Abstract: Systems and methods for the pairing of room systems, and other systems that lack portability and a convenient user interface, to videoconferences are disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a user initiates room system pairing from his or her device. For example, the user can press a button on a remote control associated with the room system to set the system to pairing mode. The room system can register with a server that is controlling the videoconferencing system, which in turn can display the room system in a list of available room systems on the user's device. The user can have the option to select the particular room system, instructing the server to add the room system to the conference.

Abstract: A teleconference terminal includes a positional relationship determining unit, a video switching unit, a first video output unit, and a second video output unit. The positional relationship determining unit sets relationship information indicating a displaying position relationship between a location video received from another teleconference terminal and shared information shared among a plurality of locations on the local teleconference terminal based on relationship information indicating a displaying position relationship between the location video and the shared information set on the other teleconference terminal. The video switching unit displays the location video received from the other teleconference terminal and shared information on a first display unit and a second display unit in the displaying position relationship specified in the relationship information set by the positional relationship determining unit.

Abstract: To conduct video conferencing between a plurality of distributed clients, a distributed controller receives a request from a first distributed client for a packet from a second distributed client selected as the main speaker, and a distributed media processor creates a switching entry for switching packets from the first and second distributed clients, in response to a request from the distributed controller. The distributed controller sends a packet transmission request to the second distributed client, and the distributed media processor receives a packet from the second distributed client and sends the received packet to the first distributed client based on the switching entry.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing extended presence information for multi-user devices are described. Communication devices used in conference rooms represent a different nature than single user devices such as a personal computer. Conference rooms also have attributes that may be added to existing presence information and provide an enhanced experience for scheduling and dissemination of conference room capabilities. Information such as actual people in attendance may be added to the presence information maintained by a presence server to provide an overall enhancement to the meeting room whether it is physically a single conference room or a multitude of endpoints remotely connected to a conference.

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: Playback and distribution systems and methods for multimedia files are provided. The multimedia files are encoded with flags associated with the content data of the multimedia files. Through the use of the flags, playback of the content is enhanced without significantly increasing the file size of the multimedia file.

Abstract: While performing or initiating a transaction with a self-service video transaction device, a user may interact with a video agent and a terminal associated therewith. An error may occur during the transaction. In response to detecting the error, video agent(s) having video or audio functionalities to service the error may be identified. Servicing the error may also be based on a length of a wait time to connect to an appropriate video agent. If the wait time exceeds a predetermined threshold, an error receipt identifying the error and other information may be printed by the self-service video transaction device. If the wait time does not exceed the predetermined threshold, a display device of the self-service video transaction device may display an option for the user to connect to the video agent terminal.

Abstract: A method (and corresponding system and computer program product) providing control to open video conference is disclosed. One aspect enables participants of a video conference to asynchronously join and leave the video conference. Another aspect enables participants to merge multiple video conferences into a single video conference, or to split a single video conference into multiple video conferences.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for conducting a video conference. A location of one or more sets of eyes in an image may be determined. The relative location of an image capture device and/or a portion of a display device may be adjusted based on the determined location.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method of providing media source selection for a media conference. The method comprises adjusting an input media stream comparison used to select at least one next input media stream for the media conference to influence selection of the at least one next input media stream.

Abstract: A method for supporting communications includes establishing a packet-based audio communication link with a remote device and informing a local computing device of the audio communication link. A message requesting identification of enhanced media capabilities associated with the remote device is received from the local computing device and tunneled in the audio communication link to the remote device. A tunneled response in the audio communication link is received from the remote device and forwarded to the local computing device. The response identifies the enhanced media capabilities associated with the remote device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for managing communications mode neutrally using widgets. The method includes presenting via a graphical user interface (GUI) a set of connected graphical elements representing a communication session comprising at least two communicating users, wherein each graphical element representing a user further comprises at least one graphical sub-element indicating user communication details, receiving user input associated with the set of connected graphical elements, the user input having an action associated with the communication session, and performing the action based on the received user input. The graphical sub-elements can indicate a communication mode through which an associated user connects to the communication session and/or available communication modes for an associated user.

