Abstract: A method of transmitting a video image including an object of interest comprises capturing a sequence of images in which the object of interest occupies a fraction of each image, tracking the object of interest by selecting and extracting a region of each image including the object of interest, and coding only the selected region of each captured image.

Abstract: Method and system for video conferencing with at least three different video conference participant stations, which communicate with one another by a telecommunications network. Multimedia data is transmitted over the telecommunications network including at least participant image data and/or participant audio data, and each participant receives the participant image data of the other participants shown at the same time visually arranged on a reproduction device. An eye tracking system registers the direction of view of the respective participant and transmits it to a communications unit. Those participant image data which are not shown in the momentary direction of view of the respective participant are transmitted over the telecommunications network to the communications unit with reduced resolution and/or video transmission rate.

Abstract: An Image Transceiving Telephone with Integrated Digital Camera (ITTDC) for simultaneous transceiving of real-time audio and non-real time image through a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is disclosed. The ITTDC includes an integrated telephone front end, a PSTN access device, an audio CODEC, an image input device, an image CODEC, an image display device, a local storage for an embedded system control software and associated control and operating parameters and data, an optional local electronic interface, a user-control and a system control including the embedded system control software. The control software further includes an audio sampling and processing means, an image capturing and processing means and a process priority control means allocating, via a real-time audio but non-real time image transfer protocol control, a highest priority to tasks for audio information processing whereas a lower priority to tasks for image information processing.

Abstract: A decoding apparatus and method capable of improving the functionality and simplifying the constitution are realized. The decoding apparatus comprises compressing means for compressing image data decoded by the decoding means to be supplied to storing means and extending means for extending the image data compressed by the compressing means which has been stored in the storing means to be supplied to the decoding means. Also, the decoding method comprises a first step for storing the image data decoded by decoding processing in the storing means and a second step for reading and extending the compressed image data stored in the storing means and for decoding the encoded data based on the extended image data.

Abstract: A conference system is provided for connection in a digital audio signal transmission system (50), for receiving N encoded audio signals from N conferees, wherein N is a positive integer greater than or equal to three. The system comprises a decoding system (90, 91, 92) for decoding the N audio signals, a selection system (100, 130) for selecting one from the N decoded audio signals, and means for switching (160) the selected encoded audio signal from an input stage (80, 81, 82) of the conference circuit to an output (161) of the conference circuit, for transmission at least to the N−1 conferees from whom the selected audio signal did not originate. This arrangement enables the audio from one conferee to be provided as the conference signal, without undergoing decoding and subsequent re-encoding. A decision is made as to whether one signal is appropriate or whether multiple audio signals should be combined.

Abstract: A method and system configures conferences and schedules communication devices, such as video, audio, application sharing, streaming or other multimedia devices, based on a query from a user to request the conference. A configuration engine accepts conference information from a query engine based on the request and applies device data and rules, such as scheduling, configuration and access control rules, to determine one or more possible communication device configurations. The configuration engine or an associated optimization engine determines a preferred configuration and schedules communication devices without requiring the user to have any in depth understanding of the device limitations and capabilities.

Abstract: Sample packets (S1-Sn) are formed from an input signal (1), there being a sample period (P1-Pn) related to each sample packet. The sample packets are inserted into a packet network (4) and transmitted to a recipient. The information content of the input signal per time unit (BR) is monitored and the information content of each sample packet (S1-Sn) is kept substantially constant on the basis of this information by controlling the duration of the sample period (P1-Pn) of the sample packets. Information on the duration of the sample period (P1-Pn) is transmitted to the recipient in the packet network packet. The packets (4) are received in the receiver and sample packets (S1-Sn) are separated from them and supplied to a decoder (7). Information on the duration of the sample period (P1-Pn) is also separated and supplied to the decoder (7), which uses it as the playing time of the restored output signal (8).

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing digital video teleconferencing over a network that allows a user to view the event in a manner more closely approximating live viewing are provided, while not requiring excessive use of bandwidth. Low resolution and high resolution of a videoconference event are obtained, preferably by using two cameras at the event. A whole eye view is sent to clients at low resolution. A user at the client can select one or more areas of interest to him (“attention windows”). High resolution data from the attention window(s) selected by each user is sent to the respective client. The client displays the whole eye view and the attention window data.

