Abstract: A method is provided in one example and includes receiving a first audio signal and a first video signal from a first network element. The method also includes adding a second audio signal to the first audio signal to generate a combined audio signal, where a second video signal is combined with the first video signal to generate a combined video signal. The first network element and the second network element reside in different geographic locations. The combined audio signal and the combined video signal is then transmitted to a next destination.

Abstract: Existing remote workspace sharing systems are difficult to use. For example, changes made on a common work product by one user often appear abruptly on displays viewed by remote users. As a result the interaction is perceived as unnatural by the users and is often inefficient. Images of a display of a common work product are received from a camera at a first location. These images may also comprise information about objects between the display and the camera such as a user's hand editing a document on a tablet PC. These images are combined with images of the shared work product and displayed at remote locations. Advance information about remote user actions is then visible and facilitates collaborative mediation between users. Depth information may be used to influence the process of combining the images.

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.

Abstract: A facial recognition algorithm may be performed in order to identify a participant at a first endpoint in a videoconference. Participant information for the participant may be displayed together with an image of the participant on a display screen at a second endpoint in the videoconference. Displaying the participant information for the participant on the display screen may enable participants at the second endpoint to see the participant information for the participant during the videoconference.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a mixer that creates customized mixed audio streams by synchronously mix audience reaction data packets received from a plurality of virtual theater nodes with a soundtrack of a movie. The audience reaction data packets are produced by viewers watching the movie. The mixer transmits each customized mixed audio streams to a corresponding one of the virtual theater nodes. A video streamer streams video data packets to each of the virtual theater nodes, the video data packets being synchronized with each of the customized mixed audio streams. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: A method for performing a recording operation in a video communication mode of a wireless terminal are provided, where the video communication mode of the wireless terminal is switched to a recording mode for performing the recording operation, and video data are evaluated to determine if received in the recording mode of video communication. When the video data are not received, although a predetermined time passes, the recording mode of the video communication is performed while inserting preset substitution image data. When the video data are received before the predetermined time passes, the received video data is checked to determine if an error is included, and when the received video data includes abnormal video data, the recording mode of the video communication is performed while inserting preset substitution image data.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and a storage medium for peer-to-peer video calling between first and second devices is provided. The method includes determining a predetermined data communication rate by querying a communication network operably associated with the first and second devices. The method further includes transmitting video calling data from the first device through the communication network to the second device at substantially the predetermined data communication rate.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for obtaining the acoustic source location information and a multimedia communication system are provided. In the method, the acoustic source location information corresponding to the original location of lens and the lens controlling information are obtained, and the current acoustic source location information is obtained according to the acoustic location information corresponding to the original location of lens and the controlling information of lens.

Abstract: An example server apparatus includes a video stream receiver configured to receive a first video stream encoded by a first coding scheme from a video providing apparatus via a network and a video stream generator configured to generate a second video stream obtained by converting a coding scheme of the first video stream from the first coding scheme to a second coding scheme. A client capability information acquirer is configured to acquire decoding capability information representing whether a client apparatus can decode a video image encoded by the first coding scheme and a video stream processing determiner is configured to transmit the first video stream to the client apparatus when the client apparatus can decode the video image encoded by the first coding scheme, and to transmit the second video stream to the client apparatus when the client apparatus cannot decode the video image encoded by the first coding scheme.

Abstract: A network videoconference equipment and its method of proceeding network videoconference are provided. The method implemented on a first terminal machine of a network videoconference system includes steps as follows. Directly connecting with a second terminal machine of the system when the second terminal machine requests to do so. Receiving and presenting a second location video and voice from the second terminal machine, sending a first predetermined message picture to the second terminal machine, and not sending a first location video and voice temporarily. Providing a human-machine interface on the first terminal machine for accepting an instruction of proceeding the network videoconference or not.

Abstract: An image pickup unit that does not have a movable system and is fixed at one point picks up an image. A subject region extraction unit detects a subject in the image, extracts a region of the subject, and generates a region extraction image. A region extraction image storage unit holds a plurality of recent region extraction images. Then, a stain level calculation unit compares the held region extraction images for each pixel, and increases a value of the stain level of a pixel when it is highly probable that a stain is present on the pixel, and vise versa. The subject region extraction and the stain level calculation are performed each time an image is picked up, and the value is updated. A stain determination unit outputs whether or not a stain is present and the degree that the stain is present on the basis of the value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image signal transmitting/receiving apparatus and method for selectively performing transmission and display of a main image signal. The present invention transmits and display an sub-image signal instead of the received main image signal in case that the cut-off mode with respect to the main image signal has been set.

