Abstract: To control screen display using moving pictures for a plurality of users. Respective moving pictures for a plurality of users are acquired, and each of the acquired moving pictures are displayed on a screen. Display content for the screen is controlled in response to content of each moving picture. At this time, it is also possible to move a specified movement image on the screen according to display position of each moving picture on the screen and content of each moving picture, or to change a display region of the moving picture on the screen according to content of each moving picture.

Abstract: An electronic device. The device comprises circuitry for capturing data representing an image and circuitry for detecting a wireless signal associated with an object. The device also comprises circuitry, responsive to the detecting circuitry, for storing image data from said circuitry for capturing and associating and storing, with same image data, additional data included in the wireless signal.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is connected to a projection device and an image capture device, and includes an acquiring portion, a detecting portion, and a controller. The acquiring portion acquires images captured by the image capture device. The detecting portion detects positions of the object and a user of the information processing apparatus from the captured images. The controller causes the projection device to project a first indication data indicating storage of at least one of the captured images onto an area except for a linear area linking the user of the information processing apparatus to the object and existing between the user of the information processing apparatus and the object, based on the detected positions of the object and the user of the information processing apparatus, and stores the at least one of the captured images in a memory when the projected first indication data has been interrupted.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system may include a camera, microphones, speakers, and a codec. In some embodiments, the codec functionality may be incorporated in a set-top box (e.g., a cable box, a satellite box, or a gaming box). The codec functionality may also be split between different components of the videoconferencing system. The camera and speakers may be coupled to or placed around a display. The videoconferencing system may send/receive signals through a network coupled to the computer system. The various functions to support the videoconference (e.g., compression and decompression of video signals) may be performed by circuitry in the camera base, codec/set top box, and/or on the computer system. The computer system may be a laptop computer. In some embodiments, ported speakers may be used to maximize sound quality for the provided speaker size.

Abstract: A wireless telephone includes one or more keys incorporating a programmable display. The display may display an image file (e.g., a photo of a parent or friend), such as a photo captured by a camera incorporated into the telephone. The image file may be displayed directly on the key or it may be cropped or downsampled as appropriate. The user interface allows the user to program the key to dial a particular telephone number. In one embodiment, during a multi-party conference call the keys display images of the conference call participants. The participant currently speaking can be displayed on a main display of the phone. When the conference call is over, the key displays revert back to their previous display state.

Abstract: An automatic camera steering control for directing video conferences including a communicator with a microphone and a voice activated LED emitter. Cameras receive an LED signal transmitted by the LED emitter and focus on the speaker associated with the activated LED emitter. A controller automatically selects and inserts into the video stream the audio and video of the speaker.

Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a camera configured to obtain first image information, and a receiving unit configured to receive second image information from outside. A display unit is configured to display at least one of a first image and a second image. A display control unit is configured to receive a first request for displaying the first image after the first image information is obtained by the camera, and to receive a second request for displaying the second image after the second image information is received from outside. The display control unit is configured to perform control to update a display on the display unit if the first request or the second request is received, at a predetermined updating time, which occurs at a predetermined interval.

Abstract: Video data of a videoconference participant is generated and filtered versions of the video data are simultaneously displayed. One of the filtered versions is selected and transmitted to other videoconference participants.

Abstract: A video communication system and method for allowing a video communication using a telematics system is provided. The video communication system includes a telematics terminal for transmitting a video communication request signal, capturing image and voice, and receiving video communication data; a service providing center for receiving the video communication request signal, detecting the telematics terminal inherent number from the received video communication request signal, and detecting the corresponding other party's mobile communication terminal inherent number and forming a video communication path with a mobile communication terminal; and the mobile communication terminal having a display unit displaying an image, and performing a video communication with the telematics terminal.

