprising a white pixel or pixels arranged in RGBW (Red/Green/Blue/White) pattern and having a number of light emitting devices; at least one of the light emitting devices being configured to have a first state and a second operational state, wherein in said first operational state said light emitting device emits light and in a said second operational state said light emitting device is transparent, an image capturing sensor arranged behind said display and aligned with the light emitting device and configured to continuously capture images and generate signals corresponding to said captured image, and a processing unit to receive the signals from the image capturing sensor and process said signals and produce an image comprising images captured by selecting between images captured during said first state.

Abstract: In systems that enable collaboration, techniques are provided for communicating and displaying positional information with respect to these systems so as to enhance the collaborative experience. The systems may include interactive whiteboard (IWB) systems participating in a collaborative session. The position of an object (e.g., a user) at a first IWB system may be tracked and displayed at a second IWB system located remotely from the first IWB system.

Abstract: A system may include a first communication device, and a recording server. The first communication device may set layout information indicative of a layout of media data. The first communication device may transmit, to the recording server, first media data to be transmitted to the second communication device, the layout information, and first identification information identifying the first communication device. The recording server may store the first media data, the layout information, and the first identification information transmitted from the first communication device. The recording server may receive a request for conference proceedings data from a particular device. The recording server may determine particular layout information for the particular device. The recording server may generate conference proceedings data based on the determined layout information and media data requested by the particular device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for adjusting site bandwidth, a conferencing terminal, and a media control server are disclosed. The method includes: obtaining the number of streams at a multi-screen site, and assigning bandwidth to each stream according to preset total bandwidth of multiple streams, maximum bandwidth of a single stream, and a preset bandwidth assignment method; and obtaining a conference joining state of each stream, and adjusting bandwidth of each stream according to the conference joining state of each stream. The apparatus includes an assigning module, an obtaining module, and a first adjusting module. Embodiments of the present invention implement dynamic adjustment of bandwidth resources of each stream according to the actual condition of a conference, so that bandwidth resources of each site are fully utilized.

Abstract: A management system manages a candidate list for each one of a plurality of transmission terminals, the candidate list associating identification information of one or more candidate counterpart terminals each capable of communicating with the transmission terminal, with identification information of the transmission terminal.

Abstract: A federated media server system. The federated media server system may include a plurality of media servers. A first media server may be coupled to a second media server over a network. The first media server may also be coupled to a third media server over the network. Additionally, the second and third media servers may be coupled to a plurality of respective clients. The first media server may be configured to record video, e.g., videoconferences, and stream recordings to clients and/or the second and third media servers. The second and third media servers may assist in performing video recording, transcoding, storage of recordings, multicasting, etc.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for adapting a continuous presence videoconferencing layout according to interactions between conferees. Using regions of interest found in video images, the arrangement of images of conferees may be dynamically arranged as displayed by endpoints. Arrangements may be responsive to various metrics, including the position of conferees in a room and dominant conferees in the videoconference. Video images may be manipulated as part of the arrangement, including cropping and mirroring the video image. As interactions between conferees change, the layout may be automatically rearranged responsive to the changed interactions.

Abstract: Methods for providing feedback information regarding a person's focus of attention during a live video communication are described. The live video communication may comprise a live video conference. The feedback information may correspond with non-verbal cues such as who a speaking person is looking at when they are speaking and whether a listener is paying attention to the speaking person. In some embodiments, a dominant speaker in a live video conference may be determined and a live video stream that is being viewed by the dominant speaker may be identified. An identification of the live video stream may be transmitted to computing devices associated with other participants in the live video conference. Images associated with the live video stream being displayed to the other participants may be highlighted, enlarged, or moved to a different location on displays used by the other participants.

Abstract: A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to support the operation of a Virtual Media Room or Virtual Meeting Room (VMR), wherein each VMR can accept from a plurality of participants at different geographic locations a variety of video conferencing feeds of audio and video streams from video conference endpoints and enables a multi-party video conferencing session in real time among the plurality of participants. Each of the participants is offered a rich set of conferencing and collaboration interaction hitherto not experienced by video conferencing participants and a moderator of the video conference is further offered with in-meeting management and control over a plurality of security and privacy settings during the video conference. These interactions encompass controlling of a video conferencing session, its configuration, privacy, security, the visual layout of the participants, customization of the VMR and adaptation of the room to different vertical applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, device, and system for highlighting a party of interest in video conferencing, relating to the communication field and capable of effectively utilizing network bandwidth and enhancing conference efficiency. The method includes: converting received audio and video signals sent by multiple conferencing terminals into multiple independent video images corresponding to the multiple conferencing terminals, and displaying the multiple video images through a display device; and adjusting display factors of the multiple video images according to obtained video image display priority signals, so that the multiple video images present different visual characteristics in the display device. The embodiments of the present invention are applied in video conferencing.

