Abstract: A video chatting method and system are provided. The method and system describe collection of facial vector data, audio data, and interactive motion information of a user of a first client. The collected data may be transmitted to a second client. The second client, in turn, may generate a virtual avatar model of the user of the first client based on the received data. The second client may further display the virtual model, play sound in the audio data. The second client may also render the interactive motion information and facial data information of a user of the second client, and generate and display a virtual avatar model of the user of the second client. The provided method and system may decreases amount of data that may be transferred over the network. This may allow data transmission rate during video communication to be high enough for a smooth operation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a 3D teleconferencing apparatus and method enabling eye contact. The 3D teleconferencing apparatus enabling eye contact according to the present invention includes an image acquisition unit for acquiring depth images and color images by manipulating cameras in real time in consideration of images obtained by capturing a subject that is a teleconference participant and images received over a network and corresponding to a counterpart involved in the teleconference; a full face generation unit for generating a final depth image and a final color image corresponding to a full face of the participant for eye contact using the depth images and the color images; and a 3D image generation unit for generating a 3D image corresponding to the counterpart and displaying the 3D image on a display device.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for adapting a continuous presence videoconferencing layout according to interactions between conferees. Using regions of interest found in video images, the arrangement of images of conferees may be dynamically arranged as displayed by endpoints. Arrangements may be responsive to various metrics, including the position of conferees in a room and dominant conferees in the videoconference. Video images may be manipulated as part of the arrangement, including cropping and mirroring the video image. As interactions between conferees change, the layout may be automatically rearranged responsive to the changed interactions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, device, and system for highlighting a party of interest in video conferencing, relating to the communication field and capable of effectively utilizing network bandwidth and enhancing conference efficiency. The method includes: converting received audio and video signals sent by multiple conferencing terminals into multiple independent video images corresponding to the multiple conferencing terminals, and displaying the multiple video images through a display device; and adjusting display factors of the multiple video images according to obtained video image display priority signals, so that the multiple video images present different visual characteristics in the display device. The embodiments of the present invention are applied in video conferencing.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for playing audio of an attendant at a remote end and a remote video conference system are provided. The method includes: receiving audio of an attendant at a remote site; and by means of two or more loudspeakers mounted at a top and a bottom of a remote image presentation device at a local site, simulating an audio transmission path of the audio of the attendant at the remote site between the two or more loudspeakers and an attendant at the local site through a predetermined algorithm, where the simulating means that the audio transmission path is simulated between an image of the head of the attendant at the remote site displayed in the remote image presentation device, and the head of the attendant at the local site.

Abstract: In one implementation, a computer-implemented method includes determining a location of a mobile computing device using one or more of a plurality of data sources; communicating, by the mobile computing device, with another computing device as part of a two-way video chat session over a first network connection, the communicating including transmitting the location of the mobile computing device; displaying, as part of the two-way video chat session, real-time video from the other computing device; recording video using one or more cameras that are accessible to the mobile computing device; and transmitting, over a second network connection, the video to a remote storage system for persistent storage.

Abstract: An approach for providing virtual conferencing is described. A virtual conference platform receives, in real-time, images representing users of the respective mobile devices, selects a virtual environment among a plurality of virtual environments, and integrates the images into the selected virtual environment.

Abstract: An image is displayed from a transparent display according to a first signal. Light passing through the display is received, and a second signal is generated from the received light. A third signal is generated from the first signal and the second signal by eliminating data in the second signal corresponding to the image.

Abstract: A depth image of a scene may be received, observed, or captured by a device. The depth image may then be analyzed to determine whether the depth image includes a human target. For example, the depth image may include one or more targets including a human target and non-human targets. Each of the targets may be flood filled and compared to a pattern to determine whether the target may be a human target. If one or more of the targets in the depth image includes a human target, the human target may be scanned. A skeletal model of the human target may then be generated based on the scan.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for taking an image and conducting video communication are provided. The image-taking and video communication apparatus includes a transparent display, a front camera, and a controller. The front camera is positioned behind the transparent display and captures an image of an object in front of the transparent display through the transparent display. The controller synchronizes an image capture period of the front camera with a screen output period of the transparent display so that image capturing of the front camera alternates with screen output of the transparent display.

