Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and an apparatus for controlling a conference place environment in video communication, in which, the method for controlling a video communication conference place environment includes: generating illumination feedback information indicating an illumination effect of a video communication conference place, in which the illumination feedback information comprises: a parameter indicating an illumination flaw or a parameter indicating correction of the illumination flaw; and outputting the illumination feedback information, so that a lighting controlling device in the video communication conference place controls lighting in the video communication conference place according to the illumination feedback information. By use of technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention, a conference place environment in video communication is able to be remotely controlled.

Abstract: System and method involving user interfaces and remote control devices. These user interfaces may be particularly useful for providing an intuitive and user friendly interaction between a user and a device or application using a display, e.g., at a “10 foot” interaction level. The user interfaces may be specifically designed for interaction using a simple remote control device having a limited number of inputs. For example, the simple remote control may include directional inputs (e.g., up, down, left, right), a confirmation input (e.g., ok), and possibly a mute input. The user interface may be customized based on current user activity or other contexts (e.g., based on current or previous states), the user logging in (e.g., using a communication device), etc. Additionally, the user interface may allow the user to adjust cameras whose video are not currently displayed, rejoin previously left videoconferences, and/or any of a variety of desirable actions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a video signature representative of a content of a video signal. A method and apparatus are further disclosed for providing an audio signature representative of a content of an audio signal. A method and apparatus for detecting lip sync are further disclosed and take advantage of the method and apparatus disclosed for providing a video signature and an audio signature.

Abstract: A data processing method, a data processing apparatus and an electronic device are provided. The method includes: receiving second communication data from a second communication device, in the case where a data path is established between the first communication device and the second communication device; displaying, by the first display unit, a second content corresponding to the second communication data; collecting, by the first input unit, a first operation of a user of the first communication device; determining, based on the first operation, a second processing instruction for transforming the second content, in the case where the first operation meets a first predetermined condition; and controlling, in response to the second processing instruction, the first display unit and/or a second display unit to display third content associated with the second content.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a recording medium, and a program for allowing communicating parties at remote locations to view the same displayed content and to point to desired positions on the displayed image of the content. A user A and a user B viewing themselves and the content on a cross-faded mode may point to desired positions on the content image with their fingertips. Motion vectors of the fingertips are then detected in particular areas extracted from the image in a manner containing the detected positions. The detected motion vectors are translated into a pointer for the user A and a pointer for the user B, the pointers being alpha-blended with the content image. The two pointers extracted from a single image are associated with the users A and B by use of different Cyber Codes attached to the fingertips of each user, for example.

Abstract: A videoconference may be initiated between a plurality of endpoints. At least one of the endpoints may be coupled to a recording server, which may be configured to record the videoconference. A configuration may be selected (e.g., automatically or manually) for performing the recording. The endpoint (e.g., acting as an MCU) may transmit information to endpoints and may transmit recording information to the recording server. The recording information may be different from the videoconference information. For example, it may be in a “streaming friendly” format, at a different bit rate, encoded differently, have different inputs, etc. The manner in which the videoconference is stored and/or recorded may be based on the selected configuration. Clients may be configured to receive and display the videoconference from the recording server and may be configured to change the provided layout to different layouts, e.g., based on user input.

Abstract: A videoconference may be initiated between a plurality of endpoints. At least one of the endpoints may be coupled to a recording server, which may be configured to record the videoconference. A configuration may be selected (e.g., automatically or manually) for performing the recording. The endpoint (e.g., acting as an MCU) may transmit information to endpoints and may transmit recording information to the recording server. The recording information may be different from the videoconference information. For example, it may be in a “streaming friendly” format, at a different bit rate, encoded differently, have different inputs, etc. The manner in which the videoconference is stored and/or recorded may be based on the selected configuration. Clients may be configured to receive and display the videoconference from the recording server and may be configured to change the provided layout to different layouts, e.g., based on user input.

Abstract: A mechanism for efficiently and dynamically adjusting lighting conditions in a space through the use of existing video capture devices in the space or video capture devices on computing devices brought into the space is provided. Incident lighting levels, light composition, and similar aspects on the participants, displays, projectors, white boards, walls, and comparable objects may be calibrated and/or optimized based on captured image quality.