Abstract: A video switch system providing a collaborative environment for one or more users to share information. In the current embodiment, the video switch system enables users to quickly connect to the system, present information, have a video conference, or have a multi-user wireless video session, or a combination thereof, in a collaborative manner.

Abstract: Improved methods, systems, and devices for managing communications are provided. A user device may display all ongoing communications so that a user can visualize the communications network or some subset thereof (e.g., a subgroup or group of users). A system may maintain the user device in an instant ready-on mode of communication with the other user devices. A user may then initiate communications with a subgroup (e.g., a pair) or group without initiating a new connection. Accordingly, a user can simultaneously and fluidly communicate at the subgroup level, at the group level, or at the inter-group level. Moreover, users can function as independent actors that can freely form and leave subgroups as well as groups.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, determining a latency area of a network based on latency testing, identifying a configuration of a network route of a telepresence session exchanging media content between media processors of first and second users at first and second locations based on the latency area, determining a first latency associated with a first presentation of the media content at the first location, determining a second latency associated with a second presentation of the media content at the second location, and determining one of a first delay for the first presentation, a second delay for the second presentation or both based on one of the first latency, the second latency or both. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of adding a computing device to a multi-device video communication session. A server receives recorded content from a plurality of multi-device video communication sessions and a search request from a computing device. The server identifies a first multi-device video communication session based on the search request. The first multi-device video communication session includes a weighted list of text elements. The server transmits information based on the weighted list of text elements to the computing device, receives a selection from the computing device corresponding to a first text element, and transmits at least a portion of the recorded content from the first multi-device video communication session to the computing device based on the first text element. The server receives an add request for the computing device to be added to the first multi-device video communication session and transmits the add request to the first multi-device video communication session.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for widening a viewing angle in a video conferencing system are provided. The apparatus for widening a viewing angle in a video conferencing system includes: generating reference data from images of a video conference participant captured by a camera included in the video conferencing system; generating movement data based on the video conference participant's movements sensed by the camera; extracting a first control parameter by comparing the reference data with the movement data; transmitting the first control parameter to the other end of the conference; receiving a second control parameter generated at the other end of the conference; and controlling the camera by the second control parameter.

Abstract: An approach for splitting a communication data stream into an audio data stream and a video data stream, anchoring the audio data stream at an anchor point within a network, and bypassing anchoring of the video data stream at the anchor point within the network to reduce a processing load at the anchor point.

Abstract: A transmission management system that manages image communications among a plurality of transmission terminals capable of performing at least voice communications. The transmission system includes a terminal management section that manages image communications state information indicating an image communications state of each of the transmission terminals for each terminal identification information for identifying each transmission terminal, a creation section that creates a specified communications control message causing the specified transmission terminal to control the image communications in accordance with the image communications state information, and a transmitting section that transmits the created communications control message to the transmission terminal caused to control the image communications.

Abstract: A participation device in a multiparty conference call may act as a server device and/or a client device for two-way audio and video (AV) streaming. A server device may encode a requested AV stream into a set of different encoding profiles that may be dynamically determined based on the varying channel conditions and device capacities of the client devices. At least a portion of differently encoded AV streams is selected and dynamically communicated to the client devices for display. Session parameters are determined according to the varying channel conditions and the device capacities of the client devices to create intended sessions. The selected encoded AV streams are communicated utilizing segment-based adaptive streaming techniques such as HTTP. A client device may access to a HTTP session to download an expected AV stream from the server device. The downloaded AV stream may be decoded into different decoding profiles for display as needed.

Abstract: Describe is a video stream mixer (60) for generating a mixed encoded video stream from an encoded primary video stream associated with a primary window, and at least one encoded secondary video stream, each associated with a corresponding secondary window that is smaller than the primary window.