Abstract: Multiplexed image data and control data are demultiplexed from each other, and time information is added thereto, respectively, and the image data and control data are stored in temporary storage means, and the corresponding image data and control data are read out from the temporary storage means in accordance with synchronous timing corresponding to the time information which is added thereto, and a control processing is conducted in accordance with the control data while the image data is reproduced, and at the same time, the synchronous timing is corrected in response to a difference between the time information which is added to the image data and the time information which is added to the control data, and accordingly, it is possible to control an apparatus not only by means of synchronization with and a display of video voice but also synchronously with the video voice, and furthermore, it is possible to avoid a delay of synchronization between the video voice and a control device since the synchronous

Abstract: A method and system provides a face-to-face video conference. The method and apparatus comprise a conferencing system consisting of a conferencing station defining a predetermined motif, an image system for generating a substantially full scale image of a person at the conferencing station so that participants at the conferencing station feel that any images of persons displayed by the imager at the conferencing station are present and face-to-face. The method comprises the steps of receiving image data at a teleconferencing station, the image data including data corresponding to at least one person, and displaying an image corresponding to the image data at the teleconferencing station so that at least one participant at the teleconferencing station views an image of said at least one person, thereby providing a face-to-face presence environment whereat the image of at least one person appears substantially life size.

Abstract: In a TV telephone system, a video compression section performs interframe predictive encoding of a video signal captured by a video camera, so as to generate INTRA video data and INTER video data. In the case in which the video compression section generates INTRA video data, the INTRA video data is performed TCP protocol processing by a TCP section, and in the case in which the video compression section generates INTER video data, the INTER is performed UDP protocol processing by a UDP section. The result is that communication of INTRA video data is performed using the TCP protocol and communication of INTER video data is performed using the UDP protocol.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a decode frame store, a B frame store, a first anchor frame store, and a second anchor frame store. The decode frame store may be configured to decode one or more free frames and generate one or more B video images and one or more anchor video images. The B frame store may be configured to receive the one or more B video images from the decode frame store. The first anchor frame store may be configured to receive the one or more anchor video images from the decode frame store. The second anchor frame store may be configured to receive the one or more anchor video images from the first anchor frame store.

Abstract: To provide a moving picture coding apparatus and TV phone wherein a handwritten image is coded with less quantity of calculation and less power consumption. The moving picture signal from camera is combined with handwritten image signal from pen input by combining circuit. Then, combined image as well as coding region information to discriminate a region to be coded is fed to motion compensative moving picture coding circuit. Motion compensative moving picture coding circuit deems that the region needless to be coded is the same as the latest frame. According to the present invention, a quantity of calculation and power consumption of moving picture coding apparatus and TV phone using the same can be reduced, by coding only the newly inputted handwritten image. Degradation of image quality can be reduced by putting its motion vector “0”.

Abstract: A method for transferring live video signals from a video camera of a local system to a remote video-display system via low-bandwidth communication lines is disclosed. The method is especially useful for a fixed camera located at a predetermined location, such as a security camera, for monitoring a picture of a substantially constant background. A live video system for implementation of the method is also disclosed that includes a video camera and a video displayer interconnected by a conventional telephone line.

Abstract: To provide a moving picture coding apparatus and TV phone wherein a handwritten image is coded with less quantity of calculation and less power consumption. The moving picture signal from camera is combined with handwritten image signal from pen input by combining circuit. Then, combined image as well as coding region information to discriminate a region to be coded is fed to motion compensative moving picture coding circuit. Motion compensative moving picture coding circuit deems that the region needless to be coded is the same as the latest frame. According to the present invention, a quantity of calculation and power consumption of moving picture coding apparatus and TV phone using the same can be reduced, by coding only the newly inputted handwritten image. Degradation of image quality can be reduced by putting its motion vector “0”.

Abstract: To reduce the needed bandwidth of video communication system, a portion of the video image that differs from a preceding frame of the video image is predicted from the decompressed audio data with a model operating at both the transmitter and the receiver. The model accuracy is increased and the synchronisation enhanced by reducing the number of degrees of freedom of the model and by making the prediction of the next phoneme in a hierarchical manner.

Abstract: A system and method for visual image compression and transmission offers significant bandwidth conservation while retaining high resolution imaging capability. Videograpic images are decomposed into detail levels, and images are delivered to a remote site display at a level of detail proportional to the perception level of a viewer. Images are transformed, quantized, coded and queued for transmission in accordance with their level of image detail. Image detail layers are transmitted as an inverse function of image displacement speed and as a direct function of image magnification. Images are constructed vertically with each additional queueing layer providing additional image detail. Higher priority layers are lossy encoded, while the lowest priority layers (highest detail levels) are losslessly encoded.