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: A method for creating situation awareness when scheduling video conferences includes providing a user with access to a set of names stored in a directory service database, and allowing the user to select one or more of the names. In response to selection of one or more names, geographical location values associated with the names in the directory service database are retrieved, and a map is provided. The map and one or more geographical objects showing the geographical location of the users associated with the selected names is then displayed on a display.

Abstract: There is provided a conference system which performs a remote conference by communicating conference data between a transmission terminal and a reception terminal. The transmission terminal receives input of the conference data including audio data, selects a real time mode of sequentially performing transmission of the input audio data and a package mode of performing transmission of the input audio data for each input of a predetermined unit amount, records the input audio data in the predetermined unit amount to generate audio record data when the package mode is selected, and transmits the input audio data to the reception terminal when the real time mode is selected and transmits the audio record data to the reception terminal when the package mode is selected. The reception terminal outputs the received input audio data preferentially over the received audio record data.

Abstract: A communication system has a network-connected server comprising a processor and a coupled data repository and software executing on the processor from a non-transitory medium. The software provides a first function establishing a communication session between an initiator and an agent of an enterprise hosting the system, a second function gathering information about persons other than the initiator and the agent as potential conference participants, a third function generating and sending invitations to a conference to include the initiator and the agent to individual ones of the potential conference participants, and a fourth function connecting those accepting invitations to the conference.

Abstract: An image display device for displaying an image based on an image signal input from a plurality of image supply devices via a network includes a storage section storing connection information used for the image supply device being connected to the image display device via the network, an encoding section encoding the connection information to generate a connection information code which can be recognized by the image supply device, a display section displaying the connection information code and the image based on the image signal input from the image supply device, and an image control section dividing an image display area of the display section into a plurality of divisional areas, and displaying the image based on the image signal input from respective one of the image supply devices in each of the divisional areas.

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: According to one aspect, a web optimized user device is provided. The web optimized device reduces complexity and facilitates interaction with web-based services and content. The web optimized device can be configured without a hard drive, facilitating integration of web-based services into a computing experience. The web optimized device presents a user interface that integrates video chat functionality into every aspect of the computer content accessed. In particular, a display manager manages the user interface presented and integrates video chat displays and features into the content displays in a content and/or context aware manner. These displays permit a user to intuitively interact with the video chat content and features while the user changes content, for example, web-based services, web-based applications, and other media content, without interruption of or interference from the video chat content.

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: Systems and methods for integrating biometric authentication with video conference sessions are described. An individual seeking to participate in a video conference may first be identified with a biometric parameter such as an iris scan based on a comparison of the scanned iris with a database of stored parameters. If authorized, the system may connect the individual to the video session. In addition, the system may generate dynamic tags that allow the participants to identify and locate individuals in the video conference. For example, if one of the participants is speaking and moving within the room, her tag may change color and move with her on the video screen.

Abstract: The subject technology discloses configurations for receiving input device data via an unreliable data channel from a first computing device in which the input device data includes keyboard data, mouse input data and/or touch and gesture data from the first computing device. The subject technology determines a host client computing device among one or more second computing devices in a multiway video conference for receiving the input device data. Further, the subject technology transmits the input device data via a second unreliable data channel to the determined host client computing device, where the input device data is transmitted on a separate data channel from any video or audio data transmitted to the host client computing device.

Abstract: A system for controlling interaction with a social networking website is disclosed that provides control and editing features that place a branded participant in any on-line discussion in control of the content of the discussion. In addition, the system provides the ability of the branded participant to display various audio, visual or audio-visual clips on command or automatically so that advertising revenue may be attributed to the branded participant. When creating this branded channel, the system combines the incoming video feeds from participants into a single outgoing data feed in order to conserve bandwidth and to improve system performance.

