Abstract: A system and method for providing an image are provided. The image providing method includes: transmitting, to an external device, a first video image of a first resolution, which is converted from an original video image of an original resolution; receiving, from the external device, area information about an area of interest of the first video image of the first resolution; determining, based on the area information, an area corresponding to the area of interest, of the original video image of the original resolution, wherein the determined area is smaller than the original video image of the original resolution converting a part of the original video image of the original resolution to a second video image of the first resolution, wherein the part corresponds to the determined area; and transmitting the second video image to the external device.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method of providing a video call using the same are disclosed. More particularly, a mobile terminal capable of supporting a video call while ensuring user's privacy by mounting a three-dimensional depth camera and a two-dimensional camera in the mobile terminal and a method of providing a video call using the same are disclosed. The mobile terminal of the present invention includes a 2D camera 200 capturing a 2D video and a 3D depth camera 210 capturing a 3D depth video; an individual image separation module 112 extracting boundary information between a user and a background by using depth information regarding a video captured by the 3D depth camera 210; a composite video generation module 114 separating the user video from the video captured by the 2D camera 200 by using the extracted boundary information and composing the separated user video and the set background video.

Abstract: Determining a buffer size in a videoconference. In some embodiments, one or more of various different error correction methods may be used in a videoconference. For example, forward error correction (FEC) may be used and/or retransmission of lost packets (ReTxLP) may be used, e.g., based on a packet loss threshold. Where FEC is used, a buffer size of a receiving videoconferencing device may be determined based on the FEC rate. Where ReTxLP is used, a buffer size of the receiving videoconferencing device may be determined based on a retransmission latency.

Abstract: A transmission management system that manages image communications among a plurality of transmission terminals capable of performing at least voice communications. The transmission system includes a terminal management section that manages image communications state information indicating an image communications state of each of the transmission terminals for each terminal identification information for identifying each transmission terminal, a creation section that creates a specified communications control message causing the specified transmission terminal to control the image communications in accordance with the image communications state information, and a transmitting section that transmits the created communications control message to the transmission terminal caused to control the image communications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a communication apparatus including an image input unit that includes an image input member that inputs an image of an object and a retaining member that retains the image input member at its one edge; an enclosure to which a concave portion is formed at its one side surface; a uniaxial hinge device that includes a first hinge member and a second hinge member rotatably connected with each other and capable of rotating around a first axial line with respect to each other, the first hinge member being connected to the enclosure and the second hinge member being connected to the other edge of the retaining member. The image input unit is rotated via the uniaxial hinge device around the first axial line with respect to the enclosure between a housing position and a protruding position.

Abstract: Particular embodiments generally relate to providing different censoring levels for audio-video streams. In one embodiment, an audio-video stream is received. Metadata including censoring information for the audio-video stream is also received. The audio-video stream and metadata may be sent by a source in separate streams. A first level of censoring associated with a first receiver is determined along with a second level of censoring for a second receiver. A first audio-video stream is generated for the first receiver with a first censor level and a second audio-video stream is generated for the second receiver with a second censor level. For example, the first audio-video stream may include censoring of faces and the second audio-video stream may be an audio-video stream without censoring or may censor some other part of the audio-video. The first audio-video stream and the second audio-video stream are then sent to the first and second receivers, respectively.

Abstract: A packet-based data network including: an audio/video network comprising: a packet-switched network over which data including audio and/or video data packets can be carried; at least one data source connected to the network and operable to assemble packetised data comprising audio/video data at a first resolution and at a second resolution greater than the first resolution, and to transmit data packets carrying multiple audio/video streams at the first resolution by multicast network transmission; at least one client connected to the network, being a data handling device for handling packetised audio/video data and being arranged to join the multicast group to receive the multiple audio/video streams at the first resolution, wherein the client is associated with a graphical user interface configured in conjunction with a processor to select an audio/video stream, and the processor is arranged to issue a unicast command to cause transmission of a selected audio/video stream at the second resolution from the

Abstract: A media feed interface may be provided that may be used to extract a media frame from a media feed. The media feed interface may access a capture device, a file, and/or a network resource. Upon accessing the capture device, file, and/or network resource, the media feed interface may populate buffers with data and then may create a media feed from the buffers. Upon request, the media feed interface may isolate a media frame within the media feed. For example, the media feed interface analyze media frames in the media feed to determine whether a media frame includes information associated with, for example, the request. If the media frame includes the requested information, the media feed interface may isolate the media frame associated with the information and may provide access to the isolated media frame.

