Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for receiving input to initiate a video conference with a first participant from a user; initiating the video conference between the user and the first participant; receiving a request to add at least a second participant to the video conference from at least one of the user and the first participant, the request comprising credentials associated with the second participant; determining that the second participant is authorized to join the video conference based on the credentials; and connecting the second participant to the video conference.

Abstract: In one embodiment, source data for a communication session may be split into an audio portion for transmission on a phone channel and a non-audio portion for transmission on a data channel. A server and a phone may accordingly establish an audio portion of a communication session on the phone channel. In response to a trigger, the server may provide a push notification on the data channel to the phone, where the push notification is associated with an application executing on the phone that is configured to participate in the non-audio portion of the communication session on the data channel with the server. Upon obtaining the push notification on the data channel during the audio portion on the phone channel, the application may correspondingly activate on the phone to participate in the non-audio portion of the communication session during the phone's participation in the audio portion (e.g., merging the portions).

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image acquiring unit that acquires an image of a subject imaged by an image capturing lens; a face detecting unit that detects face information corresponding to a person's face from the image acquired by the image acquiring unit; an image angle-of-view calculating unit that calculates an angle of view of a portion including the face in the image based on the face information detected by the face detecting unit; and a correction necessity determining unit that determines whether distortion correction of the image is need to be performed, based on the angle of view calculated by the image angle-of-view calculating unit and distortion characteristics of the image capturing lens.

Abstract: A transmission terminal transmits video data and display data of a screen shared with another transmission terminal to the other transmission terminal via a predetermined relay apparatus. The transmission terminal includes a storage unit that stores relay apparatus information of the relay apparatus to which the transmission terminal transmits the video data; a receive unit that receives the display data from an external input apparatus connected to the transmission terminal; and a transmitting unit that transmits the display data received by the receive unit to the relay apparatus indicated by the relay apparatus information stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A multimedia conference broadcast system may include one or more processors and a memory. The one or more processors may receive video streams and audio streams from participant devices. The one or more processors may transmit, to each of the participant devices, the video streams and the audio streams corresponding to the other devices. The one or more processors may receive a request to broadcast the video streams and the audio streams from one of the participant devices. The one or more processors may generate a composite multimedia stream based on the video streams and the audio streams received from the participant devices. The one or more processors may broadcast the composite multimedia stream to viewer devices that are separate from the participant devices.

Abstract: A method for streaming playback within a live video conference. The method includes, a computer detecting access to a video conference using a live interface. The method includes, the computer receiving an indication of an interrupt condition. The method includes, the computer retrieving a selected content. The method includes, the computer inserting the selected content into the video conference, and the computer playing the selected content within the video conference.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an image controlling method, device, and system for a composed-image video conference, where the method includes receiving audio data of sites; obtaining, according to audio data of each site of the sites and in real time, a voice feature value that is within a first specified period and of a corresponding site, where the voice feature value is used to represent an activation state of the site; selecting a specified site from the multiple sites according to an activation state of each site; and filling a picture of the specified site into a sub-image of a composed image, to update the composed image in real time. This remarkably improves an effect of a conference, and improves experience of participants. In addition, a quantity and locations of sub-images in the composed image may be further adjusted dynamically, which also effectively improves the effect of the conference.

Abstract: A third party automatically participates in a peer-to-peer communication session established between a first endpoint and a second endpoint. Once the peer-to-peer communication session is established, a third party receives a first user data provided by the first endpoint, and verifies the first user data. If the verification succeeds, the third party automatically participates in the peer-to-peer communication session.

Abstract: A technique manages an electronic conference. The technique involves receiving a set of audio signals from a set of participants of the electronic conference, each audio signal being received from a respective participant. The technique further involves categorizing the set of audio signals received from the set of participants, each audio signal being individually categorized as currently representing (i) intentional participant sound or (ii) unintentional participant sound. The technique further involves controlling operation of the electronic conference based on the categorized set of audio signals.