Abstract: Systems for controlling a presentation of data images in a video stream, comprising: at least one processor programmed to: transmit a video bit stream representing a plurality of images to a plurality of receivers using common transmission parameters; determine that a transmission link to one of the plurality of receivers is degraded; select one of the plurality of images for transmission to the one of the plurality of receivers; select degraded-link transmission parameters for transmission of the one of the plurality of images on the degraded transmission link, wherein the degraded-link transmission parameters are different from the common transmission parameters; transmit the one of the plurality of images to the one of the plurality of receivers using the degraded-link transmission parameters; and continue to transmit the video bit stream to at least one other of the plurality of receivers using the common transmission parameters.

Abstract: A communications method for broadcasting an event includes generating a plurality of media streams at an event and providing a service to receive the media streams. From the service, an interface can be generated to select a subset of the media streams. Media streams can include audio, video, or other formats that are selected from alternative broadcasting channels provided at the event.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is disclosed, which is communicatively connected to a communication terminal, and which is accessible to an image data storage unit and a document data storage unit. The information processing apparatus further includes a receiving unit; and a transmitting unit which, when a transmission request is received by the receiving unit, transmits, to the communication terminal, screen data in which are associated identification information of image data when owner identification information linked to document data stored in the document data storage unit is linked to the image data stored in the image data storage unit or information indicating non-registration when owner identification information linked to the document data stored in the document data storage unit is not linked to the image data stored in the image data storage unit, and identification information of the document data stored in the document data storage unit.

Abstract: In a case in which through an Internet, a first exchange system to which a multi-functional telephone of a conference organizer who organizes a conference is connected and a second exchange system to which are connected multi-functional telephones used by conference participants who participate in the conference straddling different bases are connected, when the multi-functional telephones of the plurality of conference participants who participate in the conference are connected to the same exchange system as the second exchange system, in a video conference mixing device in the second exchange system, conference communication information (video image information+audio information) from the multi-functional telephones is previously mixed to be edited into one conference communication information, and the one conference communication information is transmitted to the video conference mixing device in the first exchange system of the conference organizer side.

Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure provides for connection to a video conference apparatus at a remote site. A method includes initiating transmission of an image of shared content to the video conference apparatus at the remote site, the image of the shared content representing data shared with the video conference apparatus; determining, when the transmission of the image is initiated, a first region and a second region in an output image; monitoring the shared content which is being transmitted; determining whether an instruction for full-screen display is issued regarding the monitored shared content; and causing the full-screen display of the image of the shared content to fit in the first region when the instruction for full-screen display is issued.

Abstract: A computer system executing a computer audio application such as video conferencing applies audio detection and speech recognition to an input audio stream to generate respective audio detection and speech recognition signals. A function is applied to the audio detection and speech recognition signals to generate a non-speech audio detection signal identifying presence of non-speech audio in the input audio stream when the audio detection signal is asserted and the speech recognition signal is not asserted. A control or indication action is performed in the computer system based on assertion of the non-speech audio detection signal.

Abstract: A video session manager and method for enabling, optimizing and managing inter-domain video calling, telepresence and videoconferencing sessions, in exclusive video sessions, or within multi-modal communications sessions. The video session manager and method is operative for receiving and analyzing a communications session request from one or more endpoints (users); determining the viability of a communication session based on one or more attributes of the session; connecting the one or more requesting endpoints to start the session; continuously or periodically monitoring the session for problems with or changes in the session; and altering the parameters of the session in accordance with one or more predetermined policies, if a problem or change is detected, in order to maintain the viability of the session.

Abstract: System and method for user interfaces using remote control devices. More specifically, 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. These user interfaces may allow a user to quickly browse and filter lists of items, efficiently provide input (e.g., having multiple data types), customize directional and/or mute functionality of the remote control, perform camera control (e.g., for videoconferencing), etc.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an attendee of a live online meeting selects screen data from an earlier point in time in the online meeting for playback while the meeting is still ongoing. Automatically generated image thumbnails of the screen data for the online meeting may be employed to navigate to the earlier point in time. Attendees may annotate screenshots associated with the thumbnails, and a summary document may be generated that includes the screenshots and the annotations.

