Videoconferencing

Abstract: We analyze 20 large sets of actual variable-bit-rate (VBR) video data, generated by a variety of different codecs and representing a wide range of different scenes. Performing extensive statistical and graphical tests, our main conclusion is that long-range dependence is an inherent feature of VBR video traffic, i.e., a feature that is independent of scene (e.g., video phone, video conference, motion picture video) and codec. In particular, we show that the long-range dependence property allows us to clearly distinguish between our measured data and traffic generated by VBR source models currently used in the literature. These findings give rise to novel and challenging problems in traffic engineering for high-speed networks and open up new areas of research in queueing and performance analysis involving long-range dependent traffic models. A small number of analytic queueing results already exist, and we discuss their implications for network design and network control strategies in the presence of long-range dependent traffic. >

Abstract: An intelligent media device, comprising a packet data communications interface; a media communication interface for receiving audio and/or video data; a digital memory for persistently storing received audio and/or video data; and an intelligent server for generating a virtual interface for controlling the media communication interface and the digital memory through said packet data communications interface. The intelligent server may be adaptive. A variety of devices may be interfaced through the packet data communications interface, including telephony, imaging, videoconferencing, security, alarm, environmental control, vehicular, illumination system, domestic appliance; fluid and handling systems, as well as consumer electronic devices. A digital rights manager for enforcing a set of externally supplied restrictions associated with the received audio and/or video data may be incorporated, with a cryptographic processor for selectively cryptoprocessing audio and/or video data in dependence on said rights manager being provided to limit access to the audio and/or video data content.

Abstract: Telephone calls, data and other multimedia information including video, audio and data is routed through a switched network which includes transfer of information across the internet. Users can participate in video conference calls in which each participant can simultaneously view the video from each other participant and hear the mixed audio from all participants. Users can also share data and documents with other video conference participants. Users can manage more aspects of a network than previously possible, and control network activities from a central site. Billing of the conference call is accomplished utilizing a billing detail record to capture events associated with a call as they occur and debit the appropriate bill.