Abstract: Community interaction during video viewing is provided. A video hosting website includes videos available for viewing. Users establish lists of friends, who are other users of the video hosting site. When a user logs on, her presence is made known by an interaction engine to her friends that are also logged in to the site. The user's activities are tracked and her friends are notified of those activities. Tracked activities may include viewing a video, rating a video, commenting on a video, uploading a video to the site, and adding a new friend. Friends are notified of these activities in one embodiment through one or more user interface elements. A user can select a user interface element to discover which of her friends are also watching the same video at that time. A user watching a video can summon her online friends to the watch page to watch collaboratively.

Abstract: The present disclosure, in some implementations comprises systems and methods for providing applications during video communication, via online communities or services, for example, social networks. Video communication may be video conferencing or “video chat” sessions among a plurality of users of the online services. Users may engage in a video conference or “video chat,” yet at the same time, use or obtain different applications, designated as either “personal” or “shared” applications. A “personal” application is one that does not involve others and is configured to enhance an individual user's personal experience during a group video communication. A “shared” application is one that involves at least one of multiple users during a group video communication, for example, users may participate in a card or trivia game, watch videos together, collaborate and share documents, or the like.

Abstract: Control of multiple display screens associated with a computer, wherein the auxiliary screen display content that depends on conditions of the computer. During some times the auxiliary screen displays content associated with the presently executing program, and during other times the auxiliary screen displays history information. The rules can be automatically changed or manually changed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing collaborative workspace are disclosed. The method receives a request to establish a video conference for two or more participants, and obtains information from historical information on the two or more participants to be used with the collaborative workspace. The method determines preferences for each of the two or more participants as to a presentation of the collaborative workspace. The method receives one or more live images of the two or more participants and presents the collaborative workspace to each of the two or more participants in accordance with the preferences for each of the two or more participants.

Abstract: This disclosure includes a system, device, and method to aggregate a list of video conferences for a user. The method may include identifying one or more video conferences that are likely to be of interest to a user viewing a web page, and providing a list comprising the video conferences that are likely to be of interest to the user, where each video conference in the list is available to be joined by the user viewing the web page without an invitation from participants of the video conference.

Abstract: A browser enabled communication device capable of conducting conversations, including multiple media types, in either a real-time or a time-shifted mode, with the ability to seamlessly transition between the two modes.

Abstract: In the data structure for managing reproduction of graphic information, graphic information and an indicator associated with the graphic information is stored on the recording medium. The indicator indicates whether the graphic information is for display in response to user request.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a videoconferencing endpoint may be an MCU (Multipoint Control Unit) or may include embedded MCU functionality. In various embodiments, the endpoint may thus conduct a videoconference by receiving/compositing video and audio from multiple videoconference endpoints. The endpoint may select a subset of endpoints and form a composite video image from the subset of the videoconference endpoints to send to the other videoconference endpoints. In some embodiments, the subset of endpoints that are selected for compositing into the composite video image may be selected according to criteria such as the last N talking participants. In some embodiments, the master endpoint may request the non-talker endpoints to stop sending video to help conserve the resources on the master endpoint. In some embodiments, the master endpoint may ignore video from endpoints that are not being displayed.

Abstract: A method of connecting a first party having a computer device with a second party having a computer device using a virtual computer network. The current geographical location of the first party and the second party is determined using a global positioning system. A map of the vicinity of the geographical location of the first party on the computer device of the first party is displayed. A virtual computer network group created by the first party that can be joined by a second party is established. A first icon is displayed on the map of the first party computer device and on the second party computer device located within a predetermined distance from the first party. The first icon indicates in real-time the virtual computer network group created by the first party. The second party joins the virtual computer network group created by the first party if the second party selects to do so.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for delivering directed video content within a chat application. In response to a request to initiate a chat session generated by a user, a chat application is initiated. The chat application collects information associated with the user. The collected information may include contact information, demographic information, and information identifying products and services in which the user is interested. Based on the collected information, the chat application selects video content to be displayed to the user within a chat application interface.

