POLYCOM, INC Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140347435 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SHARING CONTENT IN VIDEOCONFERENCING - Content presented in association with a transmitting endpoint is obtained by the transmitting endpoint and transmitted to a receiving endpoint of a videoconference, along with associated information regarding interaction of a presenter with the content at the transmitting side. The receiving endpoint presents the presented content obtained from the transmitting endpoint similar to the presentation format at the transmitting side. Where the original presentation format is not suitable for transmission, a video image of the content in the original presentation format may be transmitted. An intermediate control unit, such as a multipoint control unit, may relay content and associated information between transmitting and receiving endpoints. | 11-27-2014 |
20140333715 | Method and System for Switching Between Video Streams in a Continuous Presence Conference - A media relay conferencing system includes a media relay multipoint control unit and a media relay endpoint that handle needs for Intra frames in an efficient way, improves the conferees experience, and reduces the load on the resources associated with that media relay videoconference by reducing the number of Intra frames and lowering the impact of Intra frames when they are needed. In some embodiments, when a requiring media relay endpoint requests an Intra frame for a video stream received from a presenting media relay endpoint, a media relay multipoint control unit may respond by requesting the presenting media relay endpoint to synchronize a reference frame in an encoder of the presenting media relay endpoint, which encodes the relevant relay compressed video stream, with a reference frame in a decoder of the requiring media relay endpoint. | 11-13-2014 |
20140278399 | SPEECH FRAGMENT DETECTION FOR MANAGEMENT OF INTERACTION IN A REMOTE CONFERENCE - A conferencing system and method involves conducting a conference between endpoints. The conference can be a videoconference in which audio data and video data are exchanged or can be an audio-only conference. Audio of the conference is obtained from one of the endpoints, and speech is detected in the obtained audio. The detected speech is analyzed to determine that the detected speech constitutes a speech fragment, and an indicia indicative of the determined speech fragment is generated. For a videoconference, the indicia can be a visual cue to be added to video for the given endpoint when displayed at other endpoints. For an audio-only conference, the indicia can be an audio cue to be added to the audio of the conference at the other end points. | 09-18-2014 |
20140270302 | LOUDSPEAKER ARRANGEMENT WITH ON-SCREEN VOICE POSITIONING FOR TELEPRESENCE SYSTEM - A videoconferencing system has a plurality of displays arranged side-by-side. Top loudspeakers are arranged adjacent the tops of the displays, and bottom loudspeakers are arranged adjacent the bottoms of the displays. A control unit operatively coupled to the displays and the loudspeakers routes video to each of the displays and routes audio corresponding to each display to any of the top and bottom loudspeakers arranged adjacent the display. Thus, the top and bottom loudspeakers form a vertical pair of loudspeakers that output the corresponding audio for its respective display. In this way, the audio for the video of a given display is perceived by participants to originate from the center of the given display. If one of the loudspeakers is not provided, gain setting and mixing between adjacent sets of loudspeakers can produce a virtual loudspeaker for the one that is missing. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267575 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A VIRTUAL CAFETERIA - An incidental virtual meeting (IVM) system deployed in multiple rooms can be used to provide a “virtual cafeteria” allowing for incidental meetings and video conferences. Wall endpoints in each room may detect the presence of a person in a proximity to the IVM (wall) endpoint and establish a connection to the associated wall endpoint in the other room, to allow unplanned meetings to occur. A room may have multiple wall endpoints, allowing the room to be connected to more than one other rooms. | 09-18-2014 |
20140267545 | IMMERSIVE TELEPRESENCE ANYWHERE - A conferencing peripheral for use with a mobile device or laptop or desktop computer can include one or more of projectors, cameras, microphones, and speakers. Such a device can work with the mobile device to provide a higher quality conferencing experience than has been provided to date by projecting a substantially full size, high resolution, image of conference participants onto a screen or wall and by providing microphones, speakers, and sufficient audio processing to provide high fidelity audio as part of the conferencing experience. The peripheral may be configured to use the voice and/or data network of the mobile device or may include its own internal network interface. | 09-18-2014 |
20140253665 | Home Videoconferencing System - A home videoconferencing system interfaces with traditional set-top boxes and typical home A/V equipment. The system includes a camera, a microphone, and a codec module. The module can couple to a modem connected to a television network and can couple to a display and a set-top box. Alternatively, the module can connect to a network for exchanging videoconference data and can connect between the set-top box and the display. The set-top box can connect to the television network on its own. | 09-11-2014 |
20140247321 | Methods and System for Simulated 3D Videoconferencing - 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. | 09-04-2014 |
20140148224 | FAR FIELD NOISE SUPPRESSION FOR TELEPHONY DEVICES - Noise suppression systems and methods suppress far field noise in a microphone signal. A telephony system includes a main microphone and a reference microphone. In one example, the main microphone and the reference microphone can be located in the same device. In another example, the main microphone and the reference microphone can be located in two separate devices. A DSP can use the reference microphone signal to carry out suppression of far field noise in the main microphone signal. In one approach the DSP can determine an estimate of far field noise in the main microphone signal based on a noise estimate of the reference microphone signal and a reference and main microphone coupling estimate, and then subtract the far field noise estimate from the main microphone signal. Alternatively, the DSP can suppress the main microphone signal if it determines that a local talker is inactive. | 05-29-2014 |
20140140542 | Configurable Audio Transmitter Circuitry - Audio transmitter circuitry is disclosed that is configurable into different modes by the user, and can output either a differential or single-ended audio signal on two signal wires. Depending on the mode, the transmitter deals with noise on the signal wires by adjusting the input resistance that such noise sees looking into the transmitter. If the transmitter is configured in a differential mode, the input resistance looking back into the transmitter from the perspective of the noise on both signal wires is relatively high. If the transmitter is configured in a single ended mode, the input resistance of noise looking back from the active signal wire into the transmitter is relatively low, to in effect ground such noise back into the transmitter, without significantly presenting such noise to the receiver. | 05-22-2014 |
20140118473 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SYNCHRONIZING AUDIO AND VIDEO STREAMS IN MEDIA RELAY CONFERENCING - A novel technique allows synchronizing a plurality of audio and video streams received at a receiving media relay endpoint via an intermediate node, such as a media relay multipoint control unit. The received streams were generated by a plurality of transmitting media relay endpoints and been relayed to the plurality of receiving media relay endpoints via the intermediate node, but are seen as being using a single time domain, in terms of wall clock and manipulated timestamps, while preserving the correct capture time. | 05-01-2014 |
20140118471 | Video Conferencing Method and Device Thereof - A method of video conferencing among two or more video conference endpoints is provided, wherein the method comprises steps of: processing media data of the video conference into unified coding formats while switching media data of the video conference between the two or among more video conference endpoints; and saving the processed media data into recording files of continuous presence mode and lecture mode, wherein the recording file of continuous presence mode saves media data generated by the two or more video conference endpoints, the recording file of lecture mode saves media data generated by a video conference endpoint who is the lecturer in the video conference. Accordingly, a device of video conferencing is provided. | 05-01-2014 |
20140049595 | Videoconferencing System Having Adjunct Camera for Auto-Framing and Tracking - A videoconference apparatus and method coordinates a stationary view obtained with a stationary camera to an adjustable view obtained with an adjustable camera. The stationary camera can be a web camera, while the adjustable camera can be a pan-tilt-zoom camera. As the stationary camera obtains video, faces of participants are detected, and a boundary in the view is determined to contain the detected faces. Absence and presences of motion associated with the detected face is used to verify whether a face is reliable. To then capture and output video of the participants for the videoconference, the view of the adjustable camera is adjusted to a framed view based on the determined boundary. In the end, active video captured in the framed view with the adjustable camera can be sent to a far-end for the videoconference. | 02-20-2014 |
20140028788 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONDUCTING VIDEO CONFERENCES OF DIVERSE PARTICIPATING DEVICES - A novel universal bridge (UB) can handle and conduct multimedia multipoint conferences between a plurality of MREs and LEPs without using an MRM, an MCU and a gateway. Further, a UB can be configured to allocate and release resources dynamically according to the current needs of each conferee and the session. | 01-30-2014 |
20140002585 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADAPTING A CP LAYOUT ACCORDING TO INTERACTION BETWEEN CONFEREES | 01-02-2014 |
20130328998 | AUTOMATIC VIDEO LAYOUTS FOR MULTI-STREAM MULTI-SITE PRESENCE CONFERENCING SYSTEM - A videoconference multipoint control unit (MCU) automatically generates display layouts for videoconference endpoints. Display layouts are generated based on attributes associated with video streams received from the endpoints and display configuration information of the endpoints. An endpoint can include one or more attributes in each outgoing stream. Attributes can be assigned based on video streams' role, content, camera source, etc. Display layouts can be regenerated if one or more attributes change. A mixer can generate video streams to be displayed at the endpoints based on the display layout. | 12-12-2013 |
