Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for adapting video parameters during a video conference to maintain system performance are provided. One such device may include data processing circuitry (28) that compresses first video data using first processing parameters, decompresses second video data compressed by a second electronic device (12) using second processing parameters, measures a load on the data processing circuitry (28), and, when the load on the data processing circuitry (28) approaches a load that is expected to cause overloading, prevents such overloading by selectively either adjusting the first processing parameters or issuing a request to the second electronic device (12) to adjust the second processing parameters, or both adjusting the first processing parameters and issuing the request to the second electronic device (12), causing the load on the data processing circuitry (28) to decrease.

Abstract: A remote presenting system, includes: a plurality of displays, configured to display a remote image; an audio output apparatus, configured to output remote audio information; a multimedia communication terminal, configured to process and control audio/video information obtained by a local end and audio/video information sent by a remote end; a plurality of video cameras, configured to shoot a local video image and send the shot video image to the multimedia communication terminal to be processed; an audio collection apparatus, configured to collect local audio information, and send the collected audio information to the multimedia communication terminal; and a plurality of user locations, corresponding to the plurality of video cameras respectively, and respectively being in an approximately perpendicular relationship with optic axes of camera lenses of the plurality of video cameras.

Abstract: A television system, comprising: a television set including a display and an input adapted to receive a television signal and a video conferencing signal, wherein the display is configured to display a television picture corresponding to the television signal and further configured to display a video conferencing picture of a video conference, the television set further including a first speaker adapted to output a audio signal of the video conference and a television sound signal included in said television signal, the television set further including a first microphone adapted to be used for said video conference; a remote control adapted to control the television set and including a second speaker and a second microphone; wherein the first speaker is adapted to output said audio signal and/or said television sound signal depending on a video conferencing mode; and wherein the second speaker is adapted to be switched on or off depending on said video conferencing mode; and wherein the first and second micro

Abstract: Scalable video codecs are provided for use in videoconferencing systems and applications hosted on heterogeneous endpoints/receivers and network environments. The scalable video codecs provide a coded representation of a source video signal at multiple temporal, quality, and spatial resolutions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for videoconferencing that allows video images from two or more cameras at the same site to be displayed as a single panoramic image. Accordingly, a conferencing endpoint having a single monitor can display the panoramic image of the two or more video images from an endpoint having multiple cameras, such as a telepresence endpoint. A sliding display area can be used to manually define a zoomed portion of the panoramic image to be displayed. Alternatively, the zoomed portion may be determined automatically. The zoomed portion may be changed during the course of the conference.

Abstract: A multicast scalable video communication server (MSVCS) is disposed in a multi-endpoint video conferencing system having multicast capabilities and in which audiovisual signals are scalably coded. The MVCVS additionally has unicast links to endpoints. The MSVCS caches audiovisual signal data received from endpoints over multicast communication channels, and retransmits the data over either unicast or multicast communication channels to an endpoint that requests the cached data.

Abstract: In a teleconferencing system, multiple parties participate in a teleconference from different locations.

Abstract: A computing device determines a schedule for monitoring an immersive video-telepresence (IMV-TP) network, and receives, based on the schedule, immersive video (IMV) information directly from one or more of devices, software, or systems associated with the IMV-TP network. The computing device aggregates the received IMV information, generates a report based on the aggregated IMV information, and provides the generated report to one or more users associated with the IMV-TP network.

Abstract: Methods for authenticating a person to participant in a videoconference based on facial imaging, fingerprint imaging, other biometric information, passwords, and physical mediums are described. Identity information for the potential participant may be received, and a recognition algorithm may be performed to determine whether the received identity information for the potential participant matches pre-stored identity information for a first person, e.g., where the potential videoconferencing participant claims to be a specific person. If the recognition algorithm determines a match, the potential videoconferencing participant may be authenticated to participate in the videoconference.

Abstract: A remote conference management system includes a conferencing control terminal and a conferencing terminal in electronic communication with the conferencing control terminal. The conferencing control terminal includes a multipoint control unit that stores a plurality of predetermined face images of anticipated meeting participants. The conferencing terminal includes an image recording unit and a signal control unit. The image recording unit records face images of current participants. The signal control unit receives the face images from the image recording unit and transmits the face image to the MCU. The MCU compares the received face images with the prestored face images, and creates and communicates attendance information of the current participants according to the comparison.

