Conferencing With Multipoint Control Unit Patents (Class 348/14.09)
  • Patent number: 8789094
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques that may optimize a virtual collaboration session for mobile computing devices. In one example, a method includes receiving, using one or more computing devices, a first video stream sent from a first client device using a communication session, and receiving a second video stream sent from a second client device using the communication session. The method may also include receiving a request sent from the first client device using the communication session to select the first video stream as a primary video, and providing a third video stream based at least on the primary video stream and the secondary video stream to the first client device using the communication session, wherein the third video stream includes the primary video stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Ujjwal Singh, Nikhyl P. Singhal, Param Reddappagari, Marcelo Enrique Stockl Cortes
  • Patent number: 8786665
    Abstract: A videoconference may be initiated between a plurality of endpoints. At least one of the endpoints may be coupled to a recording server, which may be configured to record the videoconference. A configuration may be selected (e.g., automatically or manually) for performing the recording. The endpoint (e.g., acting as an MCU) may transmit information to endpoints and may transmit recording information to the recording server. The recording information may be different from the videoconference information. For example, it may be in a “streaming friendly” format, at a different bit rate, encoded differently, have different inputs, etc. The manner in which the videoconference is stored and/or recorded may be based on the selected configuration. Clients may be configured to receive and display the videoconference from the recording server and may be configured to change the provided layout to different layouts, e.g., based on user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: LifeSize Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Binu Kaiparambil Shanmukhadas, Ashish Goyal, Raphael Anuar
  • Patent number: 8786668
    Abstract: A method for displaying information in a videoconference is disclosed. Video information from a first endpoint of the videoconference may be received. The video information may include an image of a participant at the first endpoint. Participant information for the participant (e.g., name, phone number, job title, etc.) may also be received. The video information and the participant information for the participant may be displayed together on a display screen at a second endpoint of the videoconference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: LifeSize Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Kenoyer
  • Patent number: 8786667
    Abstract: A videoconference may be initiated between a plurality of endpoints. At least one of the endpoints may be coupled to a recording server, which may be configured to record the videoconference. A configuration may be selected (e.g., automatically or manually) for performing the recording. The endpoint (e.g., acting as an MCU) may transmit information to endpoints and may transmit recording information to the recording server. The recording information may be different from the videoconference information. For example, it may be in a “streaming friendly” format, at a different bit rate, encoded differently, have different inputs, etc. The manner in which the videoconference is stored and/or recorded may be based on the selected configuration. Clients may be configured to receive and display the videoconference from the recording server and may be configured to change the provided layout to different layouts, e.g., based on user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: LifeSize Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Binu Kaiparambil Shanmukhadas, Hrishikesh G. Kulkarni, Raghuram Belur, Sandeep Lakshmipathy
  • Patent number: 8786666
    Abstract: A videoconference may be initiated between a plurality of endpoints. At least one of the endpoints may be coupled to a recording server, which may be configured to record the videoconference. A configuration may be selected (e.g., automatically or manually) for performing the recording. The endpoint (e.g., acting as an MCU) may transmit information to endpoints and may transmit recording information to the recording server. The recording information may be different from the videoconference information. For example, it may be in a “streaming friendly” format, at a different bit rate, encoded differently, have different inputs, etc. The manner in which the videoconference is stored and/or recorded may be based on the selected configuration. Clients may be configured to receive and display the videoconference from the recording server and may be configured to change the provided layout to different layouts, e.g., based on user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: LifeSize Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Binu Kaiparambil Shanmukhadas, Ashish Goyal
  • Patent number: 8786659
    Abstract: A method for responding to media conference deficiencies, the method includes: monitoring, by at least one receiver, a quality of media conference signals being received by at least one receiver during the media conference; sending, in response to the monitoring, to at least an end user transmitter that transmitted the media conference signals, a quality indication representative of a quality of the received media conference signals; recording inadequately received media conference signals that were inadequately received by a certain end user receiver and participating in an activity related to a transmission, to the certain end user receiver, of the inadequately received media conference signals or of a representation of the inadequately received media conference signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ron Hoory, Michael Rodeh, Slava Shechtman
  • Patent number: 8786669
    Abstract: A method for providing conference information to attendees of a conference call near real time using a plurality of conference bridges includes receiving the conference information at a first conference bridge. The conference information may include at least one of video or web data generated in response to input from a participant in the conference call using a first device. The method also includes providing the conference information from the first conference bridge to a first group of attendees. The method also includes providing the conference information from the first conference bridge to a second conference bridge separate from the first conference bridge, and providing the conference information from the second conference bridge to a second group of attendees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: ShoreTel, Inc.