20130250036 | Method and System for Determining Reference Points in Video Image Frames - A videoconferencing system for determining alignment information for images captured by two or more cameras is disclosed. The videoconferencing system can include a plurality of endpoints and at least one control unit (CU) such as a multipoint control unit (MCU), for example. An endpoint can include a plurality of cameras and at least one projector. The projector is used to project a pattern at the near end site, which pattern is captured by the plurality of cameras. The image frames produced by the cameras are processed to determine the identity and location coordinates of the images of the projected patterns. The location coordinates can be used as reference points to be used by applications such as telepresence, 3D videoconferencing, and morphing. | 09-26-2013 |
20130242032 | METHOD TO POPULATE CONTACT LIST FROM RECENT CALL LOG - A method for efficiently accessing pertinent information retrieved from a videoconferencing system call log. System call logs typically contain a chronological list of raw information pertaining to inbound and outbound videoconferencing calls. The method for efficiently accessing this chronological information is performed using input from the user at an endpoint to correlate and sort for display the information required at the current time. Videoconferencing systems typically are shared use or community type devices and the method of this disclosure allows for more user friendly access to pertinent information. Auto population of a speed dial list or associating a smart tag with the retrieved information is another possible feature to aid the end user. This method will allow a business to more efficiently use a limited number of videoconferencing systems amongst diverse groups of users with diverse calling needs. | 09-19-2013 |
20130235147 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING CONTINUOUS PRESENCE VIDEO IN A CASCADING CONFERENCE - Disclosed herein are methods and systems for providing continuous presence video stream in a cascading video conference, i.e., a video conference that is conducted over more than one MCU. A cascading continuous presence composition controller (CCCC) selects which endpoints from among all of the endpoints participating in the conference should be displayed in the layout, regardless of which endpoints are associated with which MCU. The CCCC can be resident on one of the MCUs, resident on a cascading conference server, or can be distributed among all of the MCUs involved in a cascading conference. | 09-12-2013 |
20130235146 | EXTENDED VIDEO CONFERENCING FEATURES THROUGH ELECTRONIC CALENDARING - Systems and methods to integrate or interface video conference rooms, video conference infrastructure equipment and electronic calendars are disclosed. Example embodiments include providing: security for meeting information; interfaces for personal electronic calendar applications and video conferencing equipment; and implementations for video conferencing infrastructure components to integrate with meeting scheduling software. Also disclosed are systems and methods for making information automatically available via interfaces to the scheduling software (e.g., via a plug-in or extension to the regular interface software and integration modules executing in video conferencing infrastructure equipment) without a change in how a user interacts with existing meeting scheduling software. | 09-12-2013 |
20130222529 | DYNAMIC ADAPTION OF A CONTINUOUS PRESENCE VIDEOCONFERENCING LAYOUT BASED ON VIDEO CONTENT - Dynamically adapting a continuous presence (CP) layout in a videoconference enhances a videoconferencing experience by providing optimum visibility to regions of interest within the CP layout and ignoring regions of no interest. Based on the CP layout, a CP video image can be built, in which a conferee at a receiving endpoint can observe, simultaneously, several other participants' sites in the conference. For example, more screen space within the CP layout is devoted to presenting the participants in the conference and little or no screen space is used to present an empty seat, an empty room, or an unused portion of a room. Aspect ratios of segments of the CP layout (e.g., landscape vs. portrait) can be adjusted to optimally present the regions of interest. The CP layout can be adjusted as regions of interest change depending on the dynamics of the video conference. | 08-29-2013 |
20130210401 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSFERRING A CONFERENCE BETWEEN A MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND A CONFERENCING TERMINAL - A conferencing system for an enterprise is disclosed. The conferencing system includes a management apparatus for managing conferencing resources in a premises. The management apparatus includes a communications link for communicating with a proximity announcing system, which indicates whether a portable communications device is near a conferencing device within the premises. The management apparatus can transmit a message to a proximate portable communication device indicating that a conferencing device is nearby. The proximity announcing system can include wireless transmitters and receivers associated with the premises and with portable communication devices used within the premises for tracking the location of the portable communication devices throughout the premises. | 08-15-2013 |
20130208079 | System and Method for Handling Critical Packets Loss in Multi-Hop RTP Streaming - Disclosed are example embodiments of a method and system to reduce re-transmission requirements of a compress media transferring system implemented in a network where packet loss could be possible. An extended header for each transmitted packet can indicate the priority of the packet and endpoints can determine if a re-transmission of a missing packet is desired. Buffering of packets at different hops in a multi-hop system could allow for the retransmission request to be satisfied by a more recent hop than the original system transmitting the video packet. In one embodiment three levels of priority are established to achieve a reliable frame rate of 30 frames per second by compressing the first and second levels at 7.5 frames per second and a third level at 15 frames per second. | 08-15-2013 |
20130188817 | Extended Speakerphone Layout for Conference Room Tables - A telescoping microphone and speaker strip for use in teleconferencing. The strip fitting a variety of different sized conference tables. The strip comprises a number of microphones and speakers placed on the median of a conference table and collapsed or extended to provide optimal maximum distances from participant to speaker and from participant to microphone while hiding all of the individual speaker and microphone wires. The strip can allow internal speaker and microphone wires to be retracted internally by a retracting mechanism. The strip is also wired or wirelessly connected to a base unit which provides telephonic audio signals, power, and signal processing to the strip. | 07-25-2013 |
20130176379 | Removing a Self Image From a Continuous Presence Video Image - Upon receiving a continuous presence video image, an endpoint of a videoconference may identify its self image and replace the self image with other video data, including an alternate video image from another endpoint or a background color. Embedded markers may be placed in a continuous presence video image corresponding to the endpoint. The embedded markers identify the location of the self image of the endpoint in the continuous presence video image. The embedded markers may be inserted by the endpoint or a multipoint control unit serving the endpoint. | 07-11-2013 |
20130155176 | Reflective and Refractive Solutions to Providing Direct Eye Contact Videoconferencing - A videoconferencing unit for enhancing direct eye-contact between participants can include a curved fully reflective mirror to reflect the image of the near end to a camera. The curved mirror can be placed in front of the display screen near a location where images of faces/eyes of far end participants are to appear. In another example, the videoconferencing unit can include a disintegrated camera configuration that provides an air gap between a front lens element and a rear lens element. The front lens element can be located behind an aperture within the display screen. The air gap can provide an unobstructed path to light from projectors and therefore avoid any undesirable shadows from appearing on the display screen. In another example, the videoconferencing unit can include a combination of the disintegrated camera configuration and mirrors for providing direct eye contact videoconferencing. | 06-20-2013 |
20130155173 | Videoconferencing System Using QR Codes for Interaction - Quick Response barcodes (“QR Codes”) are used for videoconferencing between a peripheral device and a videoconferencing system, which can include a conferencing server and/or a videoconferencing unit. Conferencing related QR codes are embedded within video frames and are identified by either a peripheral device or a videoconferencing unit. Once identified, the device or unit acts according to the information provided by the QR code. The QR codes enables the peripheral device, videoconferencing unit, and conferencing server to operation in conjunction with one another even though one or more of the device may not share a compatible operation platform that would allow for direct communication of requests and responses. | 06-20-2013 |
20130108076 | Compensating for Different Audio Clocks Between Devices Using Ultrasonic Beacon | 05-02-2013 |
20130106977 | Pairing Devices in Conference Using Ultrasonic Beacon | 05-02-2013 |
20130106976 | Portable Devices as Videoconferencing Peripherals | 05-02-2013 |
20130106975 | Mobile Group Conferencing with Portable Devices | 05-02-2013 |
20130083153 | Background Compression and Resolution Enhancement Technique for Video Telephony and Video Conferencing - An image processing system processes images such that a proportion of area of regions of interest within the image can be increased at the expense of regions of lesser interest. First, regions of interest, such as portions of the image including participants, are determined. Then compressible background regions are determined and compressed. This results in the proportion of the area of the regions of interest to increase. After the image is stored or transmitted, the regions of interest can be seen more clearly both because they are larger and because any loss of detail caused by down-sampling or lossy image compression needed to limit the amount of image information is reduced due to the smaller image size. The process also preserves more of the relative spatial relationship between various regions of interest than prior methods. | 04-04-2013 |
20130072173 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGEMENT OF PERSONAL DEVICE ALERT MODES VIA PROXIMITY TO A TOTEM - Alert mode configuration of a mobile device can be automatically modified based on the mobile device's proximity to a totem transmitting a beacon signal. The beacon signal can include a totem ID and/or a command. When the mobile device receives a totem ID, the mobile device can access and execute stored user selected alert mode configuration. When the mobile device receives a command, the mobile device may execute alert mode configuration that is site or location selected. For totems IDs previously unknown to the mobile device, the mobile device can allow the user to store the new totem ID in addition to associated user selected alert mode configuration. | 03-21-2013 |