Abstract: System and method for user interfaces using remote control devices. More specifically, 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. These user interfaces may allow a user to quickly browse and filter lists of items, efficiently provide input (e.g., having multiple data types), customize directional and/or mute functionality of the remote control, perform camera control (e.g., for videoconferencing), etc.

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: A transmission terminal transmits content data to another transmission terminal via a network. A transmission management system processes a session among a plurality of the transmission terminals or for the single transmission terminal. The transmission terminal requests a user to input execution authentication information when an authentication medium is connected thereto. The authentication medium associates program identification information with the execution authentication information and stores them. The transmission terminal determines whether the execution information from the user is coincident with the stored one and transmits the associated program identification information to the transmission management system at a time of coincidence. The transmission management system then transmits a transmission instruction to the program providing apparatus to transmit the corresponding program to the transmission terminal.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a video call between an originating device and a terminating device by establishing a peer-to-peer (P2P) connection between the devices. The originating and terminating devices exchange candidate information through a P2P server, except that the candidate information for the terminating device is altered before arriving at the originating device. The altering includes changing the IP address and corresponding port for each candidate. The originating device uses the altered candidate information to derive new candidate pairs that are sent to the terminating device, which uses the new candidate pairs to also derive a second candidate list. If the candidate pairs match, a P2P connection is established between the devices.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for relaying video information that is part of a multi-party video communication session having multiple endpoints. The server can receive multiple video information streams from multiple endpoints and re-transmit some or all of the video information streams to the endpoints with one or more of the video information steams identified as having active status and being decoded at high resolution at the endpoints, while transmitting key frames from video information streams not having active status. Upon switching active speaker status to a new video information stream, the endpoints, already having a key frame from the switched-to video information, can switch to decoding the new video information stream having active status at high resolution without delay.

Abstract: Methods and systems may involve determining a user attention level based on video stream data associated with a first participant in an always-on video conferencing session. The video stream data may be modified based on the user attention level to obtain modified video stream data that is automatically adjusted for privacy. In addition, the modified video stream data may be transmitted to one or more other participants in the video conferencing session.

Abstract: Disclosed is a user device comprising an output component configured to deliver an experience to a user in a standalone mode of the user device and an input component configured to receive a notification of an event. The device also comprises an indication generator for generating an indication for transmission over an air interface in response to receiving the input. The indication comprises an identifier relating to the event. Further, the device comprises a processing component configured to receive a message from a network node via a network. The message indicates that a media device has detected the identifier, and also comprises information of the media device. The processing component is configured to process the message received from the network to enable transfer of at least part of the experience to the media device.

Abstract: A teleconferencing method for a teleconferencing device (1), the device combining multiple individuals (21, 22, 23, 24) in different location (11, 12, 13) over a communication network (31), the device comprising at least one sensor (3, 4, 5) per location and at least one audio and/or visual playback means (2) per location, the teleconferencing method comprising the following steps: assigning multiple interaction counters (41, 42, 43, 44) to each of the individuals (21, 22, 23, 24) participating in the teleconference, each interaction counter (41, 42, 43, 44) characterizing interactions (70) between a specific individual and a third-party individual; estimating the interactions (70) between the specific individual and the third-party individual based on a measurement of the sensors (3, 4, 5) of the specific individual's location or the third-party individual's location; altering a value of the interaction counter (41, 42, 43, 44) corresponding to the interaction (70) between the specific individual and the

Abstract: Techniques for automatically configuring and controlling a conference room mode setting of a digital media device are described. A digital media device can be programmed to enter a conference room operating mode upon a trigger event. The trigger event can include a time-based trigger or an event-based trigger. In the conference room mode, the digital media device can provide for display an identifier of the digital media device and an identifier of a network for accessing the digital media device. The identifier of the digital media device and identifier of a network can be used by a mobile device to connect to the digital media device and to submit content to the digital media device. Once configured, the digital media device can enter the conference room mode automatically, without requiring a user to select the conference room mode using a remote control.