Abstract: A videoconferencing application includes a user interface that provides multiple participant panels, each of which is displayed with perspective with the panels appearing to be angled with respect to the user interface window. The participant panels display live video streams from remote participants. A two-way layout provides two participant panels for two remote participants, each of which is angled inwardly towards a center position. A three-way layout provides three participant panels for three remote participants, with a left, center and right panel, with the left and right panels angled inwardly towards a center position.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to enabling a lightweight way of recording and sharing video messages intended to provide input to a future meeting that cannot be personally attended. A person who cannot attend the meeting pre-records their thoughts and remarks for the meeting as video clips for presentation at the meeting. A physical device with at least a display is presented at the meeting. The physically present participants can play the pre-recorded clips on the device. Video of participants' responses to the clips is recorded and made available so that the represented attendee can view the participants' responses.

Abstract: A mood state may be modeled using mood information for a content selection (e.g., a digitally-encoded song) and/or by using mood information determined by how a user is interacting with a media player. For example, a playlist engine on a host may determine that a particular song is associated with an uplifting mood, thus determining that a user who has selected that particular song currently is in an uplifting mood, and correspondingly may select additional songs and advertisements consistent with, or responsive to, the uplifting mood. Mood information also may be used to present a mood state of users (e.g., co-users) in a network for display in a graphical user interface (GUI). For example, a user's screen name appearing in an America Online (AOL) Instant Messenger's Buddy List may indicate a determined user's mood, such as “happy”, “sad”, “silly”, or “angry.

Abstract: A real time communication session can be defined in which more than two participants communicate with each other using at least two different types of bidirectional communication. In one embodiment, the different types of bidirectional communication can include audio and video. During communication session, demoting one of the participants can be demoted so that the demoted participant is still a participant of communication session but communicates using at least one less than the two different types. Responsive to the demoting, one of the participants can be promoted so that the promoted participant is permitted to participate in the communication session using at least two different types of bidirectional communication. The promoting would not be permitted due to a system constraint on the real time communication session in absence of the demoting.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for enabling voice communications via a messaging application. The method comprises enabling an instant messaging (IM) presence status option to be selected; and blocking an incoming voice communication when the presence status option has been selected. A method and system are also provided comprising displaying a first instant message in an instant messaging conversation user interface comprising call status information; and displaying updated call status information in the instant messaging conversation user interface after determining whether an call attempt has been successful.

Abstract: A user interface of an electronic content rendering device implements input assistance to enhance user experience when browsing linked content. As a touch input moves along a trajectory, an input assistance application provides enhanced fields associated with various navigation elements as the touch input draws toward the navigation elements. Responsive to detecting deceleration of the touch input within a threshold distance of a navigation element, the input assistance application enhances the associated field.

Abstract: Provided is a communication method using a three-dimensional (3D) image display device. In the communication method, motion information is determined using a motion image obtained by photographing a user's motion indicating the user's request in relation to an opposite party, distance information indicating the distance between the user who is moving and the 3D image display device is determined, and then, the user's request is determined based on the motion information and the distance information.

Abstract: Control of multiple display screens associated with a computer, wherein the auxiliary screen display content that depends on conditions of the computer. During some times the auxiliary screen displays content associated with the presently executing program, and during other times the auxiliary screen displays history information. The rules can be automatically changed or manually changed.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving a signal containing an environmental cue; correlating the environmental cue to a user interface control element; and generating a user interface control command based on the environmental cue. A device may be controlled by receiving a visual image, processing the image to identify a visual cue, correlating the visual cue with a user interface control, and controlling the device using the user interface control. The visual image may be received from a camera that is part of an automobile, and the user interface control may include a control for a radio to tune to a radio station; a speed control for controlling a speed of the automobile corresponding to a speed sign visual cue; or a navigation system control for controlling a navigation system based on traffic signs. Other variations include an apparatus and computer-readable media including instructions for performing the methods.

Abstract: Intelligently crafting a dynamic video tour using a plurality of video devices selected in real time is provided. A list of attributes is received, the list of attributes describing at least one characteristic of a video device. A list of factors is continuously received, the list of factors describing one or more events, an event occurring at a point in time. A subset of the plurality of video devices is selected, based upon the received list of attributes and the received list of factors. The subset changes over time due to one or more changes in the list of factors. Video is displayed from the selected subset of the plurality of video devices as a tour, the displayed video changing over time as the selected subset changes over time.

Abstract: A method of conducting an audio-visual conference among a number of conference rooms comprising storing predetermined conference configuration data in a computer system for a plurality of room types and a plurality of combinations of configuration factors, receiving conference variable data, generating a room list of included conference rooms, generating interconnection data for each included conference room according selected by said a computer system performing a recursive process until a feasible set of configuration data is found which permits interconnection to every other included conference room, and if no applicable set of configuration data is feasible, the distribution process returns to a next higher room in said room list.