    Inventors: Vu T. Hwang, Nam Do, Eric Carino, Pascal Crausaz
  • Patent number: 8780166
    Abstract: A videoconference may be initiated between a plurality of endpoints. At least one of the endpoints may be coupled to a recording server, which may be configured to record the videoconference. A configuration may be selected (e.g., automatically or manually) for performing the recording. The endpoint (e.g., acting as an MCU) may transmit information to endpoints and may transmit recording information to the recording server. The recording information may be different from the videoconference information. For example, it may be in a “streaming friendly” format, at a different bit rate, encoded differently, have different inputs, etc. The manner in which the videoconference is stored and/or recorded may be based on the selected configuration. Clients may be configured to receive and display the videoconference from the recording server and may be configured to change the provided layout to different layouts, e.g., based on user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: LifeSize Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Binu Kaiparambil Shanmukhadas, Hrishikesh G. Kulkarni, Raghuram Belur, Sandeep Lakshmipathy
  • Patent number: 8774383
    Abstract: A method, a system, and computer readable medium comprising instructions for optimizing on-premise conferencing are provided. The method comprises receiving at least one call from at least one caller, identifying at least one call from at least one caller, and connecting the at least one call to a conference call bridge via a single connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: West Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Marquis, Kenneth William Kurz, Warren Edward Baxley, Douglas Oneal Utley
  • Patent number: 8773495
    Abstract: An integrated videoconferencing system has a credenza that houses three displays at predefined angles with respect to one another. A table positions in from the credenza for seating participants across from the credenza's displays. The table has three seating sections that are angled at another predefined angle with respect to one another. Three cameras are positioned in the top of the credenza, and each has a view angle directed perpendicularly at one of the seating sections. The table can also have a portion that interconnects with the credenza. In use, the integrated system allows the participants to conduct a telepresence videoconference in which the near-end participants can interact with the far-end participants as if they were all seated at the same conference table in the room together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Polycom, Inc.
    Inventors: Youssef Saleh, Gopal Paripally, Mark Duckworth
  • Patent number: 8773492
    Abstract: A video call terminal, a mobile phone and a control method thereof are provided. The video call terminal includes a first communication unit configured to conduct a video call with a second terminal through an Internet protocol (IP) network; a second communication unit configured to communicate with a mobile phone; and a controller configured to transmit first network information of the video call terminal to the mobile phone, receive second network information of the second terminal from the mobile phone, and control the video call with the second terminal using at least one of the first and second network information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min-jung Kim, Dong-wook Kim
  • Patent number: 8773497
    Abstract: A system and a method allowing simultaneous exchange of audio, video or data information between a plurality of units over a communication network, supported by a central unit, wherein the central unit is, based on knowledge regarding one or more of the units, adapted to instruct said one or more units to generate multimedia data streams adjusted to fit into certain restrictions to be presented on other units participating in a same session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom-Ivar Johansen, Geir Arne Sandbakken
  • Publication number: 20140184732
    Abstract: A system, method and architecture for in-built media enabled personal collaboration on endpoints are disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more personal communication modified video communication terminals (PCMVCTs), one or more of video communication terminals (VCTs), one or more of voices over IP communication terminals (VoCTs), one or more remote servers and/or one or more clients are communicatively coupled via an IP network. Further, the PCMVCT includes a personal collaboration enabling audio/video bridging module (PCEAVBM). Furthermore, the personal collaboration between participants while providing an audio/video bridging of incoming audio/video streams from the one or more PCMVCTs, one or more of VCTs and VoCTs via the IP network is enabled by the PCEAVBM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: ITTIAM SYSTEMS (P) LTD.