20130063548 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATIC CALL INITIATION BASED ON BIOMETRIC DATA - A videoconferencing endpoint can provides a caller with the ability to make unscheduled video calls to a callee without having knowledge of dialing information of a videoconferencing endpoint where the callee is currently located. The videoconferencing endpoint searches a location database using an identity of the callee provided by the caller, where the location database can store dialing information of a videoconferencing endpoint where the callee is known to be located. The videoconferencing endpoint can collect biometric data from a user and determine the identity of the user by matching the collected biometric data to biometric data stored in a biometric database. If a match is found, the videoconferencing endpoint updates the location database such that the location database indicates the videoconferencing endpoint as the current location of the user. | 03-14-2013 |
20130038673 | Automated Calendared Conference Rescheduling and Forwarding - Systems and methods are disclosed to automatically rescheduling and optionally transferring audio/video conferences when a conference runs longer than its previously allocated time. The disclosed relocation process incorporates one or more of a plurality of input sources such as electronic calendars, face/voice recognition systems, proximity systems, enterprise maps, and/or resource databases to assist in schedule adjustments. For example, if it is determined a meeting is running long then an organizer of a second impacted meeting can be notified of the over-run and prompted for information. If the second meeting organizer is amenable to delay or reschedule, options are presented to the second meeting organizer Once a plan change is determined, changes in schedule or location are automatically propagated to resources and attendees scheduled for the second meeting. Also, when a conference must relocate, actions associated with relocating resources are automated and confidentiality concerns can be taken into account. | 02-14-2013 |
20130010050 | Tag-Aware Multipoint Switching For Conferencing - Conferencing methods and systems are disclosed wherein tags are associated with conferencing endpoints. The tags provide information enabling a decision-making entity to determine the preferability of one or more processing aspects of the endpoints. In a multipoint conference a tag can allow a decision making entity such as an MCU to determine the most appropriate mode for rendering video or other signals sent from a tagged endpoint. The tag itself can indicate the most appropriate mode or can contain information from which the decision-making entity can determine the most appropriate mode using an algorithm. A tag can be associated with an endpoint manually, for example based on a user's or controller's inputs concerning the endpoint. Alternatively, the tag can be assigned automatically based on automatically sensing one or more conditions at an endpoint or analyzing one or more parameters of a data stream transmitted from the endpoint. | 01-10-2013 |
20120323585 | Artifact Reduction in Time Compression - Various techniques are disclosed for reducing artifacts generated by time compression. by adapting the time compression based on the state of the received audio. The amount of time compression may be bounded based on audio characteristics. Another feature provides a way of determining the most correlated portions of segments of audio. Voiced speech may be distinguished from unvoiced speech. Another feature provides a way of distinguishing between silence, voiced speech, and unvoiced speech. Time compression may be adapted during periods of lengthy silence. Another feature allows for reducing time compression during sensitive portions of the received audio. One or more of these features may be present in different embodiments. | 12-20-2012 |
20120320143 | Automatic Camera Selection for Videoconferencing - In videoconference camera selection, audio inputs associated with cameras for a videoconference are each processed into first and second audio energies respectively for first and second frequency ranges. The selection then determines which of the audio inputs has a greatest ratio of the first audio energy to the second audio energy and selects the associated camera view for outputting video for the videoconference. The selection can also process video inputs from the cameras either alone or in combination with the audio processing. Either way, the selection processes each of the video inputs for at least one facial characteristic and determines which of the video inputs has a greatest likelihood of framing a human face. In the end, the selection selects the associated camera view for outputting video for the videoconference based at least in part on this video-based determination. | 12-20-2012 |
20120306996 | Extended Presence for Video Conferencing Systems - Systems and methods of providing extended presence information for multi-user devices are described. Communication devices used in conference rooms represent a different nature than single user devices such as a personal computer. Conference rooms also have attributes that may be added to existing presence information and provide an enhanced experience for scheduling and dissemination of conference room capabilities. Information such as actual people in attendance may be added to the presence information maintained by a presence server to provide an overall enhancement to the meeting room whether it is physically a single conference room or a multitude of endpoints remotely connected to a conference. | 12-06-2012 |
20120290305 | Scalable Audio in a Multi-Point Environment - Use of a scalable audio codec to implement distributed mixing and/or sender bit rate regulation in a multipoint conference is disclosed. The scalable audio codec allows the audio signal from each endpoint to be split into one or more frequency bands and for the transform coefficients within such bands to be prioritized such that usable audio may be decoded from a subset of the entire signal. The subset may be created by omitting certain frequency bands and/or by omitting certain coefficients within the frequency bands. By providing various rules for each endpoint in a conference, the endpoint can determine the importance of its signal to the conference and can select an appropriate bit rate, thereby conserving bandwidth and/or processing power throughout the conference. | 11-15-2012 |
20120274729 | Method for Creating a Videoconferencing Displayed Image - A user can design their own custom composed view for a videoconference depending on the users' individualized needs. The view can include segments (windows) in which participating conferees' video images are presented and accessory elements such as window borders, text, icons, and the like. The content of the accessory elements can be linked to events within the conference or the content of other objects within the view. A custom composed view for a video conference can be designed off-line by a user, loaded into a videoconferencing device, and executed to generate the custom composed view. The videoconferencing device can synchronize the content of accessory elements with the content of other objects presented in the view. | 11-01-2012 |
20120262281 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IN-BOX ELECTRONIC DEVICE PROVISIONING - Configurable electronic devices contain identifying information in a dual-ported memory. A plurality of un-configured units are assembled into a set. Using identifying information, a provisioning server matches each particular unit to configuration settings needed to appropriately configure that device for use by a specific end user. The configuration settings and/or data may be transmitted to the devices via their embedded RFID systems and stored in their dual-ported memory (via the first memory port). The electronic devices may comprise processor-based systems and, upon system initialization, the configuration data can be read from the memory via a second port thereof and used to configure the device for use by the user. In this way, devices may be configured as a set destined for a particular end user immediately prior to shipment and/or deployment and it is not necessary to separately track customized units prior to assembling them into a set. | 10-18-2012 |
20120257004 | Direct Eye-Contact Enhancing Videoconferencing Unit - A desktop videoconferencing endpoint for enhancing direct eye-contact between participants can include a transparent display device and a camera placed behind the display device to capture images of a near end participant located in front of the display device. The display device can alternate between display states and non-display states. The camera can be operated to capture images of the near end participant only when the display device is in the non-display state. The camera can be placed behind the display device at a location where an image of eyes of the far end participant is displayed. Images captured by the camera when displayed at to the far end participants can give the perceived impression that the near end participant is making direct eye-contact with the far end participant. | 10-11-2012 |
20120238216 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING BLUETOOTH DEVICE PAIRINGS - A system and method manages Bluetooth connections between Bluetooth devices. A first Bluetooth device can have a virtual Bluetooth device associated with it. A virtual Bluetooth device can include Bluetooth parameters and values that when adopted by a second Bluetooth device, would allow the first and second Bluetooth devices to begin communicating as already paired devices. The first Bluetooth device can be configured to allow a Bluetooth connection with the second Bluetooth device only if the second Bluetooth device has the Bluetooth parameters associated with the first Bluetooth device. An administrator server can control access to virtual Bluetooth devices based on access privileges. The first Bluetooth device can identify the second Bluetooth device using methods other than Bluetooth communication. The first Bluetooth device can then access virtual Bluetooth device associated with the second Bluetooth device and establish a secure connection with the second Bluetooth device. | 09-20-2012 |
20120236111 | Method and System for Switching Between Video Streams in a Continuous Presence Conference - An MRC system includes an MRM and an MRE that handle needs for Intra frames in an efficient way, improves the conferees experience, and reduces the load on the resources associated with that MRC videoconference by reducing the number of Intra frames and lowering the impact of Intra frames when they are needed. In some embodiments, when a requiring MRE requests an Intra frame for a video stream received from a presenting MRE, an MRM may respond by requesting the presenting MRE to send a temporary video stream toward the requiring MRE while sending in parallel a normal stream toward the rest of the MREs. | 09-20-2012 |
20120236107 | Methods and System for Simulated 3D Videoconferencing - 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. | 09-20-2012 |