Abstract: Multicast media notifications are provided when unicast media encoders are unavailable to serve endpoints that send a communication session request to a call control device. When the call control device receives a communication session request from an endpoint, a determination is made as to whether any one of a plurality of unicast media encoders is available for the communication session request. When it is determined that none of the plurality of unicast media encoders is available, the endpoint is connected to a multicast media encoder that presents a multicast media notification to the endpoint.

Abstract: In one embodiment, images of a first user in a video conference are captured with one or more physical video cameras. The captured images are processed to form a three-dimensional (3-D) model of the first user. A location on a display screen is determined where an image of each of one or more second users in the video conference is shown. One or more virtual cameras are positioned in 3-D space. Each virtual camera is associated with a respective second user and positioned in 3-D space based on the location on the display screen where the image of the associated second user is shown. A view of the first user from the perspective of each of the one or more virtual cameras is rendered. The rendered view of the first user from the perspective of each virtual camera is shared with the associated second user for the respective virtual camera.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for web conference recording. A system receives a request to record a web conference from a web conference participant device. The system identifies video files associated with the web conference. The video files include different types of video files, such as a webcam file, a display screen file, a document file, a presentation program file, a chat session file, an electronic whiteboard file, and a mash-up web application file. The system creates a combined recording file associated with the web conference by stitching copies of the video files together.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling various aspects of ensemble experiences and system control for attention management are disclosed. In some embodiments, the disclosure contemplates a variety of improved methods and systems for control of an ensemble experience such as a sports game, a large scale event, or a video conference. One or more interface(s) are provided that may present multiple layers and/or channels of communication, e.g., multiple video and audio. Options may be provided for participants to adjust the overall audio volume and assign different weights to audio signals from group layer(s), content layer, and system layer.

Abstract: A remote controlled robot with a head that supports a monitor and is coupled to a mobile platform. The mobile robot also includes an auxiliary camera coupled to the mobile platform by a boom. The mobile robot is controlled by a remote control station. By way of example, the robot can be remotely moved about an operating room. The auxiliary camera extends from the boom so that it provides a relatively close view of a patient or other item in the room. An assistant in the operating room may move the boom and the camera. The boom may be connected to a robot head that can be remotely moved by the remote control station.

Abstract: The present invention allows a user to customize her personal conference bridge such that conference participants who connect to the bridge are provided conference information selected by the user. In particular, after each conference participant gains access to the personal conference bridge, the conference information is delivered to a terminal of the conference participant. Although the user associated with the personal conference bridge may be a conference participant, delivery of conference information to the user is optional. The conference information may be any type of media content, or information identifying the location of media content to present to the conference participants.

Abstract: The invention involves local media rendering of a multi-party call, performed by a Client User Equipment (1). The media is encoded by each party in the call, and sent as a media stream to a Media server (2), and the media server receives a request for media streams from each Client User Equipment, each media stream in the request associated with a client priority. The Media server selects the media streams to send to each Client User Equipment, based on the request, and further such that the number of streams does not exceed a determined maximum number, which is based e.g. on the available bandwidth.

Abstract: The present application is directed towards systems and methods for providing video conference services via a single device installed as an Ethernet adapter on a computing device. A device, based around a standard form factor such as a PCI card, with a CPU, operating system, and memory may be installed in a server or other computing device and utilize power from the computing device while operating independently. The device may comprise an audio/video media processor for mixing a plurality of video streams to generate one or more mixed video streams, which may be provided to video conference participants. In some embodiments, the device may select a mixing format or arrangement for the mixed video streams based on the number of participants or identified roles of one or more participants.

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: A method for facilitating a sequenced, anonymous communications session in a communications environment is provided in one example that includes receiving, from a first endpoint, an anonymous, sequenced request for a communication session involving a second endpoint. The communication session is sequenced to occur at designated periods provided by the end user(s) and/or an administrator, while maintaining end user(s) anonymity.