Abstract: A mobile terminal for providing a video sharing function in a multi-party call state and its video sharing method are disclosed. When a video sharing menu is selected while a user is performing individual call communication or multi-party call communication, one or a plurality of video share keys in relation to a user selected for video sharing are displayed, so that the user can select a desired one of the displayed video share keys to share video with the selected user. In addition, a video share authority change key is disposed on the screen of a terminal set as a video share authority (chief authority) change target, so that a corresponding terminal can select the video share authority change key during individual or multi-party video sharing to acquire the authority of video sharing (chief authority) from a terminal currently having the authority of video sharing, thus perform bi-directional video sharing in real time.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method and system for creating a collaborative book in a shared network space including the steps of: logging in from one or more user computers to a shared space in the network from a user application to a host, wherein the shared space is created by interaction of executable codes in a host and a user application and the shared space is described by a session attribute list; loading a media application with a plurality of tools into one or more user computers; inputting multi type content into the shared space; and displaying the content by computers in one of a synchronous or asynchronous mode; providing templates to automatically create pages with specific layouts, for each type content for searching resource information including collaboration and providing automatic page updates using searched resource information; and tracing user changes and searched resource information.

Abstract: Tools and techniques are described for storage and expedited retrieval of messages and responses in multi-tasking environments. Methods provided by these tools may establish active communications with a first contact, and then received indications of secondary communications involving a second contact. These methods may then present user interfaces (UIs) that include representations of at least the secondary communications. Through the UIs, the methods may receive a selection of one of the secondary communications for an expedited response, and may receive input from the user that provides the expedited response to the secondary communication, while maintaining the active communication in an active state. These methods may provide the expedited response to the secondary communication, based upon the input received from the user.

Abstract: There is provided a interactive IPTV broadcasting service system of user participation, the system including: a broadcast controller reserving time of IPTV broadcast channels to perform an IPTV broadcast according to the reserved time, notifying user participation to accept the user participation during the broadcasting service, and controlling so that video of the user making a request for participation in broadcasting is included in video of the broadcast in progress, and then broadcast, a plurality of clients each notifying the broadcast controller of the request of the corresponding user when the participation in broadcasting is requested according to a selection of the IPTV broadcasting user and generating video and audio traffic of the corresponding user, and a media server relaying the users' participation in broadcasting between the broadcast controller and the clients, and receiving and mixing video and audio traffic of a broadcaster and the video and audio traffic of each of the users making the req

Abstract: A remote audio-video sharing method and an application program for the same are provided. The method comprises a content provider device capturing screen frames and sounds of the content provider device. First encoding and second encoding are executed on the captured screen frames and sound to transmit to and play on a content displayer device and a content controller device. The content displayer device receives, decodes the data and smoothly plays the received data. The content controller device receives, decodes the data and plays the received data in synch with the content provider device. Additionally, a control command is generated by the content controller device to reply to the content provider device to manipulate operations of the content provider device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an interactive and collaborative computing device. One example device enables users to establish a communicative link with the interactive and collaborative computing device such that each user may view and share information whether in a local or remote interactive and collaborative environment. The systems and methods described herein further provide a way for users to annotate content displayed on the interactive and collaborative computing device by providing annotative input via another computing device.

Abstract: The image display includes a bandwidth calculating means that calculates bandwidth of image data transmitted from a plurality of computer devices, based on at least any one piece of information about the position and movement of a cursor displayed in a display image and a transmission amount control means that controls data transmission amounts of the plurality of computer devices, based on the bandwidth of the image data. Incidentally, the bandwidth calculating means calculates a priority level from the number of cursors existing in a display frame of each of the computer devices, and determines the bandwidth based on the priority level.

Abstract: Collaboration by a plurality of users in an application. The application may include processing logic and a user interface. The user interface may include at least one control element adapted to receive collaborative input, where the at least one control element may be linked to a collaboration utility. The collaboration utility may be adapted to generate the collaborative input for the control element based on the individual inputs of at least some of the plurality of users.