Abstract: A transmission management system receives, when a terminal and a relay device is connected, domain information that indicates a management system capable of executing control associated with start of communication using the relay device. The management system can allow another management system to execute control based on the domain information even if the management system cannot execute the control.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing messaging are described. An illustrative messaging system includes a processor and a content database storing video content and/or other content, and a user database that stores an identifier corresponding to a telecommunications carrier associated with a user mobile phone, and an indicator indicating the messaging capability of the mobile phone of the user. Code is stored in memory that is configured to provide for display on a terminal a form via which a user can view a plurality of videos from the content database, select a video to be sent as a message, and specify a recipient for the video message. The system is optionally configured to initiate the transmission of an approval request message to a terminal, such as a mobile phone associated with the user, wherein the user can approve the sending of the video message to the recipient by taking an action in response to the approval request.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, receive a request for a telepresence seat at an event, obtain media content comprising event images of the event that are captured by an event camera system, receive images that are captured by a camera system at a user location, provide the media content and video content representative of the images to a processor for presentation at a display device utilizing a telepresence configuration that simulates the first and second users being present at the event, where the providing of the first and second video content establishes a communication session between the first and second users. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program for self management of a live web event is provided. In exemplary embodiments, an individual associated with a channel may schedule a web event. Upon scheduling, a user, such as one or more presenters, may be provided a management interface through which content may be prepared for the live web event during a self preparation process. In exemplary embodiments, the user may upload content (e.g., images such as slides) and generate content (e.g., polling questions and answers) autonomously.

Abstract: Real-time interactive broadcast sessions for client devices include: for each client device in the interactive broadcast session, configuring downstream video and audio ports for the interactive broadcast session between a central controller and the client device; receiving from each client device a selected broadcaster corresponding to a broadcaster flow control signal; in response to receiving the selected broadcaster from each client device, sending video and audio streams of the selected broadcaster to each client device over the interactive broadcast session; receiving a request from a given client device on the interactive broadcast session to interact with the selected broadcaster; configuring upstream and downstream video ports for one-to-one video chat session between the central controller and the given client device; and sending the video and audio streams of the given client device, and the video and audio streams of the selected broadcaster, to each client device over the interactive broadcast se

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing video are provided. Video compression schemes are provided to reduce the number of bits required to store and transmit digital media in video conferencing or videoblogging applications. A photorealistic avatar representation of a video conference participant is created. The avatar representation can be based on portions of a video stream that depict the conference participant. A face detector is used to identify, track and classify the face. Object models including density, structure, deformation, appearance and illumination models are created based on the detected face. An object based video compression algorithm, which uses machine learning face detection techniques, creates the photorealistic avatar representation from parameters derived from the density, structure, deformation, appearance and illumination models.

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: A method and an apparatus for playing audio of an attendant at a remote end and a remote video conference system are provided. The method includes: receiving audio of an attendant at a remote site; and by means of two or more loudspeakers mounted at a top and a bottom of a remote image presentation device at a local site, simulating an audio transmission path of the audio of the attendant at the remote site between the two or more loudspeakers and an attendant at the local site through a predetermined algorithm, where the simulating means that the audio transmission path is simulated between an image of the head of the attendant at the remote site displayed in the remote image presentation device, and the head of the attendant at the local site.

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. One embodiment is a computer-implemented method that includes the steps of activating the streaming device; granting the remote user access to a website for controlling the streaming device in response to activating the streaming device; authenticating the remote user; receiving a selection of video conference options from the remote user in response to the remote user being authenticated; generating an invitation for the first user to accept a video conference with the remote user; and initiating the video conference in response to the first user to accepting the invitation.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is provided for a conference system where a plurality of terminals are connected via a network to the information processing apparatus and exchange data via the information processing apparatus to conduct a conference. The information processing apparatus includes a detection unit that detects disconnection of a terminal from the information processing apparatus and recovery of the terminal from the disconnection; a recording unit; a data transmission unit; and a status management unit that causes the recording unit to start recording the data in a storage when the disconnection is detected by the detection unit, and causes the data transmission unit to transmit the data read from the storage to the terminal in response to a data transmission request from the terminal.