Abstract: An Open Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) platform is provided. By providing remote medical services to users in the Open IPTV environment using a remote medical service providing apparatus including: an application programming interface (API) calling unit to call, when receiving a request for receiving a remote medical service from a counselor's terminal, an API of an Open Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) platform; and a service provider to provide the remote medical service to a user through the API, it is possible to provide remote medical service operators with environments where they can develop and share various remote medical to services and content.

Abstract: A conference system includes a first conference device and a second conference device installed at a first site, and is connected with an external conference device installed at a site different from the first site. The second conference device selects one from a group consisting of a video image taken by and received from the first conference device and a video image taken by the second conference device to transmit the selected video image to the external conference device. The second conference device selects a video image taken by the second conference device when the second conference device detects an event occurred at the second conference device.

Abstract: In some implementations, a method includes receiving a selection of one or more users of a social networking service, the selection received via a social networking interface. A live visual data feed derived from a camera is received, where the received live visual data feed has a multiple frames and has a time interval between successive frames of the live visual data feed. A modified live visual data feed is sent over a network to be distributed using the social networking service to the selected users of the social networking service. The modified live feed includes frames derived from the frames of the received live visual data feed, and the modified feed provides a different time interval between its successive frames than the time interval between the frames of the received live feed.

Abstract: Introduction of one or more multicast engines to a video conferencing system permits an improvement of overall network bandwidth used for a video conference. A video stream is received at a multicast engine connected to a participant of a plurality of participants in the conference where the video stream is supplied by the participant. The multicast engine selectively transmits the video stream to a server station based on determining whether the video stream is a candidate for a conference video stream to be transmitted to at least some of the plurality of participants. The conference video stream is received at the multicast engine from the server station, and the stream is transmitted from the multicast engine to any participants in the video conference that are connected to the multicast engine.

Abstract: A videoconference may be initiated between a plurality of endpoints. At least one of the endpoints may be coupled to a recording server, which may be configured to record the videoconference. A configuration may be selected (e.g., automatically or manually) for performing the recording. The endpoint (e.g., acting as an MCU) may transmit information to endpoints and may transmit recording information to the recording server. The recording information may be different from the videoconference information. For example, it may be in a “streaming friendly” format, at a different bit rate, encoded differently, have different inputs, etc. The manner in which the videoconference is stored and/or recorded may be based on the selected configuration. Clients may be configured to receive and display the videoconference from the recording server and may be configured to change the provided layout to different layouts, e.g., based on user input.

Abstract: A videoconference may be initiated between a plurality of endpoints. At least one of the endpoints may be coupled to a recording server, which may be configured to record the videoconference. A configuration may be selected (e.g., automatically or manually) for performing the recording. The endpoint (e.g., acting as an MCU) may transmit information to endpoints and may transmit recording information to the recording server. The recording information may be different from the videoconference information. For example, it may be in a “streaming friendly” format, at a different bit rate, encoded differently, have different inputs, etc. The manner in which the videoconference is stored and/or recorded may be based on the selected configuration. Clients may be configured to receive and display the videoconference from the recording server and may be configured to change the provided layout to different layouts, e.g., based on user input.

Abstract: A videoconference may be initiated between a plurality of endpoints. At least one of the endpoints may be coupled to a recording server, which may be configured to record the videoconference. A configuration may be selected (e.g., automatically or manually) for performing the recording. The endpoint (e.g., acting as an MCU) may transmit information to endpoints and may transmit recording information to the recording server. The recording information may be different from the videoconference information. For example, it may be in a “streaming friendly” format, at a different bit rate, encoded differently, have different inputs, etc. The manner in which the videoconference is stored and/or recorded may be based on the selected configuration. Clients may be configured to receive and display the videoconference from the recording server and may be configured to change the provided layout to different layouts, e.g., based on user input.

Abstract: A video conferencing device that includes a camera and display system captures video of local participants and displays incoming video feeds from remote locations. For example, incoming video feeds of the remote participants may be displayed on an outward-facing circular screen mounted on a central pedestal. One or more cameras are also mounted on the pedestal in order to capture video of the local participants. The incoming video feed can be arranged or organized in various ways on the display based in part on the quantity of incoming feeds and/or the needs of the conference-room participants.