Abstract: A display apparatus including a main body, a display panel installed in the main body, a video call unit installed to the main body, a circuit board for control of the video call unit, and a cable to connect the video call unit and the circuit board to each other, is provided. Installing the video call unit to the main body enables a video call via the display apparatus.

Abstract: A technology for interacting with a collaborative videoconferencing environment is disclosed. A display having a substantially “L-shaped” configuration allows for display of collaborative materials and video of remote participants simultaneously, which provides for a more natural interaction for a meeting participant interacting with the collaborative materials. Meeting participants in the collaborative videoconferencing environment, both locally and remote, can simultaneously interact with the same content as if they were in the same location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting an imaging environment of a medical apparatus based on one or more signals transmitted from a plurality of clients are provided. The method of setting an imaging environment of a medical apparatus based on one or more signals transmitted from a plurality of clients includes transmitting information regarding an imaging operation of the medical apparatus to the plurality of clients, receiving one or more response signals with respect to the information from the plurality of clients, and setting the imaging environment of the medical apparatus based on the one or more response signals.

Abstract: A technology for interacting with a collaborative videoconferencing environment is disclosed. A display having a substantially “L-shaped” configuration allows for display of collaborative materials and video of remote participants simultaneously, which provides for a more natural interaction for a meeting participant interacting with the collaborative materials. Meeting participants in the collaborative videoconferencing environment can be classified based on position with respect to the environment, or their likely interaction profile. The technology can configure a meeting experience based on the classification of the meeting participant.

Abstract: A communication system includes a touch screen display device with first and second cameras mounted on opposite sides of the touch screen display device so a field of view for each camera is pointed inward relative to the touch screen display device. A conferencing subsystem controls conferencing communication to send and receive touch screen display signals and video signals.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for managing a mute state of a participant in a teleconference may include detecting, based on analysis of at least one characteristic of audio data received from a microphone associated with the participant or image data received from a camera associated with the participant, whether the participant is attempting to speak to other teleconference participants. The method may also include providing an alert to the participant in response to a detecting that the participant is attempting to speak to other conference participants while the microphone is muted.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a state transition control method, a multipoint control server, and a videoconferencing system. The method includes: receiving, by a multipoint control server, a conference reservation message, where the conference reservation message carries start time and end time of a reserved conference and an identity of a site centralized control device at a site participating in the reserved conference; and sending a state transition command to the site centralized control device according to the start time and the identity or according to the end time and the identity. In the embodiments of the present invention, through centralized control, in a non-conference state, external devices in a videoconferencing system enter a power-off state, and in a conference state, devices in the videoconferencing system are recovered to a normal working state, thereby improving user experience and reducing power consumption of the videoconferencing system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a cloud video exchanging conference device. The cloud video conference device includes at least one multi-point control unit, corresponding to at least one representative number, connecting to the Internet via at least one Internet Protocol address; a backend management module, for corresponding the at least one representative number to the at least one Internet Protocol address; and at least one video conference operating module, for obtaining a corresponding specific Internet Protocol address among the at least one Internet Protocol address via the backend management module according to a specific representative number among the at least one representative number, to connect to a corresponding specific multi-point control unit among the at least one multi-point control unit for video exchanging conference.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving sound from a teleconference host at a teleconference phone is disclosed. The method comprises identifying a person to act as the teleconference host. A location of the identified teleconference host relative to the teleconference phone is determined. A plurality of microphones on the conference phone are configured as a beamforming receiver to receive an audio signal from the location of the teleconference host. Selected microphones from the plurality of microphones are biased to receive sound from the direction of the teleconference host relative to sound received from other directions.

