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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for improved audio, video, and data conferencing. The present invention provides a conferencing system comprising a plurality of endpoints communicating data including audio data and control data according to a communication protocol. A local conference endpoint may control or be controlled by a remote conference endpoint. Data comprising control signals may be exchanged between the local endpoint and remote endpoint via various communication protocols. In other embodiments, the present invention provides for improved bridge architecture for controlling functions of conference endpoints including controlling functions of the bridge.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computer system for sending, by a first computing device, a video feed with a pre-determined quality level to a second computing device. The first computing device determines that a volume level associated with the video feed reaches a threshold. The first computing device sends the video feed with a higher quality level to the second computing device based upon, at least in part, determining that the volume level associated with the video feed reaches the threshold.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for region-of-interest (ROI) processing for video telephony (VT) applications. According to the disclosed techniques, a recipient device defines ROI information for video information transmitted by a sender device, i.e., far-end video information. The recipient device transmits the ROI information to the sender device. Using the ROI information transmitted by the recipient device, the sender device applies preferential encoding to an ROI within a video scene. ROI extraction may be applied to process a user description of a region of interest (ROI) to generate information specifying the ROI based on the description. The user description may be textual, graphical, or speech-based. An extraction module applies appropriate processing to generated the ROI information from the user description. The extraction module may locally reside with a video communication device, or reside in a distinct intermediate server configured for ROI extraction.

Abstract: An electronic device is communicatively coupled to at least one video camera during a video conference, and also includes a touchscreen display having video conference participant representations displayed on the touchscreen display. A haptics feedback system is integrated into the touchscreen display and is responsive to a user touching the video conference participant representations displayed on the touchscreen display. A speech-to-text controller converts video conference participant's speech into text and creates an identification tag for each video conference participant. In addition, an ongoing commentary controller provides feedback on non-verbal cues about the video conference participants.

Abstract: An e-learning system has a local classroom with an instructor station and a microphone and a local student station with a microphone, a remote classroom with an instructor display and a student station with a microphone, and planar displays and video cameras in each of the classrooms, the remote and local classrooms connected over a network, with a server monitoring feeds and enforcing exclusive states, such that audio and video feeds are managed in a manner that video and audio of the instructor, the local students and the first remote students, as seen and heard either directly or via speakers and displays by each of the instructor, the local students and the remote students presents to each as though all are interacting in the same room.

Abstract: Method, device and apparatus for delivering video telephony by using a media controller and a software defined networking (SDN) controller to enable multicasting for multi-party video conferencing. A media controller generates a video sending rate for each of the plurality of client devices based on a received video conference request and received network information. The media controller determines and independently constructs a maximum-rate delay-bounded multicast tree for each of the plurality of client devices that supports the largest possible multicast rate. The media controller determines a common congested link in the multicast trees, re-routes the multicast tree with the common congested link for the client device with the lowest weight of utility divided by its video sending rate and creating two subtrees, and iteratively re-routes the multicast trees until an aggregate video sending rate of the multicast trees sharing the common congested link meets a link capacity of the common congested link.

Abstract: Upon receiving a continuous presence video image, an endpoint of a videoconference may identify its self image and replace the self image with other video data, including an alternate video image from another endpoint or a background color. Embedded markers may be placed in a continuous presence video image corresponding to the endpoint. The embedded markers identify the location of the self image of the endpoint in the continuous presence video image. The embedded markers may be inserted by the endpoint or a multipoint control unit serving the endpoint.

Abstract: Methods and systems for routing video in conferencing are disclosed. A device receives one or more data streams from a media source, where each data stream associated with a data stream identifier. A media source identifier is assigned to each data stream from the media source. The data stream identifiers are mapped to the media source identifiers. At least one of the data streams may be modified by replacing an associated data stream identifier with the media source identifier. The modified data streams are provided to a destination device. A request is received from a destination device for data streams associated with a media source identifier. One or more data stream identifiers are associated with the requested media source identifier. The one or more data streams may be associated with Application sharing/Desktop Sharing, a video quality, a video resolution, a video frame rate, or an audio quality.