Abstract: A self-adaptive adjustment method of video call service and a video mobile terminal are disclosed in the present invention, wherein the method includes: the video mobile terminal receiving parameter information representing the channel capacity of a cell to which the video mobile terminal belongs; and the video mobile terminal adjusting quality of a video call that is being performed or will be initiated by the video mobile terminal according to the parameter information received by the video mobile terminal. By the present invention, the video mobile terminal is enabled to accomplish utilization of the video call service to a maximum extent in a limited channel capacity of the cell, and the user experience is improved.

Abstract: A conferencing unit allows first persons at remote locations to communicate with second persons at a central location. The unit receives respective videos of the first persons and a video of the second persons and outputs: the videos of the first persons to a central display at the central location such that the first persons are displayed on respective portions of the central display; the video of the second persons to remote displays respectively at the remote locations such that the second persons are displayed on one portion of each remote display; the video of one of the first persons to the display of another one of the first persons such that the one person is displayed on another portion of this display; and the video of the other person to the display of the one person such that the other person is displayed on another portion of this display.

Abstract: Methods and systems of message notification and access via a video distribution network are disclosed. A method may include receiving, via an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) network, a data stream including video content. The method may also include receiving, via the IPTV network, a notification of a message directed to a communication address associated with a subscriber. The method may also include selecting a first visual message indication based at least partially on the communication address.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus displays an enlarge-processed image based upon an image having predetermined resolution while an image having high resolution is acquired, and switches the displayed image to display an image having the high resolution when the acquiring operation of the image having the high resolution is accomplished. The terminal apparatus can performs display operations based upon a panning process operation and a tilting process operation in addition to the enlarging process operation.

Abstract: A videophone system providing high resolution video transmission between videophones utilizes compressed video signals and audio signals which may be transmitted through any communications network, with the system providing real time adaptive error recovery and synchronization between the audio and video signals to produce high quality video images and sound. The system is highly resilient, adapting in real time to changing conditions in a network or to network errors due to data corruption or loss that can be produced, for example, by noise or line losses, thereby substantially eliminating fitter, signal packet loss or delay, or other errors which produce signal degradation.

Abstract: An end station for a videoconference/multimedia conference is disclosed, where the end station requests, receives and displays multiple video streams. Call control messages request video streams with specified video policies. A static policy specifies a constant source video stream, e.g., a participant. A dynamic policy dynamically maps various source streams to a requested stream and shows, for example, the current speaker, or a round robin of participants. A network access device, e.g., a media switch or a video composition system, mediates between the multi-stream end station and the core conference system. Multi-stream endpoints need not handle the complexity of directly receiving video according to a potentially wide variety of call control protocols, formats, and bit-rates. Multi-stream endpoints decentralize compositing video streams, which increases functional flexibility and reduces the need for centralized equipment.

Abstract: A system and method for high resolution video conferencing is shown and described. A transmitting station and a receiving station including video cameras or sensors, a plurality of microphones and speakers, video, audio and communication processing engines are disclosed. Video is processed and transferred through the system allowing for multiple video streams to be produced and audio is processed and transferred through the system allowing for sound to be played back with an indication of position in relation to the videoconferencing system.

Abstract: A method including: establishing connections, at a server, to at least two client devices using a call control protocol, the call control protocol negotiating video formats and connection information for sending and receiving media streams; receiving information from a first client at the server, the information comprising meta-data describing different media streams the first client is configured to transmit; transmitting the information received from the first client to the at least one other client; receiving a subscribe message from the at least one other client at the server, subscribing to at least one available media stream from the first client; in response to receiving at least one subscribe message from the at least one other client, transmitting, by the server, a message instructing the first client to start transmitting media streams subscribed to by the at least one other client; receiving, by the server, the media streams subscribed to by the at least one other client from the first client; and

Abstract: In order to provide a photographed image process changeover apparatus of a video telephone function which reduces the power consumption by providing only the most optimal functions in accordance with the state of a portable terminal, the comprisal at least includes an image cutout unit 11 for cutting out a predefined zone including a photography target from a photographed image taken by a camera comprised by the portable terminal, a handheld state detection unit 12 for detecting a handheld state, and a changeover unit 13 for changing over between the validity and invalidity of the image cutout unit 11 in accordance with the state of the portable terminal.