Abstract: A remote instruction system includes: an imaging unit that captures an image of an object; a projecting unit that projects an annotation image in the imaging area of the imaging unit, the annotation image being formed in accordance with an instruction issued based on the captured image; and an annotation adjusting unit that adjusts the conditions for projecting the annotation image, in accordance with a situation in the imaging area of the imaging unit.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus for controlling a display device, includes: an acquisition unit acquiring an image of a subject formed in an image capture area made of a plurality of pixels performing an image capture operation, based on outputs from pixels constituting an image capture area; a transmitter transmitting data of the acquired image data to an other information processing apparatus controlling an other display device having the same construction as the display device; a receiver receiving data of an image of other subject transmitted from the other information processing apparatus; and a display controller displaying the image of the other subject in a display area based on the received image data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a status of a teleconference by determining an approximate delay time and providing a status signal in view of the determined approximate delay time are provided. An approximate delay time is approximately the amount of time that will elapse before an occurrence occurring at a first time, which is captured into an occurrence signal by a source unit, will be experienced at a second time after the occurrence signal is received by at least one receiving unit.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes video compression techniques in providing multi display and user control of picture layout with a single non-mechanical camera. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a subsection of interest within a general view captured by the camera is coded based on the prediction of the main picture. In one aspect of the embodiment, scaling of the predicted pixel values in the subsection to match with the corresponding raw pixel data of extended resolution is carried out before subtracting the prediction from the raw data to provide the residual in the coding process. In a second aspect, the frame rate and the number of quantization intervals are increased when coding the subsection relative to the coding of the general view.

Abstract: The system disclosed herein seeks to solve the problem of unnatural, dizzy camera motion when moving a camera between two preset positions, e.g., head and shoulder shots of two videoconference participants. Particularly, the system described herein attempts to mimic the camera movement that a professional camera operator would use in a professional video production. A preferred method of moving the camera between two positions is to first zoom out, away from the first position, pan across to the next position, then zoom in. This gives viewers of the camera content an idea of the spatial relationship between the two camera positions and also avoids the aesthetically undesirable effect of panning through irrelevant visual background at high zoom ratios. Disclosed herein is a technique of producing this desired behavior in the context of an automatically or semi-automatically controlled video camera, such as those used in conjunction with videoconferencing equipment.

Abstract: A mobile communication apparatus capable of controlling housing temperature is provided. The mobile communication apparatus includes a first and a second modules, an operating mode manager for managing a plurality of modes based on a combination of whether the first and the second modules each are supplied with power, and a memory for storing a plurality of data relating a period of operating time to a value of housing temperature for each of the modes. The communication apparatus includes a temperature estimator configured to measure the operating time, and if the mode is changed, to estimate a first and a second values of housing temperature corresponding to the operating time of the mode before the change and of the mode after the change respectively, and to have the operating mode manager stop the operation if an estimation based on the first and the second values reaches a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method for mutually-immersive telepresencing is provided with a view of a surrogate's location. An image of the surrogate's location is displayed at a user's location. A user's eye level and perspective are sensed. The height of the camera and image of the user's eyes at the surrogate's location are adjusted to match the height of the user's eyes. The user's perspective and, hence, gaze are preserved on the image while the user's eye level changes.

Abstract: A computer network-based distributed presentation system and process is presented that controls the display of one or more video streams output by multiple video cameras located across multiple presentation sites on display screens located at each presentation site. The distributed presentation system and process provides the ability for a user at a site to customize the screen configuration (i.e., what video streams are display at any one time and in what format) for that site via a two-layer display director module. In the design layer of the module, a user interface is provided for a user to specify display priorities dictating what video streams are to be displayed on the screen over time. These display priorities are then provided to the execution layer of the module which translates them into probabilistic timed automata and uses the automata to control what is displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: In an image pickup apparatus, information of a distance to an object is acquired according to an image pickup direction such as panning or tilting under a condition where focusing can be conducted, an image pickup direction is detected at a present position due to a panning angle and a tilting angle in the case where focusing cannot be conducted at a low illumination level, the information of distance to an object corresponding to the detected image pickup direction is read out from the memory, and a focus lens is driven at the read position, thereby making it possible to take a photograph even under a condition where the object cannot be focused.