Abstract: The system and method capture an image of a presenter of a presentation. The image of the presenter may be a still image or a video stream. In one embodiment, the image of the presenter has the background removed. An image of the presentation is captured. The image of the presentation may be a still image or a video stream. A transition, such as a gesture or movement of the presenter is detected. In response to the detection of the transition, an image of the presenter is superimposed on the image of the presentation to create a combined image. Alternatively, in response to the transition, the image of the presenter is removed from the presentation. The combined image or the image of the presentation with the image of the presenter removed is then sent to participants viewing the presentation.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and storage media provide for receiving a request to use a multiparty service; applying priority rules for routing the request toward a destination endpoint, wherein the applying comprises determining whether the destination endpoint is a private destination endpoint or a public destination endpoint; routing the request toward the private destination endpoint in response to determining that a destination address or a portion thereof included in the request corresponds to the private destination endpoint; and routing the request toward the public destination endpoint in response to determining that the destination address or the portion thereof included in the request corresponds to the public destination endpoint.

Abstract: A first terminal is coupled to a wide-area packet-based network and installed with first client application. One or more second terminals are coupled to the first terminal via a local wireless link, and each installed with an instance of a lightweight sub-client having reduced functionality relative to the first client. The first client establishes a call with a remote, third terminal over the network, based on a user credential identifying the first client. Each second terminal generates an audio or video stream, and each sub-client transmits the respective stream to the first client over the local wireless link for use in the call. The first client switches between a second state in which the call uses the streams from the sub-clients and a first state in which the call uses a stream generated by the first terminal without the streams from the sub-clients.

Abstract: A federated media server system. The federated media server system may include a plurality of media servers. A first media server may be coupled to a second media server over a network. The first media server may also be coupled to a third media server over the network. Additionally, the second and third media servers may be coupled to a plurality of respective clients. The first media server may be configured to record video, e.g., videoconferences, and stream recordings to clients and/or the second and third media servers. The second and third media servers may assist in performing video recording, transcoding, storage of recordings, multicasting, etc.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for selectively recording high quality media in a videoconference. In a particular embodiment, a method provides receiving a plurality of video streams from a plurality of videoconferencing clients. The method further provides streaming video at a first quality level for the plurality of video streams to a first videoconferencing client of the plurality of video conferencing clients. At a first point in time while streaming the video, the method provides identifying a first video stream of the plurality of video streams that should be recorded at a higher quality level than the first quality level and recording the first video stream at the higher quality level from the first point in time.

Abstract: A local video-conference terminal device includes a wide-angle camera lens, a camera image correction control unit that performs distortion correction processing on an image included in digital video signal from the wide-angle camera lens, a camera image correction table storage unit including correction tables for the distortion correction processing regarding a partial area of the image, a video display unit displaying the digital video signal after distortion correction, and a camera display switching key outputting a signal to select an image correction table. The camera image correction control unit performs the distortion correction processing on the image included in digital video signal using the image correction table selected by switching through the camera display switching key.

Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for controlling the level of ultrasound pairing signals generated in a teleconferencing environment. The levels of ultrasound pairing signals transmitted in a meeting room are adjusted automatically based on the ultrasound signal levels received at one or more of the sound receiving devices that can communicate with a teleconferencing endpoint in the meeting room.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method that includes providing, on a display, an object configured to be moved by a user along an axis, associating a plurality of predefined layouts with respective intervals along the axis, detecting a user action on the object indicating a position on the axis, and composing, in response to the detecting of the user action, a composite video signal using a layout, of the plurality of predefined layouts, associated with an interval among the intervals within which the position is lying.

Abstract: Methods having corresponding systems and computer-readable media comprise: accessing calendaring information associated with a smart teleconference meeting, the calendaring information including a time of the meeting, a meeting location, identities of meeting invitees, and contact information for the meeting invitees; transmitting the calendaring information from a meeting coordinator to a conferencing system configured to contact meeting participants and join them to the meeting; contacting the meeting invitees with the conferencing system conferencing system and joining them to the meeting; generating a roster of the meeting participants based on the calendaring information; tracking a participation status of the meeting participants; and updating the roster to reflect the participation status of the meeting participants.

Abstract: A method, a device, and a network system for controlling multiple auxiliary streams are disclosed. The method for controlling multiple auxiliary streams includes: applying, by a terminal at a first site, for a presentation (PRE) token; and sending, by the terminal at the first site after applying for and obtaining the PRE token, an auxiliary stream to a terminal at a second site through a PRE auxiliary stream channel corresponding to the PRE token, and sending one or more other auxiliary streams to the terminal at the second site through an auxiliary stream channel bound with the PRE auxiliary stream channel. By using the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present invention, participants at the sites can view images of multiple auxiliary streams simultaneously.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems, methods, computer program products, and the like, for collaboration conferencing with multiple participants over a communications network, and more specifically for a conferencing routing service for managing and routing collaboration participants. In one embodiment, the conferencing system may utilize Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to conduct the routing of the collaboration conferences within the telecommunications network. The SIP-based routing provides for the exchanging of information from one device of the conferencing system to another that is not available in non-IP based conferencing systems. Thus, through the use of IP-based telecommunication devices, the network provides beneficial features for collaboration conferencing.

