Abstract: A method for distributing media packets in a multipoint conference includes receiving a plurality of audio signals. Each of the plurality of audio signals includes audio packets, wherein one or more audio packets from each of the plurality of audio signals is coded with an audiometric, the audiometric including an acoustic measurement from a conference site. The method further includes, for each of the plurality of audio signals, extracting an audiometric from one or more audio packets and selecting an active audio signal based on the extracted audiometrics. In addition, the method includes determining a change in the active audio signal and in response to determining a change in the active audio signal, updating a media forwarding table, the media forwarding table including a directory for routing one or more of the plurality of audio signals. The method further includes distributing audio packets to one or more conference sites in accordance with the media forwarding table.

Abstract: A display device for capturing and displaying images along a single optical axis, having an image capture device for capturing the objective image through the display panel when the display device is in a second transmissive state; an image supply source for providing an image to a display panel when the display panel is in a first display state; a mechanism for alternating placing the display panel between the first display state and second transmissive state such that an image can be viewed on the display screen and the object can be captured such that the alternating between the first display state and the second transmissive state is substantially imperceptible to a user of the display panel; and a mechanism for providing digitally image processing for captured images prior to display.

Abstract: A multipoint videoconference server is made to swiftly respond to a video switching request from a terminal and a degree of computational complexity is made lower. A server 300 decodes only m (1<m?n) video streams selected from n terminals and stores video streams that need not be decoded in buffers. When an instruction to switch to another stream is received from a terminal, the server 300 uses data accumulated in the buffers and decodes from the latest I frame by going back to the past before starting to provide a video using the video stream.

Abstract: A separate peer-to-peer multi-directional audio channel is established between a subset of the participants to an existing multi-party communication session on the same channel as the original multi-party communication session. Since the secure channel is established on the existing call, the same NAT/firewall traversal mechanisms may be used, and even the same socket may be used. Participants on the secure side conversation can hear both the secure side conversation and the main multi-party communication session. Participants that are not on the secure side conversation may receive packets from the secure side conversation, but are not part of the security association for the secure side conversation and, hence, cannot hear the audio from the secure side conversation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reproduction apparatus capable of automatically switching an input of a television to an output from a broadcast receiver such as an STB. A television, upon receiving a notification command notifying that output of video or audio is to start, switches its input to an output from an apparatus which has sent the notification command. An STB, upon receiving an instruction command instructing that output of video or audio should be started, sends the notification command to the television. A DVD recorder includes: a decoder that reproduces video or audio recorded in a DVD-RAM disc; a data output I/F that outputs the reproduced video or audio to the television; and a command sending and receiving I/F that sends the instruction command to the STB when the output of the reproduced video or audio ends.

Abstract: A video conference apparatus having a path-selecting unit is disclosed. A camera data captured by a camera can be transferred into the video processor via a content data path and be displayed as a content video, or the camera data can be transferred into a video processor via a camera data path and be displayed as a live video. A video conference method thereof is also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary liquid crystal display (2) includes a first camera (23) configured for capturing video from a first orientation, a second camera (24) configured for capturing video from a second orientation different from the first orientation, and a capture circuit (20) electrically connected to the first and the second cameras. The capture circuit is configured for controlling the first and the second cameras to capturing video asynchronously or simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example, the apparatus comprising a server configured to host a videoconference call comprising a plurality of voice and video streams, the server being communicatively associable with a plurality of clients in the videoconference call. The server being configured to determine a computing capacity of each of the plurality of clients and to hand over hosting the videoconference call to a selected one of the plurality of clients based on a computing capacity, wherein hosting the videoconference call comprises mixing the plurality of the voice and video streams into a consolidated stream, where the consolidated stream is communicated to all of the clients other than the selected client.