Abstract: A video conferencing system (100) includes a switch (125), a server (140), a telephony device (152), and a node (102) in a packet-switched network (135). The switch (125) establishes a circuit-switched connection between a calling party number and a called party number. The server (140) associates first and second network addresses in a packet-switched network (135) with each of the called party and calling party numbers. The telephony device (152) transmits audio data via the circuit-switched connection. The node (102) in the packet-switched network (135) transmits packetized video between the first and second network addresses responsive to establishment of the circuit-switched connection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing remote assistance to a user are disclosed. A remote assistance system may communicate with a mobile device operated by the user and may manipulate devices configured on the mobile device, such as a camera, an illumination device, a projection device, or any other types of devices. Images may be captured with a camera of the mobile phone and transmitted by the mobile phone to the remote assistance system. A remote assistant may transmit images or other visual data to the mobile phone that are then overlaid upon images presented on the mobile phone. Various image manipulation and stabilization means and methods are disclosed, as well as various ways of obtaining and providing remote assistance.

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

Abstract: A system and method of determining the quality of audio-visual services of a mobile telephone is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes wirelessly receiving streaming audio-video content at the mobile telephone and wherein the audio-video content comprises video content and audio content. The video content is formed of a plurality of video frames with each encoded with one or more video symbols. The audio content is formed of a plurality of audio segments with each encoded with a sequence of tones. The method further includes outputting the audio content with the mobile telephone and displaying the video content with the mobile telephone. A computer processes the video symbols of each video frame of the displayed video content to determine a video quality of the displayed video content and processes the sequences of tones of the outputted audio content to determine an audio quality of the outputted audio content. The determined audio and video quality is then output by the computer.

Abstract: Techniques to detect a display device are described. An apparatus may include a video camera operative to receive video information for an image, and a microphone operative to receive audio information for an image. The apparatus may further include a monitor detection module communicatively coupled to the video camera and the microphone, where the monitor detection module is operative to detect a temporal watermark signal displayed by the monitor within the image, and determine a location for the monitor within the image based on the detection. The apparatus may also include an active speaker detector module communicatively coupled to the monitor detection module, where the active speaker detector module is operative to exclude false positives caused by the monitor. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for performing video conferencing is provided that includes an I-frame injector element operable to intercept I-frame requests from one or more end points and to attempt to service the I-frame requests such that at least a portion of the requests are prevented from propagating back to an originating sender. In more specific embodiments, when a receiver endpoint sends a fast video update (FVU) request upstream, it is intercepted by the I-frame injector element and rather than passing the FVU request to the sender the I-frame injector element replaces a next P-frame from the sender with an I-frame, whereby the I-frame is constructed so that when decoded, it matches the P-frame that it replaced. In still more detailed embodiments, the I-frame injector element operates in one of three modes that are associated with bandwidth parameters.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus which controls transmission and reception of information is provided. The information processing apparatus includes a transmitting and receiving unit which transmits and receives, as the information, at least one of voice information, video information, and screen information; a necessity identifying information defining unit which allocates necessity identifying information for detecting a state of the information processing apparatus and identifying presence/absence of a necessity of transmitting and receiving the voice information, the video information, and the screen information in accordance with the detected result; and a bandwidth control unit which determines a bandwidth to be allocated to each of the voice information, the video information, and the screen information to be transmitted and received, based on the necessity identifying information.

Abstract: A control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure controls communications between a plurality of information terminals at a first site and an information device at a second site. The control device includes: an interface that obtains class information indicating what class is allocated to each of those information terminals and also obtains rate information indicating a rate of communication with the information device over a network; and a control section that puts an upper limit on the communication rate of each of the information terminals by reference to the class information and the rate information and notifies the information terminal of the upper limit.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method and system for sending media data in telepresence technology. By collecting audio or video data corresponding to a spatial area, the collected data is processed respectively to acquire multiple streams of data distinguished by a collecting spatial area and corresponding collecting spatial information; the multiple streams of data are encoded, encoded multiple streams of audio data and the collecting spatial information are packed together, and/or encoded multiple streams of video data and the collecting spatial information are packed together, and a packet including multiple streams of audio or video data is sent, respectively. The present disclosure also discloses a method and system for playing media data in telepresence technology. With the methods and systems, it is possible to directly identify the corresponding collecting spatial area, i.e.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for automated multi-lingual support are described herein. A relay service provides translation services between a hearing-impaired user and a hearing-capable user. The relay service includes a database with one or more entries. Each of the one or more entries is associated with a contact of the hearing-impaired user and includes one or more connection indicators for the contact and one or more spoken languages for the contact. A profile system determines an identified entry in the database using a calling connection indicator associated with the hearing-capable user to compare with the one or more connection indicators. A call distribution system establishes a calling connection over a voice-capable network with the calling connection indicator associated with the hearing-capable user and routes the calling connection to a translator capable in the one or more spoken languages associated with the hearing-capable user determined from the identified entry.