Abstract: A method and computing system for scheduling a multi-session video conference for a host. A plurality of discrete video conference sessions are linked to the multi-session video conference. The multi-session video conference is executed. The host is transferred between two or more of the discrete video conference sessions during the multi-session video conference.

Abstract: A method for switching shared content in a video conference includes determining a status of the video conference when a switch event is triggered. If the status is a video status, sharable content of the sharing terminal are detected, and whether the sharing terminal has at least one sharable content is determined. If so, one of at least one sharable content is shared with at least one remote terminal. If not, the status keeps being in the video status. If the status is a sharing status and the sharing terminal shares a content having a first index number, sharable content of the sharing terminal are detected, and whether the sharing terminal has a first sharable content having an index number larger than the first index number is determined. If so, sharing the first sharable content with at least one remote terminal by the sharing terminal.

Abstract: A method makes a first and a second devices support for interactions with respect to a 3D object. The method includes steps of: (a) allowing the first device to acquire information on physical 3D object and information on images of a user; (b) allowing the second device to receive the information relating to the physical 3D object and the information on images of the user of the first device, then display virtual 3D object corresponding to the physical 3D object and display 3D avatar of the user of the first device; (c) allowing the first device to transmit information on manipulation of the user of the first device regarding the physical 3D object and information on images of the user of the first device who is manipulating the physical 3D object and then allowing the second device to display the 3D avatar of the user of the first device.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a conference call user interface and methods thereof. In one illustrative embodiment, the user interface provides a simple teleconferencing solution that allows a user to establish a conference as well as an individual conversation. Graphical representations, in the form of avatars, can be provided. A table surrounded by the avatars can be used to mimic a meeting room as though the parties were actually there. When phone icons on the chests of the avatars are actuated, a directory application to search for parties can be provided. A consult line, separate from the avatars, can also be provided. After connecting and associating the parties with an avatar, call handling actions can be displayed on or around each of the avatars.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method of audio-video communications including a plurality of end-user terminals coupled via a communications link. Each end-user terminal includes a video processor component, a user interface, a display, a speaker and a microphone, a video camera device and a storage device, all coupled to the processor. The user interface includes a video muting function. The video processor component includes a module responsive to the video muting function for switching from a video source of the video camera to a predetermined video signal. The video muting function includes a selection for muting video sent from one of the plurality of end-user terminals, muting video received by one of the plurality of end-user terminals, muting video, both video sent from and video received by one of the plurality of end-user terminals, or muting audio and video sent from one of the plurality of end-user terminals.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a machine-readable volatile or non-volatile storage medium stores one or more sequences of instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform monitoring a plurality of video conference locations, each of the locations comprising one or more video conference rooms, resulting in creating and storing monitored data; generating service level view data which when displayed on a video display unit concurrently comprises graphical representations of all the locations and all the rooms, and graphical representations of faults associated with each of the rooms. Rooms can include coder-decoders (codecs), cameras, video monitors, and network packet data routing or switching elements. Embodiments provide a holistic view of all video conference rooms in a deployment, with aggregated call usage, quality and fault data, with highly useful graphical management displays.

Abstract: A method performed in a call manager, the method comprising receiving a registration message from a media gateway in a plurality of media gateways, wherein the registration message indicates the media processing resources available at the media gateway and the amount of media processing resources in use, sending a message to each of the other media gateways in the plurality of media gateways, wherein each of the messages indicates an amount of available media processing resources in the media gateway, and sending at least one message to the media gateway, wherein the at least one message indicates an amount of available media processing resources in each of the other media gateways in the plurality of media gateways.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, a system for enabling communications and conferencing between dissimilar computing devices including mobile computing devices. In another embodiment a method for enabling communications and conferencing between dissimilar computing devices including mobile computing devices. In a further embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions to cause one or more processors to enable communications and conferencing between dissimilar computing devices including mobile computing devices.