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

Abstract: A videoconference system includes a plurality of computers associated with the system to collectively send and receive video data streams. A video encoding program is stored in a memory and is executable by at least a first computer. When executed, the executing computer encodes video data using one or more encoding parameters. A decode information set request monitoring program is stored in a memory and is executable by at least the first computer, causing the first computer to perform the steps of monitoring the network for receipt of a decode information set request message and responding to the received request message by querying the received message for an ID and, if the ID of the received message corresponds to a video data stream generated from the first computer, communicating the corresponding decode information set including the encoding parameters to at least a computer that transmitted the message.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and software for facilitating wireless conference environments are disclosed. In an implementation, a media system obtains environment information comprising a physical characteristic of a conference environment in which to host a least a portion of a video conference. The media system also obtains schedule information comprising a schedule for a portion of a surrounding environment associated with the conference environment. The media system identifies a configuration in accordance with which to wirelessly exchange video with another media system or system s engaged in the video conference. The configuration is based at least in part on the physical characteristic of the conference environment and the schedule for the portion of the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A mobile multi-function device that includes a speaker, two or more microphones, and a beamformer processor is described. The beamformer processor uses the microphones to perform beamforming operations. One of the microphones shares a receiver acoustic opening with the speaker while the other microphone uses a separate acoustic opening. The receiver acoustic opening may be an earpiece opening that is held to the ear of a user while conducting a phone call with the device and provides acoustic input and output paths for the microphone and the speaker, respectively.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a video processing apparatus includes an input module configured to be able to perform input operation in order to register, to a server, information including a video of a face of a first person and information including a video of a face of a second person with whom the videoconferencing is conducted, in such a manner that the information including the video of the face of the first person and the information including the video of the face of the second person with whom the videoconferencing is conducted are registered in tandem.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for control of a video interface (4) associated to a user (12) for use in conference situations and the like, comprising the steps of capturing a frame (11) of a video stream originated from the user (12), recognizing a face (10) of the user (12) within the video frame (11), detecting an orientation of the face (10) of the user (12) within the video frame (11), and providing a control signal indicating the orientation of the face (10). The invention also relates to a method for operation of the video interface (4) comprising the steps of the above control method, mapping the orientation of the face (10) based on the control signal to a focus area (15) of the video interface (4), and highlighting the focus area (15). The invention further relates to a face orientation detector (6) and a video conferencing server (5), which are adapted to perform the above methods.

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 transmission management system receives a request for starting communication with a counterpart terminal from a terminal, which includes counterpart terminal identification information for identifying the counterpart terminal. In response to receiving the request, the transmission management system stores the counterpart terminal identification information of the counterpart terminal in association with terminal identification information of the terminal that sends the request to update candidate counterpart terminal identification for the terminal.

Abstract: A representative a scheduler and telecommunication provider manager has instructions that are stored in memory and executed by a processing device.

Abstract: A transmission/reception unit of a management system transmits state information after a change that indicates a state of a changed terminal to a management system connected to a terminal. Consequently, the terminal can grasp the state of the terminal through the management system. Thus, there is an effect that the terminal can request start of communication with the terminal at a proper timing.

Abstract: Conferencing between multiple parties can be performed with mesh conferencing. In one example, conference streams are received directly or indirectly from different client nodes at a mesh conferencing node. A priority is assigned to each stream before or after the streams are received. At least one stream is selected based on the assigned priorities to send to another node, such as a client node or a second mesh conferencing. node. Using the priorities, the streams may also be scaled or compressed before being sent to the next node.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, utilizing a system including at least one processor for determining a video modification plan for a received video stream of a video call session according to the at least one party associated with the video call session, modifying, by the system, a plurality of background images of the received video stream according to the video modification plan to generate a plurality of modified background images, and generating, by the system, a modified video stream according to the plurality of modified background images. Other embodiments are disclosed.