Abstract: A video teleconferencing system and method transfers video teleconferencing signals from a sender to a receiver. The sender determines decision information based on internal or external factors. The sender may or may not generate a video teleconferencing signal depending on the content of the decision information. If generated, the video teleconferencing signal is encoded at the sender and sent to the receiver. Each sender includes at least one memory module for storing the decoded signal, each memory module is one group. The sender updates its memory module with a copy of each sent video teleconferencing signal. The receiver decodes the signal and presents the signal to the user of the receiver. The receiver stores a copy of the signal in a memory module identified with each specific sender.

Abstract: A personal videoconferencing system includes a videoconferencing appliance connected to a personal computer through a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or similar connection. The appliance is provided with a video camera and microphone for generating local video and audio streams. The local video and audio streams are compressed by a video and audio encoder residing at the appliance, and the compressed video and audio streams are conveyed to the personal computer over the USB connection. The appliance may be further provided with an audio decoder for decompressing a remote audio stream received by the personal computer through a network interface and conveyed to the appliance via the USB connection. A video decoder, located on the personal computer, is configured to decompress the local video stream (received through the USB connection) as well as a remote video stream received through the network interface. The decompressed video streams are then sent to a monitor for display to a user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing an uninterrupted digital video stream using a motion-sensitive memory system involve monitoring the acceleration experienced by the memory system and adjusting the compression of the digital video stream when the acceleration of the memory system requires that data writing be temporarily suspended. Uninterrupted digital video streams are captured and stored with a handheld digital video camera that records compressed digital video data with an on-camera optical memory system that utilizes an optical disk, such as an 8 centimeter digital video disk (DVD). Compressed digital video data is written to the optical disk by a write head that has an acceleration threshold beyond which data writing is suspended because the acceleration causes data writing to be unreliable.

Abstract: The present Invention relates to a portable, self-contained, briefcase-sized device capable of transmitting and receiving encrypted or unencrypted video teleconferencing communications over a variety of telecommunications mediums. The system contains a liquid crystal flat panel display, a flexible gooseneck video camera, built-in microphones and speakers, a pop-up bay to receive a military or civilian encryption unit, a variety of input and output connections, a modem-codec and ancillary electronics circuitry, a remote control device, interconnecting cabling, and operating software, all contained within a portable, metal reinforced, lockable, briefcase-type enclosure. The Invention can be connected to a telecommunications link such as a LAN, an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) line provided by the local telephone company, or a Satellite Communications (SATCOM) system such as the International Maritime Satellite (INMARSAT) System.

Abstract: The invention provides a visual telephone apparatus which can assure a high speed of response of a user data application. An image compression section compresses an image signal imaged by a video camera with an image compression ratio based on control information from a terminal control section. A speech compression section compresses a speech signal collected by a microphone with a speech compression ratio based on control information from the terminal control section. The terminal control section produces such control information based on keyboard input data from a keyboard, mouse input data from the mouse and common application operation information from a computer. A multiplexer multiplexes transmission compressed image data and transmission compressed speech data based on the control information outputted from the terminal control section and outputs transmission multiplexed data to a line interface.

Abstract: A video and graphics system uses multiple transport processors to receive compressed data streams to perform PID and section filtering as well as DVB and DES decryption and to demultiplex them. The compressed data streams may include in-band and out-of-band MPEG Transport streams. The video and graphics system processes the PES into digital audio, MPEG video and message data. A core transport processor includes a PCR recovery module for extracting PCRs contained in the compressed data streams and for providing the extracted PCRs to a video transport processor and an audio decode processor. The PCR recovery module has a direct load capability for receiving user defined PCRs and outputting them instead of outputting the extracted PCRs. The PCR recovery module extracts PCRs from both MPEG Transport streams and DIRECTV transport streams.

Abstract: A method and system provides a face-to-face video conference. The method and apparatus comprise a conferencing system consisting of a conferencing station defining a predetermined motif, an image system for generating a substantially full scale image of a person at the conferencing station so that participants at the conferencing station feel that any images of persons displayed by the imager at the conferencing station are present and face-to-face. The method comprises the steps of receiving image data at a teleconferencing station, the image data including data corresponding to at least one person, and displaying an image corresponding to the image data at the teleconferencing station so that at least one participant at the teleconferencing station views an image of said at least one person, thereby providing a face-to-face presence environment whereat the image of at least one person appears substantially life size.

Abstract: A method and communication system are disclosed that use object prioritization and layered image coding in image/video transmission. Objects within an image/video are identified and models are assigned to represent the objects. Priorities are assigned for the objects in accordance with predetermined prioritization rules, then communication channels to communicate data related to the models are assigned so that a higher priority object is assigned to a communication channel having a reliability factor higher than a lower priority object.