Abstract: Initiating a conference in a conferencing system (e.g., a videoconferencing or aduioconferencing system). Input may be received to the conferencing system from a mobile communication device. The input may specify one or more participants in the videoconference, e.g., by selecting from contact information stored on the mobile communication device. Accordingly, the conferencing system may initiate the conference based on the received input. The videoconference may include the one or more participants selected from the contact information stored on the mobile communication device.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a control message that identifies a first video conference terminal as an active talker. The method includes sending, in response to the control message, outgoing video conference data from the first video conference terminal via a first multicast group to two or more video conference terminals joined to the first multicast group. The method also includes sending a command to join a second multicast group in response to the control message.

Abstract: A new approach is proposed that contemplates systems and methods to support the operation of a Virtual Media Room or Virtual Meeting Room (VMR), wherein each VMR can accept from a plurality of participants at different geographic locations a variety of video conferencing feeds from video conference endpoints that can be either proprietary or standards-based and enable a multi-party video conferencing session among the plurality of participants by composing one composite audio and video stream for each of the participants. Each single VMR can be implemented across an infrastructure of globally distributed set of servers/media processing nodes co-located in Points of Presence (POPs) for Internet access. Each VMR also gives its users a rich set of conferencing and collaboration interaction hitherto not experienced by video conferencing users.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a videoconferencing system may support using high definition images (e.g., 1280×720 pixels) for high definition displays. The videoconferencing system comprises a plurality of participant locations that may participate in the videoconference. Each participant location may comprise videoconferencing equipment, such as at least one camera, microphone(s), a display, one or more speakers, and a videoconferencing codec. The camera may be a high definition camera operable to acquire or capture images having a high resolution compatible with HDTV. In one embodiment, the videoconferencing equipment comprises a H.264 encoder and is operable to encode the video stream of high definition images using H.264 encoding techniques. In one embodiment the network may be 1.544 MB or less (e.g., T1 or less). In another embodiment, the network is 2.048 MB or less.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a system and method for automatically suggesting or inviting a party to join a multimedia communications session. In some embodiments, a first party, which is not currently participating in an existing multimedia communications session, attempts to contact a second party, which is currently participating in the multimedia communications session. In these embodiments, the first party automatically receives a suggestion or invitation to join the multimedia communications session when the first party has permission to join. In some instances, the multimedia communications session is a video conference including audio and video communications.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method to transcribe a voice chat session initiated from a text chat session. The system includes a chat server, a voice server, and a transcription engine. The chat server is configured to facilitate a text chat session between multiple instant messaging clients. The voice server is coupled to the chat server and configured to facilitate a transition from the text chat session to a voice chat session between the multiple instant messaging clients. The transcription engine is coupled to the voice server and configured to generate a voice transcription of the voice chat session. The voice transcription may be aggregated into a text chat history.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving data indicative of a personal position of an end user and receiving image data associated with an object. The image data can be captured by a first camera at a first angle and a second camera at a second angle. The method also includes synthesizing the image data in order to deliver a three-dimensional rendering of the object at a selected angle, which is based on the data indicative of the personal position of the end user. In more specific embodiments, the synthesizing is executed by a server configured to be coupled to a network. Video analytics can be used to determine the personal position of the end user. In other embodiments, the method includes determining an approximate time interval for the synthesizing of the image data and then delaying audio data based on the time interval.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a distributed conferencing service through an internet protocol (IP) network. A plurality of tributary mixers are configured communicate with a master mixer or a plurality of master mixers, at least one of which communicates through the IP network. Each tributary mixer is configured to join one or more respective participants to the distributed conference, generate a first mixed media stream by mixing a plurality of ingress media streams from the respective participants, and receive a second mixed media stream from the master mixer. The second mixed media stream includes media from at least one other participant joined to the distributed conference through another of the tributary mixers. Each tributary mixer also provides egress media streams to its respective participants based on a control signal from the master mixer.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a video conference system and method are disclosed.