Abstract: A method for assigning video signals includes receiving a plurality of video signals from a plurality of cameras located at one or more remote sites, the plurality of video signals for display on a plurality of monitors at a local site. The method also includes determining an optimal monitor for displaying a first video signal associated with a first camera based on the location and alignment of the first camera in relation to one or more of the plurality of cameras. In addition, the method includes calculating a respective difference between a number of video signals assigned to the optimal monitor and a respective number of video signals assigned to each respective monitor of the plurality of monitors. The method further includes assigning the first video signal to the optimal monitor if the respective difference is not greater than a threshold value with respect to each of the plurality of monitors.

Abstract: Conventional video call attempts encountering a device inoperable according to a desired capability will fail if the receiving device is unable to complete the call at the desired service level (i.e. video). In addition to frustrating the communication attempts between users, another issue is that resources consumed in the attempted but failed exchange are not recoverable, since the call never completed. Accordingly, configurations herein substantially overcome such shortcomings by providing a fallback mechanism that identifies a service level operable by both the initiating device and the receiving device, and completes the call at a lower service level operable by both devices. The disclosed approach allows a call to complete at an alternate service level (i.e. voice instead of video) rather than failing the call completely, resulting in a source of lost revenue to the service provider (operator).

Abstract: Devices of a telecommunication network described herein are configured to reduce a service level associated with a quality of service offered by the telecommunication network to a user. The devices may reduce the service level responsive to data consumption by the user exceeding a threshold or responsive to data consumption associated with an application or data type. Also, the devices may be configured to increase a video-conversation-specific service level responsive to determining that a client device of the user is establishing a video conversation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for processing the video telephone calling based on the mobile communication network.

Abstract: In the field of communications, a session transfer method and a User Equipment (UE) are provided, so as to solve the problem that when a UE is involved in a voice session and a video session at the same time, session transfer cannot be performed. The technical solution according to the present invention includes: determining a session in an active state among a video session and a voice session; and initiating transfer of the session in the active state, so that a network side transfers the session in the active state to a Circuit Switched (CS) domain, and transfers a session in an inactive state among the video session and the voice session. The session transfer method and the UE may be applied in a radio communication network.

Abstract: Method, system, and computer program product example embodiments of the invention are disclosed to manage multiple network zones interconnected over a wide area network for video conferencing. In one example embodiment of the invention, an interface of a zone controller is configured to receive a first user request to schedule local resources for a video conferencing session within a local network zone. The zone controller is configured to access local services in the zone to schedule the local resources for the video conferencing session. The interface of the zone controller is further configured to receive a second user request to schedule remote resources in a remote network zone for the video conferencing session. A local Network Zone Manager in the zone controller is configured to determine a remote Network Zone Manager responsible for the remote resources in the remote network zone in response to the second user request.

Abstract: A TV 1 with a calling function that simplifies operation of an information-processing device having a channel interface and allows smooth communication includes a communication unit 104, an operation input unit 101 for a channel selecting operation, and a calling program processing unit 109 executing a calling program when a call channel is selected. The calling program can be executed by a very simple operation of channel selection, and any one can easily activate video-phone. TV 1 with a calling function includes an on-hold information management unit 106 storing call status information indicating whether a call is in progress or not, and in response to a channel switching request from the call channel to another channel during a call, the call status information stored in the on-hold information management unit 106 is referred to and a process is selected and executed depending on its value.

Abstract: A mobile terminal having a dual display unit and a method of changing a display screen using the same are disclosed. The mobile terminal includes a main body, a front display unit for providing a multimedia mode, a rear display unit for providing a normal mode, and a screen control module for controlling to turn off the rear display unit and turn on the front display unit, and to display a multimedia execution screen in the front display unit. The method of changing a display screen of the mobile terminal having additional multimedia functions provides an optimum multimedia environment and improves user convenience and effectiveness of the mobile terminal by flexibly supporting a multimedia function to be executed according to a screen state of the rear display unit.