Abstract: An image transmission system comprises: one or a plurality of image pickup apparatus each having a unique identifying number and having an encrypting function for encrypting a picked-up image for transmission to a network; a key generating apparatus for generating, for each image pickup apparatus, an encryption key for encrypting the image and a decryption key for decrypting the encrypted image; a memory card for recording the decryption key and the identifying number of the image pickup apparatus in association with each other; a viewing apparatus connected with the memory card and having a decrypting function for decrypting the encrypted image using the decryption key, for viewing the image transmitted via the network by the image pickup apparatus; and an authenticating server for authenticating the image pickup apparatus accessible from the viewing apparatus.

Abstract: A multi object processing video camera is disclosed. The video camera comprises an image scan and capture circuit capable of capturing a wide-angle field of view in high resolution and a processing circuit capable of executing a plurality of software tasks on a plurality of regions from the image sensor and capture circuit based upon the wide angle field of view. The video camera includes memory for storing programs for the processing circuit based upon the captured wide angle field of view and a network connection coupled to the processing circuit. A wide-angle motion video camera for use in surveillance and security applications is disclosed in which multiple objects can be processed by the camera and the results of the processing transmitted to a base station.

Abstract: This invention describes horizontal and vertical downscaling of the real-time video image using a camera sensor and a processing block (a base band engine in camera-phone mobile devices) for a real-time viewfinder display and/or video imaging. Horizontal downscaling is performed by the camera sensor and vertical downscaling is performed by the processing block. The invented image format enables the reduction of memory, processing power and bus capability, when the smaller resolution output image is needed to process from the higher resolution input image.

Abstract: A system and method for teleconferencing and recording of meetings. The system uses a variety of capture devices (a novel 360° camera, a whiteboard camera, a presenter view camera, a remote view camera, and a microphone array) to provide a rich experience for people who want to participate in a meeting from a distance. The system is also combined with speaker clustering, spatial indexing, and time compression to provide a rich experience for people who miss a meeting and want to watch it afterward.

Abstract: A portable electronic device (10) includes a main body (20), and a pluggable module (30) rotatably attached to the main body. The main body includes a display screen (271) embedded in a front (27) thereof, and two symmetrical grooves (281) defined in opposite sides thereof. Two sockets (283) are defined in side walls of the main body that bound the grooves. Each socket includes an electrical connector electrically connecting with an inner circuit of the main body. The pluggable module includes a frame (31), a camera module (33), a headset module (32), and two tenons (3151, 3171) formed on an inside of the frame. The tenons engage in the sockets of the main body, thereby rotatably attaching the pluggable module to the main body, and electrically connecting the camera and headset modules with the inner circuit of the main body.

Abstract: An audio source tracking arrangement, integrated in or connected to a video conference system, for determining a position of a source creating a sound, including: at least an audio signal processing module configured to determine the position of the source creating the sound based on a plurality of audio signals originating from the source respectively captured by a plurality of microphones; and one or more microphone housings, respectively encapsulating at least one of the plurality of microphones, the one or more microphone housings including a cavity in which at least one of the plurality of microphones is localized, an aperture on a surface of the microphone housing, and a channel extending from the cavity to the aperture, wherein the channel and the cavity are dimensioned to form an acoustical amplifier with a frequency response having one or more high frequency peaks in a frequency band of the sound.

Abstract: An interactive presentation environment for eMeetings or the like that provides participants with more control over what they see and hear. One embodiment of the interactive presentation environment comprises a meeting recorder adapted to create a recording of a live meeting and a navigation control for selecting a portion of the recording to view during the live meeting. Some embodiment may further comprise a timeline control containing a first graphical indicator associated with a live position and a second graphical indicator associated with a current position, a bookmark control adapted to mark a portion of the recording for archiving, and a display operatively connected to the meeting recorder and the navigation control.

Abstract: An audio-visual system is provided for bringing together a local scene and a remote scene. The audio-visual system includes several concatenated audio-visual modules, and feedback control and control means between the various modules. Each audio-visual module comprises an image sensing device and a sound pickup device of the local scene, and an image and sound recovery device of the remote scene in an image plane. The audio-visual modules are connected to a transmission network. The feedback control and control means ensures image and sound quality continuity on the image plane when the people being filmed or recorded pass in front of the various image and sound pickup devices of the scene concerned.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for remotely annotating an object. An embodiment of the present invention includes a video camera projector that captures video images of a local object and projects annotations made by a user at a remote location onto said local object.