Abstract: After a video conference is established, a video conferencing system receives a video stream from the participants of the video conference. One of the received video streams is transmitted to the conference participants (e.g. the video stream of the person currently speaking). The video conferencing system monitors a second one (or typically all) of the received video streams to determine if a designated video event (e.g. someone raising his hand) has occurred. If the designated video event has occurred, the video conferencing system switches or supplements the currently transmitted video stream to or with the second one of the received video streams that contains the designated video event. The second video stream is then transmitted to participants in the video conference. The switching of the video stream and the switching of the audio stream may be independent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a video conference control system which includes a video conference reserving device which receives video conference reservation resource data; a multipoint controller which collects resource data for a video conference according to the video conference reservation resource data to generate a resource management policy; and a multipoint processor which provides a plurality of terminals with a resource for a video conference according to the resource management policy.

Abstract: A videoconference system includes a camera at each several user locations, a computer at each user location linked to the camera at each location, and one or more bridges linking the computers to one another. A video encoding program stored on each computer causes each computer to encode video data received from the camera at the user location. A decode information set request monitoring program stored on at least one of the computers causes the computer to monitor the bridges for reception of a decode information set request message; and respond to the decode information set request message by querying the request message for an ID. If the ID of the request message matches an ID assigned to the computer, the computer generates a decode information set based on video data received from the camera, and communicates the decode information set to all of the other computers.

Abstract: The present application is directed towards systems and methods for providing multi-processing of video and audio portions of a video and audio conference. A media controller within a single integrated device installed as an Ethernet adapter on a computing device intercepts, at a network layer of a network stack of the computing device, a video stream communicated over a transport layer connection established between the computing device and a first device. A communication application executing on the computing device and operating at an application layer of the network stack receives an audio stream, the audio stream comprising an audio portion of a video and audio conference. The communication application executing on the computing device processes the audio stream of the video and audio conference while a processor within the single integrated device processes the video stream comprising a video portion of the video and audio conference.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for determining whether to suppress images of a video feed in a video call or videoconference is provided. A communications server receives a first video feed from a first client and determines whether a face is present in images of the first video feed. The communication server determines whether to suppress images of the first video feed from a second video feed based on whether a face is detected in images of the first video feed. The communication server suppresses images of the first video feed from the second video feed in response to determining to suppress images of the first video feed and disseminates the second video feed to a second client.

Abstract: A communication system 100 includes a content repository storing a plurality of content files, a content delivery network 280 communicating with a content repository 274, a content management system 221 determining a plurality of publication times respectively corresponding to each of the plurality of content files and a content distribution system 260 communicating with the content management system and content delivery network. The content distribution system determines an earliest publication time and transfers the plurality of content files to the content delivery network in order of publication in response to determining the earliest publication time.

Abstract: A conference call system with a plurality of endpoints, a participant control server, a conference bridge and a switch is described. A first endpoint transmits conference data to the participant control server. The participant control server transmits the conference data to the other endpoints. In response to requests from the endpoint, the participant control server transmits recorded conference data for video, audio and web sessions that are individually controllable to pause, fast-forward and rewind the conference data. The participant control server establishes secondary connections for the endpoints including a ghost hold and a sidebar.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for composing a video layout having an aspect ratio of 16:9 from a plurality of video segments having an aspect ratio other than 16:9. For example, the plurality of video segments might have an aspect ratio of 4:3. To create a composite frame having an aspect ratio of about 16:9, the disclosed system scales each one of the segments and places each scaled segment in the layout in such a way that the composite layout has an aspect ratio of about 16:9.

Abstract: An advanced video teleconferencing system facilitates an engaging and realistic video conferencing experience. Key design elements and video, audio, and control capabilities are provided for a video conferencing experience that cannot be attained with conventional methods, which elements and capabilities include careful design of the table and room at each site, supplementary displays showing imagery in a mirrored manner, networked environmental control, an AutoDirector with keyword and gesture recognition, and audio reflection from a display or beam splitter.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) video communication method includes receiving video information of at least two session parties, wherein the video information of at least one session party is 3D video information. The video information received from the at least two session parties is processed according to state information of the at least two session parties and display capabilities of a terminal.