Abstract: A wireless AV system includes a central wireless unit, serving as a base device, and a TV main unit. The TV main unit includes an SS transmitter/receiver (T/R) unit, a TV section, a TV microcomputer, and a second SS-CPU. The SS T/R unit receives an MPEG-2 stream and command transmission data both of which are transmitted from an SS T/R unit of the central wireless unit, and decodes the MPEG-2 stream and the command transmission data so received. The TV section displays a video signal and outputs an audio signal. The TV microcomputer controls the TV main unit entirely. The second SS-CPU detects a communication condition between the central wireless unit and the TV main unit according to a received radio wave field intensity and a retransmission request made based on an error rate.

Abstract: Hands-free services for Internet Protocol (IP) video calls through a peered hands-free device can begin when an IP video call invitation request that requests the client computing device participate in a P2P (peer-to-peer) IP video call is received. A generic incoming call object is generated based on the IP video call invitation request in a format that can be common for both incoming audio only cellular calls and IP video call invitation requests. The hands-free device is alerted of the incoming call based on the incoming call object. Responsive to receiving an indication from the hands-free device that a user has indicated to answer the incoming call, an IP video call accept message is transmitted and a P2P connection is established for the P2P IP video call, and the hands-free device can act as an auditory relay during the P2P IP video call.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a mobile computing device is disclosed. A processor for the mobile computing device is configured to present a user interface for a core application of the mobile computing device. The user interface enables a user to select a third party communication application from the user interface of the core application. The selected third party communication application is executed to enable the user to initiate a communication session with another user using the services of the selected third party communication application.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for processing video. In one method, analog image information is acquired over an exposure period, and digital image information is generated from the analog image information at a frame period where the exposure period is greater than the frame period. In another method, stored characteristic information such as images of parties are compared to a received characteristic information. If there is a match, a communication link is established between the parties.

Abstract: A transmission management system includes: a relay device management unit that manages relay device-specifying information for specifying each relay device on a communication network, for every piece of relay device-identification information for identifying each relay device; a terminal management unit that manages terminal-specifying information for specifying each transmission terminal on the communication network; a receiving unit that receives, from a transmission terminal as a predetermined request source, terminal-identification information for the request source and terminal-identification information for a transmission terminal as a destination; an extracting unit that extracts the terminal-specifying information of a corresponding transmission terminal based on the terminal-identification information for the request source; and a primary selecting unit that selects two or more pieces of relay device-identification information of relay devices, to which relay device-specifying information representin

Abstract: A teleconferencing system includes: a camera system for imaging a plurality of persons; a voice collector for capturing voices generated by a plurality of persons; and a transmitter for multiplexing an image signal acquired from the camera system and a voice signal acquired from the voice collector and transmitting a multiplexed signal via a communication line. The camera system includes: a camera; a driver for changing the viewing direction of the camera; and a camera controller for controlling the driver. The camera controller includes: a face position detection unit; a registration unit; a timing unit; a drive control unit; and a hold time control unit.

Abstract: Transitioning between an audio only circuit switched call and a video call. A client device, which is currently connected to one or more other client devices through an established audio only circuit switched call, receives input from a user to transition from the audio only circuit switched call to the video call. A video call invitation message is transmitted to the other client devices. The client device receives a video call accept message from the other client devices and begins transmitting video captured by its front facing camera to the other client devices. Responsive to receiving at least a video frame from each of the one or more other client devices, the client device transitions from the audio only circuit switched call to the video call. After transitioning to the video call, the circuit switched call is dropped.

Abstract: A media appliance comprising: video apparatus for outputting signals to a screen; a network interface for accessing a packet-based network; a memory storing a communication client application; and processing apparatus arranged to execute the communication client application. The client application is configured to allow a local user of the media appliance to participate in bidirectional communication sessions with other remote users via the network interface and packet-based network. The client application is further configured so as: to receive an invitation signal from a remote user terminal over the packet-based network, the received invitation signal comprising a trigger condition specifying a future event for triggering participation of the media appliance in a proposed one of said communication sessions with said remote user terminal; to monitor the received trigger condition at said media appliance; and to join the proposed session in dependence on an occurrence of said event.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system which encodes different streams of information. The information may include video, audio, speech recognized versions of the audio, and language translated versions of the audio. Text may be sent as part of the videoconference.