Abstract: According to various aspects, a method and system provides a collaborative platform comprising performing a collaborative interactive session for a plurality of members, wherein some or all of the plurality of members interact from different human interaction platforms.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting a virtual meeting cause a display screen to present meeting participants with a depiction of a virtual meeting room populated with avatars representing the participants. Audio links between the participants allow some or all of the participants to hear what is being said by each of the other participants. Each participant can cause his respective avatar to make gestures that provide non-verbal communications to the other participants. In addition, one or more participants may be able to cause text, images, videos or other presentation materials to be displayed to the other participants on a virtual display screen present in the virtual conference room. Likewise, participants may be able to draw or write on a virtual whiteboard present in the virtual conference room. Participants may also be able to share or send notes to each other, or conduct private instant messaging sessions, audio sessions or video sessions with one or more of the other participants.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting a virtual meeting cause a display screen to present meeting participants with a depiction of a virtual meeting room populated with avatars representing the participants. Audio links between the participants allow some or all of the participants to hear what is being said by each of the other participants. Each participant can cause his respective avatar to make gestures that provide non-verbal communications to the other participants. In addition, one or more participants may be able to cause text, images, videos or other presentation materials to be displayed to the other participants on a virtual display screen present in the virtual conference room. Likewise, participants may be able to draw or write on a virtual whiteboard present in the virtual conference room. Participants may also be able to share or send notes to each other, or conduct private instant messaging sessions, audio sessions or video sessions with one or more of the other participants.

Abstract: The inventive system and method for enabling interactive collaboration among video surveillance operators is presented. The device has a message including an incident or meta data having a source identifier, a meta data composer, a transport layer, and a display device, such that the message is packaged using the meta data composer and transmitted using the transport layer to the display device. One embodiment facilitates sharing using a common console, and the other facilitates sharing to one or more operators; both embodiments use a common Meta Data messaging mechanism. Meta data refers to any surveillance related data that is worthy of sharing between operators. It includes, but is not necessarily limited to, salvo information, camera, incident related data, video device location details, etc.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for enhancing user interaction with Interactive Voice Response (IVR) destinations, the system comprising: a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory comprising: data encoding a database, the database comprising a list of telephone numbers associated with one or more destinations implementing an IVR; instructions executable by the processor for automatically communicating with at least one user; and instructions executable by the processor to pull at least one menu from the database and display the menu to the at least one user, wherein the menu is associated with a telephone number dialed by the at least one user, and wherein the menu comprises at least one icon.

Abstract: An interactive communication, such as a video conference or an audio communication, is established and a user places the interactive communication on hold. Prior to and/or after the interactive communication was placed on hold, context information related to when the interactive communication was placed on hold is gathered. The interactive communication is taken off hold and the context information is presented to the user; thus providing the user with the context of the interactive communication when it was placed on hold.

Abstract: A session invitation can be received from a first communicator for a first communication session. The session invitation can be for a temporary participant to join a sub-session of the first communication session for a sub-session duration specified by the first communicator. The sub-session duration can be less than a duration of the first communication session. The session information can be conveyed to the temporary participant within a session invitation so that the sub-session duration is able to be presented to the temporary participant. Thus, the temporary participant is able to accept or deny the session invitation with full knowledge of the sub-session duration.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of a computer based on movements and/or position of a movable object. The system includes a sensing apparatus configured to obtain positional data based on movements of a sensed object. Engine software may process the positional data and generate control commands to produce a virtual position in an application running on the computer. A visual comparator is operatively coupled with the engine software and configured to display an actual indicator and a virtual indicator to provide a visual comparison between the virtual position and the actual position of the sensed object.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a server that hosts webpages facilitating user interaction between multiple endpoints. The system monitors for a user input requesting initiation of a happy hour, and when the input is detected, modifies the webpages to alert users of the happy hour. The users are notified of which user initiated the happy hour, and are also notified that interaction incentives accumulate at an increased rate during the happy hour. The system also tracks user scorings that accumulate based on the user interaction, and enables certain website features based on these user scorings. The system also tracks ratings for user-uploaded objects and identifies top rated objects for displaying on webpages viewable by other users.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for an on-line music studio. More particularly, the present invention relates to the management and synchronization of online musical tracks created by musicians and enthusiasts, especially ‘non-musicians’. The present invention provides an on-line forum and technical workspace where both new and experienced songwriters, musicians, and producers of all experience levels and backgrounds can come to integrate and synchronize separate musical tracks from multiple, geographically distant, users in real time, into a single complete musical composition.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for transferring electronic data between users of a communications system by receiving, at an instant messaging host, a video file from a sender and intended for a recipient; authenticating the video file; and sending the video file to the intended recipient.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods and systems for sharing pictures among a plurality of clients within a collaborative work space are disclosed. Each client device has a local instantiation of the collaborative work space including a collaborative interface. In response to receiving or dragging an image object into the collaborative interface or work space, a presentation corresponding to the image object happens with the work space in a manner synchronized across the collaborative interfaces. Other objects, such as audio objects, can be brought into the work space and synchronized accordingly.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates entering a character via an input device. An interface can receive a portion of input data from an input device, wherein the input data is at least one of an analog input from an analog directional input associated with the input device or a button input from a button associated with the input device. An enhanced input component can utilize a user interface (UI) overlay corresponding to the input device to select a character in which the UI overlay includes a segmented ring with each sector having two or more characters. The enhanced input component can enter a character for data entry based upon an analog directional input that selects a sector on the segmented ring and a button input that selects a corresponding character within the segment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly scalable architecture for a three-dimensional graphical, multi-user, interactive virtual world system. In a preferred embodiment a plurality of users interact in the three-dimensional, computer-generated graphical space where each user executes a client process to view a virtual world from the perspective of that user. The virtual world shows avatars representing the other users who are neighbors of the user viewing the virtual word. In order that the view can be updated to reflect the motion of the remote user's avatars, motion information is transmitted to a central server process which provides positions updates to client processes for neighbors of the user at that client process. The client process also uses an environment database to determine which background objects to render as well as to limit the movement of the user's avatar.