Abstract: In one embodiment, images of a first user in a video conference are captured with one or more physical video cameras. The captured images are processed to form a three-dimensional (3-D) model of the first user. A location on a display screen is determined where an image of each of one or more second users in the video conference is shown. One or more virtual cameras are positioned in 3-D space. Each virtual camera is associated with a respective second user and positioned in 3-D space based on the location on the display screen where the image of the associated second user is shown. A view of the first user from the perspective of each of the one or more virtual cameras is rendered. The rendered view of the first user from the perspective of each virtual camera is shared with the associated second user for the respective virtual camera.

Abstract: A method for rendering a 3D video conference including configuring at least two cameras to track a position of a user, transmitting the position of the user to a participant of the 3D video conference, and rendering for display on a 3D display device parallel participant video streams which have been modified in response to the position of the user.

Abstract: A method of operating a display with gaps in between the pixels, a primarily transparent backlight and a camera is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method comprises capturing an image in the camera through the primarily transparent backlight and gaps in between the pixels of the transmissive display during a capture period, not capturing an image in the camera during the display period and making the gaps in between the pixels of the transmissive display opaque during the display period.

Abstract: Systems and method for causing a user to look into a camera are described. In some aspects, a position of a camera coupled with a computing device is determined. A computer-generated element is displayed proximate to the determined position of the camera. The computer-generated element is presented for causing a user of the computing device to reposition a face of the user toward the determined position of the camera.

Abstract: A method of controlling a plurality of meeting room resources. The method includes initiating, via a host information handling system, an application, creating, via the application, a plurality of preferences, and establishing, by the host information handling system, a connection with a configuration device via a first close range communication path. The method also includes transferring at least one of the plurality of preferences, via the first close range communication path to the configuration device. The configuration device transmits, via a second close range communication path, a control message based on at least one of the plurality of preferences, to control at least one of the plurality of meeting room resources.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for an eye contact video call capable of a realistic call in eye contact with the other party. A transparent display is formed at a central part of the opaque display and a camera is formed at a rear side thereof, thereby allowing a realistic call in eye contact with the other party and at the same time, the readability to be improved even in cases of a usual display use (mode). Further, the manufacturing cost of a terminal may be reduced and an interference of an output video of a transparent display that exists in the camera photograph video may also be effectively eliminated.

Abstract: In a typical video meeting, each of two persons has a computer or a portable electronic device, controlled by one or more processors executing software instructions. Each device has a screen and a video camera. Typically, B's camera will be positioned above B's screen. Video of B is transmitted across a communication system from B's camera to A's screen. Because B is looking at A's image on the screen, A will perceive B to be focused downward, not making eye contact. The present invention analyzes video frames for the orientations of B's head and focus, and uses image editing software tools to virtually correct the gaze direction of B's eye to be directed toward B's camera. A's gaze direction may be similarly adjusted simultaneously. The approach may also be used with 3 or more participants, e.g., in a video conference.

Abstract: A telepresence communication system for group meeting rooms and personal home and office systems provides improved human factor experience through substantially life size images with eye level camera placement. The system provides switched presence interfaces so that conferees can select when to transmit their images during a conference and optionally provides individual microphones for each of conferee. Switched presence between presets of conferees are viewed on multipoint windows overlaying life-size images upon eye contact camera regions and eliminate seeing camera image movement during pan, tilt and zoom operations. An ambient light rejecting filter system enables an eye level camera to be hidden behind a projection screen and provides bright, high contrast images under normal meeting room and office environments.

Abstract: A telepresence device allows a remote meeting participant to establish a telepresence at a remote meeting location. The telepresence device provides a video image of the remote meeting participant on a video display screen at a meeting location To enhance the visual sensation that the remote person is present at the meeting location, the telepresence device may display the silhouette image of the remote meeting participant without the image of the background scene of the remote participant's location (e.g., office, home or home office). Further, the telepresence device may be equipped with a rear-facing camera that captures a video image of the background scene behind the telepresence device at the meeting location. The silhouette image of the remote meeting participant may be superimposed on the video image of the background scene at the meeting location, which is captured by the rear-facing camera.