Abstract: Channel switching for a receiver for digital broadcasting includes identifying pilot data from a digital broadcasting signal. The pilot data is stored in a memory. Channel switching is performed at least based on the stored pilot information.

Abstract: A video visitation communication system configured to establish a communication channel using transmittal of simple identifiers. The system includes a plurality of communication stations, each station having a microphone configured to generate an audio signal, a video camera configured to receive the audio signal and generate a combined audio/video signal for transmission, and a display configured to display a received audio/video signal. The system further includes a communication administration station configured to perform steps stored on a computer readable medium to establish a communication channel between the first communication station and the second communication station.

Abstract: A system and method particularly useful in handling the video of a “large” conference is disclosed. The system and method initially defines certain conferees as panel members, which can provide input video signals to the multipoint control unit and can receive output video signals or a composite layout for the conference from the multipoint control unit. The system and method also initially defines audience members, which only passively receive the output video signals or layout from the multipoint control unit and do not have their video signals incorporated into the layout of the videoconference. In one aspect, an audience terminal can request to participate in the conference. By making an appropriate request, the audience terminal can, if system resources are adequate, participate fully as a panel member and may supply video signals to the conference for at least some portion of time.

Abstract: An advanced video teleconferencing (AVTC) system uniquely combines a number of features to promote a realistic “same room” experience for meeting participants. These features include an autodirector to select audio and video sources and to compose shots, a collaboration interface for each participant to communicate nonverbal information, directional LEDs to privately alert participants, audio reflected from the main display, and a collaborative table to share a view of objects or papers on a table. When implemented with sufficient bandwidth for take advantage of these features and to keep latency time low, this AVTC system results in a highly realistic and productive teleconferencing experience.

Abstract: A communication terminal, a display image control method using the communication terminal, a program and a medium are provided in order to display an opposite party's picture on a display part while executing a videophone communication even if it cannot keep sufficient communication quality. The communication terminal includes a videophone function, a voice communication function and the display part which displays a motion picture or a still picture. The communication terminal displays a picture acquired from an opposite party's communication terminal on a display part as a motion picture while executing the videophone communication. Further, it displays a picture acquired from the opposite party's communication terminal on the display part as a still picture after the videophone communication is switched to the voice communication when the videophone communication could not keep sufficient communication quality.

Abstract: An optical system comprises a first image capture device for capturing an image of an observation area, a first display device, a semi-reflecting plate, a concave mirror disposed facing the first display device, and a second display device for displaying a background image. A light beam is scattered by the first display device through the semi-reflecting plate and then reflected by the mirror and the semi-reflecting plate in order to display an aerial image between the semi-reflecting plate and the observation area. A projector projects a light beam toward one of the display devices. The first image capture device is adapted to capture the image of the observation area via said one display device. A alternating control device alternates capture of an image of the observation area by the first image capture device and projection of the light beam projected by the projector.

Abstract: A broadcast receiving device includes a card slot, a fan, a temperature sensor, a memory component and a control unit. The card slot accepts an IC card. The fan rotates to cool the IC card. The temperature sensor measures a first temperature. The memory component stores correlation information indicating a correlation between the first temperature and a second temperature of the IC card. The control unit acquires the second temperature based on the first temperature and the correlation information. The control unit determines if the second temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. The control unit switches from a first output mode, in which an audio-video signal is outputted via the IC card, to a second output mode, in which the audio-video signal is outputted by bypassing the IC card, when the control unit determines that the second temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A display device for capturing and displaying images along a single optical axis, having an image capture device for capturing the objective image through the display panel when the display device is in a second transmissive state; an image supply source for providing an image to a display panel when the display panel is in a first display state; a mechanism for alternating placing the display panel between the first display state and second transmissive state such that an image can be viewed on the display screen and the object can be captured such that the alternating between the first display state and the second transmissive state is substantially imperceptible to a user of the display panel; and a mechanism for providing digitally image processing for captured images prior to display.