Abstract: Video data of a videoconference participant is generated and filtered versions of the video data are simultaneously displayed. One of the filtered versions is selected and transmitted to other videoconference participants.

Abstract: A telephone comprises a camera, a display and processing and communication circuitry. The camera is located in a first body part of the telephone and the display is located in a second body part of the telephone. The body parts are joined via a tilt and swivel hinge, which allows movement of the body parts between at least a first and a second position relative to each other. The first relative position is such that the camera and the display are facing in a first direction. The second relative position is such that the camera and the display are facing in substantially different directions. The hinge can actuate electric switching means connected to the circuitry in the telephone when allowing movement of the body parts between the two positions relative to each other. The processing and communication circuitry is configured to detect the actuation of the electric switching means.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided in which previously sensed image information is stored, so that information with an angle desired by the user can be searched for and displayed. Image data sensed by a camera device (100) is captured by an image information capture unit (101) and the angle information of image data captured by the image information capture unit (101) is acquired by an image view point information acquisition unit (102). A header is generated by a header generation unit (103) based on the angle information. A recording information generation unit (104) generates recording information based on the generated header and the captured image data, and stores the generated information in an external storage device (6). Upon reception of an external search instruction, a search unit (105) searches for information matching angle information included in the search condition, and an output unit (106) outputs the found image data.

Abstract: A camera of a camera-based image processing system is calibrated using a graphical user interface (GUI) of the system. A representation of an area in which the camera is to be operated is presented via the GUI, and calibration information is obtained for each of a set of one or more calibration points sequentially as the camera is pointed to corresponding positions in the area. For each of the one or more calibration points, the calibration information is obtained after a command is entered identifying a corresponding position of the calibration point within the representation of the area as presented via the GUI. An external calibration including camera position and orientation is then computed for the camera based on the calibration information obtained for the one or more calibration points.

Abstract: A video processing system (100) employs a method and apparatus for indicating a location of a person (203) with respect to a video capturing volume (201) of a camera (101). A location determiner (115) receives at least one image from the camera (101), in which the image preferably includes at least a portion of the person (203). Based on the image, the location determiner (115) determines a location of the person (203) with respect to the video capturing volume (201) of the camera (101). An abstract representation generator (119) generates an abstract representation (209), e.g., an icon, of the person (203) and provides the abstract representation to a video processor (117). The video processor (117) positions the abstract representation (209) together with an image, e.g.

Abstract: When an access request (a request for transfer of video and audio information or a request for a camera operation) to a camera apparatus connected to a network via a terminal is issued via the network, a camera management server processes the access request on the basis of an access right set by a user (or a manager) using the terminal to which the camera apparatus is connected. That is, the camera management server refers to an access right set file and grants or denies permission to access for the user whose has issued the access request. The user to whom the access permission is granted requests a camera control server to permit a camera operation via a camera control client and thereby can receive an image taken by the camera apparatus and voices collected by the camera apparatus and can perform panning, tilting, and zooming of the camera apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a PC camera with various applications, which is capable of being used as a digital camera independently after separating from the PC. The PC camera includes a memory for storing digital audio data, and a digital audio decoder for reproducing an original sound by decoding the digital audio data stored in the memory in a digital audio reproducing mode of the PC camera.