Abstract: A videoconference may be initiated between a plurality of endpoints. At least one of the endpoints may be coupled to a recording server, which may be configured to record the videoconference. A configuration may be selected (e.g., automatically or manually) for performing the recording. The endpoint (e.g., acting as an MCU) may transmit information to endpoints and may transmit recording information to the recording server. The recording information may be different from the videoconference information. For example, it may be in a “streaming friendly” format, at a different bit rate, encoded differently, have different inputs, etc. The manner in which the videoconference is stored and/or recorded may be based on the selected configuration. Clients may be configured to receive and display the videoconference from the recording server and may be configured to change the provided layout to different layouts, e.g., based on user input.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, articles, and methods are described including operations for content aware selective adjusting of motion estimation.

Abstract: A platform for end point and digital content centric real-time shared experience for collaboration across endpoints is disclosed. In one embodiment, media centric collaboration terminals (MCCTs) are communicatively connected to one or more terminals selected from the group consisting of video communication terminals (VCTs), voice over Internet protocol (IP) communication terminals (VoCTs), remote servers, remote streaming clients and/or appliances, machines and gadgets (AMGs) via a communication network. Further, audio and/or video bridging of one or more audio and/or video streams originating from one of the MCCTs designated as a current host along with incoming audio and/or video streams from at least one of any remaining MCCTs designated as clients or the one or more terminals is enabled on the current host, via the communication network.

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 teleconferencing system for voice and data provides interconnections among user sites via a central station. User stations at user sites each alternate operation between a data mode connecting a user computer and modem to a user telephone communication path and a voice mode connecting a telephony circuit to the communication path. The teleconferencing system is adapted for conducting a voice conference over standard telephone lines while allowing simultaneous viewing of data objects such as slides, graphs, or text. A host computer connected to the central station serves as a central repository for storage and retrieval of data objects for use in teleconferences.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulating images in a videoconferencing session provides users with a 3-D-like view of one or more presented sites, without the need for 3-D equipment. A plurality of cameras may record a room at a transmitting endpoint, and the receiving endpoint may select one of the received video streams based upon a point of view of a conferee at the receiving endpoint. The conferee at the receiving endpoint will thus experience a 3-D-like view of the presented site.

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: Speakers are identified based on sound origination detection through use of infrared detection of satellite microphones, estimation of distance between satellite microphones and base unit utilizing captured audio, and/or estimation of satellite microphone orientation utilizing captured audio. Multiple sound source localization results are combined to enhance sound source localization and/or active speaker detection accuracy.

Abstract: A videoconference may be initiated between a plurality of endpoints. At least one of the endpoints may be coupled to a recording server, which may be configured to record the videoconference. A configuration may be selected (e.g., automatically or manually) for performing the recording. The endpoint (e.g., acting as an MCU) may transmit information to endpoints and may transmit recording information to the recording server. The recording information may be different from the videoconference information. For example, it may be in a “streaming friendly” format, at a different bit rate, encoded differently, have different inputs, etc. The manner in which the videoconference is stored and/or recorded may be based on the selected configuration. Clients may be configured to receive and display the videoconference from the recording server and may be configured to change the provided layout to different layouts, e.g., based on user input.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top-box (STB) having a controller to operate the STB coupled to an interactive television network as an audio visual answering machine using a digital video recorder forming a part of the STB, use at least one camera coupled to the STB to capture video, use at least one microphone coupled to the STB to capture audio, present video from at least a calling party on a television set coupled to the STB, and present audio from at least the calling party on speakers coupled to the STB. Other embodiments are disclosed.

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.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of players, and provides a portable multimedia player includes a housing; an integrated circuit module received in the housing for playing multimedia; a storage device interface electrically connected to the integrated circuit module, and configured to connect to an external storage device; and a male HDMI connector electrically connected to the integrated circuit module, configured to be connected to a female HDMI of an external display device. The multimedia function of the external display device is expanded by connecting the male HDMI 11 to the female HDMI of the external display device. The portable multimedia player is connected to the display device without any corresponding interface cable, such that it affords convenient using to users and beautiful appearance.