20120233155 | Method and System For Context Sensitive Content and Information in Unified Communication and Collaboration (UCC) Sessions - Systems and methods are disclosed to identify and generate keyword searches in real-time or near real-time for active participants in an on-going Audio, Video and Data Collaboration meeting (also referred to as “Unified Communications and Collaboration” or UCC). In one embodiment, multiple input sources are screened to detect text data and generate search strings from the deciphered keywords. Keywords are deciphered from presentation materials and other forms of data input to a UCC (e.g., documents, video, and audio). Keywords and generated search strings can then be presented to one or more participants for selection (e.g., hyperlink) to retrieve and present supporting material relative to a topic of discussion or point of interest in the UCC. Alternatively, recorded content can be search during or prior to playback to allow incorporation of disclosed embodiments and concepts. | 09-13-2012 |
20120206563 | Method and System for Composing Video Images from a Plurality of Endpoints - The present application discloses a method and apparatus for a multipoint video conferencing system that can offer a wide variety of layouts and the ability to support a large number of conferees. A received stream of NALs from a plurality of endpoints can be processed by an exemplary NAL Processor Module (NPM) and be arranged into a stream of NALs that are referred to in this disclosure as organized NALs (ONALs). Two or more streams of compressed video organized into ONALs can be received by an exemplary NAL Editor Module (NEM), wherein each stream was created from a video image that was generated at an endpoint participating in the conference. An exemplary NEM can comprise a compressed composed frame memory (CCFM) module. Each CCFM can be divided into segments according to the layout of the continuous presence (CP) image that is to be displayed by one or more receiving endpoints. | 08-16-2012 |
20120200663 | Method and Apparatus For Improving The Average Image Refresh Rate in a Compressed Video Bitstream - An apparatus and method for digital video encoding is disclosed. The disclosed system provides for a way of improving video quality for a given video coding system design. | 08-09-2012 |
20120200658 | Automatic Video Layouts for Multi-Stream Multi-Site Telepresence Conferencing System - A videoconference multipoint control unit (MCU) automatically generates display layouts for videoconference endpoints. Display layouts are generated based on attributes associated with video streams received from the endpoints and display configuration information of the endpoints. An endpoint can include one or more attributes in each outgoing stream. Attributes can be assigned based on video streams' role, content, camera source, etc. Display layouts can be regenerated if one or more attributes change. A mixer can generate video streams to be displayed at the endpoints based on the display layout. | 08-09-2012 |
20120150956 | Extended Video Conferencing Features Through Electronic Calendaring - Systems and methods to integrate or interface video conference rooms, video conference infrastructure equipment and electronic calendars are disclosed. Example embodiments include providing: security for meeting information; interfaces for personal electronic calendar applications and video conferencing equipment; and implementations for video conferencing infrastructure components to integrate with meeting scheduling software. Also disclosed are systems and methods for making information automatically available via interfaces to the scheduling software (e.g., via a plug-in or extension to the regular interface software and integration modules executing in video conferencing infrastructure equipment) without a change in how a user interacts with existing meeting scheduling software. | 06-14-2012 |
20120147130 | Appearance Matching for Videoconferencing - Methods and systems for presenting video images generated by multiple endpoints in a videoconference such that the displayed images have consistent appearance, for example consistent brightness levels are disclosed. Sampling methods and algorithms are used to calculate an appropriate amount of correction for each video image and the images are adjusted accordingly. Brightness correction may implement one or more brightness sampling and analyzing logical modules (BSAM) and one or more transforming logical module (TLM). The brightness matching methods may be implemented in centralized architecture, for example, as part of a multipoint control unit (MCU). Alternatively, the methods may be implemented using a distributed architecture. | 06-14-2012 |
20120140020 | Removing a Self Image From a Continuous Presence Video Image - Upon receiving a continuous presence video image, an endpoint of a videoconference may identify its self image and replace the self image with other video data, including an alternate video image from another endpoint or a background color. Embedded markers may be placed in a continuous presence video image corresponding to the endpoint. The embedded markers identify the location of the self image of the endpoint in the continuous presence video image. The embedded markers may be inserted by the endpoint or a multipoint control unit serving the endpoint. | 06-07-2012 |
20120113514 | Picoprojector with Image Stabilization [Image-Stabilized Projector] - A handheld projector is provided with an image stabilization system that acts to reduce (or even eliminate) unwanted motion of the projected image due to unintended movement of the projector. In certain preferred embodiments, a solid-state motion sensor provides input to an image stabilization system that computes a corrective signal. In embodiments having optical image stabilization, the corrective signal is supplied to a mechanical actuator that moves one or more optical elements within the projector. Other embodiments have electronic image stabilization. In these embodiments, the corrective signal from the image stabilization system is used by the image generator to shift the image so as to compensate for movement of the projector. | 05-10-2012 |
20120101814 | Artifact Reduction in Packet Loss Concealment - Various techniques are disclosed for improving packet loss concealment to reduce artifacts by using audio character measures of the audio signal. These techniques include attenuation to a noise fill instead of attenuation to silence, varying how long to wait before attenuating the extrapolation, varying the rate of attenuation of the extrapolation, attenuating periodic extrapolation at a different rate than non-periodic extrapolation, and performing period extrapolation on successively longer fill data based on the audio character measures, adjusting weighting between periodic and non-periodic extrapolation based on the audio character measures, and adjusting weighting between periodic extrapolation and non-periodic extrapolation non-linearly. | 04-26-2012 |
20120076288 | Speakerphone and Conference Bridge Which Receive and Provide Participant Monitoring Information - Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for improved audio, video, and data conferencing. The present invention provides a conferencing system comprising a plurality of endpoints communicating data including audio data and control data according to a communication protocol. A local conference endpoint may control or be controlled by a remote conference endpoint. Data comprising control signals may be exchanged between the local endpoint and remote endpoint via various communication protocols. In other embodiments, the present invention provides for improved bridge architecture for controlling functions of conference endpoints including controlling functions of the bridge. | 03-29-2012 |
20120062689 | PERSONALIZED VIRTUAL VIDEO MEETING ROOMS - A videoconferencing system allows host users to personalize virtual meeting rooms (VMR). A multipoint control unit (MCU) generates VMRs using associated VMR configuration parameters, which include personal VMR parameters specified by the host user, and admin VMR parameters specified by an administrator of the videoconferencing system. The host user can connect to a server at the MCU to request a list of personal VMR parameters, for which the host user can specify values. The server can receive and store the specified values for the personal parameters. The MCU can combine the values of personal VMR parameters with values of admin VMR parameters in generating VMR configuration. | 03-15-2012 |
20120062687 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING SHARED PROGRAM CONTENT VIDEOCONFERENCING - A videoconferencing system provides sharing program content during a videoconferencing session. A graphical user interface (GUI) allows participants to select a program to be shared and participants to share the selected program with. A scheduler communicates with the videoconferencing systems of the participants to tune or configure them to receive the selected shared program content at a scheduled time. The scheduler also communicates with a multipoint control unit (MCU) for initiating a videoconferencing session between the participants. The videoconferencing system combines mixed video streams received from the MCU with the program stream of the selected shared program and displays the combined stream on the display device. The scheduler can be located at a program service provider or at the initiating participant's videoconferencing system. | 03-15-2012 |
20120061458 | Managing Mobile Device Interactions Using Barcodes - A system allows a connecting a mobile device with a barcode scanner to a stationary device by scanning a barcode displayed on a display of the stationary device. The system allows connecting only one mobile device to the stationary device at any given time and allows connecting the mobile device to only one stationary device at any given time. Once connected to the stationary device, the mobile device may be used to scan additional printed barcodes and barcodes displayed by the stationary device or elsewhere, sending data corresponding to the scanned barcodes to the stationary device as if the data were entered by an input device of the stationary device. The barcode scanning functionality may also allow other ways of controlling the mobile device, including performing speed dialing, call transfer, or other telephone functionality based on barcode scanning Encryption and other similar techniques may be employed for additional security. | 03-15-2012 |
20120033739 | Error Concealment In A Video Decoder - The error concealment technique disclosed herein relates to the use of existing information by the decoder to conceal bitstream errors regardless of what the encoder does. Examples of existing information include, for example, the previous reference frame, macroblock information for the previous reference frames, etc. Another aspect of the system described herein relates to the steps that the encoder can take to enhance the decoder's ability to recover gracefully from a transmission error. Exemplary steps that can be taken by the encoder include intra walk around and sending GOB headers. Although these encoder techniques can provide greatly enhanced results, they are not strictly necessary to the system described herein. | 02-09-2012 |
20120007944 | Method for Creating a Videoconferencing Displayed Image - The present disclosure provides methods and systems of multipoint videoconferencing wherein layout description information is used to create videoconferencing displayed images of a composite video of one or more video images and one or more accessory elements. The layout description information is responsive to events in the videoconferencing session. Synchronization between the images of the composite video and the one or more accessory elements is done by using synchronization information that reflects the event. | 01-12-2012 |