Abstract: A telepresence communication system for group meeting rooms and personal home and office systems provides improved human factor experience through substantially life size images with eye level camera placement. The system provides switched presence interfaces so that conferees can select when to transmit their images during a conference and optionally provides individual microphones for each of conferee. Switched presence between presets of conferees are viewed on multipoint windows overlaying life-size images upon eye contact camera regions and eliminate seeing camera image movement during pan, tilt and zoom operations. An ambient light rejecting filter system enables an eye level camera to be hidden behind a projection screen and provides bright, high contrast images under normal meeting room and office environments.

Abstract: A method for tracking an active subject in a video call service includes establishing a peer-to-peer connection between a videophone input apparatus and a peer over a wireless connection; receiving information of a first resolution display of an A/V output apparatus of the peer; and generating a local video stream in the videophone apparatus based on a video signal provided by a second resolution camera of the videophone apparatus, the second resolution being greater than the first resolution.

Abstract: A technique includes configuring a monitor to be longitudinally translated along a work surface and pivoted about an axis that is substantially parallel to a normal of the work surface.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an application server receives, from a given UE, data that is configured to visually represent physical user input detected at the given UE at a first level of precision. The application server determines data presentation capabilities of a target UE and/or a performance level associated with a connection between the application server and the target UE. The application server selectively transitions the received data from the first level of precision to a second level of precision based on the determination, and transmits the selectively transitioned data to the target UE for presentation. In another embodiment, the application server receives a request to adjust display settings of the target UE from the given UE responsive to detected physical user input. The application server selectively adjusts the target UE's display settings based on the received request.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes capturing images of a first participant through a display using a camera. The display is located between the first participant and the camera. A video stream of images of a second participant is also received. The images of the second participant are shifted in accordance with a shift vector. The shift vector places the images of the second participant's face in approximate alignment with the eyes of the first participant and the lens of the camera. The shifted images are projected on the display using a projector.

Abstract: A location-based operating method for a head mounted display apparatus is provided. The method can be performed by one or more components of a mobile computing system and remote computing systems. The method obtains location data corresponding to the head mounted display apparatus, and processes the location data to determine a geographic position of the head mounted display apparatus. The method continues by controlling display characteristics of the head mounted display apparatus in response to the geographic position of the head mounted display apparatus.

Abstract: A method controls manipulation of a computing device. The method turns on a camera device to capture images and gestures of a manipulation owner, analyzes the gestures to get operations to control the computing device using a recognition unit of the computing device, and determines whether an additional participant gets the manipulation control of the computing device. If the additional participant gets the manipulation control of the computing device, the method stops to capture the images of the manipulation owner, and captures the images of the additional participant. If the additional participant does not get the manipulation control of the computing device, the method still captures the images of the manipulation owner.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes an illumination source that provides light across a surface area of a front panel of the display apparatus. A control system is configured to control the illumination source to increase an intensity of the light for a local region of a front panel of the display apparatus relative to an intensity of the light from the illumination source for at least an adjacent region of the front panel that is adjacent to the local region. The local region of the front panel corresponds to a location for a partial mirror at the front panel.

Abstract: In the field of communication, embodiments of the present invention provide a video communication method, device and system. The technical solutions provided by the present invention include: at least two local video cameras, configured to shoot at least two channels of local video images; an apparatus for local shooting, stitching, and fusing, configured to fuse the at least two channels of local video images, generate a panoramic video image, encode the panoramic video image into a video code stream, and transmit the video code stream to a video communication site at a remote end; a local display fusing apparatus, configured to obtain at least two channels of video data by decoding a video code stream received from the remote end, fuse the at least two channels of video data, and output the fused video data to local display apparatuses for display.