    Inventors: SATTAM DASGUPTA, Anil Kumar AGARA VENKATESHA RAO
  • Publication number: 20140184731
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a memory that stores executable instructions and a processor that executes the instructions in order to determine, for plural received compressed video inputs, at least one motion vector included in each of the plural compressed video inputs; calculate, based on the determined motion vectors, a motion value corresponding to each of the plural compressed video inputs, the motion values representing a level of motion over several frames for each of the plural compressed video inputs; and select, based on the calculated motion values, at least one of the plural compressed video inputs to be displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Conrad BEBBINGTON, Paul Bright-Thomas
  • Publication number: 20140184733
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a terminal for transmitting information. The method includes: determining shooting width information of a first system; determining an image adjustment parameter according to the shooting width information, where the image adjustment parameter is used to indicate the shooting width information in a form of spatial information; sending the image adjustment parameter to a second system, so that the second system adjusts a received or captured image according to the image adjustment parameter. According to the method and the terminal for transmitting information in embodiments of the present invention, an image adjustment parameter indicating shooting width information in a form of spatial information is sent to a second system, so that the second system can adjust an image according to the image adjustment parameter, thereby effectively obtaining and transmitting information used for image adjustment, improving user experience, and enhancing product competitiveness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuan LIU, Xianyi CHEN, Jing WANG
  • Patent number: 8767591
    Abstract: This invention discloses a multi-point video conference system and the media processing method thereof. The multi-point video conference system includes a softswitch, an application server and terminals. The softswitch is responsible for protocol adaptation and calling process, and performing the interconnection with other systems as an external interface of the conference system. The application server is responsible for service logic control and charging. The characteristic of this invention lies in that: the terminals behaved as conference participants including a conference chairman and ordinary conference members. Any terminal registered on the softswitch could be a conference member, and the conference chairman must be a SIP soft terminal with video conference service capability in order to realize the media control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventors: Yong Yang, Chun Yang, Yilin Cao, Kun Ding, Mingshi Huang, Xiaodong Gong
  • Patent number: 8767032
    Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling room function devices from a single conference unit. A conference unit can be a video conference unit or a speakerphone. Controlled devices may include external loudspeakers, microphones, room function controllers, powered doors, powered windows, powered window shades or blinders, video screens etc. The connections between devices may be wired, wireless, or a combination of both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Polycom, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Rodman
  • Publication number: 20140176666
    Abstract: A method for managing media streams including at least video data and audio data in a multi-party video conference involving one or more groups of one or more nodes respectively receiving a media stream from each of a plurality of associated endpoints is provided. In each of the one or more nodes of each of the one or more groups, the loudest audio of the media streams received from the respective plurality of associated endpoints is determined. An indication of the volume of the determined loudest audio and an identification of the node is transmitted to a decision maker. The highest received volume and the associated identification is determined. The node of the identification is instructed to transmit the received media stream of the endpoint to one of: all nodes in the one or more groups and to a proxy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventors: Giles Russell Chamberlin, Hani Mustafa Elsayed Abdelkader Hashim, Nicolas Jean Michel Cormier, John-Mark Bell, Eoin Stuart McLeod, Benjamin John Hockley
  • Publication number: 20140176667
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a code stream processing method and system, and a multipoint control unit. The code stream processing method includes: obtaining code stream information of each site, and type attribute information of a target site; determining a site type of the target site according to the type attribute information, searching a code stream processing policy file to obtain a code stream output policy corresponding to the site type of the target site; and according to code stream output policy, using the code stream information of each site to generate a code stream of the target site and sending it to the target site to present it in the target site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yafei WANG
  • Patent number: 8760492
    Abstract: An MRC system includes an MRM and an MRE that handle needs for Intra frames in an efficient way, improves the conferees experience, and reduces the load on the resources associated with that MRC videoconference by reducing the number of Intra frames and lowering the impact of Intra frames when they are needed. In some embodiments, when a requiring MRE requests an Intra frame for a video stream received from a presenting MRE, an MRM may respond by requesting the presenting MRE to send a temporary video stream toward the requiring MRE while sending in parallel a normal stream toward the rest of the MREs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Polycom, Inc.