20110320942 | Computer Program and Methods for Automatically Initializing an Audio Controller - A computer program of the type commonly known as a “wizard” is disclosed that initializes user interface software for controlling an audio conferencing device. The wizard allows the desired audio inputs (e.g., microphone, telephones, etc.) and audio outputs (speakers, recording devices, etc.) to be chosen by an audio system administrator. Thereafter, the wizard allows an audio conferencing device (or devices) to be chosen by the administrator, or allows such a device(s) to be optimally chosen dependent upon the chosen inputs and outputs. The wizard then maps the inputs and outputs to the input and output ports on the audio conferencing device. When the administrator finishes the wizard, the wizard computes the mapping parameters and other audio-optimizing parameters for the selected inputs and outputs. These parameters are then loaded into the user interface software automatically. | 12-29-2011 |
20110310214 | Videoconferencing System with Enhanced Telepresence Using a Single Wide Aspect Ratio Camera - A videoconferencing system for enhanced telepresence employs a single wide aspect ratio high resolution camera for capturing video images of near end conference participants. Captured video image can be divided into adjacent portions, where video images corresponding to each portion is separately encoded and sent to a far end videoconferencing system to be displayed on adjacently placed display devices. Misalignment in displayed images at the far end can be mitigated by selecting portions that are non-overlapping and horizontally aligned. Number and size of the portions can be determined based on configuration information of the far end videoconferencing system. | 12-22-2011 |
20110299674 | Method and Apparatus for Wideband Conferencing - A method and apparatus for wideband voice and optional data conferencing over a telecommunications network channel between at least two wideband communications devices. An exemplary method comprises establishing an audio link, verifying wideband capability between the at least two wideband communications devices, training modems of the at least two wideband communications device to line conditions, and adjusting the telecommunications connection line conditions between the communications devices. Once a wideband connection has been established, audio and data may be simultaneously exchanged. | 12-08-2011 |
20110289201 | Method and System to Add Video Capability to any Voice over Internet Protocol (Vo/IP) Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Phone - Systems and methods of configuring an add-on device to augment the capability of existing endpoint infrastructure are disclosed. In one embodiment, a video add-on device is configured to receive, augment or downgrade, and forward messages for an existing SIP audio-only phone. The video add-on device in this embodiment can receive messages from the existing SIP audio-only phone and augment the messages with information regarding the additional video capabilities being provided. The messages can then be forwarded to an infrastructure SIP Proxy/Registrar for further routing. From the perspective of the infrastructure SIP Proxy/Registrar and other network attached devices the outbound messages from the video add-on device appear as if they originated from the video add-on device, other devices will not be directly aware of the existing SIP audio phone providing its designed function. Utilizing devices similar to the disclosed video add-on device may allow incremental corporate network endpoint upgrades. | 11-24-2011 |
20110285809 | Automatic Camera Framing for Videoconferencing - A videoconferencing apparatus automatically tracks speakers in a room and dynamically switches between a controlled, people-view camera and a fixed, room-view camera. When no one is speaking, the apparatus shows the room view to the far-end. When there is a dominant speaker in the room, the apparatus directs the people-view camera at the dominant speaker and switches from the room-view camera to the people-view camera. When there is a new speaker in the room, the apparatus switches to the room-view camera first, directs the people-view camera at the new speaker, and then switches to the people-view camera directed at the new speaker. When there are two near-end speakers engaged in a conversation, the apparatus tracks and zooms-in the people-view camera so that both speakers are in view. | 11-24-2011 |
20110285808 | Videoconferencing Endpoint Having Multiple Voice-Tracking Cameras - A videoconferencing apparatus automatically tracks speakers in a room and dynamically switches between a controlled, people-view camera and a fixed, room-view camera. When no one is speaking, the apparatus shows the room view to the far-end. When there is a dominant speaker in the room, the apparatus directs the people-view camera at the dominant speaker and switches from the room-view camera to the people-view camera. When there is a new speaker in the room, the apparatus switches to the room-view camera first, directs the people-view camera at the new speaker, and then switches to the people-view camera directed at the new speaker. When there are two near-end speakers engaged in a conversation, the apparatus tracks and zooms-in the people-view camera so that both speakers are in view. | 11-24-2011 |
20110285807 | Voice Tracking Camera with Speaker Identification - A videoconferencing apparatus automatically tracks speakers in a room and dynamically switches between a controlled, people-view camera and a fixed, room-view camera. When no one is speaking, the apparatus shows the room view to the far-end. When there is a dominant speaker in the room, the apparatus directs the people-view camera at the dominant speaker and switches from the room-view camera to the people-view camera. When there is a new speaker in the room, the apparatus switches to the room-view camera first, directs the people-view camera at the new speaker, and then switches to the people-view camera directed at the new speaker. When there are two near-end speakers engaged in a conversation, the apparatus tracks and zooms-in the people-view camera so that both speakers are in view. | 11-24-2011 |
20110246172 | Method and System for Adding Translation in a Videoconference - A multilingual multipoint videoconferencing system provides real-time translation of speech by conferees. Audio streams containing speech may be converted into text and inserted as subtitles into video streams. Speech may also be translated from one language to another, with the translated speech inserted into video streams as and choose the subtitles or replacing the original audio stream with speech in the other language generated by a text to speech engine. Different conferees may receive different translations of the same speech based on information provided by the conferees on desired languages. | 10-06-2011 |
20110234746 | CONTROLLING VIDEOCONFERENCE WITH TOUCH SCREEN INTERFACE - A videoconferencing system includes a touch screen display device and a videoconferencing unit. The display device displays video data for the videoconference and generates touch data based on user selections relative to the touch screen. The videoconferencing unit is operatively coupled to the touch screen device by a video connection and a data interface connection, for example. The unit establishes and conducts a videoconference with one or more endpoints via a network. The unit sends video data to the display device and receives touch data from the device. The received touch data is used to control operation of the videoconferencing system. The received touch data can be used to initiate a videoconference call, change an operating parameter, change orientation of a camera, initiate a picture-in-picture display, access a menu, access memory, change a source of video data, initiate a whiteboard display, and access a screen of a connected device. | 09-29-2011 |
20110191111 | Audio Packet Loss Concealment by Transform Interpolation - In audio processing for an audio or video conference, a terminal receives audio packets having transform coefficients for reconstructing an audio signal that has undergone transform coding. When receiving the packets, the terminal determines whether there are any missing packets and interpolates transform coefficients from the preceding and following good frames. To interpolate the missing coefficients, the terminal weights first coefficients from the preceding good frame with a first weighting, weights second coefficients from the following good frame with a second weighting, and sums these weighted coefficients together for insertion into the missing packets. The weightings can be based on the audio frequency and/or the number of missing packets involved. From this interpolation, the terminal produces an output audio signal by inverse transforming the coefficients. | 08-04-2011 |
20110187814 | Automatic Audio Priority Designation During Conference - During a conference, a multipoint control unit (MCU) designates priority and non-priority endpoints. The MCU forms priority audio from the priority endpoint and sends that audio to the other endpoints at a normal level. However, the MCU forms non-priority audio from the non-priority endpoint and handles that audio based on whether the input audio from the priority endpoint is from speaking or not. If the priority endpoint's audio indicates a participant at that endpoint is speaking, then the MCU sends the non-priority audio to the other endpoints at a reduced level. Designation of which endpoint has priority can be based on which endpoint has a current duration of audio indicative of speech that is longer than other endpoints. Alternatively, the designation can be based on which endpoint is currently presenting content during the conference or based on a mix of speech audio and content presentation. | 08-04-2011 |
20110181685 | Method and Apparatus to Virtualize People with 3D Effect into a Remote Room on a Telepresence Call for True in Person Experience - A video conference system provides “in the room” telepresence to near end participants. The video conference system includes a frameless or bezelless display device placed in front of a front wall for displaying edge-to-edge 3D images of far end participants. Color of the near end front wall is configured to be the same as the color of the far end rear wall. As a result, images displayed on the display device can merge or blend into the near end front wall, giving the near end participants the perception that the far end participants are actually in the near end conference room. Brightness of the faces/bodies of the near end participants can also be adjusted to match the brightness of the face/bodies of the images of the far end participants as they appear on the display device—therefore enhancing the in the room perception of the far end participants. | 07-28-2011 |
20110096776 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOST PACKET RECOVERY WITH CONGESTION AVOIDANCE - Devices and techniques for overcoming lost packets and avoiding congestion when conducting media conferences over packet switched networks are described herein. To avoid the problem of lost packets, redundant information is inserted into the media stream that permits the receiver to reconstruct any lost packets from the redundant information. Congestion avoidance techniques include adjusting the bitrate of the media stream to find the highest bitrate that can be supported without packet loss due to congestion. When increasing the bitrate to a higher rate, the additional bits can come from the redundant information used for lost packet recovery so that any lost packets caused by network congestion will not adversely affect the bitstream. | 04-28-2011 |