Abstract: One of a plurality of video channels is selected for viewing. A specific one of a plurality of video channels is bookmarked. An object representing said bookmarked channel is displayed. A displayed object is selected to select the bookmarked channel.

Abstract: Video send and receive capabilities of participants are determined by the respective machines determining available combinations, as well as preferences for the receivers. Receiver capabilities are forwarded to the source for computation of negotiated video capabilities through a logic intersection of the determined capabilities based on desired number of streams and resolutions. If a resolution of a send capability exists within the receive capability, the highest frame and/or bit rate may be selected for transmission.

Abstract: A telepresence system enhances the perception of presence of a remote person involved in a video conference. The system preferably has a two-way mirror, which is between the observer and the display device, positioned at an angle to reflect a backdrop surface. The backdrop surface may or may not appear superimposed in a position behind the image of a person from the remote location. The system preferably minimizes image distortion via an optical path for the camera line of sight that is substantially longer than the physical distance between the user and the camera. The system may be asymmetrical, in that one camera is on axis with the user's line of sight while the other camera is off axis with the user's line of sight.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example and includes receiving an input video, and identifying values of pixels from noise associated with a current video image within the video input. The method also includes creating a skip-reference video image associated with the identified pixel values, and comparing a portion of the current video image to the skip-reference video image. The method also includes determining a macroblock associated with the current video image to be skipped before an encoding operation occurs.

Abstract: In general, this disclosure describes techniques for providing identification, such as a name, to participants of a communication session. In one example, a method includes establishing, by a communication device, a communication session between a plurality of devices, wherein a first device of the plurality of devices is identified during the communication session by an identifier associated with a network connection of the first device to the communication session. The method also includes detecting a spoken name associated with the first device that is connected to the communication session and transforming the detected spoken name into at least one character string. The method further includes sending, by the communication device, a representation of the at least one character string to at least a second device of the plurality of devices for display by the second device.

Abstract: Once an active video conference is set up and a user is viewing the active video conference at a video terminal, the video terminal looks for different events that indicate a change in focus of the user to or from the active video conference. For example, the user brings up another application and starts using the application or the user has minimized a window that is displaying the active video conference. The video terminal sends a change of focus message based on the event to a video conference bridge or another video terminal that is streaming the active video conference to the user. The video conference bridge/video terminal processes the message and changes video portion of the stream of the active video conference based on the message. The result is that there is improved use of bandwidth between the video terminal and the video conference bridge/video terminal.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system includes a touch screen display device and a videoconferencing unit. The display device displays video data for the videoconference and generates touch data based on user selections relative to the touch screen. The videoconferencing unit is operatively coupled to the touch screen device by a video connection and a data interface connection, for example. The unit establishes and conducts a videoconference with one or more endpoints via a network. The unit sends video data to the display device and receives touch data from the device. The received touch data is used to control operation of the videoconferencing system. The received touch data can be used to initiate a videoconference call, change an operating parameter, change orientation of a camera, initiate a picture-in-picture display, access a menu, access memory, change a source of video data, initiate a whiteboard display, and access a screen of a connected device.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for selecting, by a first party device, a second party device from a queue of devices, transmitting, by the first party device, video of a first party device to the second party device, receiving, by the first party device, video of the second party device while the first party device does not receive video from a plurality of devices other than the second party device, and transmitting, by the first party device, combined video of the first and second devices to the plurality of devices other than the second party device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving data associated with a plurality of endpoints that are engaged in a video conference, and evaluating whether a first endpoint and a second endpoint of the plurality have entered into a conversation such that a conversation mode is triggered. Once the conversation mode is entered, the first and second endpoints of the conversation are rendered on two different screens of a video display. In more specific embodiments, the method includes analyzing active speaker patterns of some of the endpoints to determine whether to enter into the conversation mode. In still other embodiments, the method includes determining whether the rendering on the two different screens is temporary or made permanent for a duration of the video conference.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using portable electronic devices in video conferences are disclosed. In one aspect, a method receives each remote participant's audio data stream and at least one video stream over a network and arranges the video streams in a data structure that describes the location of each video stream's associated viewing area within a virtual meeting space. The method blends audio streams into a combined audio of the remote participants. The method presents at least one viewing area on the portable device display to be viewed by the local participant, and changes the at least one viewing area to be presented on the portable device display based on cues provided by the operator.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a registration message at a video control point (VCP) device, the registration message requesting set up of a video conference between endpoint devices. The video conference is set up to enable a first endpoint device to send media to a second endpoint device without the media passing through the VCP device en route. A communication profile associated with each endpoint device is determined. Configuration settings associated with at least one endpoint device is determined based on the communication profiles. The configuration settings are sent to at least one computing device that is adapted to modify the media based on the configuration settings to generate modified media.