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: Disclosed is a method and tool for collaborating in a video conference using a non-electronically enhance whiteboard and without the use of electronically enhanced writing and/or pointing tools. An embodiment may set up a front camera to capture an overall video stream that is split into at least two video feeds, a whiteboard feed and presenter feeds. The front camera may be set up to have a depth of field and focus to capture the whiteboard and presenter as well as specific video capture settings for each feed to optimize the whiteboard or the presenter. An embodiment may capture the two feeds according to the appropriate settings and deliver the two feeds to other video conference member devices. Embodiments may add additional cameras to permit additional optimization such as eliminating whiteboard occluded areas and/or automatically selecting a presenter from a plurality of people who are in the video capture frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for acquiring real-time video images of a terminal, sad method comprising: acquiring light intensity of an existing environment when the terminal acquires the real-time video images; comparing the light intensity of the existing environment with a light intensity threshold value set by the terminal system; acquiring images preset by the terminal and sending the preset images to an existing receiver which is communicating with the terminal if the light intensity of the existing environment is lower than the light intensity threshold value set by the terminal system. The present invention can ensure the quality of video conversation when the light intensity is weak, save power energy, improve the user experience, and is beneficial to promote the video communication terminal.

Abstract: A system for ad hoc endpoint device association for multimedia conferencing may include one or more processors and memory. The one or more processors may prepare to provide sets of video streams corresponding to a multimedia conference to first, second, and third participant devices, where the set of videos streams prepared for each participant device includes video streams associated with the other participant devices. The one or more processors may determine that the first and second participant devices are in a same physical area and may generate, in response to the determining, a location association between the first and second participant devices for the multimedia conference. The one or more processors may exclude the video stream associated with the third participant device from set of video streams prepared for the first participant device based at least in part on the location association between the first and second participant devices.

Abstract: A counterpart terminal information management system (50) includes: a terminal manager (5002) that manages, for each one of a plurality of terminals (10), terminal identification information for identifying the terminal, and terminal related information previously set by default, in association with each other; a counterpart terminal manager (5003) that manages, for each one of the plurality of terminals (10), the terminal identification information for identifying the terminal, counterpart terminal identification information for identifying a candidate counterpart terminal that may be requested by the terminal to have communication with, and counterpart terminal related information individually set by a user who operates the terminal (10), in association with one another; a receiver (51) that receives, from a first terminal (10aa), a request to share a candidate counterpart terminal managed for the first terminal (10aa) with the second terminal (10ac), and information indicating whether to permit or reject s

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting when a video stream embedded within a region of another video stream contains copyrighted material. In one implementation, a computer system receives a first video stream and determines that the first video stream comprises a second video stream within a region of the first video stream, using metadata that identifies a set of geometric properties of the region. The computer system obtains the second video stream from the first video stream based on the set of geometric properties of the region, and determines whether the second video stream contains copyrighted material.

Abstract: A video call host module comprising a processor configured to decode video data corresponding to videos from endpoints and rank the videos based on motion indicators corresponding to each of the endpoints. The motion indicators are calculated from motion vectors corresponding to each of the videos. A predetermined number of highest-ranking videos are selected for display. A method of hosting a video call includes receiving encoded video data including motion vectors. Videos are ranked based on a motion indicator calculated from the motion vectors for each of the videos. Encoded video data is converted to decoded video data, and decoded video data corresponding to a predetermined number of the highest ranking videos is combined to create a single video.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes an image processing command input section to receive image processing commands for image data written into a memory by units of one line, a line number deriving section to derive a number of lines of the image data required to execute image processing operations based on the image processing commands received by the image processing command input section, a line number indicating section to output a numerical value indicating the number of lines of the image data derived by the line number deriving section, a read timing controlling section to control read timing from the memory in response to the numerical value output from the line number indicating section, a parameter indicating section to output parameters used for the image processing operations, and an image processing section to execute the image processing operations.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new method, apparatus and software related product (e.g., a computer readable memory) for controlling loading (e.g., pre-filling) of video data to a user equipment by a wireless network (e.g., from internet) while the video is played by the user equipment using an additional pre-filling based on predicted degradation of connectivity of the user equipment with the wireless network to avoid interruption or deterioration of playing the video and/or to reduce video data loading cost.