Abstract: Eye contact between remote and local video conference participants is advantageously maintained by displaying the face of a remote video conference so the remote video conference participant having his or her eyes positioned in accordance with information indicative of image capture of the local video conference participant. In this way, substantial alignment can be achieved between the remote participant's eyes with those of the local participant.

Abstract: A video conferencing/presentation system includes a PC docking station and a room media unit. The dock includes speakerphone and tactile user interface. The wall-mounted RMU, including a wide field camera and speaker(s), is coupled to a monitor. The dock communicates with the RMU. A speakerphone mic captures room audio. During conferencing, room audio and camera video are sent to a docked PC; the PC communicates with remote nodes using video chat software, sending room A/V; remote A/V is received from the PC by the dock, and transmitted for RMU output. During presentation, room audio, and/or PC media software presentation, may be output through the RMU, or to the PC for remote transmission. The dock provides the PC network access. Dock/RMU may each be equipped with a bidirectional transceiver, which uses prioritized opportunistic sequencing to assemble/disassemble a combined media/control packet stream over a cable, and transfer power from dock to RMU.

Abstract: A communication device includes a determination unit that determines whether there is a speaker in different hubs by using sets of sound-related information that are transmitted from the respective different hubs via a communication network; and a display unit that displays, in a predetermined size on a display surface, an image that is transmitted from a different hub in which the determination unit determines that there is no speaker, and that displays, in an enlarged size larger than the predetermined size on the display surface, an image that is transmitted from a different hub in which the determination unit determines that there is a speaker. When the determination unit determines that there are speakers in multiple different hubs, the display unit collectively displays, in the enlarged size on the display surface, multiple images that are transmitted from the respective different hubs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, terminal and system for caption transmission for telepresence, relating to the field of telepresence technologies and solving the problem that caption display on each display terminal cannot be coordinated in the prior art. Some embodiments include acquiring entire caption content and attribute information corresponding to the caption content; determining, according to the entire caption content and the attribute information corresponding to the caption content, caption content to be displayed on each display terminal and a display timing; and transmitting the determined caption content to each corresponding display terminal according to the display timing so that each display terminal superposes the determined caption content to an image.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes capturing images of a first participant through a display using a camera. The display is located between the first participant and the camera. A video stream of images of a second participant is also received. The images of the second participant are shifted in accordance with a shift vector. The shift vector places the images of the second participant's face in approximate alignment with the eyes of the first participant and the lens of the camera. The shifted images are projected on the display using a projector.

Abstract: A system is provided that coordinates the operation of hardware devices and software applications in support of specific tasks such as holding a meeting. The system includes one or more computers connected by a network, at least one configuration repository component, at least one room control component, and one or more devices and applications for each room control component. Meeting presenters can configure a meeting, or they may use a default configuration. A meeting includes one or more presenters' configurations of devices and applications to accommodate multiple presenters simultaneously. The meeting configurations are stored by the configuration repository component. Each presenter's configuration comprises a subset of the one or more devices and applications. The operation of devices and applications in the meeting is coordinated by the room control component based on the presenters' configurations for the meeting.

Abstract: Embodiments include a telepresence system operative to carry out a teleconference, a lighting arrangement for a telepresence system operative to carry out a teleconference, and a planar panel having a reflective front surface that includes indentations having variable depth operative such that that when the reflective surface is illuminated by a light source, light is directed towards one or more participants in a telepresence system that is operative to carry out a teleconference.

Abstract: A method comprises determining a status of an object on a first device and sending an indicator of the status of the object to a remote device, the indicator being configured to allow the remote device to present the status of the object. The method may further comprise establishing audio and video communication with the remote device. The audio and video communication with the remote device may be established over a network. The object may be a book, and the status may be associated with a page number of the book. The method may further comprise displaying animated content based on the determined status of the object. The displaying of animated content may include displaying an animated character providing commentary or asking questions related to content associated with the object.

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.