Abstract: A method of interworking CS (Circuit Switched) video calls with video calls using IP multimedia protocols is provided. According to the method, an interworking function receives signalling comprising an indication of the codec capability of a CS terminal involved in the CS video call, as part of a MONA (Media Oriented Negotiation Acceleration) negotiation. Thereafter IP codec negotiation is initiated. And thereafter the MONA negotiation is continued and/or completed. Thus the codec capabilities and/or preferences of the CS terminal can be taken into account during the IP codec negotiation with the IP endpoint.

Abstract: A method for preventing movement in a telepresence system, includes a plurality of cameras. Each camera has a respective field of vision for viewing one or more users. The fields of vision each have lateral boundaries. The system also includes a plurality of restrictive elements. Each restrictive element is positioned along a respective lateral boundary of a field of vision of the fields of vision of the plurality of cameras such that viewed users each positioned within a field of vision of the plurality of cameras are restricted by the plurality of restrictive elements from moving outside of the field of vision in which each viewed user is positioned.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for capturing and transmitting frames in a video conference. The method comprises determining a frame rate and a shutter speed according to variable control data, capturing image data according to the determined shutter speed, and transmitting the captured image data through a communication interface to a remote video conference system. The variable control data specifies a relationship between the frame rate and the shutter speed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a server apparatus includes a memory which stores a management table in which the user IDs are associated with communication bands and treatable data sizes in the communication network with one another, a comparator which refers to the management table in occurring communication requests, and compares respective communication bands and data sizes of a first and a second communication terminals to be objects of the data communication control out of the plurality of communication terminals based on the reference result, and a controller which decides communication bands and data sizes to be assigned between the first and the second communication terminals based on the comparison result from the comparator, and executes a data communication connection between the first and the second communication terminals by using the decided communication bands and the data sizes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for selecting input video signals in a video conference for transmission. The method bases its selection decision on the momentary voice activity of the participants, but does so while observing constraints aimed at: improving stability of the image seen by each participant; decreasing flickering of the image; choosing comfortable and helpful swapping times between different image configurations; and reflecting the importance which is attributed to persons having a higher past average activity in a natural conference. In one embodiment of the invention, the set of constraints includes an override, by which one or more participants can be selected irrespectively of the selection decision. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided video selector hardware comprising units to perform the steps of the method.

Abstract: A method establishes a video telephone connection in a data network that includes a telephone network and an IP network based on the internet protocol. The expression video telephony connection is to be taken generally in this context and encompasses multimedia telephony in addition to pure video telephony.

Abstract: An integrated secure encryption apparatus in one embodiment of the present invention is a self-contained secure console providing switch selectable secure and non-secure communications using the H.320 encoding standard. The system provides a standardized system for secure/non-secure videoconferencing communications systems employing three levels of protection: shielding, physical separation and fiber optic isolation. The system in one aspect includes an inverse multiplexer for receiving and converting data. A VWS black side switch is connected to the inverse multiplexer, and also connected to an encryption device at a Second contact of the VWS black side switch and connected to a VWS red side switch at a Contact 1 of the VWS black side switch. The VWS red side switch is connected to a codec, for example, a video conferencing codec. In a secure mode, Contact 1s of the VWS switches are disabled to allow data to be routed between the second contacts via the encryption device.