Abstract: A videoconferencing unit for enhancing direct eye-contact between participants can include a curved fully reflective mirror to reflect the image of the near end to a camera. The curved mirror can be placed in front of the display screen near a location where images of faces/eyes of far end participants are to appear. In another example, the videoconferencing unit can include a disintegrated camera configuration that provides an air gap between a front lens element and a rear lens element. The front lens element can be located behind an aperture within the display screen. The air gap can provide an unobstructed path to light from projectors and therefore avoid any undesirable shadows from appearing on the display screen. In another example, the videoconferencing unit can include a combination of the disintegrated camera configuration and mirrors for providing direct eye contact videoconferencing.

Abstract: A method of operating a display with gaps in between the pixels, a primarily transparent backlight and a camera is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method comprises capturing an image in the camera through the primarily transparent backlight and gaps in between the pixels of the transmissive display during a capture period, not capturing an image in the camera during the display period and making the gaps in between the pixels of the transmissive display opaque during the display period.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for adding video to an audio only communication session. During a communication session between a first device and a second device, the first device receives an audio portion of the communication session from a user. The first device then receives, via a wireless connection, a video portion of the communication session from a third device. The first device synchronizes the audio portion of the communication session and the video portion of the communication session to yield a synchronized audio and video portion of the communication session. Next, the first device sends the synchronized audio and video portion of the communication session to the second device.

Abstract: System and method involving user interfaces and remote control devices. These user interfaces may be particularly useful for providing an intuitive and user friendly interaction between a user and a device or application using a display, e.g., at a “10 foot” interaction level. The user interfaces may be specifically designed for interaction using a simple remote control device having a limited number of inputs. For example, the simple remote control may include directional inputs (e.g., up, down, left, right), a confirmation input (e.g., ok), and possibly a mute input. The user interface may be customized based on current user activity or other contexts (e.g., based on current or previous states), the user logging in (e.g., using a communication device), etc. Additionally, the user interface may allow the user to adjust cameras whose video are not currently displayed, rejoin previously left videoconferences, and/or any of a variety of desirable actions.

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 registers participant information and inter-participant relationship information, and then, at variable times, selects two or more participants with a pre-existing relationship and attempts to establish a communication link between them. At least one of the participants is notified that the communication link will be attempted, shortly before the attempt is made. The identities of the selected participants are withheld from at least one of the participants (and potentially from all of the participants), so the call is a partial surprise (i.e., the participant may know the set of possible people from whom the call could be, but does not know exactly which person or people are calling until he answers the call). A number of applications are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling a first device to change a viewed image of at least one of the first device and a second device, during a video conference, are disclosed. The method includes: receiving a manipulation instruction, at a first device, for a selected target image, wherein the selected target image includes a portion of images displayed on a display of the first device during a video conference with a second device; comparing the manipulation instruction to an instruction store; and changing, on at least one of the first device and the second device, a view of the selected target image according to the manipulation instruction to achieve a manipulated selected target image.

Abstract: This technique relates to a data distribution apparatus, a data distribution method, and a program capable of selecting stream data required by a portable terminal from among multiple stream data, and distributing the stream data. A receiving unit receives a first image generated by capturing an image, audio data generated by collecting sound, and second image data generated in advance before the first image is generated. An analyzing unit analyzes at least one of the audio data and the second image data. A generating unit generates distribution data including at least one of the first image and the second image in accordance with an analysis result provided by the analyzing unit. A distribution unit distributes the distribution data to a portable terminal as a stream. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a video conference apparatus.