Abstract: A method may include receiving and outputting a selected multimedia stream at a mobile device. It is determined that a user wishes to browse other available multimedia streams. The selected multimedia stream is paused while the user browses the other available multimedia streams. The selected multimedia stream is cached while the user browses the other available multimedia streams. It is determined that the user has finished browsing the other available multimedia streams. The cached multimedia stream is output.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for playing a musical composition in an audible and visual manner. In one aspect, a visual representation of a phonograph playing an analog record is transmitted to a viewer/listener along with the actual analog audio generated by same. Such transmission may occur via television networks, the Internet, or other similar networks. In another aspect, such visual representations are played with digitally recorded audio in a time-correlated manner. In yet another aspect, such visual representations are recorded with digital audio in a soft format such as a digital file, MP3 file, or the like for use with portable audio and visual devices, for streaming via the Internet, for use in gaming, and/or for use as software. Such visual representations may also be displayed at live events such that the timing of the video play and the performance of the live or recorded audio is correlated.

Abstract: Described are techniques and mechanisms for media data storage management. Briefly stated, a media control component monitors the usage patterns of media files on a local device. Any media files whose usage pattern falls below a given threshold is identified as a trim candidate. The media control component trims those trim candidates by eliminating data (content) from the media files. The data is eliminated from the latter portion of the media file so that the trimmed media file will continue to render properly when initially launched. If the trimmed media file is launched, the media control component retrieves the eliminated data from a content server on which is stored a library of media files.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a real-time interface for collaborating between users is described. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a request to initiate a collaboration on a particular subject. The method may also include selecting a collection of framework widgets based on the particular subject, each framework widget being a web-based component that is updated in real time. In one embodiment, the method may further include embedding the collection of framework widgets in a collaboration interface.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to the dynamic activation and deactivation of a spell check feature option for instant message chat session features within a virtual environment. As such, the spell check feature can be activated and deactivated within the virtual environment based upon the identity of an engaged party to chat session or the identities of other parties that are in proximity to the chat session parties within the virtual environment.

Abstract: Control of multiple display screens associated with a computer, wherein the auxiliary screen display content that depends on conditions of the computer. During some times the auxiliary screen displays content associated with the presently executing program, and during other times the auxiliary screen displays history information. The rules can be automatically changed or manually changed.

Abstract: The disclosure identifies a dynamic content associated with a content provider that can be a portion of markup content which automatically changes over time and can be user-interactive. The dynamic content can be a uniform resource identifier (URI) addressable content. The dynamic content can be received from the content provider. A preview of the dynamic content can be presented in real-time within a markup renderable canvas of an interface. The preview can be uniformly scaled and the dynamic content within the preview can be non-interactive and can be unmodified by the receiving and presenting.