Abstract: Provided are a video communication apparatus having an eye-to-eye communication function that enables video communication users to communicate with each other in an eye-to-eye state, and a method thereof. The apparatus includes a display unit configured to display a video of a video communication partner, the display unit including a plurality of cameras activated according to a selection control signal; a video processor configured to encode a captured video from the activated camera, and to decode a video from the video communication partner and identify a position of the video communication partner's eyes from the video; a camera selector configured to activate a camera installed in a position corresponding to the position among the plurality of cameras; and a transceiver configured to transmit the encoded video from the video processor to the video communication partner and provide the video from the video communication partner to the video processor.

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, which is further away from the two-way mirror than the image plane of the image display device, appears 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: An electronic device and a control method thereof are disclosed, the electronic device including: an operation implementation unit conducting a predetermined operation; a first main controller controlling the operation of the operation implementation unit; an input reception unit receiving an input signal; a second main controller processing the input signal and being in the power saving state in the standby mode; and a subcontroller controlling the second main controller to process the input signal when the input signal is received in the standby mode, wherein the second main controller processes the received input signal according to control of the subcontroller, controls the first main controller to operate in the normal mode when the input signal corresponds to entering the normal mode, and returns to the power saving state in the standby mode when the input signal does not correspond to entering the normal mode.

Abstract: A method including: receiving acoustic signals originating from an acoustic source at a first pair of microphone elements, arranged symmetrically about a detection point; calculating, with a processor device, a cross correlation of signals provided by the first pair of microphone elements, resulting in a first cross correlation signal; receiving the acoustic signals originating from the acoustic source at a second pair of microphone elements, arranged symmetrically about the detection point; calculating, with the processor device, a cross correlation of signals provided by the second pair of microphone elements, resulting in a second cross correlation signal; and calculating, with the processor device, a direction between the detection point and the acoustic source based on a convolution of the first cross correlation signal by the second cross correlation signal.

Abstract: A virtual camera pose determiner is configured to determine a position and an orientation of a virtual camera. The position of the virtual camera is determined on the basis of a display position of a displayed representation of a remote participant on a display. The orientation of the virtual camera is determined on the basis of a geometrical relation between the display position of the remote participant on the display, and a position of a local participant. The virtual camera is configured to transmit an image or a sequence of images to the remote participant, so that an image provided by the virtual camera has the view on the local participant as is if viewed from the display position. Further embodiments provide a video communication system having a virtual camera pose determiner for providing a virtual camera pose on basis of the display position and the position of the local participant.

Abstract: A method for capturing an image, comprising: providing a switchable imaging apparatus including a display screen having a first display state and a second transparent state, an optical beam deflector switchable between a first non-deflecting state and a second deflecting state, a camera positioned in a location peripheral to the display screen, and a controller; setting the switchable imaging apparatus to the image capture mode by using the controller to set the display screen to the second transparent state and the optical beam deflector to the second deflecting state; using the camera to capture an image of the scene; setting the switchable imaging apparatus to the image display mode by using the controller to set the display screen to the first display state and the optical beam deflector to the first non-deflecting state; and displaying an image on the display screen.

Abstract: An enhanced interface for voice and video communications, in which a gesture of a user is recognized from a sequence of camera images, and a user interface is provided include a control and a representation of the user. The process also includes causing the representation to interact with the control based on the recognized gesture, and controlling a telecommunication session based on the interaction.