Abstract: Video communication systems and methods for operating the same are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a display apparatus that can perform video communication and a method of controlling the display apparatus. The display apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a camera for acquiring video data and outputting the video data at a predetermined resolution; a network monitoring unit for detecting an available bandwidth of a network for transmitting video communication data; a resolution adjusting unit for adjusting the output resolution of the camera in accordance with the detected available bandwidth; and a communication unit for transmitting video data outputted from the camera to an external device.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus and an imaging method supply an optimum amount of image data to another apparatus. When a PDA has a maximum transfer rate of 1.5 Mbps, a mobile phone determines that the maximum speed of communication with the PDA is low, reduces the amount of moving image data captured by a CCD of the mobile phone accordingly, and supplies the captured moving image data to the PDA. The PDA therefore displays a low-quality moving image on its display unit. When the PDA has a maximum transfer rate of 480 Mbps, the CPU of the mobile phone leaves unchanged the amount of moving picture data captured by the CCD and supplies the captured moving image data to the PDA. The PDA then displays a high-quality moving image on its display unit. The foregoing may be advantageously applied to digital cameras.

Abstract: A communication device comprises a two-way video system for transmitting video data from a first location to a second location, and displaying at the first location video data received from the second location. The device also comprises two microphones for generating two audio signals, and a processor configured to map the two audio signals respectively to two speakers used by an operator at the second location. The processor is further configured to move a portion of the device about an axis in response to control signals received from the second location.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method of processing images for a first camera and a second camera of a mobile device using a shared pipeline. A method receives a first set of images captured by the first camera of the mobile device. The method processes the first set of images using a first configuration of the shared pipeline. The method also receives a second set of images captured by the second camera of the mobile device, and processes the second set of images using a second configuration of the shared pipeline different from the first configuration.

Abstract: During remote communication session, there can be situations where information needs to be sent at a high resolution. Sending information at a high resolution allows for the capture of detail that can be lost without the use of a high resolution. A web camera can obtain information in both a higher resolution and standard resolution. A sending component can send this information encoded with markers that allow a receiving component to process and display the information.

Abstract: System and method for providing personal videotelephony in which a plurality of videophones are connected to a communications network that is configured for transmitted video and audio communications. Each of the videophones typically includes a camera, display device, telephone keypad, speaker and microphone all of which are operatively connected. The videophones further include means for selectably receiving and transmitting signals over the communications network, which signals represent images and/or sound, and for selectably displaying the signals representing any received signals representing the images on the display screen, and for playing any received signals representing the sounds on said speaker. Means are also provided for selectably accessing a remote location, such as, but not limited to, another videophone, using information entered or selected by a user of the videophone, and to retrieve the signals representing the images and sounds being transmitted from the remote location.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to techniques for region-of-interest (ROI) processing for video telephone (VT) applications. According to the disclosed techniques, a recipient device defines ROI information for video information transmitted by a sender device, i.e., far-end video information. The recipient device transmits the ROI information to the sender device. Using the ROI information transmitted by the recipient device, the sender device applies preferential encoding to an ROI within a video scene. In this manner, the recipient device is able to remotely control ROI encoding of far-end video information by the sender device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the processing of images over bandwidth-limited transmission interfaces, such as processing of high resolution video images over standard analog video interfaces, using multi-stream and/or multi-resolution analog methodology. The disclosed systems and methods may also be implemented to provide video resolutions across standard analog video interfaces in a manner that supports digital capture and imaging techniques obtain useful information from digitally zoomed and enhanced video.