Abstract: A method and system for producing normalized images of conference participants so that the participants appear to be approximately the same size when the images are displayed is provided. The normalizing system normalizes the size of images based on constraints relating to the distance of participants from the location of the camera. To normalize the image of a participant, the system zooms the camera to account for the distance of the participant from the camera.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a system and method for producing an edited video signal from a plurality of cameras. Briefly described, one embodiment is a method that produces an edited video signal from a plurality of cameras wherein at least the imaging lens of each of the camera being held or worn by a respective one of a plurality of participants simultaneously present at a site, comprising receiving contemporaneous audio streams from at least two participants, selectively deriving from the audio streams a single audio output signal according to a predetermined first set of one or more criteria, receiving contemporaneous video streams from at least two of the cameras, and deriving from the video streams a single video output signal according to a predetermined second set of one or more criteria.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for providing assistance to a user may include initiation of a video and/or text chat session as an audio telephone call between a terminal operated by the user and a call host, establishment, by the call host, of an audio connection between the user terminal and call host for the audio telephone call, a routing, by the call host, of the audio telephone call to a terminal of a human agent, the routing depending on a type of assistance requested by the user, and the user terminal and the agent terminal establishing a video connection and/or a text chat connection between the user terminal and the agent terminal after the audio telephone call is accepted by the agent terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a secure/non-secure bypass switch, which includes a secure mode signal path, and a non-secure mode signal path, wherein signals are routed through an encryption device connected in the secure mode signal path when no power is supplied to the switch, and the signals are routed through the non-secure path when power is supplied to the switch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a secure/non-secure bypass switch, that includes a secure mode signal path, and a non-secure mode signal path, wherein signals are routed through an external encryption device connected to the secure mode signal path when no power is supplied to the switch, and the signals are routed through the non-secure path when power is supplied to the switch.

Abstract: A network communication system when a call is issued from one of said input/output terminal and said communication terminal, said call control means provided on the side of said server establishes the call connection between said input/output terminal and said communication terminal; and when the call connection between said input/output terminal and said communication terminal is established based upon the call control means on the side of said server, a communication of any one, or both said audio and video information can be performed via said network between said input/output terminal and said communication terminal.

Abstract: A method for communicating data during an audio conference is provided. Digital data is received from a data source. The digital data is then modulated onto a carrier signal. The modulated carrier signal is subsequently combined with an audio signal of the audio conference. The combined signal is communicated to at least one remote communication device. Upon receipt by the at least one remote communication device, the combined signal is separated into the audio signal and the modulated carrier signal. The modulated carrier signal is then demodulated to extract the digital data. Both the digital data and the audio signal are output by the at least one remote communication device.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that addresses a problem that can occur when a calling party of a video call withdraws from the call, but does not actually hang up. For example, after the calling party begins working through an interactive voice and video response (IVVR) session, the party might put his phone down, step away, drop the phone inadvertently, or otherwise disengage from the call without hanging up. In this event, the terminal itself is still connected to the call, so the call resource is tied up serving the terminal, even though the calling party has temporarily disengaged from the call. The system of the illustrative embodiment detects the disengagement of the party from the call and, as a result, suspends the use of the call resource that has been allocated for the call until the party re-engages with the call.

Abstract: A method for executing a video conference is provided that includes receiving one or more audio streams associated with a video conference from one or more end points and determining an active speaker associated with one of the end points. Audio information associated with the active speaker may be received at one or more media switches. One or more video streams may be suppressed except for a selected video stream associated with the active speaker, the selected video stream propagating to one or more of the media switches during the video conference. The selected video stream may be replicated such that it may be communicated to one or more of the end points associated with a selected one of the media switches.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a video conferencing device (e.g., an endpoint) may generate a video frame that includes video images of two or more video conferencing endpoints. The video frame may then be sent to a video conferencing device that may receive the video frame and separate the two or more video images into separate video images. In some embodiments, coordinate information sent along with the video frame (e.g., in metadata) may be used by the video conferencing endpoint to determine the locations of the video images in the video frame to facilitate separation of the video images. By transmitting and receiving video frames with multiple video images (from different video conferencing endpoints), multiple video conferencing endpoints can implement a multi-way video conference call without using an MCU.