    Inventors: Avishay Halavy, Efrat Be'ery, Erez Harel
  • Patent number: 8760491
    Abstract: A method and system for implementing large capacity calls by using the H.323 protocol stack are provided in the present invention. The method comprises: a plurality of protocol stacks are deployed in a multi-point control unit; an IP address of a third protocol stack is pre-configured as a uniform IP address of the multi-point control unit, wherein the IP address acts as an incoming address when the multi-point control unit is called, and the third protocol stack is used to perform the H.225 signaling interaction with the opposite end when the multi-point control unit is a called party; when the multi-point control unit is a calling party, a first protocol stack, the number of processable calls of which does not exceed a limit number, is selected to perform the H.225 signaling interaction with the opposite end, and a second protocol stack, the number of processable calls of which does not exceed a limit number, is selected to perform the H.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: ZTE Corporation
    Inventors: Qiang Zhang, Zheng Ma, Feng Li
  • Patent number: 8760493
    Abstract: Disclosed is a video displaying apparatus including: a projector screen; at least one camera disposed at a predetermined position of the projector screen to acquire a user's video; a communication unit receiving the other party's video from the other video terminal and transmitting the user's video acquired through at least one camera to the other video terminal; and a projector outputting the other party's video so that the other party's video received from the communication unit is displayed on the projector screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Jin Woo Hong, Kwi Hoon Kim, Chung Hyun Ahn
  • Patent number: 8760490
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Duanpei Wu, Jing Li, Shih-cheng Stan Yang, Herbert M. Wildfeuer, Anand Oswal
  • Publication number: 20140168354
    Abstract: A method for supporting a plurality of participants with an audio-video conferencing system including a tracking server and a plurality of streaming servers, the method including: at the tracking server, sending conversation group information to a first device associated with a first user identifier, the conversation group information including a second user identifier and a streaming server identifier for the second user identifier; at a streaming server identified by the streaming server identifier, receiving a second audio stream and a second video stream from a second device associated with the second user identifier, and in response to receipt of the second user identifier from the first device, sending the second audio stream and second video stream to the first device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Rabbit, Inc.
    Inventors: Philippe Clavel, Timophey Zaitsev, Stefan Birrer, Alexandre Francois
  • Patent number: 8755310
    Abstract: A system creates and operates a conferencing session over communication networks in conjunction with other external processes. The system can include a conferencing server (e.g., including at least one processor, memory, a nonvolatile or magnetic memory), which interconnects client devices. These clients can include smartphones which can communicate through the server text, audio, or video information, and combinations of these. Connections can be through a date network such as the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: Kumar C. Gopalakrishnan
  • Patent number: 8754926
    Abstract: A system and methods for managing nodes of a synchronous communication conference are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more processors that receive a mute request from a second conferencing node to mute a first synchronous communication data stream designated for transmission to a first conferencing node. The one or more processors generate a mute authorization request for requesting authorization for the mute request from a third conferencing node and transmit the mute authorization request to the third conferencing node for display by the third conferencing node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Rich Gossweiler, Ullas Gargi
  • Patent number: 8754924
    Abstract: A system for enabling virtual live video, comprising a live video media server; a host computing device comprising at least a processor, a memory, a camera, a microphone, and a display; and a plurality of participant computing devices comprising at least a processor, a memory, a camera, a microphone, and a display. A host user establishes a session using the host computing device and a plurality of participants log in to the session each using one of the plurality of participant computing devices; at least some of the participants are selected for live video viewing by the host, whereupon the respective participant computing devices are directed by the host computing device to activate their cameras and microphones; and the host computing device subscribes to each of the activated cameras' video feeds and a plurality of participant video feeds is displayed in a grid on the host computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Refined Data Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Terence Martin Shane
  • Patent number: 8749610
    Abstract: A system and methods for managing nodes of a synchronous communication conference are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more processors that receive a mute request to mute a first conferencing node. A connected group of users is associated with two or more second conferencing nodes and the two or more second conferencing nodes do not include the first conferencing node. The one or more processors transmit a mute authorization request to at least one conferencing node of the two or more second conferencing nodes associated with the connected group of users. The one or more processors receive a mute authorization response from the at least one conferencing node of the two or more second conferencing nodes and mute a first synchronous communication data stream designated for transmission to the first conferencing node based at least in part on the mute request and the mute authorization response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Rich Gossweiler, Ullas Gargi