Abstract: A virtual distributed multipoint control unit in a videoconference may be implemented using a master endpoint, one or more facilitator endpoints, and one or more leaf endpoints. The facilitator endpoint(s) may receive video and/or audio from the leaf endpoints (which may provide/receive videoconference audio and video to one or more local participants). The master endpoint may receive video and/or audio from one or more facilitator endpoints (which may include cumulative video stream from multiple leaf endpoints) and/or directly from one or more leaf endpoints. The master endpoint may arrange received video and/or audio and provide cumulative video and/or audio streams to the leaf endpoints (e.g., directly and/or through the facilitator endpoints). The virtual distributed multipoint control unit may support a conference with more leaf endpoints than the master endpoint has input ports and/or decoders.

Abstract: System and method for performing a videoconference. One or more computers are utilized to schedule a videoconference call in response to user input requesting the videoconference call, where the user input further specifies presentation materials for presentation during the videoconference call. The presentation materials are uploaded to a content server computer, and the videoconference call is conducted between a plurality of participants at respective participant locations, where the videoconference call is performed using a plurality of videoconferencing endpoints at respective ones of the participant locations, and where the plurality of videoconferencing endpoints are coupled to the content server computer over a network. During the videoconference call, the presentation materials are provided to each of the plurality of videoconferencing endpoints from the content server computer over the network, where the provided presentation materials are presented by each videoconferencing endpoint.

Abstract: A rate adaptive video conference bridge and related techniques are provided. At a video conference bridge, a source video stream is received from a source endpoint device in a network. The source video stream is encoded using a first encoder unit and second encoder unit to generate respective first and second encoded video streams. A determination is made whether to decrease or increase a bit rate of the source video stream based on network condition information. If the bit rate is to be decreased, the first encoder unit is instructed to send the first encoded video stream to a destination endpoint device. If the bit rate is to be increased, the second encoder unit is instructed to send the second encoded video stream to the destination endpoint device.

Abstract: Methods, computer systems, and computer readable media for one way and two way video and audio communications between a clinician at a remote location and a patient located in a patient room that is in a location different from the clinician are provided.

Abstract: A videoconference environment includes a back wall and a video camera facing toward the back wall. The video camera is set to have a field-of-view that includes a portion of the back wall while excluding a peripheral edge of the back wall.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a system and method for distributed meeting capture. According to one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of personal devices configured to capture video data and audio data associated with at least one operating user. A media hub includes a plurality of I/O ports and is configured to receive video and audio data from the plurality of personal devices. In addition, the media hub is configured to collect the video data and/or audio data from the plurality of personal devices and output at least one audio-visual data stream for facilitating video conferencing over a network.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes monitoring a plurality of inputs associated with end users involved in a video session in which a plurality of displays are used. At least one of the inputs is associated with a frequency of speech of the end users. The method also includes determining a participation level for each of the end users based on the inputs, and determining which image data associated with the end users is to be rendered on a selected one of the plurality of displays based on the participation levels.

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: During a conference, a multipoint control unit (MCU) designates priority and non-priority endpoints. The MCU forms priority audio from the priority endpoint and sends that audio to the other endpoints at a normal level. However, the MCU forms non-priority audio from the non-priority endpoint and handles that audio based on whether the input audio from the priority endpoint is from speaking or not. If the priority endpoint's audio indicates a participant at that endpoint is speaking, then the MCU sends the non-priority audio to the other endpoints at a reduced level. Designation of which endpoint has priority can be based on which endpoint has a current duration of audio indicative of speech that is longer than other endpoints. Alternatively, the designation can be based on which endpoint is currently presenting content during the conference or based on a mix of speech audio and content presentation.

Abstract: Dynamically adapting a continuous presence (CP) layout in a videoconference enhances a videoconferencing experience by providing optimum visibility to regions of interest within the CP layout and ignoring regions of no interest. Based on the CP layout, a CP video image can be built, in which a conferee at a receiving endpoint can observe, simultaneously, several other participants' sites in the conference. For example, more screen space within the CP layout is devoted to presenting the participants in the conference and little or no screen space is used to present an empty seat, an empty room, or an unused portion of a room. Aspect ratios of segments of the CP layout (e.g., landscape vs. portrait) can be adjusted to optimally present the regions of interest. The CP layout can be adjusted as regions of interest change depending on the dynamics of the video conference.