Abstract: Method and related systems for dynamically sharing desktop contents during a video communications call is disclosed. The available communications bandwidth for transmitting desktop content and video content from a host computer to a client computer is divided between the desktop and video contents based on priority levels assigned to each of the desktop and video contents. The display area of the client computer may also be adjusted based on the priority levels.

Abstract: A video conference cross-links at least a portion of the clients for point to point communication while still using a video conference server. The video conference server continues to manage some aspects of the video conference for the cross-linked clients and may be configured to perform audio/video processing for some of the clients in a video conference. For example, the video conference server may perform audio/video processing and routing of streams for clients that do not have the capabilities to perform the processing directly. Clients that are able to process their audio/video needs may directly connect to other clients through cross-links while still using the video conference server for management.

Abstract: A method for authoring and sending from a network element and receiving at a mobile device, rich media, the sending having the steps of checking whether the rich media includes discrete content; if yes, sending a low resolution version of the discrete content with the rich media; and subsequently sending a higher resolution version of the rich media. The receiving having the steps of receiving a low resolution version of the discrete content in the rich media; rendering the rich media; receiving a higher resolution fragment of the discrete content; and incrementally applying the higher resolution fragments to the low resolution version of the discrete content.

Abstract: Embodiments are configured to provide video conferencing functionality including using region of interest (ROI) features to provide a video signal, but the embodiments are not so limited. In an embodiment, components of a video conferencing system can operate to provide a video signal using pixel data associated with a ROI. In one embodiment, a video conference device can include a detector that can be used to detect human flesh tone regions in a video scene as part of providing a video stream to one or more conference participants.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to determine video conferencing capability of a group of communication devices associated with a user where the group of communication devices comprises a set top box and where the determination of the video conferencing capability is performed in temporal proximity with establishing a voice call over an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network between a mobile communication device and at least one device of the group of communication devices; and establish a video conference for participating devices in response to a request from one device of the mobile communication device and the group of communication devices, where the video conference is established over an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) network, and where the participating devices comprise the mobile communication device and the set top box. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating the quality of an input image is disclosed. The apparatus may include a composition pattern selection unit configured to select a composition pattern based on an attribute of the input image. The apparatus may also include a composition evaluation unit configured to evaluate the input image based on the composition pattern and the attribute. Additionally, the apparatus may include an evaluation result output unit configured to output to a display the input image and an indication of a result of the evaluation.

Abstract: At one of the timings: during a period between the moment when one of terminals which performs transmission calls out a communication partner and the moment of response and at the timing after the communication between the terminals is complete; content data is read out from a database and the read out content data is converted according to conversion information based on reproduction at the terminal. The converted content data is transmitted to the terminal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an image processing method and device, relating to the field of communications technology. The method includes: receiving at least two channels of images transmitted from a remote conference site; if there is a blind area in splicing of the at least two channels of images, comparing the width of the blind area with the sum of the widths of a left border and a right border of a display apparatus in a local conference site; processing the at least two channels of images separately according to a comparison result; outputting the at least two channels of processed images separately to the display apparatuses in the local conference site for displaying. In the embodiments of the present invention, the optimal image display effect may be achieved and the user experience in a telepresence video conference may be improved.

Abstract: An audiovisual signal is converted from a native format to a digital, packetized interchange format and transported between a capture node and a display node through a switch. The display node converts the audiovisual signal from the interchange format to a displayable format and causes display of the audiovisual signal. The use of a switch for video routing and distribution allows one-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-one, and many-to-many distribution. The use of a device-independent interchange format allows concurrent distribution of multiple heterogeneous audiovisual signals.