  • Patent number: 8749611
    Abstract: A video conference system built in an internet protocol (IP) network is provided. The system has: a multimedia capturing unit configured to photograph and output a first video signal; a DECT telephone configured to receive sounds and output a first audio signal; and a video conference terminal apparatus, including: an audio processing unit is an audio codec; a video processing unit is an video codec; and a network processing unit for transmitting a first network packet consisting of first audio/video streams generated by the audio/video processing units to the IP network, wherein the network processing unit receives a second network packet consisting of second audio/video streams from the IP network, wherein the second audio/video streams are decoded by the audio/video processing units, respectively, to generate second audio/video signals, which are displayed on the DECT telephone and a display apparatus, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Barry Lam, Chia-Yuan Chang, Rong-Quen Chen, Chi-Cheng Chang, Huan-Tang Wu, Chih-Wei Sung, I-Chung Chien, Chih-Yin Lin, Ting-Han Huang, Juin-Yi Huang, Hsin-Lun Hsieh, Chao-Chueh Chang, Kang-Wen Lin, Chia-Yi Wu
  • Patent number: 8749612
    Abstract: Video conferencing with reduced bandwidth usage is disclosed. One method comprises receiving an audio stream at a server station connected to a plurality of participants in the video conference, at least one participant being a client station connected to the server station by a network and supplying the audio stream, the server station including a first memory and processor, and the client station including a second memory and processor. A mixing algorithm is performed that determines which video streams of the participants to mix to form a conference video stream for display by at least one of the participants. A video stream from the client station is selectively transmitted to the server station responsive to the mixing algorithm, and the server station transmits the conference video stream and/or the streams to be mixed to the participant(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Lars Henrik Ellner, Andrew John MacDonald
  • Patent number: 8744054
    Abstract: Methods and systems for reestablishing voice communications in the event of a service interruption. The method comprises establishing a call session with a user via a communication device, storing call state and bridge information associated with the call session, determining that the call session has been disconnected, and maintaining the call state and bridge information associated with the call session and redialing for the disconnected user. The method may further include providing an audio message to other call participants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Rene Dufrene, Eric Bernier
  • Publication number: 20140146129
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses a telepresence method, a telepresence terminal and a telepresence system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: ZTE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xiaoyang Ye, Dong Wang, Yongming Wu
  • Publication number: 20140146128
    Abstract: A system for providing a video conference service is provided. The system includes a Multipoint Processor (MP) configured to process media occurring during a video conference so as to allow the processed media to be transmitted/received between user terminals; and one or more Multipoint Controller (MC) configured to control a session of a user terminal participating in a multi-participant video conference, wherein the MP and the MC are separate from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Young-Soo SHIN, Seong MOON, Ho-Yong RYU, Jung-Sik KIM, Sung-Back HONG, Pyung-Koo PARK, Ho-Sun YOON, Sun-Cheul KIM, Seung-Woo HONG, Sang-Jin HONG
  • Patent number: 8736658
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose an image-based video conference control method, terminal, and system. The method includes the following steps: sending a control request message to a network-side device (101); dynamically displaying image information according to a control message fed back by the network-side device (102); and editing an image according to the image information to complete video conference control (103). Through the embodiments of the present invention, an image of a single or multiple conference site pictures can be directly selected for operation according to abundant information provided by each conference site picture in combination with an operation of a remote controller, so that all kinds of conference control operations in a video conference are implemented, and a need of entering a multi-level menu to carry out complicated video conference control is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Huawei Device Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jing Zhang, Feng Geng
  • Patent number: 8736659
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Huawei Device Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuan Liu
  • Patent number: 8736660
    Abstract: A system and method for manipulating images in a videoconferencing session provides users with a 3-D-like view of one or more presented sites, without the need for 3-D equipment. A plurality of cameras may record a room at a transmitting endpoint, and the receiving endpoint may select one of the received video streams based upon a point of view of a conferee at the receiving endpoint. The conferee at the receiving endpoint will thus experience a 3-D-like view of the presented site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Polycom, Inc.