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

Abstract: In a network system for sending data to a plurality of terminals, a data processing apparatus has a plurality of coding units that code outgoing data including at least video or voice data for transmission to terminals over a network. The data processing apparatus obtains information about the terminals, groups the terminals according to the information, and transmits the coded outgoing data obtained from each coding unit to a different group of terminals. Appropriate grouping of the terminals conserves both network and coding resources and enables the quality of the data transmitted to the terminals to be improved at a low cost.

Abstract: Systems and methods for videoconferencing are provided. The systems use scalable video coding techniques and a compositing scalable video coding server (CSVCS) to composite input video signals from transmitting conferencing participants into one single output video signal forwarded to a receiving participant. The server is configured to composite the input video signals pictures without decoding, rescaling, and re-encoding of the signals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a distributed video conference system that allows for distributed media routing and contextual provisioning of a conference based upon static and dynamic variables in real-time, moderator control, and/or user control. In embodiments, the distributed video conference system provides a cloud-based interoperability platform that different endpoints having different capabilities can access to participate with each other in a conference. Contextual provisioning may be employed to adjust the settings for a conference and to select the different components (e.g., hardware and software components) that are employed in the conference. A decision engine may perform the contextual provisioning in real-time to provide an optimal conference experience based upon static and dynamic variables.

Abstract: Input video streams that are composited video streams for a videoconference are identified. For each of the composited video streams, video images composited to form the composited video streams are identified. A layout for an output composited video stream can be selected, and the output composited video stream representing the video images arranged according to the selected layout can be constructed.

Abstract: A first computing device distributes audio streams to several computing devices of participants in a communication session. Some embodiments establishes a star network with the first computing device as a central network hub for receiving audio streams from other computing devices, compositing the audio streams and distributing the composited audio streams to the other computing devices. Through the star network, the first computing device receives audio streams from the other computing devices. The first computing device generates at least two different composite audio streams for at least two different computing devices by (i) identifying a set of silent participants in the communication session, and (ii) eliminating redundant audio processing operations that produce the same composite audio streams for different computing devices because of the identified set of silent participants. The first computing device sends each computing device the composited audio stream for the device.

Abstract: Eye gaze reduction may be provided. First, a location of a near-end camera relative to a near-end screen may be determined. Next, based upon the determined location of the near-end camera, a location may be determined for a video window on the near-end screen. The determined location for the video window may be configured to reduce an eye gaze error in a near-end image transmitted to a far-end device from the near-end camera. Then video data from a far-end camera corresponding to the far-end device may be received and rendered in the video window at the determined location for the video window on the near-end screen.

Abstract: System and method for performing a videoconference. One or more computers are utilized to passively monitor a videoconference call between a plurality of participants at respective participant locations, where the videoconference call is performed using a plurality of videoconferencing endpoints at respective ones of the participant locations, and where the monitoring includes monitoring one or more parameters from each of the videoconferencing endpoints. The videoconference call is actively monitored upon detecting values of the one or more parameters from a first videoconferencing endpoint indicating a lack of call quality, thereby generating active monitor data. The active monitor data is automatically analyzed to determine at least one problem causing lack of call quality, and at least one action is automatically determined and performed to address the at least one problem. The active monitoring may also be invoked manually, e.g., in response to user input.

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: A method and apparatus for providing collaborative workspace are disclosed. The method receives a request to establish a video conference for two or more participants, and obtains information from historical information on the two or more participants to be used with the collaborative workspace. The method determines preferences for each of the two or more participants as to a presentation of the collaborative workspace. The method receives one or more live images of the two or more participants and presents the collaborative workspace to each of the two or more participants in accordance with the preferences for each of the two or more participants.

Abstract: Presented is a system for providing a rich media visitor log comprising a communications server accessible by members of a group, a local services network interactively connected to the communications server, a group management application resident on the communications server, and a visitor log host application. The group management application is configured to activate a group session, manage communications among group members and the local services network during the group session, and expire activation of the group session after a predetermined time interval.