Abstract: A method for providing a portal for an individual to access a web site for establishing personal relationships. The method includes the step of providing a portal booth to photograph the individual while the individual is in said booth to produce a photographic record of the individual, correlate selected demographic data about the individual with said photographic record, and transmit the photographic record and demographic data to the web site. The method also includes the step of correlating the photographic record and demographic data with an account for the individual at the web site such that other individuals can access the web site and the account to view at least said photographic record of said individual.

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

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

Abstract: A teleconference system for connecting a plurality of conference bases via a network, each of the conference bases having: a display device for displaying an image on a screen; a video camera that is capable of measuring a depth; a person identifying section for identifying a participant who has made a specified gesture as a speaker, from a video picture taken by the video camera; an image input/display control section that usually keeps the display device displaying predetermined conference material on the screen and that turns the screen blank triggered by the person identifying section's identifying a speaker; a motion identifying section for identifying and digitalizing a motion of the speaker's hand to make motion data; and an image generating section for making a line drawing in accordance with the motion data made by the motion identifying section; wherein the image input/display control section controls the display device to display the line drawing made by the image generating section on the screen.

Abstract: A communication system that may be integrated or otherwise combined with a piece of furniture, such as a conference table, desk or credenza. The communication system may provide a combination of audio, video, telephony, presentation and/or other conferencing functions and may include a number of separate user modules, a control module, a display module and a network connection. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the separate user modules is a compact device that is integrated into the piece of furniture and includes a button that, when activated, allows a user to take control of certain aspects of the communication system. For example, a user may take over the display module or the information that is sent via the network connection by activating their user module.

Abstract: A method for setting up a video communication session via an Internet Protocol (IP) network between a first correspondent and a second correspondent, the method having the steps of: the first correspondent placing a call through a public switched telephone network (PSTN) to the second correspondent to establish a PSTN communication session; the first correspondent sending a compatibility request via in-band signals to determine compatibility with the first correspondent for video communication; prompting the second correspondent to accept or decline an invitation for the video communication session; exchanging setup information via the PSTN for setting up the video communication session when the second correspondent accepts the invitation, the setup information comprising attributes of each of the correspondents; and setting up the video communication session via the IP network and terminating the PSTN communication session.

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

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

Abstract: A method and a terminal for synchronously recording voices and images of an opposite end based on a circuit domain videophone are provided. The method includes receiving, by a terminal used by a party in a video call, a recording instruction sent by a user, taking a local time as a reference time, and performing frame analyzing for received audio and video code-streams; and writing the audio and video frames obtained by analyzing and the duration corresponding to each frame into a 3GP file. The terminal includes an audio and video frame analysis module, an audio frame write-in module, a video frame write-in module and a frame duration calculation module. With the present invention, the user can experience that the time when the user starts the recording and the actual recording time are basically the same, thus the user satisfaction is improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a processing method used in a video conference system having a local terminal device and at least one remote terminal device, comprising a feature detection step of carrying out a feature detection in the local terminal device and the remote terminal device, respectively; a conference mode setting step of setting a conference mode for the local terminal device and the remote terminal device, respectively; and a video encoding step of dividing a video frame in the local terminal device and the remote terminal device, and then pre-processing the divided areas so as to encode the pre-processed areas, respectively.

Abstract: A method of transmitting and providing data includes the steps: providing data units in a memory of a base device, providing a reference set for each data unit, in which at least one individual identification is different for each data set, producing an order sequence of the data units which determines a succession of individual identifications, producing a time-allocation table for each order sequence, transmitting to and storing on a user device a plurality of data units, at least one order sequence and the time-allocation table or tables associated with the latter from the base device, reading out a time of day from a user clock associated with the user device, determining the execution moment allocated to the time of day on the basis of the time-allocation table, and providing the data unit allocated to the execution moment on the basis of the order sequence.

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

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

Abstract: A display device which performs a video telephony is provided. The display device includes a photographing unit which photographs an image, a video telephony unit which performs a video telephony using an image photographed by the photographing unit, and a control unit which controls at least one of an operation of the photographing unit and an operation of the video telephony unit if a status of the photographed image meets a preset condition. Accordingly, power efficiency of a display device may be improved.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for identifying degraded video call links are provided. In some embodiments, systems for identifying degraded video call links are provided, the systems comprising: at least one hardware processor that: calculates network metrics and quality metrics of a video call stream received at a device through a first link and then through a second link; determines whether a network problem is present in the video call stream based on the network metrics; determines whether a quality problem is present in the video call stream based on the quality metrics; and determines that the second link is degraded if both a network problem and a quality problem are determined to be present, and determines that the first link is degraded if a quality problem is determined to be present but a network problem is not determined to be present.

Abstract: A method for requesting intra-refreshing in a video telephone communication system is provided. The method includes checking, by a reception apparatus, a sequence number and a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) for received video packet data to detect presence of a packet loss; decoding the received video packet data to check frame type information; generating a control signal for requesting intra-refreshing in accordance with the checked frame type information and the sequence number; and transmitting the generated control signal for requesting intra-refreshing to a transmission apparatus.