20110090302 | Method and System for Adapting A CP Layout According to Interaction Between Conferees - A system and method is disclosed for adapting a continuous presence videoconferencing layout according to interactions between conferees. Using regions of interest found in video images, the arrangement of images of conferees may be dynamically arranged as displayed by endpoints. Arrangements may be responsive to various metrics, including the position of conferees in a room and dominant conferees in the videoconference. Video images may be manipulated as part of the arrangement, including cropping and mirroring the video image. As interactions between conferees change, the layout may be automatically rearranged responsive to the changed interactions. | 04-21-2011 |
20110069848 | Speaker with Acoustic Damped Port - Systems, methods, and devices for improving speaker performance with an acoustic damped port are disclosed. In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, a damping material is placed around a vented frame of a speaker driver, and substantially covers or fills the vents of the frame. In some embodiments, the damping material results in improved impedance matching with acoustic delay, without required dimensional tuning (as with conventional ports). In some embodiments, it also reduces the air velocity gradients minimizing higher order frequency distortion components. In some embodiments, the damping material also acts as an absorber of energy by coupling to the sound wave. In some embodiments, low-frequency performance is improved in a small-scale design. | 03-24-2011 |
20110069830 | Detection and Suppression of Returned Audio at Near-End - Audio from a near-end that has been acoustically coupled at the far-end and returned to the near-end unit is detected and suppressed at the near-end of a conference. First and second energy outputs for separate bands are determined for the near-end audio being sent from the near-end unit and for the far-end audio being received at the near-end unit. The near-end unit compares the first and second energy outputs to one another for each of the bands over a time delay range and detects the return of the sent near-end audio in the received far-end audio based on the comparison. The comparison can use a cross-correlation to find an estimated time delay used for further analysis of the near and far-end energies. The near-end unit suppresses any detected return by muting or reducing what far-end audio is output at its loudspeaker. | 03-24-2011 |
20110050842 | DISTANCE LEARNING VIA INSTRUCTOR IMMERSION INTO REMOTE CLASSROOM - A distance learning scenario includes a local classroom having a local videoconferencing device communicating with a remote videoconferencing device at a remote classroom. A first local camera captures images of the local participants, a second local camera captures images of an instructor, and a local display screen displays images of remote participants. At the remote location, a first remote camera captures images of remote participants, a first remote display screen displays images of local participants, and a second remote display screen displays images of the instructor. The local display screen is situated on a side of the local presenter that is substantially opposite to the side on which the first remote display screen is situated relative to the second remote display screen at the remote location to implement video-mirroring. The local and remote display screens display life-size images of the participants and the instructor. | 03-03-2011 |
20110040834 | ARCHIVING CONTENT IN A CALENDARED EVENT - Systems and methods of providing access to meeting content via an interface to meeting scheduling software are described. A meeting organizer schedules a meeting or conference meeting with selected participants. The meeting is held with the available participants and meeting content is automatically maintained as an association to a calendar entry in the meeting scheduling software. After the meeting is completed, available participants may review content and unavailable participants (those that were unable to attend) may view the content of the meeting. Participants may further be able to augment the meeting content and make the augmented content available to all meeting participants via a historical calendar entry. | 02-17-2011 |
20110032996 | USING DUAL HDVICP COPROCESSOR TO ACCELERATE DM6467 H.264 DECODER - Systems and methods are disclosed for utilizing multiple co-processors, of a multiprocessor processing device, in tandem to improve performance for H.264 video decoding operations. The video decoding operation may be split across the multiple High Definition Video Image Co-Processors (HDVICPs) of a multiprocessor device such as Texas Instrument's DM6467 utilizing a spatially shifted temporal split to improve overall performance of the video decoding operation while conforming to the H.264 standard. | 02-10-2011 |
20110026592 | INTRA BLOCK WALK AROUND REFRESH FOR H.264 - An apparatus and method for digital video encoding is disclosed. The disclosed system provides for an improved way of correcting divergence of a reference block in a decoder while minimizing the overhead required to update the reference block. | 02-03-2011 |
20110018960 | Method and System for Providing Continuous Presence Video in a Cascading Conference - Disclosed herein are methods and systems for providing continuous presence video stream in a cascading video conference, i.e., a video conference that is conducted over more than one MCU. A cascading continuous presence composition controller (CCCC) selects which endpoints from among all of the endpoints participating in the conference should be displayed in the layout, regardless of which endpoints are associated with which MCU. The CCCC can be resident on one of the MCUs, resident on a cascading conference server, or can be distributed among all of the MCUs involved in a cascading conference. | 01-27-2011 |
20110007126 | Method and System for Preparing Video Communication Images for Wide Screen Display - A system and method is disclosed for composing a video layout having an aspect ratio of 16:9 from a plurality of video segments having an aspect ratio other than 16:9. For example, the plurality of video segments might have an aspect ratio of 4:3. To create a composite frame having an aspect ratio of about 16:9, the disclosed system scales each one of the segments and places each scaled segment in the layout in such a way that the composite layout has an aspect ratio of about 16:9. | 01-13-2011 |
20100328422 | Method and System for Composing Video Images from a Plurality of Endpoints - The present application discloses a method and apparatus for a multipoint video conferencing system that can offer a wide variety of layouts and the ability to support a large number of conferees. A received stream of NALs from a plurality of endpoints can be processed by an exemplary NAL Processor Module (NPM) and be arranged into a stream of NALs that are referred to in this disclosure as organized NALs (ONALs). Two or more streams of compressed video organized into ONALs can be received by an exemplary NAL Editor Module (NEM), wherein each stream was created from a video image that was generated at an endpoint participating in the conference. An exemplary NEM can comprise a compressed composed frame memory (CCFM) module. Each CCFM can be divided into segments according to the layout of the continuous presence (CP) image that is to be displayed by one or more receiving endpoints. | 12-30-2010 |
20100289867 | Method and System for Launching a Scheduled Conference Based on the Presence of a Scheduled Participant - A conferencing system for an enterprise is disclosed. The conferencing system initiates a scheduled conference upon detecting that a scheduled conferee is present at a conferencing endpoint. | 11-18-2010 |
20100278358 | DIGITAL LINKING OF MULTIPLE MICROPHONE SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for digitally linking multiple microphones and managing microphone signals are provided. Embodiments provide for digitally linking of multiple auto-mixer systems where a large number of microphones are required. In large auto-mixer systems, microphone input channels may be distributed among many devices. Rather than transmitting these signals individually to a central processing device for the auto-mixer, it is most efficient to distribute the audio signal processing functions of the automatic microphone mixer among multiple devices in an audio conferencing system. Subsequently, a smaller number of gated mixes of microphone signals may be transmitted between devices. Thus, embodiments of the present invention act to digitally link multiple microphone signals, arbitrating these signals, in order to enable distributed automatic microphone mixers to behave as a single mixer. | 11-04-2010 |
20100226487 | METHOD & APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE STATE OF A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - A networked conferencing device includes at least one speaker, a display and a plurality of environmental sensors such as cameras, microphones, light level sensors, thermal sensors and motion sensors. The conferencing device receives environmental information from the sensors and processes this information to identify qualified events. The identified qualified events are then used to determine a next powered state for the conferencing device. If the next powered state is different than a current powered state, then the conferencing system transitions to the next powered state. | 09-09-2010 |
20100194847 | Method and System for Conducting Continuous Presence Conferences - Disclosed are methods and systems for multipoint videoconferencing. A Media Relay MCU (MRM) receives compressed media (audio, video, and/or data) from a plurality of endpoints participating in a video conferencing session. For a given endpoint, the MRM selects which of other endpoints to display in a CP layout at the given endpoint. The MRM transmits the compressed media from the selected endpoints to the given endpoint to be presented in the CP layout. The MRM does not decode the compressed media. | 08-05-2010 |
20100166200 | Feedback Elimination Method and Apparatus - A method and apparatus for detecting a singing frequency in a signal processing system using two neural-networks is disclosed. The first one (a hit neural network) monitors the maximum spectral peak FFT bin as it changes with time. The second one (change neural network) monitors the monotonic increasing behavior. The inputs to the neural-networks are the maximum spectral magnitude bin and its rate of change in time. The output is an indication whether howling is likely to occur and the corresponding singing frequency. Once the singing frequency is identified, it can be suppressed using any one of many available techniques such as notch filters. Several improvements of the base method or apparatus are also disclosed, where additional neural networks are used to detect more than one singing frequency. | 07-01-2010 |