Abstract: A video conferencing system and method which automatically determines the appropriate preset camera parameters corresponding to participants participating in the video conference. A camera zooms out or pans the video conference space and looks for participants based on their faces. When a participant is detected, the preset camera parameters for that participant are calculated for when the center of the participant is in the center of the camera's view. This is continued for all the participants in the room. The optimal position for each participant and corresponding camera parameters are determined based on cultural preferences. Updates in the presets can be made periodically by the camera zooming out or panning the room. Multiple cameras can be used to continually update the presets.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a combined display-camera having an array of interspersed display elements and camera elements, arranged substantially in a common plane of a flat panel or other display. Each of at least a subset of the camera elements has one or more imaging angles associated therewith, with the one or more imaging angles being selected to provide a desired imaging operation for the combined display-camera. The imaging angles of the camera elements can be selected to provide an imaging operation which approximates that of a lens-based single-camera system, a pin-hole camera system or other type of system. Each of the camera elements may include multiple image sensors, such that different imaging angles can be set for the different image sensors of a given camera element, and different perspectives of a scene can be generated in the image processing system.

Abstract: A live camera whose image pickup direction is remote-controlled is utilized, and a plurality of frames picked up in different pickup directions are composed so as to generate a composite image, and this is stored in a memory. Upon request from the user for altering the pickup direction, in the composite image within the memory, an extraction area is shifted in the horizontal direction and vertical direction in response to the request for alteration in a manner so as to correspond to a pickup image in the live camera, and the image within the extracted area is transmitted to the user. This arrangement eliminates the necessity of altering the pickup direction of the live camera mechanically, and independent of the mechanical alteration, only the electrical image processing of the composite image is carried out, with the result that the user is allowed to feel as if he or she were actually operating the live camera.

Abstract: When a control command for a video camera is entered, a client issues an acquisition request for a video camera control right and a camera server issues a permission command for the video camera control right in response to the acquisition request for the video camera control right from the client, and controls the video camera in accordance with the control command from the client.

Abstract: An electronic meeting center including at least one persistent, server-based meeting is described. The meeting has a unique identifying name and topic, at least one authorized participant and a coordinator authorized to add and remove participants. At least one persistent, server-based virtual meeting space is associated with the meeting that may be accessed by participants and the coordinator from remote locations. The center directs and controls messages having information relevant to the meeting. A dialogue buffer is associated with the meeting space and is capable of storing messages for review by the participants. The meeting space includes an agenda that includes associated goals and action items and is available to participants for viewing. Participants are informed of other participants accessing the meeting space. The center includes a library and a theatre that contains documents, addresses, references, bookmarks and multimedia displays relevant to the meeting.

Abstract: A host computer includes a device driver which is adaptive to a digital camera and has a storage driver function for writing/reading image data representative of a still picture in/out of the camera by bulk transfer, an image driver function for receiving image data representative of a moving picture from the camera by isochronous transfer, an audio driver function for receiving speech data from the camera by isochronous transfer, and an operation driver function having operation commands on the shooting operation of the camera. During an electronic conference the host can receive image data representative of a moving picture and speech data as well as, if necessary, image data representative of a still picture prepared beforehand from the camera. The host also can receive image data representative of a new still picture taken during the conference from the camera.

Abstract: A digital video system including a computer connected via a network to a number of video servers and cameras. The computer includes a program that provides a grid of display windows, each of which displays an image received from the camera associated with that window. The program sequentially polls each camera, accessing and displaying an image from the camera in its associated window. The program can access the cameras at different frame rates. The program stores image streams in a single file, concatenating each successive image onto the end of the file. The file is then indexed using SOI and EOI markers to permit fast access to individual images within the file. The program can monitor received video and automatically start recording upon detecting motion within the video stream. Motion detection is implemented by comparing color component values for pixels from different images.

Abstract: A digital photography messaging and advertisement system wherein a message center maintains records of camera purchasers, and each corresponding camera identification (ID). The message center prepares and collects messages, putting them in categories including personal messages for a particular camera/user, messages for all users of a particular interest group, and generic messages which can be advertisements for al users with cameras configured according to the system. Each camera is equipped with a transceiver for receiving and sending data, and a display for observing the messages or listening to them. Each camera subscribes to its own personal messages. In addition, a camera user may subscribe to a single or multiple interest groups. When a user turns on the camera, the transceiver transmits a signal conveying the camera identification to the message center.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a camera control system which can immediately cope with control of a plurality of kinds of video cameras. At least one module for generating a camera control command corresponding to each kind of camera is stored. Information associated with a kind of camera serving as a control target is recognized. A module for generating the camera control command is selected from at least one module on the basis of the information associated with the recognized kind of camera.