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

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

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

Abstract: 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; a server reads out content data from a database, converts the read out content data according to the conversion information based on reproduction at the terminal, and transmits the converted content data to the terminal. At this timing, the terminal reproduces the content data transmitted from the server.

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

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for a video call in a mobile communication terminal are provided. The method includes, upon performing a video call, setting an alternative video transmission mode according to a user's manipulation, generating an avatar representing a user's expression, and transmitting an alternative video including the avatar to a called mobile communication terminal.

Abstract: It is recognized in the disclosed technique that the way impairments on a conference call are diagnosed and handled in the prior art can sometimes be as distracting as the impairments themselves. The disclosed technique attempts to address some of the disadvantages in the prior art by monitoring the signal path quality on a conference call and, based on the quality of the signals received, performing one or more actions that are intended to minimize distractions while handling the impairments. In particular, in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the technique performs a multi-threshold evaluation of media signals that are received at a conferencing server. If a measure of the impairment being considered exceeds a first threshold, but not a higher second threshold, then a first set of actions is taken to handle the impairment. If the measure exceeds the second threshold, then a more-extreme second set of actions is taken.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus communicates with a second imaging apparatus connected to the imaging apparatus via a network, and analyzes a photographing frequency of the second imaging apparatus by receiving information indicating that the second imaging apparatus has performed photographing. When the analyzed photographing frequency exceeds a predetermined value, the imaging apparatus changes setting regarding image data to be recorded.

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

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

Abstract: A method of indexing a data stream is disclosed. The method includes initiating the data stream in the video conference, recording the data stream, indexing the data stream by generating a transcript of the recorded data stream, linking the transcript with a video portion of the data stream and storing the indexed data stream onto a data storage medium.

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

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

Abstract: A method for providing access to a video portion of a voice and video (VAV) call includes receiving a VAV call that originated from a device of a first user. The VAV call includes a voice portion and a video portion. The voice portion of the call is transmitted to a voicemail associated with a voice terminal of a second user while the video portion of the VAV call stored. The second user is subsequently provided with access to the video portion of the VAV call.

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

Abstract: Exchanging of videoconference data between a first endpoint and a second endpoint via a network includes receiving, at the first endpoint, statistical data relating to transmission of first videoconference data. In particular, the first videoconference data is data that is transmitted previously from the first endpoint to the second endpoint via the network, and the statistical data relates to network performance characteristics during transmission of the first videoconference data. An approximately optimized data transmission rate for the network performance characteristics is determined, based on the statistical data. The output bit rate of a video encoder associated with the first endpoint is adjusted, such that second videoconference data, relating to the same videoconference at a time that is later than the first videoconference data, is encoded to provide output data at an adjusted output bit rate for being transmitted via the network at approximately the optimized data transmission rate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally include a method and apparatus for minimizing acoustic echo in video conference. In one embodiment, a computer implemented method for minimizing acoustic echo in video conferencing comprises determining position information wherein the position information is derivable from a video stream and processing the position information using a computer to identify at least one direction wherein the one direction minimizes acoustic echo.

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

Abstract: Techniques to synchronize video data and audio data of a video-call over heterogeneous communications transports are disclosed. A transmitting client device adds synchronization indicia for a first communications transport to the video data and synchronization indicia for a second communications transport to the audio data. A receiving client device receives the video and audio data in a buffer, synchronizes the video and audio data, and removes the synchronization indicia for both the video and audio data with a filter. Disclosed techniques to optimize the synchronization include selectively dropping video frames in order to reduce delay, to reduce memory footprint, or to meet quality of service levels as set by a user.

Abstract: An example computing device creates a resource module that acquires resource information relating to resources of the computing device and acquire quality of experience information corresponding to a quality of audio, and creates a roster module that displays a participant list including resource information relating to resources of a plurality of other computing devices connected to the teleconference and display quality of experience information corresponding to a quality of audio a user of each of the plurality of other computing devices experiences when connected to the teleconference. The device also creates a policy module configured to evaluate the resource information and quality of experience information acquired by the client resource module against rules of a teleconference policy and implement actions based on a determination that the computing device is non-compliant with one or more of the rules of the teleconference policy to control quality of audio during the teleconference.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for compositing multiple video streams onto a background image having at least one object while keeping at least one of a proper perspective, order, and substantial alignment to the object of the multiple video streams based on the rules of a common layout. The background is defined as a meeting space that fills in gaps between the multiple video streams with appropriate structure of the object. The background creates the context of the meeting space.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods for routing a caller of an incoming video call are presented. A representative frame is selected from a sequence of images from the incoming video call. The representative frame may contain a video element (e.g., a face, QR code or printout). If the video element is recognized or unrecognized, a recognition status is set. Next, a rules database blocks or directs the incoming video call, based at least in part on the recognition status, to a video or audio destination.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method of videoconferencing and a videoconferencing system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) a monitor configured to switch between a display mode and a reflecting mode and (2) a camera located in front of the monitor, the camera positioned to face the monitor and synchronized with the monitor to capture a local image reflected therefrom during the reflecting mode.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting a plurality of video signals scalably coded into layers including a base layer and one or more enhancement layers and associated audio signals, if any, over a communication network for presentation to one or more end users. A layout to display the plurality of video signals is determined based on a set of criteria and only the data of the video signal layers that are necessary for displaying the video signals in the determined layout, and any associated audio signals, is selectively transmitted over the communication network.