20100149307 | Extended Presence for Video Conferencing Systems - Systems and methods of providing extended presence information for multi-user devices are described. Communication devices used in conference rooms represent a different nature than single user devices such as a personal computer. Conference rooms also have attributes that may be added to existing presence information and provide an enhanced experience for scheduling and dissemination of conference room capabilities. Information such as actual people in attendance may be added to the presence information maintained by a presence server to provide an overall enhancement to the meeting room whether it is physically a single conference room or a multitude of endpoints remotely connected to a conference. | 06-17-2010 |
20100131656 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPATCHING RECEIVED SESSIONS BETWEEN A PLURALITY OF INSTANCES OF AN APPLICATION USING THE SAME IP PORT - A logical module, referred as Load Balancer Module (LBM), is disclosed which listens to one of certain common predefined port number. These well-known ports for receiving communication video conference signaling and control protocols is thereafter load balanced and multi-plexed to a number of instances of protocol stack applications. By balancing the multi-media data stream across a multitude of application instances multiple multi-media data streams may be serviced and processed by a single internet protocol host processor. A mutipoint control unit (MCU) may therefore process multiple input data streams containing multi-media video conferencing information. | 05-27-2010 |
20100131278 | Stereo to Mono Conversion for Voice Conferencing - Stereo to mono voice conferencing conversion is performed during a voice conference. Conferencing equipment receives audio for right and left channels and filters each of the channels into a plurality of bands. For each band of each channel, the equipment determines an energy level and compares each energy level for each band of the right channel to each energy level for each corresponding band of the left channel. Based on the comparison, the equipment determines which channel has more audio resulting from speech. Based on the determination, the equipment adjusts delivery of the audio from the right and left channels to a mono channel for transmission to endpoints only capable of mono audio in the voice conference. | 05-27-2010 |
20100128105 | System and Method for Combining a Plurality of Video Stream Generated in a Videoconference - Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for videoconferencing that allows video images from two or more cameras at the same site to be displayed as a single panoramic image. Accordingly, a conferencing endpoint having a single monitor can display the panoramic image of the two or more video images from an endpoint having multiple cameras, such as a telepresence endpoint. A sliding display area can be used to manually define a zoomed portion of the panoramic image to be displayed. Alternatively, the zoomed portion may be determined automatically. The zoomed portion may be changed during the course of the conference. | 05-27-2010 |
20100118112 | GROUP TABLE TOP VIDEOCONFERENCING DEVICE - A group table top videoconferencing device for communication between local participants and one or more remote participants provides a camera assembly and display screens on the same housing—giving the remote participant the perception that the local participant is making direct eye-to-eye contact with him/her. The housing is placed such that the housing is within the field of view of every local participant viewing any other local participant. Because, the remote participant is always within the field of view of the local participant, the remote participant does not get the feeling of non-intimacy during the videoconference. A wall mounted display operates in conjunction with the videoconferencing device to display media content received from the remote participants. Keypad and a touch screen provide user interface for controlling the operation of the videoconferencing device. Speakers convert audio signals received from the remote participants into sound. | 05-13-2010 |
20100110938 | Multipoint Multimedia/Audio Conference Using IP Trunking - A multipoint communication system uses Internet protocol trunking to facilitate communication between media control units (for sending and receiving multipoint communication signals between end-point devices), a media gateway (for translating between non-Internet protocol multipoint communication signals and Internet protocol communication signals), and a controller (for establishing and controlling a multipoint communication session between the end-point devices). In addition, a multimedia gateway (for use in a multipoint communication system) is described that incorporates an interactive voice response unit through which users of non-Internet protocol devices (connected to the multimedia gateway) interact to establish a communication session with a multipoint communication system. | 05-06-2010 |
20100110161 | System, Method, and Apparatus for Extending Wireless Personal Area Networks Using Conferencing Connection - A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed whereby a wireless Personal Area Network such as a Bluetooth piconet may be extended to a remote location beyond the normal range by means of a conferencing connection. The conferencing connection may comprise, for example, one or more ISDN lines or an IP connection between two or more conference endpoints. The broadband connection may include a video channel, an audio channel, a control channel, and a Bluetooth channel. | 05-06-2010 |
20100103245 | Dynamic Adaption of a Continuous Presence Videoconferencing Layout Based on Video Content - Dynamically adapting a continuous presence (CP) layout in a videoconference enhances a videoconferencing experience by providing optimum visibility to regions of interest within the CP layout and ignoring regions of no interest. Based on the CP layout, a CP video image can be built, in which a conferee at a receiving endpoint can observe, simultaneously, several other participants' sites in the conference. For example, more screen space within the CP layout is devoted to presenting the participants in the conference and little or no screen space is used to present an empty seat, an empty room, or an unused portion of a room. Aspect ratios of segments of the CP layout (e.g., landscape vs. portrait) can be adjusted to optimally present the regions of interest. The CP layout can be adjusted as regions of interest change depending on the dynamics of the video conference. | 04-29-2010 |
20100085415 | DISPLAYING DYNAMIC CALLER IDENTITY DURING POINT-TO-POINT AND MULTIPOINT AUDIO/VIDEOCONFERENCE - A method for efficiently determining and displaying pertinent information determined from multiple input and calculated parameters associated with a videoconference call. The method for efficiently determining and displaying this personal information is performed using input from the user at an endpoint and calculated information throughout the videoconference to present personal information, about the currently speaking person, to all participants. Videoconferencing systems are typically used by multiple people at multiple locations. The method of this disclosure allows for more user interaction and knowledge transfer amongst the participants. By sharing information between the different locations participants are more aware of who is speaking at any given time and the importance to be applied to what that particular person is saying. | 04-08-2010 |
20100070598 | System and Method for Exchanging Connection Information for Videoconferencing Units Using E-mails - A videoconferencing system includes a first videoconferencing unit coupled to a network and associated with a first e-mail address. The first videoconferencing unit receives a second e-mail address and automatically sends a request e-mail requesting connection information to the second e-mail address. A second videoconferencing unit is coupled to the network and is associated with the second e-mail address. The second videoconferencing unit receives the request e-mail and automatically returns a response e-mail including connection information to the first e-mail address. The first videoconferencing unit receives the response e-mail and automatically obtains the connection information from the response e-mail. Using the connection information, the first videoconferencing unit initiates a videoconference call with the second videoconference unit. | 03-18-2010 |
20100039495 | METHOD TO POPULATE CONTACT LIST FROM RECENT CALL LOG - A method for efficiently accessing pertinent information retrieved from a videoconferencing system call log. System call logs typically contain a chronological list of raw information pertaining to inbound and outbound videoconferencing calls. The method for efficiently accessing this chronological information is performed using input from the user at an endpoint to correlate and sort for display the information required at the current time. Videoconferencing systems typically are shared use or community type devices and the method of this disclosure allows for more user friendly access to pertinent information. Auto population of a speed dial list or associating a smart tag with the retrieved information is another possible feature to aid the end user. This method will allow a business to more efficiently use a limited number of videoconferencing systems amongst diverse groups of users with diverse calling needs. | 02-18-2010 |
20090324001 | SPEAKERPHONE WITH A NOVEL LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT - A new speakerphone wherein a loudspeaker is oriented to face the listeners of an audio conference is disclosed. New speakerphones which have a bass loudspeaker and at least one tweeter loudspeaker wherein the tweeter loudspeaker is oriented towards listeners of an audio conference are also disclosed. | 12-31-2009 |
20090285131 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING A USER INTERFACE TO A PORTABLE COMMUNICATION DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A CONFERENCING SESSION - A conferencing system for an enterprise is disclosed. The conferencing system allows a conferencing session conducted on a conferencing device within a premises to be controlled from a portable communication device. The system provides a generic user interface to the portable communication device for controlling the conferencing session. Commands for controlling the conferencing session are entered on the portable communication device and signaled to the conferencing device. | 11-19-2009 |
20090285130 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING CONFERENCING RESOURCES IN A PREMISES - A conferencing system for an enterprise is disclosed. The conferencing system includes a management apparatus for managing conferencing resources in a premises. The management apparatus includes a communications link for communicating with a proximity announcing system, which indicates whether a portable communications device is near a conferencing device within the premises. The management apparatus can transmit a message to a proximate portable communication device indicating that a conferencing device is nearby. The proximity announcing system can include wireless transmitters and receivers associated with the premises and with portable communication devices used within the premises for tracking the location of the portable communication devices throughout the premises. | 11-19-2009 |