Abstract: A system and method for control of video bandwidth based on the pose of a person. In one embodiment, a plurality of video streams is obtained that are representative of images at a first location. The video streams are communicated from the first location to a second location. A pose of the head of a person is determined wherein the person is at one of the first location and the second location. The images at the second location are displayed, wherein bandwidth for communication of the video streams is allocated among the video streams based on the pose of the head of the person.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media are disclosed for allowing video conferencing participants to maintain eye contact with each other. A display is disposed between a first video capture device and a second video capture device. The video capture devices capture images of a subject video conferencing participant. Images from the first capture device are associated with images from the second video capture device for transmission over a network to a video conferencing agent of a peer video conferencing participant. Images of the peer video conferencing participant are received over the network and displayed on the display that is disposed between the video capture devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a 3D teleconferencing apparatus and method enabling eye contact. The 3D teleconferencing apparatus enabling eye contact according to the present invention includes an image acquisition unit for acquiring depth images and color images by manipulating cameras in real time in consideration of images obtained by capturing a subject that is a teleconference participant and images received over a network and corresponding to a counterpart involved in the teleconference; a full face generation unit for generating a final depth image and a final color image corresponding to a full face of the participant for eye contact using the depth images and the color images; and a 3D image generation unit for generating a 3D image corresponding to the counterpart and displaying the 3D image on a display device.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a photographing unit configured to generate a plurality of images by photographing a plurality of times a range which can be photographed, an object detection unit configured to detect a specified object from each of the plurality of images generated by the photographing unit, a position determination unit configured to determine an existing position of the specified object based on a detection result of the specified object in the plurality of images, and a range determination unit configured to determine a photographing range to be photographed within the range which can be photographed based on the existing position of the specified object determined by the position determination unit.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system for enhanced telepresence employs a single wide aspect ratio high resolution camera for capturing video images of near end conference participants. Captured video image can be divided into adjacent portions, where video images corresponding to each portion is separately encoded and sent to a far end videoconferencing system to be displayed on adjacently placed display devices. Misalignment in displayed images at the far end can be mitigated by selecting portions that are non-overlapping and horizontally aligned. Number and size of the portions can be determined based on configuration information of the far end videoconferencing system.

Abstract: A video conferencing display device a display panel, at least one imaging device and processing structure. The at least one imaging device has a field of view aimed at an inner surface of the display panel and captures images through the display panel such that when a user is positioned adjacent an outer surface of the display panel, the user appears in the captured images. The processing structure communicates with the at least one imaging device and processes the captured images to create a direct eye image for transmission to a remote device over a network.

Abstract: Systems and method for causing a user to look into a camera are described. In some aspects, a position of a camera coupled with a computing device is determined. A computer-generated element is displayed proximate to the determined position of the camera. The computer-generated element is presented for causing a user of the computing device to reposition a face of the user toward the determined position of the camera.

Abstract: A remote control device is operative to enable and facilitate user control of video systems that are operative to provide one or more three-dimensional (3D) viewing effects. According to an exemplary embodiment, the remote control device includes a user input terminal having an input element operative to receive user inputs to adjust at least one of a volume setting and a channel setting of a video system, and further operative to receive user inputs to adjust a three-dimensional (3-D) viewing effect of the video system. A transmitter is operative to transmit control signals to the video system in response to the user inputs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a video displaying apparatus including: a projector screen; at least one camera disposed at a predetermined position of the projector screen to acquire a user's video; a communication unit receiving the other party's video from the other video terminal and transmitting the user's video acquired through at least one camera to the other video terminal; and a projector outputting the other party's video so that the other party's video received from the communication unit is displayed on the projector screen.

Abstract: A video display device adapted for video conferencing where a camera is placed in the line of sight of the screen. If both users of a video conference are using this device, they will look straight at each other and one will appear to be looking directly into the other's face.

Abstract: An audio locating and tracking apparatus, a method of directing a camera to view an audio source, and a video conferencing terminal are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) an audio source identifier configured to locate an audio source based on multimodal sensor data from at least two different types of sensors and (2) an image selector configured to automatically direct a camera to view the audio source.

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

Abstract: The sharing an image of a local participant in a group with at least one other participant in that group commences by establishing, for that local participant, orientation information indicative of an orientation of the communication channel local participant relative to a display screen and a video camera. The local participant sends his or her image of the local participant along with the orientation information to at least one other participant. The orientation information enables display of the image of the local participant with a common orientation recognized by the at least one other participant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a live avatar include features for directing the live avatar gaze to be consistent with a remote operator's view of the live avatar's surroundings. Indication of gaze direction may be continuously provided to the live avatar using movable optics, for example a heads-up display, or a movable optical prism or lens. Gaze direction or operator commands may be communicated using a haptic device. Video and control streams from multiple live avatars may be aggregated through a host server and allocated via an online interface to multiple prospective remote operators.

Abstract: A position of one or more video cameras is determined. The position of one or more video cameras is communicated with a video communication application. A position of one or more video windows is controlled from the position of one or more video cameras, where controlling the position of one or more video windows further involves one or more video windows being positioned at a position closest to one or more video cameras.