Abstract: A multimedia conferencing system, includes a multipoint control unit for distributing audio and video among a first set of n endpoints, where n?1, arranged in a star configuration, wherein bidirectional audio and video channels are established between said multipoint control unit and respective endpoints of said first set, and a second set of m endpoints, where m?2, connected to each other in a mesh configuration wherein bidirectional audio and video channels are established directly between the endpoints of the second set. Respective bidirectional video channels are established between the multipoint control unit and the respective endpoints of the second set. An audio hub is connected to the multipoint control unit over one or more bidirectional audio channels and connected to the second set of endpoints via respective bidirectional audio channels. The audio hub transfers audio between the second set of endpoints and the multipoint control unit over a common bidirectional audio channel.

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: A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium for remotely controlling a video conferencing device registered with a video conferencing management server.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus has a storage part to store a plurality of screen information, including incoming call screen information, a display part to display the screen information, and an output control part to output to an outside of the electronic apparatus arbitrary screen information that is to be output to the outside, of the screen information stored in the storage part, and to display the arbitrary screen information on the display part, when an external output function is set to an ON state. The output control part continues outputting the arbitrary screen information to the outside and displays on the display part the incoming screen information stored in the storage part, when an incoming call is received in a state where the external output function is set to the ON state.

Abstract: The shooting, recording and playback system 100 of the present invention receives incoming light 101, stores an image shot, and then subjects the image shot to be reproduced to resolution raising processing, thereby outputting RGB images with high spatial resolution and high temporal resolution (ROUT GOUT BOUT) 102. The system 100 includes a shooting section 103, a color separating section 104, an R imaging sensor section 105, a G imaging sensor section 106, a B imaging sensor section 107, an image shot storage section 108, an image shot writing section 109, a memory section 110, an image shot reading section 111, a spatial resolution upconverter section 112, a temporal resolution upconverter section 113, an output section 114, and a line recognition signal generating section 185. The system can get image data with high spatial resolution and high temporal resolution without getting the camera configuration complicated and without decreasing the optical efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method for a tele-education service system based on video conferencing are provided. The tele-education service system includes a host terminal to manage a tele-education service system; at least one participating terminal to receive the tele-education service; and a media relay to acquire video images from the host terminal and the at least one participating terminal, to combine the acquired video images differently according to user information of the host terminal and the at least one participating terminal and the progress stages of video conferencing and to provide the differently combined video images to the host terminal and the at least one participating terminal, respectively.

Abstract: A communication device and a privacy protection method receives an incoming call from a remote communication device, and transmits a preset substitute image to the remote communication device if a user of the communication device declining to share live video images with the remote user. When the user answers the incoming call, the method can check with the user as to determine whether to connect a live video. If the user of the communication device responds to include video, the method connects the video and transmit live video images to the remote communication device synchronously with voice communication of the call.

Abstract: A technique for adjusting or modifying content delivery to devices is provided, thereby offering a degree of power consumption control in such devices. The device can determine a need to modify power consumption, either in response to an input or via detection of an unfavorable power supply condition. In response, the device sends a request to an infrastructure for at least one reduced rate data stream. Because the at least one reduced rate data stream requires less processing power when undergoing decoding operations, the device subsequently consumes less power. In one embodiment of the present invention, the determination of the unfavorable power supply condition may be based on a configurable power condition profile. Furthermore, subsequent to receiving the at least one reduced rate data stream, the device may provide a request to the infrastructure for at least one increased rate data stream.

Abstract: Video-coded information is transmitted over a network at a priority level that is determined based on feedback from the network. In an embodiment, the feedback comprises a response to a request for information on whether the network currently has the available capacity to transmit additional high priority traffic. In an embodiment, a candidate base layer frame is transmitted over the network as a base layer frame if permission to send high priority data was granted and is transmitted over the network as an enhancement layer frame if permission to send high priority data was denied. In a further embodiment, the candidate base layer frame is deleted if permission to send high priority data was denied.