Abstract: A conference control device including a data transmission portion that transmits conferencing data from one of the conference terminal devices to another of the conference terminal devices, a first notification request portion that, in a case where a first request packet that requests establishing of a first communication path has been received from the one of the conference terminal devices while the conferencing data are transmitted by the data transmission portion, transmits a first notification request packet to the other of the conference terminal devices, and a first request response portion that, in a case where a first response packet providing notification of a port number for establishing the first communication path has been received from the other of the conference terminal devices, transmits to the one of the conference terminal devices a first request response packet containing information on a transmission source port number of the first response packet.

Abstract: An apparatus for configuring a high-definition (HD) call connection between computer devices includes a Short Messaging Service (SMS) transceiving module for receiving a message for requesting home network telephony device list information of a first device, discovering a device in the home network to generate the telephony device list information, transmitting response message comprising the generated telephony device list information to the first device, receiving an SMS call connection request message from the first device, and transmitting an SMS call connection response message to the first device, and a Control Point (CP) for selecting a telephony device for receiving and initiating the call.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes establishing a video session in which a plurality of displays are used for rendering video data, and evaluating a presentation element in order to identify a control element that includes control data. The control element is included in the presentation element. The method further includes communicating at least a portion of the control data such that it can be used to determine which video data is to be rendered on the plurality of displays.

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 apparatus is provided in one example and includes a camera configured to receive image data associated with an end user involved in a video session. The apparatus further includes a display configured to interface with the camera. The camera and the display cooperate such that the apparatus can initiate the video session involving the end user, and activate a retracting mechanism configured to move the camera such that the camera is retracted from a view of the display and the camera moves to an inactive state.

Abstract: Implementations relate to a system for video encoding and conversion including an image resolution conversion component operable to convert a resolution of a source image frame from a first resolution to a second resolution to produce a first intermediate image frame at the second resolution; an image conversion component operable to receive the first intermediate image frame and convert an image size of the first intermediate image frame to another image frame size to produce a first viewable image frame; an image viewer component operable to display the first viewable image on a first display; a color space conversion component comprising a luminance conversion component and a chrominance operable to receive the first viewable image frame and convent a first luminance value and a first chrominance value of the first viewable image frame to a second intermediate image frame having a second luminance value and a second chrominance value.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems relate to telepresence at mobile devices. In one example the method can be performed on the mobile device. The mobile device can determine real-time availability of resources. The mobile device can further determine the composition of the telepresence session. The mobile device can further communicate the determined composition of telepresence data to a remote server. The mobile device can further receive telepresence data and perform a portion of the telepresence session data. Additionally, the present system can be configured to operate on a server or other electronic device.

Abstract: A transmission management system, when content data is communicated among plural transmission terminals via a communication network, selects a relay apparatus which relays the content data. The system determines whether first attributes of the respective plural transmission terminals are the same; determines whether second attributes of the respective plural transmission terminals are the same; and selects a first relay apparatus in a case where the first attributes are determined to be the same, selects a second relay apparatus in a case where the first attributes are not determined to be the same but the second attributes are determined to be the same, and selects a third relay apparatus in a case where the first attributes are not determined to be the same and the second attributes are not determined to be the same.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques that can facilitate multimedia telephony. In one example, a method for communication of multimedia data comprises determining a first level of throughput associated with multimedia data communication from a first access terminal to a network, determining a second level of throughput associated with multimedia data communication from the network to a second access terminal based on feedback from the second access terminal to the first access terminal via the network, determining a budget associated with communication of a video unit of the multimedia data, and coding the video unit of the multimedia data based on the budget and the first and second levels of throughput.

Abstract: A method for presenting a virtual conference site of a video conference is disclosed in the present invention. The method include: receiving preset virtual conference site attributes and determining one virtual conference site attribute therefrom, where the virtual conference site includes at least two conference terminals; determining a virtual conference site control mode; acquiring, according to the determined virtual conference site attribute and the virtual conference site control mode, one virtual conference site presentation mode in preset virtual conference site presentation modes, and presenting a virtual conference site in the acquired virtual conference site presentation mode. A virtual conference site preset apparatus, a media processing device, a video conference terminal and a video conference system are also disclosed in the present invention. By utilizing the present invention, a conference control mode may be simplified, and the experience of video conference participators may be improved.

Abstract: A terminal for audio-video communications comprising an IP enabled video phone and a video processor component coupled to the IP enabled video phone and including a module for correcting images from the video camera to render a camera-facing image for transmission to remote viewer. The correcting images may include use of calibrated images for a particular user and may replace background images with neutral images.

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.