Abstract: To provide a video conferencing system that a user can continue to use even when the user leaves for a different location. The video conferencing system includes: a takeover information generation unit which generates takeover information including configuration information on a screen layout used in a video conference held between a first video conferencing apparatus and a second video conferencing apparatus; a sending unit which sends the takeover information; a receiving unit which receives the takeover information; and a takeover setting unit which sets a screen layout of the third video conferencing apparatus using the takeover information received by the receiving unit, so that the third video conferencing apparatus takes over the screen layout and has the video conference with the second video conferencing apparatus after participation of the third video conferencing apparatus in the video conference is approved.

Abstract: Techniques to stitch together multiple video streams are described. In an embodiment, a technique may include receiving a plurality of video streams from a plurality of video sources in a room. The video streams may be analyzed for feature points, such as furniture, light fixtures, window frames and so forth. The video streams may be processed to make the video qualities of the video streams, such as scale, color, brightness and so forth, more consistent with each other. Using the feature points, the processed video streams may be stitched together to generate a unified stream. The unified stream may be output to a display in the room and/or to remote viewers. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Aspects herein describe new methods and systems of receiving one or more images by one or more cameras. Each of the one or more images is acquired by one or more cameras in which the one or more images comprise facial images corresponding to persons. In one embodiment, aspects of the disclosure describe a method for extracting each of the facial images from each of the images in which each of the facial images corresponds to each of one or more sets of extracted facial images. The method further includes sorting each of the extracted facial images per each set into separate groups of one or more groups wherein each group corresponds to facial images of each person. The method further includes selecting a preferred facial image from each group of the one or more groups to generate preferred facial images for transmission to a client using a display server.

Abstract: Reaction information of participants to an interaction may be sensed and analyzed to determine one or more reactions or dispositions of the participants. Feedback may be provided based on the determined reactions. The participants may be given an opportunity to opt in to having their reaction information collected, and may be provided complete control over how their reaction information is shared or used.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a mobile streaming adaptor includes a processor configured to receive media content from a remote camera, process the received media content by capturing, encoding and encapsulating the media content at a mobile electronic device, connect to a remote streaming server through function of a mobile networked device; and stream the encapsulated media content to the mobile networked device for communication of the encapsulated content to the remote streaming server through an Internet Protocol (IP) network for real-time distribution to a communication device. A corresponding computer program product and method are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving data indicative of a personal position of an end user. A media stream is selected from a plurality of media streams to be transmitted to the end user based on the personal position. The selected media stream includes image data of an object captured by a camera and the image data is used to construct a three-dimensional rendering of the object. In more specific embodiments, the media stream selection is executed by a server configured to be coupled to a network. The camera can be part of a plurality of cameras that capture image data associated with the object and that transmit respective media streams over a network. Once a camera begins transmitting image data over the network and to the end user, other cameras from the plurality of cameras stop transmitting their respective media streams over the network.

Abstract: A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes receiving data associated with a local endpoint that is configured to participate in a video conference. The local endpoint can be configured to detect a signal generated by a local end user device and to relay the signal to a local manager element. The method also includes transmitting the signal over a network to a remote manager element at a remote location. In more specific embodiments, the method includes receiving an additional signal from the remote manager element, and determining a selected local endpoint to receive the additional signal from the remote manager element.

Abstract: Included are systems and methods for a virtual inmate visitation. Some embodiments include providing a scheduling user interface for a visitor to schedule a video visitation, receiving a visitor scheduling request for the video visitation with an inmate, and determining a visitor type for the visitor. Some embodiments include providing, based on the visitor type, a scheduling option, providing a visitor payment mechanism that depends on the visitor type, and providing a video visitation user interface to the visitor for conducting the video visitation between the visitor and the inmate. Still some embodiment include in response to receiving a visitor input, conduct the video visitation between the visitor and the inmate, determining whether the video visitation includes an unacceptable activity and performing a preventative measure.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided herein which accommodate the sharing of a user device among multiple users. In particular, when multiple users are detected as sharing a user device, the user interface of the user device can be automatically altered to facilitate the sharing of the user device. Data associated with each sharing user may also be presented according to each user's presentation preferences and to accommodate presentation needs of each user.