Abstract: A system that enables remote participation in a live proceeding includes a first computer configured to transmit and receive audio and video data with a second computer through a network. An audio mixer is configured to combine a first audio signal received from a microphone with a second audio signal received from the first computer to provide a third audio signal. A capture device is coupled to the audio mixer and to the first computer. The capture device is configured to receive the third audio signal from the audio mixer and a video signal from a video camera coupled to the capture device, and to process the third audio signal and the video signal such that audio and video data of the third audio signal and the video signal may be stored in a computer readable storage medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for user authentication. According to an embodiment, the invention provides a method for user authentication in a video communication apparatus, the video communication apparatus including a user authentication unit, the method comprising: receiving image data of a plurality of users; detecting a face region of each of the plurality of users by using the received image data; performing, by the user authentication unit, a user authentication by comparing face feature information corresponding to each of the detected face regions with pre-registered face feature information; and permitting, by the user authentication unit, an access to a video communication service by a user corresponding to at least one of the detected face regions using the user authentication result.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing burn-in of a display is disclosed. A plurality of assets containing text, graphics, and video are stored. Some of these assets are then assembled into a video frame or “screen”, which is subsequently output. Some of the assets are then assembled to form a second video frame or screen. The second screen is subsequently output to the video transport stream and the process is repeated.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus and a medium encoded with instructions for providing layout selection, participant selection, and/or participant-to-participant far end camera control of the selected participant for use in a continuous presence multipoint videoconference. The method includes receiving one or more far end camera control messages over a packet network from a first participant of a multipoint videoconference; maintaining an indication of a far end camera control mode for the first participant, the mode being one of a set of modes; and depending on the far end camera control mode and on controls possible, carrying out a control according to one ore more the camera control messages.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a stored original data set for subsequent display on a user interface of a computer, the original data set having multiple dimensions and a number of original data points greater than the number of pixels available on the user interface. The system comprises a data reduction module for reducing the original data set to produce a reduced data set having less than the number of original data points, a data resizing module for dynamically resizing the received reduced data set to produce a resized data set for use in generating a display of pixels appropriate to the number of available pixels, and a pixel module configured for using a predefined color scale for assigning a unique color as the representative pixel value of a respective data value of the resized data points included in the display of pixels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conferencing dynamically determines conference parameters such as image layout, image resolution and bandwidth. The conference parameters are dynamically determined based on the number of participants or video sources or both that currently connect to the conference. Video signals received from connected sites are processed to provide a composite video signal according to defined conference parameters and the composite video signal is transmitted to the connected sites. Upon one or more other sites connecting to the conference or one or more of the connected sites disconnecting from the conference or both, such that the number of sites or sources currently connected in the conference changes, one or more conference parameters is redefined. The received video signals are processed according to the redefined conference parameters to provide a second composite video signal that is transmitted to the connected sites.

Abstract: In this videophone system, a second control portion of a second telephone communication apparatus is formed to transmit an image corresponding to an image request signal to a first telephone communication apparatus after a phone call to the first telephone communication apparatus is terminated when receiving the image request signal transmitted from the first telephone communication apparatus during the phone call.

Abstract: A technique for maintaining consistent video quality between a plurality of videoconference sites is disclosed. Calibration correction factors are determined from video calibration data obtained from the videoconference sites. The calibration factors are applied to transmissions between the videoconference sites.

Abstract: An open propagation service platform using a video call and a service method thereof are described. The open propagation service platform includes an information service providing side, a service platform, and a video call service network. The information service providing side is used for providing various types of information. The service platform includes a data receiving and storing module for receiving and storing the information provided by the information service providing side, a data transmission module for transmitting the information in the data receiving and storing module, and a microprocessor for managing the service platform. The video call service network is connected with the service platform and provides a specific telephone number, so as to enable a user side to enter the service platform through the video call service network when dialing the telephone number using a video call, and receive and read the information transmitted by the data transmission module in the service platform.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic conference system, including a display controller that arranges and displays a marker for specifying a display position on a display screen of a display apparatus which placed in a conference room, a unit that obtains information concerning the display position of each marker included in an image capturing range obtained by capturing an image of a portion of the display screen by a conference participant using an information terminal device and that specifies an image capturing region on the display screen based on the information concerning the display position of each marker that is obtained, and a unit that combines image data displayed on the display apparatus at the time of image capturing performed using the information terminal device having an image capturing function with display data, to be displayed in the image capturing region that is specified, to generate a screen image.

Abstract: There is provided an information terminal device in an electronic conference system, including a reception unit that receives information on a state of attendance of participants in a conference, who are present in a plurality of conference holding spaces; a disadvantageous degree calculation processor that calculates a disadvantageous degree indicating a degree of disadvantage which each participant has when participating in the conference, based on the received information; and a disadvantageous degree output processor that outputs the calculated disadvantageous degree.