Abstract: Non-linguistic signal information relating to one or more participants to an interaction may be determined using communication data received from the one or more participants. Feedback can be provided based on the determined non-linguistic signals. The participants may be given an opportunity to opt in to having their non-linguistic signal information collected, and may be provided complete control over how their information is shared or used.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving a first presentation material for a videoconference, wherein the first presentation material is to be displayed in a display area associated with the videoconference; determining a first complexity of the first presentation material; and displaying the first presentation material on a first display based on the determined first complexity. In more particular embodiments, the method can include determining a location of a participant that will view the first presentation material; and displaying the presentation material on a second display based on the location of the participant. The location of the participant can be determined using audio data or video data.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles of manufacture for augmenting reality are described herein. An embodiment may include computing a real-world depth map using real-world imagery captured by an imaging device, providing, to a rendering engine, perspective information including location coordinates representing a location of the imaging device, rendering a computed depth map based on geographical data retrieved from a server in response to the providing, the geographical data corresponding to at least the location of the imaging device, correlating the real-world depth map with the computed depth map to improve accuracy of the location of the imaging device represented by the location coordinates, and overlaying the real-world imagery with virtual information based on the correlated real-world depth map and the computed depth map.

Abstract: Systems and method for causing a user to look into a camera are described. In some aspects, a position of a camera coupled with a computing device is determined. A computer-generated element is displayed proximate to the determined position of the camera. The computer-generated element is presented for causing a user of the computing device to reposition a face of the user toward the determined position of the camera.

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

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of managing data transmission are provided, each of which is capable of generating reservation information regarding communication reserved for at least one of a first transmission terminal and a second transmission terminal, in response to a communication start request that requests to start communication between the first transmission terminal and the second transmission terminal. The reservation information is generated, for example, based on first time information indicating the time at which communication reserved for the first transmission terminal is scheduled to start, and second time information indicating the time at which communication reserved for the second transmission terminal is scheduled to start. The reservation information is transmitted to the first transmission terminal. The data transmission management method may be implemented in the form of a program stored in a non-transitory recording medium.

Abstract: The invention enables networked teams to recursively annotate and tag, encapsulate and share multi-channel multiplexed streaming medical imagery, including networked televisual communications with streaming imagery data from heterogeneous spatial and temporal sources, locations, modalities and scales. The invention acquires both live and archived streaming imagery data from network-connected medical devices, cameras, signals and sensors. The network system apparatus also acquires biometric maps, movies and data visualizations, along with packetized clinical informatics from imagery data stores, workstations and mobile devices, including wearable computing. The invention enables networked teams to concurrently collaborate on multi-channel multiplexed medical imagery streams, singly or together, in real time or asynchronously, generally by annotating and tagging imagery information objects.

Abstract: A conferencing apparatus comprising a memory, a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the memory contains instructions that when executed by the processor cause the apparatus to receive a video stream, evaluate the video stream for a plurality of participants, detect an interest activity of at least one of the plurality of participants, and increase a prominence of a portion of the video stream associated with the at least one of the plurality of participants based on the detected activity.

Abstract: The concept of caller identification (ID) may be enhanced by taking advantage of video by allowing a call recipient to see who is calling on an incoming video call. The call recipient may be allowed to make a decision to accept or decline the incoming video call based upon who the call recipient sees (e.g. through a live video stream) attempting to contact them.

Abstract: Video content is received at a computing device that camera views provided by video cameras that are aligned to capture images of participants within a defined space. Each camera view is at a first resolution and the video cameras are aligned such that a field of view (FOV) for each camera overlaps a portion of the FOV of at least one other adjacent camera. Positions of participants depicted within the video content are detected, where at least one participant is captured by overlapping FOVs of two adjacent camera views. A target view is generated from the first number of camera views, the target view having a second resolution that is lower than the first resolution, and the target view includes a view of the at least one participant captured within the overlapping FOVs of two adjacent camera views. The target view is displayed at a display device.

Abstract: One embodiment is an enhanced power supply including electronic power supply circuitry within a housing. The enhanced power supply further includes one or more sockets operatively associated with the housing providing for the connection of an external apparatus to the enhanced power supply such that the external apparatus may communicate data or another signal through the connection to an output cable. The output cable may to be connected to a device such that both power and at least one signal will be provided to the device through the output cable. Systems featuring an enhanced power supply and methods of providing power and one or more other signals to a device with a reduced number of cables are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for providing a trusted peer-based information verification system may include one or more processors and a memory. The one or more processors may provide a multimedia conference to participant devices, and may receive a request to transfer a session of the multimedia conference of a participant device that is characterized by a first multimedia conference capability. The one or more processors may provide a list of target devices associated with the participant device to the participant device, and may receive an indication of a target device from the participant device. The one or more processors may transfer the session of the multimedia conference from the participant device to the target device, wherein the target device is characterized by a second multimedia conference capability that is different than the first multimedia conference capability of the participant device.