Abstract: A system and method for providing television video conferencing using a remote computing device is disclosed. The system may comprise an input module of a media manager configured to receive an invite message from a video hub office (VHO) server to enter a video conferencing session with a remote computing device communicatively coupled to at least one of a set-top box and a television. The input module may also be configured to receive video data and audio data from a local input device. The system may comprise a processor module of a media manager configured to convert the video data into a video stream and the audio data into an audio stream and to combine the video stream and the audio stream to form at least one multimedia transport stream.

Abstract: A calling method for performing a video phone call including: establishing a bearer of a video phone call between a calling terminal and a Multimedia Ring Back Tone (MRBT) device; playing, by the MRBT device, a MRBT to the calling terminal via the bearer between the calling terminal and the MRBT device; sending, by a MSC server of the calling terminal, a prompt message to the calling terminal; removing the bearer between the calling terminal and the MRBT device upon receiving the prompt message; establishing another bearer of the video phone call between the calling terminal and a called terminal; and performing a video phone call communication between the calling terminal and the called terminal via the bearer between the calling terminal and the called terminal. The present invention also provides the corresponding systems, thereby realizing the Multimedia Ring Back Tone service of a video phone call.

Abstract: A computing device implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product to generate dynamic voice response messages in a mobile computing device. In response to receiving an incoming call from a caller, the process displays a list of response messages in a set of response messages. In response to receiving a selection of a response message from the list of response messages, the process sends the selected response message to the caller.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are for selectively establishing radio access bearers configured to support simultaneous voice and data communications in a mobile telecommunications network. An exemplary method includes receiving a request to initiate a data session at a mobile device that is currently engaged in a voice session and, in response to receiving the request, determining if the mobile device is capable of supporting a radio access bearer configured to simultaneously support the data session and the voice session. The method further includes allowing or denying establishment of the radio access bearer based upon the determination.

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

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

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

Abstract: Automated wireless three-dimensional (3D) video conferencing is provided using a tunerless television device. A 3D video conference is automatically established with a wireless device capable of 3D video conferencing using a wireless communication interface of the tunerless television device. A first and a second two-dimensional (2D) video stream are received, using a camera interface module, from a first and a second video camera associated with the tunerless television device. A merged 3D video stream is created from the first 2D video stream and the second 2D video stream using a 3D video offload processing module operatively coupled to the camera interface module. The merged 3D video stream is sent to the wireless device using the wireless communication interface. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A view morphing algorithm is applied to synchronous collections of video images from at least two video imaging devices, and interpolating between the images, creates a composite image view of the local participant. This composite image approximates what might be seen from a point between the video imaging devices, presenting the image to other video session participants.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal displays images of a video conference to enable a feeling of natural conversation ambience to the participants. The terminal captures an image of the terminal user and receives images of other video conference participants. The terminal displays one of the received images closest to the camera, and the captured image farthest from the camera to encourage the user to focus his line of sight to the camera. Also, a sight location indicator is displayed as a further aid to directing the line of sight. Looking at the camera provides a natural conversation ambience to the participants.

Abstract: A method and system for providing computer input/output (I/O) functionality within a remote computing environment. The system comprises a host audio controller and a remote audio controller for bridging audio data between a host computing system and at least one remote audio device, a host USB controller and a remote USB controller for bridging USB data between the host computing system and at least one remote USB device, and an encoder module and a remote display decoder for bridging a digital video signal from the host computing system to a remote display, wherein the host audio controller, the host USB controller, and the encoder module are communicatively coupled to the remote audio controller, the remote USB controller, and the remote display decoder, respectively, via a computer network.

Abstract: A mobile communication device that is outfitted with motion detection mechanisms is used to construct a viewport on audio-visual data. As the communication device is moved along a spatial trajectory, the viewport is positioned accordingly. A virtual space can be constructed such that the spatial trajectory is mapped into the virtual space and the user can navigate the virtual space by suitable movement of the communication device. Accordingly, a user can use natural body movements to navigate the virtual space through the viewport.

Abstract: The present invention implements a chatting the chatting service interworking with a video phone service which can transmit and receive a text during a video phone conversation without terminating the video phone conversation, and furthermore, it improves service quality of a video phone by transmitting and receiving a text during a video phone conversation if a video phone conversation is made in poor an unsuitable environment.