Abstract: A portable integrated videoconferencing unit has an integral housing in which an interior chamber houses an electronics board for performing video, audio, and communications processing. Integrally mounted on the housing are a video camera and preferably a microphone array for providing directive audio processing. The electronics board receives and processes video and audio outputs of the camera and microphone array respectively, and generates compressed video and audio outputs for transmission over the communications channel. The electronics board also receives compressed video conferencing signals from the channel and processes those signals to generate the appropriate video and audio signals for connection to a video monitor. Various elements are isolated from the microphones to reduce noise and vibration, and an answer bar can be mounted on the integrated unit to provide an easy known answer capability where an automatic answering mode is not desired.

Abstract: A system and method for teleconferencing and recording of meetings. The system uses a variety of capture devices (a novel 360° camera, a whiteboard camera, a presenter view camera, a remote view camera, and a microphone array) to provide a rich experience for people who want to participate in a meeting from a distance. The system is also combined with speaker clustering, spatial indexing, and time compression to provide a rich experience for people who miss a meeting and want to watch it afterward.

Abstract: In an image distribution system comprising a camera controllable by an external device, a camera server having a function of digitizing and transmitting an image signal acquired by the camera via a network and a function of issuing authorization to control the camera, a viewer which receives and displays the transmitted digitized image signal, further requests to control the camera, and a network connecting the camera server and the viewer, in a case where the camera server issues the authorization to control the camera to the viewer and communication between the viewer and the camera server is undesirably terminated while the viewer holds the authorization, when the viewer restores the communication within a predetermined period, it is allowed to continuously control the camera under the same conditions as at the time of the undesired termination.

Abstract: In a television voice control system which controls voices obtained through a plurality of microphones (14a to 14n) coincidentally with an image pick up by a television camera (11) to be displayed as a scene on a screen, the television voice control system has a calculating unit 12 and a microphone control unit 13 which adjust and control the voices obtained through a plurality of microphones (14a to 14n) by interlocking an image pick up condition of the television camera (11) so that the voices be adapted to the scene.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for comparing an infrared image of a person to a database of visual images of persons and calculating the probability that each is a match to the infrared image is characterized by extracting minutiae from the infrared image and extracting visible minutiae from the visible images. Coincident minutiae which occur in both spectra are used to scale and register the infrared and the visible images. Other minutiae are spectrum-dependent, but must obey rules relative to minutiae of the other spectrum, due to the anatomical structure of the human face and body. The primary application is for identification of persons seen in infrared surveillance imagery, using a reference database of visual images. Other applications include compression of talking head video and animation of synthetic faces. The method and apparatus can also be applied to areas of the body other than the face, to compare images from different spectra including images from medical sensors.

Abstract: An automatic voice tracking camera system (12) is provided. System (12) includes a camera (18) operable to receive control signals for controlling a view of the camera (18). A microphone array (14) comprises a plurality of microphones. The microphone array (14) is operable to receive a voice of a speaker and to provide an audio signal representing the voice. A beamformer (30) coupled to the microphone array (14). The beamformer (30) is operable to receive the audio signal, to generate from the audio signal speaker position data representing a position of the speaker, and to provide the speaker position data. A camera controller (36) is coupled to the beamformer (30) and to the camera (18).

Abstract: An automatic voice tracking camera system (12) and method of operation are disclosed. The system (12) includes a first camera (18) and a camera controller (36). The first camera (18) is operable to receive control signals for controlling a view of the first camera (18). The camera controller (36) is operable to determine a responsive camera movement of the first camera (18) based upon coordinates for a point in space where the determination comprises comparing the coordinates with a first spacial region (90) defined around a current speaker position. The camera controller (36) is then operable to generate camera control signals based upon the appropriate responsive camera movement and to provide the camera control signals to the first camera (18). In one embodiment, the camera controller is further operable also to compare the coordinates with a second spacial region (92) defined around the current speaker position.