Abstract: To reduce the needed bandwidth of video communication system, a portion of the video image that differs from a preceding frame of the video image is predicted from the decompressed audio data with a model operating at both the transmitter and the receiver. The model accuracy is increased and the synchronisation enhanced by reducing the number of degrees of freedom of the model and by making the prediction of the next phoneme in a hierarchical manner.

Abstract: A videoconference system in which a first encoder is provided for encoding the original video signal into a first format suitable for streaming transmission, and a second encoder is provided for encoding the original video signal into a second format having a higher quality or less storage as compared to the first format. The first and second encoder works independently to each other and therefore the parameters may be optimized independently.

Abstract: Disclosed is a videophone terminal system which comprises: a camera for capturing a user's image and outputting it; a case system, in which the camera is installed, for interfacing output signals of the camera, converting input and output signals into wireless signals, and transmitting and receiving the same; and an information terminal for compressing image signals input by the case system and voice signals input by an internal microphone, controlling them to be transmitted to a corresponding connected person through the case system, restoring received image and voice signals, and outputting them. Therefore, users can conveniently use videophone services.

Abstract: A method and system provides a face-to-face video conference. The method and apparatus comprise a conferencing system consisting of a conferencing station defining a predetermined motif, an image system for generating a substantially full scale image of a person at the conferencing station so that participants at the conferencing station feel that any images of persons displayed by the imager at the conferencing station are present and face-to-face. The method comprises the steps of receiving image data at a teleconferencing station, the image data including data corresponding to at least one person, and displaying an image corresponding to the image data at the teleconferencing station so that at least one participant at the teleconferencing station views an image of said at least one person, thereby providing a face-to-face presence environment whereat the image of at least one person appears substantially life size.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a cost-effective videophone communicates over a POTS line, and generates video data in a format for a selected display type. The device includes a video source to capture images and to generate video data representing the images; a telephone line interface circuit, including a signal transmission circuit and a signal receiver circuit; to transmit and receive video data over the telephone line; a memory circuit for storing a main program including video data processing consistent with at least one video-coding recommendation and for processing pixels for a certain display type; a programmable processor circuit for executing the code for processing pixels for a certain display type and, in response, causing image data to be output for display. The programmable processor circuit has a DSP section for compressing and decompressing video, and a RISC-type processor section for general control.

Abstract: A transmitter, a receiver, a transmitting method, and a receiving method which make it possible to transmit or receive moving image data with higher resolution than specified by the prescribed coding and decoding modes. A split moving image data is obtained by dividing a second moving image data for one frame in a second image format in accordance with an image size in a first image format and the dummy moving image data in the first image format are sequentially and alternately coded and transmitted. The split moving image data and the dummy moving image data which have been coded and transmitted are then received and decoded. The split moving image data which has been obtained is then selectively used to reproduce second moving image data.

Abstract: According to the teachings of the present invention there is provided a videophone system utilizing a set-top box (STB) and a server to provide full duplex transmission of audio and video signals over a cable television network, comprising: (a) a first element providing data signals; (b) a compression unit for compressing the signals into a first set of compressed signals; (c) a server designed and configured for converting the first set of compressed signals to a second set of compressed signals, and (d) an STB having a built-in, hardware decompression unit, and operationally connected to the first element and to the server, wherein the STB is designed and configured for: (i) transferring the first set of compressed signals to a server, and (ii) decompressing a set of compressed signals received from the server.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system by which customized quality computer-based training (“CBT”) can be presented over a global network such as the Internet with low development costs, low hosting costs, inexpensive class production, and high-quality audio-visual content. A student, having an active connection to the server from a remote client, enters the CBT website and registers as a new student by providing necessary pertinent information to the server host. Upon completion of the registration process, the student begins his or her interaction with the online computer-based training plan. The online plan includes digital images and digital audio that is compressed and transmitted from a host server to the student's computer via the Internet. The images and audio are taken from digital nondigital sources and converted to a digital format. The images for a plan are selected and compressed into an appropriate compression format.

Abstract: In a method of video messaging a transmission station (110) records a video message in digital form and transmitting it to a predetermined reception station (130). The reception station (130) stores the received video message in a nonvolatile memory (134). At a time other than reception of the video message, the reception station (130) displays the stored video message to a user. The video message may be encoded at the transmission station (110) and decoded at the reception station (130). The transmission station (110) may transmit a digital attachment file with the video message, such as a word processing document, a spreadsheet document, a digital still picture, an audio file or a video clip. The reception station (130) preferably uses a television receiver (141) to display the video message. Video messages may be archived at the reception station (130) using a video cassette recorder (143).