Abstract: An information processing device is located at a second spot and communicates with another information processing device located at a first spot. The information processing device includes an acquisition unit for acquiring first motion information of a user of the other information processing device at the first spot; a specification unit for specifying first meaning information indicating a meaning of the first motion information at the first spot and second meaning information indicating a meaning of the first meaning information at the second spot; a correction unit for correcting the first motion information based on a difference between the first and second meaning information, such that the first motion information indicates the first meaning information at the second spot; and a generation unit for generating an object of the user of the other information processing device at the first spot, based on the corrected first motion information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for video communication services are presented herein. In particular, systems and methods in which multiple participants can simultaneously create and share video in real-time are presented herein. Other systems and methods are also presented herein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of processing communications with a mobile station are disclosed. One example method may include receiving a message from the mobile station and processing the message by parsing the message and performing a natural language interpretation of the message and processing the parsed message to determine the user's requested objective. In response, the method may further provide generating a response to the message based on the user's requested objective and sending the response to the mobile station acknowledging the user's requested objective. Live agents may be notified to check the status of a message and continually override automated message responses to ensure the integrity of the responses.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for distributing video conference resources among connected parties and methods thereof. In an illustrative embodiment, an ad-hoc network providing conferencing resources is presented. The network can include a master device and a number of slave devices. Each of the slave devices can present their bandwidth capabilities to the master device. End devices can be connected to the master device. When no additional connections can be made to the master device, slave devices can be used to add the end devices into the conference. The slave device can thus share its resources to the conference. In one embodiment, individual slave devices can handle different types of codecs.

Abstract: A consumer electronics (CE) device is configured to execute a conferencing application for a user to audibly communicate with at least one other person at least through a first audible input configuration configured for providing audio from the user to the other person. While executing the conferencing application, the CE device receives an audible input configuration command to change from the first audible input configuration to a second audible input configuration that is configured to not provide audio from the user to the other person and is also configured for receiving audible CE device commands from the user. In the second audible input configuration, the CE device thus receives audible commands from the user to either access information and provide the information to the user, and/or to initiate a note taking feature that converts audio from the user to text for viewing of the text on the CE device.

Abstract: According to an example, a display-camera system includes a transparent display panel and a transparent backlight panel. Light sources emit light into the edge of the transparent backlight panel. A first polarizer, between the light sources and the edge of the transparent backlight panel, polarizes the light emitted from the light sources and the transparent backlight panel directs the polarized light towards the transparent display panel. A camera, adjacent a back surface of the transparent backlight panel captures an image of a scene through the transparent display panel and the transparent backlight panel.

Abstract: A communication control system includes a first control device; a second control device, wherein the first control device and the second control device are grouped together by group identification information; a detecting unit configured to detect image data displayed on a display unit connected to the first control device; a first communication control unit configured to establish a session for performing data communication with the second control device identified by the group identification information, and send the image data; and a display control unit configured to implement control to display the image data sent from the first communication control unit.

Abstract: A system registers participant information and inter-participant relationship information, and then, at variable times, selects two or more participants with a pre-existing relationship and attempts to establish a communication link between them. The identities of the selected participants are withheld from at least one of the participants (and potentially from all of the participants), so the call is a partial surprise (i.e., the participant may know the set of possible people from whom the call could be, but does not know exactly which person or people are calling until he answers the call). A number of applications are described and claimed.