20090284580 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INITIATING A CONFERENCE BASED ON THE PROXIMITY OF A PORTABLE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A conferencing system for an enterprise is disclosed. The conferencing system determines the location of a portable communication device within a premises and sends a prompt to the portable communication device announcing an option to initiate a communication session using local conferencing devices. In response to a request from the portable communication device, the system determines connection information for a remote endpoint and initiates a communication session between the local conferencing device and the remote endpoint. | 11-19-2009 |
20090284579 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSFERRING A CONFERENCE BETWEEN A MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND A CONFERENCING TERMINAL - A conferencing system for an enterprise is disclosed. The conferencing system allows a user conducting a communication session on a personal communication device to transfer the communication session to a local conferencing device. The conferencing system prompts the personal communication device with an option to transfer the communication session to the conferencing device. The system obtains contact information for a multimedia endpoint associated with the remote communication device and initiates a connection between the local conferencing device and the remote multimedia endpoint. The system can also transfer a communication session from a local conferencing device to a portable communication device. | 11-19-2009 |
20090252315 | Audio Signal Routing - A communication system that includes multiple conferencing devices connected in a daisy-chain configuration is communicably connected to far-end conference participants. Multiple conferencing devices provide improved sound quality to the far-end participants by reducing aural artifacts resulting from reverberation and echo. The daisy-chain communication system also reduces the processing and transmission time of the near-end audio signal by processing and transmitting the audio signal in frequency domain. Each conferencing device in the daisy chain performs signal conditioning on its audio signal before transmitting it in the frequency domain to a mixer. The output signal of the mixer is converted back to the time domain before being transmitted to the far-end. The daisy-chain configuration also provides a distributed bridge to external communication devices that can be connected to each conferencing device. | 10-08-2009 |
20090240993 | COMPUTER PROGRAM AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY INITIALIZING AN AUDIO CONTROLLER - A computer program of the type commonly known as a “wizard” is disclosed that initializes user interface software for controlling an audio conferencing device. The wizard allows the desired audio inputs (e.g., microphone, telephones, etc.) and audio outputs (speakers, recording devices, etc.) to be chosen by an audio system administrator. Thereafter, the wizard allows an audio conferencing device (or devices) to be chosen by the administrator, or allows such a device(s) to be optimally chosen dependent upon the chosen inputs and outputs. The wizard then maps the inputs and outputs to the input and output ports on the audio conferencing device. When the administrator finishes the wizard, the wizard computes the mapping parameters and other audio-optimizing parameters for the selected inputs and outputs. These parameters are then loaded into the user interface software automatically. | 09-24-2009 |
20090189973 | INTEGRATED DESKTOP VIDEOCONFERENCING SYSTEM - Disclosed herein is a videoconferencing system that has been integrated into a flat panel display or computer monitor. The integration provides an improved form factor for the videoconferencing system. In addition, the integration offers the dual use as a computer monitor and as a videoconferencing system. The system includes a videoconferencing module attaching to a back of the flat panel display. The videoconferencing module has videoconferencing electronics that electronically connect to integral electronics of the display. The system also includes a microphone/camera module attaching to a top of the flat panel display. The microphone/camera module has a camera and microphone that both electronically connect to the videoconferencing electronics. | 07-30-2009 |
20090128373 | TWIN-CONTACT KEYBOARD ARRANGEMENT - Devices, methods, and techniques for keyboard scanning are disclosed herein. Keyboard arrangements can include a plurality of keys and a keyboard decoder. Each of the plurality of keys can include at least one drive contact and a plurality of sense contacts. Each drive contact can be connected to an output (drive) line of the keyboard decoder, and each sense contact can be connected to an input (sense) line of the keyboard decoder such that each key is connected to a unique combination of sense lines. Key presses can be identified by the unique combination of sense lines triggered. The combination of sense lines triggered can be used as an address to a lookup table indicating the function of the various keys. Variations of drive signal properties, e.g., frequency, phase, and waveshape, can be used to further distinguish key inputs and/or provide for a greater number of keys and/or corresponding functions. | 05-21-2009 |
20090115838 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HIGH RESOLUTION VIDEOCONFERENCING - A system and method for high resolution video conferencing is shown and described. A transmitting station and a receiving station including video cameras or sensors, a plurality of microphones and speakers, video, audio and communication processing engines are disclosed. Video is processed and transferred through the system allowing for multiple video streams to be produced and audio is processed and transferred through the system allowing for sound to be played back with an indication of position in relation to the videoconferencing system. | 05-07-2009 |
20090096861 | INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR TELEPRESENCE VIDEOCONFERENCING - An integrated videoconferencing system has a credenza that houses three displays at predefined angles with respect to one another. A table positions in from the credenza for seating participants across from the credenza's displays. The table has three seating sections that are angled at another predefined angle with respect to one another. Three cameras are positioned in the top of the credenza, and each has a view angle directed perpendicularly at one of the seating sections. The table can also have a portion that interconnects with the credenza. In use, the integrated system allows the participants to conduct a telepresence videoconference in which the near-end participants can interact with the far-end participants as if they were all seated at the same conference table in the room together. | 04-16-2009 |
20090067320 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSIGNING A PLURALITY OF MACS TO A PLURALITY OF PROCESSORS - A bank of processing units is connected to a number of LANs via a bank of MAC controllers. An interconnect switch allows any of the processing units to access any of the MAC controllers. A housekeeping processor periodically detects faults in the connectivity of the processing units to the LANs. When a fault is detected, a redundant processing unit is assigned to be connected to the LAN. If a fault still exists, then a redundant MAC controller is assigned to the redundant processing unit. The MAC address of the previous MAC controller is reassigned to the redundant MAC controller. | 03-12-2009 |
20090046580 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOST PACKET RECOVERY WITH CONGESTION AVOIDANCE - Devices and techniques for overcoming lost packets and avoiding congestion when conducting media conferences over packet switched networks are described herein. To avoid the problem of lost packets, redundant information is inserted into the media stream that permits the receiver to reconstruct any lost packets from the redundant information. Congestion avoidance techniques include adjusting the bitrate of the media stream to find the highest bitrate that can be supported without packet loss due to congestion. When increasing the bitrate to a higher rate, the additional bits can come from the redundant information used for lost packet recovery so that any lost packets caused by network congestion will not adversely affect the bitstream. | 02-19-2009 |
20080291265 | SMART CROPPING OF VIDEO IMAGES IN A VIDEOCONFERENCING SESSION - Systems and methods are disclosed for controlling cropping areas of video images to match the allocated area associated with the image in a video conferencing layout. The disclosed methods can protect regions of interest from being cropped. A region of interest within a video image is identified to adjust the cropping in such a way that the region of interest is preserved within the cropped image. The region of interest may be identified based on motion detection or flesh tone detection, for example. | 11-27-2008 |
20080279366 | Method and Apparatus for Automatically Suppressing Computer Keyboard Noises in Audio Telecommunication Session - A communication system automatically mutes a microphone in response to a key event detected from a coupled keyboard to prevent delivery of noise generated by the keyboard to a far end of the communication session. A timer is initiated for a time period when the key event occurs, and the microphone remains muted for the time period of the timer. The timer may be restarted to maintain the microphone mute in response to a subsequent key event detected while the timer is running. If the timer expires before a subsequent key event is detected, the microphone can be restored to its previous state (usually un-muted). The system can be applied to a computer coupled to the keyboard and a microphone and having a communication application operating on the computer. Alternatively, the system can be applied to a computer coupled to the keyboard and coupled to an external conferencing unit having a communication application. | 11-13-2008 |
20080267297 | DE-BLOCKING FILTER ARRANGEMENTS - Described herein is a de-blocking filter arrangement for video encoders and decoders that include a de-blocking loop filter. In some embodiments, the post filter may be configured to process all edges that were not processed by the loop filter. In other embodiments the encoder may specify which edges should be processed by the loop filter and/or by the post filter. Also disclosed herein is a de-blocking filter arrangement for video encoders and decoders that include first and second de-blocking loop filters. The second loop filter is configured to operate only on slice boundaries that were not processed by the first loop filter, e.g., for one of the reasons described above. | 10-30-2008 |
20080218585 | APPEARANCE MATCHING FOR VIDEOCONFERENCING - Methods and systems for presenting video images generated by multiple endpoints in a videoconference such that the displayed images have consistent appearance, for example consistent brightness levels are disclosed. Sampling methods and algorithms are used to calculate an appropriate amount of correction for each video image and the images are adjusted accordingly. Brightness correction may implement one or more brightness sampling and analyzing logical modules (BSAM) and one or more transforming logical module (TLM). The brightness matching methods may be implemented in centralized architecture, for example, as part of a multipoint control unit (MCU). Alternatively, the methods may be implemented using a distributed architecture. | 09-11-2008 |