Abstract: The picture data transmission device for use in the transmission of a picture in a television system includes a picture input circuit, a region extraction processing circuit for extracting, from an input picture signal, a picture signal of a predetermined region in a picture frame of the picture in question, a picture coding circuit for coding and outputting a picture signal of a region extracted, and a network interface circuit for transmitting a coded signal to a terminal device of other conference participant, the region extraction processing circuit extracting, from a picture frame, a picture signal of a target picture region containing a target picture and a picture signal of a part of a background region which is a region other than the target picture region in question and transferring the signals to the picture coding means, as well as selecting, in each picture frame, a different part of the background region as a part of the background region to be extracted.

Abstract: The invention provides a picture data decompression apparatus which reduces the time required for decompression of picture data and operates at a high speed. The picture data decompression apparatus includes a module switching section for extracting code patterns in units of n bits the compressed picture data, m decoding and dequantization modules, and an inverse orthogonal transform section for inverse orthogonal transforming decoded and dequantized data from the m decoding and dequantization means. Each of the decoding and dequantization modules decodes and dequantizes, from a code pattern in units of n bits extracted by the module switching section, only a predetermined variable length code of a single unique code pattern of n bits from among m different predetermined patterns.

Abstract: A multipoint control unit (MCU) or other digital video-processing apparatus operates to manipulate compressed digital video from several compressed digital video sources. The apparatus has a plurality of video input modules and a plurality of video output module. Each of the video input modules receives a compressed video signal from one of the sources and generally decodes the data into a primary data stream and a secondary data stream. The video output module receives the primary and secondary data streams, from at least one of the input module for generally encoding to a compressed output stream for transmission.

Abstract: A method of increasing the frame rate of an image of a speaking person comprises monitoring an audio signal indicative of utterances by the speaking person and the associated video signal. The audio signal corresponds to one or more fields or frames to be reconstructed, and individual portions of the audio signal are associated with facial feature information. The facial information includes mouth formation and position information derived from phonemes or other speech-based criteria from which the position of a speaker's mouth may be reliably predicted. A field or frame of the image is reconstructed using image features extracted from the existing frame and by utilizing the facial feature information associated with a detected phoneme.

Abstract: A combined image is made up of a static image and a motion image. An area of the static image is replaced by the motion image to form the combined image. The combined image is then coded and transmitted from one communication partner to another communication partner by way of a network.

Abstract: A packet communication device (sending side) sends audio and/or video signals coded by a first coding method and audio and/or video signals coded by a second coding method until the other communicating party gets ready completely when a coding method is switched from the first coding method to the second coding method during communication with the other communicating party. The packet communication apparatus (receiving side) outputs audio and/or video signals decoded by using a second decoding method after decoding processes of the second decoding method corresponding to the second coding method gets stable. Having this construction can prevent the occurrence of noise, turbulence of video, and/or interruption of audio and/or video even when the coding method is switched during communication with the other communicating party.

Abstract: A system providing video compression/encoding functions incorporates an integrated video apparatus which includes a camera for capturing an image, a frame grabber coupled to the camera for storing a bitmap of the image, and a video processor coupled to the frame grabber. The video processor is coupled to the system bus and to a dedicated memory and executes an algorithm which compresses the bitmap into an encoded bitstream. A central processing unit manages the transfer of the encoded bitstream from the video processor to the network utilizing a main memory coupled to the system bus.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for mixing video streams, the video mixing takes place in the compressed domain. The computational load is thereby reduced, which in turn saves costs. A Possible application is a multi-point control unit (MCU) provided as a centralized unit in a video conference.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a video conference control apparatus and a method thereof based on a MPEG4 which is capable of performing a video conference by using a MPEG4 system on an IP (Internet Protocol) network. Particularly, the present invention is capable of implementing a MPEG4 video conference system on the IP network, developing products such as a MPEG4-H.323 Gate Way etc. and communicating freely in one space with terminals having different standards by providing an apparatus and a method for performing protocol conversion and connection management in order to perform mutual interlocking with H.323 terminals by using the MPEG4 system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cost-effective videophone device acts as a security monitor and includes a programmable processor circuit capable of communicating over a conventional communications channel, such as a POTS line, and of generating video data for display on a television set. The device includes a video source, an interface circuit, including a modem transmitting and receiving video and audio data over the channel; an EEPROM circuit for storing a program to control the videophone apparatus; and a display driver circuit for generating video data to the display. The programmable processor circuit includes a DSP-type processor for processing video data and a general-purpose processor for executing the stored program and controlling the operation of the videophone apparatus. Further, a code is used to designate one of multiple operations for various interacting processor circuits communicating in the same system.