Abstract: A pointer information processing device includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor executes a process including acquiring a position of a conference participant in a first image captured toward the conference participant, detecting a light-emitting point of a laser pointer, detecting a radiated point of the laser pointer, identifying the conference participant that is using the laser pointer having the light-emitting point by comparing a position of the detected light-emitting point within the first image to the acquired position of the conference participant, associating the detected light-emitting point with the detected radiated point, and recording respective position information of the detected light-emitting point and the detected radiated point associated with each other at the associating and information about the conference participant identified at the identifying in the memory in an associated manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for connecting at least one man-machine interface for manipulating, particularly remotely manipulating, at least one data source connected to a video conferencing system within the scope of video conferences, wherein signals generated by the man-machine interface are transmitted to the video conferencing system via a transmission channel provided for controlling a video camera. The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising means for carrying out the method.

Abstract: An example method is provided and includes identifying an active speaker of a video session; analyzing a signal from an originating endpoint associated with the active speaker; identifying a target participant with whom the active speaker seeks to interact; and providing a notification to the target participant that alerts the target participant that the active speaker is seeking to interact with the target participant. In more particular embodiments, the identifying of the target participant includes detecting a gaze of the active speaker; and identifying a target screen to which the gaze is directed.

Abstract: A display method is provided, which includes displaying content on a screen; and if a user motion having directivity is recognized, dividing the screen into plural screens according to the directions of the user motion.

Abstract: Video streams are generated using a combination of Multiple Bit Rate (MBR) encoding and Scalable Video Coding (SVC). Capabilities and requests of the clients are used in determining the video streams to generate as well as what video streams to deliver to the clients. The clients are placed into groups based on a resolution capability of the client. For each resolution grouping, MBR is used for generating spatial streams and SVC is used for generating temporal and quality streams.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, obtaining images that are captured by a camera system at a location associated with a user, transmitting video content representative of the images over a network for presentation by another media processor at another location, receiving at a media processor media content and second video content representative of second images that are associated with the second user, and presenting at a display device at the location the media content and the second video content in a telepresence configuration that simulates a presence of the other user at the location, where the presentation of at least one of the media content and the second video content at the display device is delayed based on latency parameters associated with the other media processor.

Abstract: A telepresence communication system for group meeting rooms and personal home and office systems provides improved human factor experience through substantially life size images with eye level camera placement. The system provides switched presence interfaces so that conferees can select when to transmit their images during a conference and optionally provides individual microphones for each of conferee. Switched presence between presets of conferees are viewed on multipoint windows overlaying life-size images upon eye contact camera regions and eliminate seeing camera image movement during pan, tilt and zoom operations. An ambient light rejecting filter system enables an eye level camera to be hidden behind a projection screen and provides bright, high contrast images under normal meeting room and office environments.

Abstract: A videophone apparatus includes a communication interface for communicating with a system server and a peer; at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code cause the videophone apparatus to connect the videophone apparatus via a first wireless connection to the system server; transmit authentication information from the videophone apparatus to the system server via the first wireless connection for initiating account generation for at least one video call service; and receive client information from the system server. The videophone apparatus further determines a client application based on the received client information; establishes a peer-to-peer connection between the videophone apparatus and the peer over a second wireless connection; and triggers a video call service over the peer-to-peer connection utilizing the determined client application and the account generated by the system server.

Abstract: A telepresence device allows a remote meeting participant to establish a telepresence at a remote meeting location. The telepresence device provides a video image of the remote meeting participant on a video display screen at a meeting location To enhance the visual sensation that the remote person is present at the meeting location, the telepresence device may display the silhouette image of the remote meeting participant without the image of the background scene of the remote participant's location (e.g., office, home or home office). Further, the telepresence device may be equipped with a rear-facing camera that captures a video image of the background scene behind the telepresence device at the meeting location. The silhouette image of the remote meeting participant may be superimposed on the video image of the background scene at the meeting location, which is captured by the rear-facing camera.

Abstract: A system is configured to receive a request to set up a first video conference and another request to set up a second video conference, where the request is received from a client device and where the other request is received from another client device; obtain first information associated with an enterprise with which the client device is associated and second information associated with another, different enterprise with which the other client device is associated; determine whether the first information permits the client device to set up the first video conference and whether the second information permits the other client device to set up the second video conference; establish the first video conference when the first information permits the client device to set up the first video conference; and establish the second video conference when the second information permits the other client device to set up the second video conference.