Abstract: For example, samples included in a frame constituted by a 3840×2160/24P,25P,30P/4:4:4,4:2:2,4:2:0/10,12-bit signal are mapped into first to fourth sub-images specified in the HD-SDI format, in units of two adjoining samples. Thus, it is possible to transmit through a transmission constitution for the HD-SDI format. The signal can be converted into serial digital data permitting a bit rate of 10.692 Gbps or the like and transmitted, and the receiving side can accurately reproduce original data.

Abstract: Procedures for minimizing video latency using different frame rates are described. In an implementation, a video captured at a first frame rate is obtained. At least one frame of the video is eliminated and the resultant video, with the eliminated at least one frame is processed as if the video were captured at a slower frame rate than the first frame rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for acquiring real-time video images of a terminal, sad method comprising: acquiring light intensity of an existing environment when the terminal acquires the real-time video images; comparing the light intensity of the existing environment with a light intensity threshold value set by the terminal system; acquiring images preset by the terminal and sending the preset images to an existing receiver which is communicating with the terminal if the light intensity of the existing environment is lower than the light intensity threshold value set by the terminal system. The present invention can ensure the quality of video conversation when the light intensity is weak, save power energy, improve the user experience, and is beneficial to promote the video communication terminal.

Abstract: A communication system including a communication network, an entertainment device connected to the communication network, and an application server connected to the communication network. The entertainment device has a software client adapted to provide real time two-way communication between the entertainment device and a telephony device connected to the communication network. The application server is adapted to communicate with the software client and facilitate the real time two-way communication between the entertainment device and the telephony device.

Abstract: Processing images in conference between a plurality of video conferencing terminal. The method includes providing properties of terminals, defining a number of groups based on the properties of the terminals, then determining an ordered list of the a number of groups, and determining a pane layout for displaying images from the terminals. The pane layout is determined based on the provided properties of the terminal the pane layout is displayed on and the properties of the other terminals in the conference. Then, mapping the ordered list of the number of groups to the respective determined pane layout, and providing at least one composite image stream to each of the terminals according to the selected pane layout and mapping of the a number of groups. Different types of telepresence endpoints, (e.g. different manufacturers, numbers of screens/cameras, etc.) can thus interoperate well in the same video conference.

Abstract: A voice/video communication system is disclosed. The system includes a caller having a first PSTN subsystem and a first data subsystem, and a callee, wherein the first data subsystem encodes the caller's public IP address/port into a first key sequence and triggers the first PSTN system to send first audio coding representing the first key sequence to the callee.

Abstract: A terminal device associated with a participant of the multipoint session can be identified. The multipoint session can be associated with a video and an audio stream. The terminal device can be a computing device comprising of an audio and video input, and a video output. The multipoint session can be a conference associated with a telephony session. The location of the terminal device and a conferencing device can be determined. The conferencing device can be associated with an audio input and output. If the terminal device is proximate to the conferencing device, a terminal device audio stream can be terminated and a conference device audio stream can be received. A video stream and an audio stream can be simultaneously presented upon the audio and video output of the conferencing device and terminal device. The video and the audio stream can be a synchronized stream of the session.

Abstract: A system is provided for receiving communication data that uses a first amount of bandwidth at a communication computing device. Portions of the communication data are displayed on a display and are provided to at least one speaker. A playback computing device receives playback data via a communication interface. The playback data uses a second amount of bandwidth that is greater than the first amount of bandwidth. A display of the playback computing device displays high-quality video data of the playback data, and a plurality of speakers output high-resolution audio data of the playback data. A talkback device is coupled to both the communication computing device and the playback computing device. The talkback device includes a microphone to provide at least a portion of the communication data and an activating element that, upon activation, mutes the plurality of speakers.

Abstract: A system for providing additional functionality to a mobile device is described. The system includes a mobile enhancing device that is capable of being in electronic communication with the mobile device, the enhancing device comprising a keyboard functionality, display screen functionality, and pointing device functionality. The system may be designed such that the mobile device is a smartphone, mobile phone or a USB flash drive that includes an operating system.

Abstract: A videoconferencing conferee may be provided with feedback on his or her location relative a local video camera by altering how remote videoconference video is displayed on a local videoconference display viewed by the conferee. The conferee's location may be tracked and the displayed remote video may be altered in accordance to the changing location of the conferee. The remote video may appear to move in directions mirroring movement of the conferee. This effect may be achieved by modeling the remote video as offset and behind a virtual portal corresponding to the display. The remote video may be displayed according to a view of the remote video through the virtual portal. As the conferee's position changes, the view through the portal changes, and the remote video changes accordingly.