    Inventor: Yaakov Moshe Rosenberg
  • Publication number: 20140139618
    Abstract: A media transmission method based on telepresence is disclosed, comprising: during connection establishment, a master telepresence terminal of a local media transmission system and a remote endpoint perform signaling exchange, to establish a media logical channel between the local media transmission system and the remote endpoint; and transmits the same type of media streams between the local media transmission system and the remote endpoint through a media logical channel or respectively through multiple media logical channels, and receives the same type of media streams through a media logical channel or respectively through multiple media logical channels. A media transmission system based on telepresence is further disclosed correspondingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: ZTE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Xiaoyang Ye, Bo Sun
  • Patent number: 8730296
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, device, and system for video communication, and relate to the field of video conference technologies, so as to implement automatic switching of video images during a video conference. The method includes: obtaining video image signals and voice information of a first site; determining video image signals including a video object according to the video image signals and voice information of the first site; and sending the video image signals including the video object to a second site. The method, device, and system provided in the embodiments of the present invention implement automatic switching of video image signals during the video conference, thus avoiding switching errors caused by human factors and improving the efficiency of the conference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Huawei Device Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wuzhou Zhan, Dongqi Wang
  • Publication number: 20140132703
    Abstract: A media gateway (MG) that services a plurality of client devices, may be handled at least a portion of video conferencing (VC) processing during a VC call between at least one of said plurality of client devices and at least one other VC client. The portion of the VC processing handled by the media gateway may be offloaded from a centralized VC multipoint control unit (MCU). The MG may handle one or more VC MCU functions, which may comprise video conferencing call control and/or management and/or audio/video (AV) transcoding. The MG may perform localized quality of service (QoS) management, to select, and adaptively control and/or configure resources and/or local links used in the MG and/or in VC clients or neighboring MGs connected to the MG, during VC operations, such as in generating, handling, and/or communicating data or content exchanged during VC calls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Gordon Li, Xuemin Chen, Arlen Kirchoff, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140125755
    Abstract: A method, system and logic cooperate to display presentation content as a presentation content portion of an image displayed at a videoconference endpoint. The presentation content includes at least one of text and graphics. A videoconference endpoint sends an electronic request to a multi-point control unit, MCU, to increase a scale of the presentation content portion of the image displayed at the videoconference endpoint. The MCU changes an encoding of the presentation content to increase the scale of the presentation content portion of the image. The MCU then sends the enhanced presentation stream, which includes the presentation content portion having an increased scale of the image, to the videoconferencing endpoint. A purpose of changing the scale is to improve legibility of content that may be contributed at, and view by others at, a resolution superior to that received by the endpoint requesting the modification of the presentation content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Bright THOMAS
  • Publication number: 20140125759
    Abstract: A videoconferencing architecture that connects various external parties and codecs by establishing outgoing connections from a virtual room to designated video endpoints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Venkat Subrahmanyam Chalasani, Doug Ashton
  • Patent number: 8717404
    Abstract: A videoconference may be initiated between a plurality of endpoints. At least one of the endpoints may be coupled to a recording server, which may be configured to record the videoconference. A configuration may be selected (e.g., automatically or manually) for performing the recording. The endpoint (e.g., acting as an MCU) may transmit information to endpoints and may transmit recording information to the recording server. The recording information may be different from the videoconference information. For example, it may be in a “streaming friendly” format, at a different bit rate, encoded differently, have different inputs, etc. The manner in which the videoconference is stored and/or recorded may be based on the selected configuration. Clients may be configured to receive and display the videoconference from the recording server and may be configured to change the provided layout to different layouts, e.g., based on user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: LifeSize Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashish Goyal, Binu Kaiparambil Shanmukhadas
  • Patent number: 8717408
    Abstract: Conducting a private videoconference within a videoconference. A videoconference may be established between a plurality of endpoints. Input may be received requesting the private videoconference for a plural subset of the plurality of endpoints. The private videoconference may be established between the plural subset of the plurality of endpoints. The initial videoconference may continue during the private videoconference. Private videoconference data may be transmitted only to the plural subset of endpoints of the private videoconference. The private videoconference may be sent directly between the plural subset of endpoints or may be sent via a multipoint control unit, e.g., of the initial videoconference. The private videoconference data may not be sent to the remaining endpoints of the initial videoconference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: LifeSize Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Gautam Khot, Hrishikesh G. Kulkarni, Prithvi Ranganath, Raghuram Belur, Sandeep Lakshmipathy
  • Patent number: 8717402
    Abstract: Speakers are identified based on sound origination detection through use of infrared detection of satellite microphones, estimation of distance between satellite microphones and base unit utilizing captured audio, and/or estimation of satellite microphone orientation utilizing captured audio. Multiple sound source localization results are combined to enhance sound source localization and/or active speaker detection accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Ross G. Cutler
  • Patent number: 8717403
    Abstract: To avoid unnecessary release and re-establishment of a connection the connection is maintained but two or more media streams relating to a communication over the connection are blocked from the apparatus and/or to the apparatus in response to receiving information indicating that the two or more media streams relating to the communication are to be blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Gurulogic Microsystems Oy
    Inventors: Ossi Kalevo, Tuomas Kärkkäinen, Valtteri Hakkarainen, Heikki Salmela
  • Patent number: 8717407
    Abstract: Performing a videoconference. The videoconference may be established at a first videoconferencing location between at least three videoconferencing locations. The locations may include the first location, a second location, and a third location. The first location may maintain a plurality of videoconferencing units and the second and third locations may each maintain a single videoconferencing unit. A first videoconferencing unit of the first location acts as a multipoint control unit (MCU) of the videoconference. The MCU may receive respective videoconferencing information from each videoconferencing unit of the videoconference. The MCU may provide active videoconferencing information of an active participant to ones of the videoconferencing units at the second and third locations corresponding to non-active participants. The MCU may provide second and third videoconference information from the videoconferencing units of the second and third locations for presentation at the first location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: LifeSize Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Hrishikesh G. Kulkarni, Prithvi Ranganath, Raghuram Belur, Sandeep Lakshmipathy
  • Patent number: 8717410
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the communications field and discloses a video communication method, apparatus, and system, which are invented to solve the problem that the prior art does not achieve consistent eye-to-eye video communication in a horizontal direction. The technical solutions of the present invention includes: obtaining video images of a participant from more than two different horizontal shooting angles, where a range of viewing angles of the participant is between the more than two different horizontal shooting angles; and sending the video images of the participant to a video communication remote end. The embodiments of the present invention may be applied in the video communication field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Huawei Device Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guangyao Zhao, Jing Wang, Yuan Liu, Jinyong Ma
  • Patent number: 8717409
    Abstract: Conducting a private videoconference within a videoconference. A videoconference may be established between a plurality of endpoints. Input may be received requesting the private videoconference for a plural subset of the plurality of endpoints. The private videoconference may be established between the plural subset of the plurality of endpoints. The initial videoconference may continue during the private videoconference. Private videoconference data may be transmitted only to the plural subset of endpoints of the private videoconference. The private videoconference may be sent directly between the plural subset of endpoints or may be sent via a multipoint control unit, e.g., of the initial videoconference. The private videoconference data may not be sent to the remaining endpoints of the initial videoconference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: LifeSize Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Gautam Khot, Hrishikesh G. Kulkarni, Prithvi Ranganath, Raghuram Belur, Sandeep Lakshmipathy
  • Publication number: 20140118474
    Abstract: A system and method for producing a video-based group conversation for viewing over a network. A template is configured to generate a display at a first user computer which includes a plurality of sections in a single screen display, including at least a preview section configured for previewing a plurality of video feeds, and a media player section configured for displaying a video signal including at least some of the video feeds. The creator of the video-based group conversation controls which users can participate in the video-based group conversation by enabling video streams provided by those users to be displayed on the screen and viewable to other users who access the group conversation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: SPREECAST, INC.
    Inventors: Jeff Fluhr, Robert Hunt
  • Publication number: 20140118471
    Abstract: A method of video conferencing among two or more video conference endpoints is provided, wherein the method comprises steps of: processing media data of the video conference into unified coding formats while switching media data of the video conference between the two or among more video conference endpoints; and saving the processed media data into recording files of continuous presence mode and lecture mode, wherein the recording file of continuous presence mode saves media data generated by the two or more video conference endpoints, the recording file of lecture mode saves media data generated by a video conference endpoint who is the lecturer in the video conference. Accordingly, a device of video conferencing is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: POLYCOM, INC.
    Inventors: Xiaoliang Guo, Yuanfeng Guo