Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques for managing access to files on a computing system. An example method generally includes receiving, from an application, a request by a user to access a specified file on a file system through the application. A permission record is retrieved from a permission repository based on information about the application, the user, and the specified file. A determination is made of whether the user has permission to access a directory in the file system in which the specified file is located, and a determination is made of whether the application is allowed to access the specified file. Based on determining that the user has permission to access the directory in which the specified file is located and determining that the application has permission to access the specified file, the specified file is retrieved from the directory, and the application is granted access to the specified file.

Abstract: Techniques relating to caching a content object are disclosed. These techniques include receiving, at a first server from a requestor, a revalidation request relating to a content object. The techniques further include determining that metadata describing one or more characteristics of the content object is stored in a cache associated with the first server and that the content object is not stored in the cache, and in response: determining, at the first server, whether to retrieve content object data from any server based on analyzing a metric relating to retrieving the content object, and transmitting from the first server to the requestor, based on analyzing the metadata, a response to the revalidation request indicating that the content object is not modified.

Abstract: A user system for rendering accessibility enhanced content includes processing hardware, a display, and a memory storing software code. The processing hardware executes the software code to receive primary content from a content distributor and determine whether the primary content is accessibility enhanced content including an accessibility track. When the primary content omits the accessibility track, the processing hardware executes the software code to perform a visual analysis, an audio analysis, or both, of the primary content, generate, based on the visual analysis and/or the audio analysis, the accessibility track to include at least one of a sign language performance or one or more video tokens configured to be played back during playback of the primary content, and synchronize the accessibility track to the primary content. The processing hardware also executes the software code to render, using the display, the primary content or the accessibility enhanced content.

Abstract: A method including receiving video of an event; generating an overlay for the video; generating an information message containing information enabling a receiver of the video and the overlay to selectively display or hide the overlay; and transmitting the video, the overlay, and the information message. The video is transmitted in a primary stream of a multi-stream transmission including a primary stream and one or more auxiliary streams. The overlay is transmitted in a first one of the auxiliary streams.

Abstract: There is provided a system including a memory and a processor configured to stream a media content for playback to a first media device for viewing by a first user, receive, while streaming the media content, an input from the first media device indicating an insertion point in the media content selected by the first user for inserting a contextual message provided by the first user, receive the contextual message from the first media device, stream the media content for playback to a second media device for viewing by a second user, and deliver the contextual message to the second media device for viewing by the second user when streaming the media content to the second media device reaches the insertion point.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for unlocking in-game content for a video game application. In one embodiment, the video game application may be operated by a user that is concurrently viewing media content. The video game application captures an audio signal from the concurrently-playing media content, performs content recognition on the captured audio signal, and determines whether to unlock one or more portions of in-game content based on the identified media content.

Abstract: An immersive experience system is provided. The immersive experience system has a processor that determines a position of a first head-mounted display. Further, the processor determines a position of a second head-mounted display. The processor also generates a first image for a first immersive experience corresponding to the position of the first head-mounted display. Moreover, the process encodes the first image into a first infrared spectrum illumination having a first wavelength. In addition, the processor generates a second image for a second immersive experience corresponding to the position of the second head-mounted display. Finally, the processor encodes the second image into a second infrared spectrum illumination having a second wavelength. The first wavelength is distinct from the second wavelength.

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to a method to generate user representative avatars that fit within a design paradigm. The method includes receiving depth information corresponding to multiple user features of the user, determining one or more feature landmarks for the user based on the depth information, utilizing the one or more feature landmarks to classify a first user feature relative to an avatar feature category, selecting a first avatar feature from the avatar feature category based on the classification of the first user feature, combining the first avatar feature within an avatar representation to generate a user avatar, and output the user avatar for display.

Abstract: A system for providing user-driven customization and enhanced personalization of interactive experiences. The system includes data storage for storing player profiles, with each including customization preferences useful in enhancing or generating one of the interactive experiences. The system includes a gameplay space adapted to provide an interactive experience, which includes one or more interactive elements. The system includes a gameplay device configured to be worn or carried by a player. A detection device detects a presence of the player in the gameplay space and obtains a unique identifier for the gameplay device. The system includes a controller retrieving a set of the customization preferences in one of the player profiles associated with the identifier.

Abstract: A method for interacting with a playset comprises acquiring, using a sensor on a mobile device, data corresponding to the playset, and selecting a virtual presentation to display on the mobile device based on the data. The method further comprises displaying, on the display, the virtual presentation while the mobile device is mounted with the playset. The virtual presentation comprises virtual content corresponding to at least one of an interior of the playset and a first physical object.

Abstract: A window in a multi-window display configuration is provided. A gaze of one or more users is directed at the window. The multi-window display configuration has a plurality of windows that are each configured to display corresponding content. Further, a window attribute of the window is modified based upon the gaze. In addition, a request for the content corresponding to the window is sent to a server. The content corresponding to the window is received from the server. The content corresponding to the window is then displayed according to the modified window attribute at the window.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for an airframe of a volitant body are presented herein. An apparatus may include a body having a normal axis. The body comprising a central air passage communicating through the body along the normal axis of the body. The central air passage may have an inlet at a first end of the body and an outlet at a second end of the body, the second end being opposite the first end. The central air passage may form an interior surface of the body. The central air passage permitting a flow of air through the body via the central air passage. The inlet may be formed to produce a Venturi effect in the flow of air passing through the central air passage from the inlet to the outlet by choking the flow of air at the inlet.

Abstract: An interactive autonomous robot is configured for deployment within a social environment. The disclosed robot includes a show subsystem configured to select between different in-character behaviors depending on robot status, thereby allowing the robot to appear in-character despite technical failures. The disclosed robot further includes a safety subsystem configured to intervene with in-character behavior when necessary to enforce safety protocols. The disclosed robot is also configured with a social subsystem that interprets social behaviors of humans and then initiates specific behavior sequences in response.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a communication fusion application enables other software application(s) to interpret spoken user input. In operation, a communication fusion application determines that a prediction is relevant to a text input derived from a spoken input received from a user. Subsequently, the communication fusion application generates a predicted context based on the prediction. The communication fusion application then transmits the predicted context and the text input to the other software application(s). The other software application(s) perform additional action(s) based on the text input and the predicted context. Advantageously, by providing additional, relevant information to the software application(s), the communication fusion application increases the level of understanding during interactions with the user and the overall user experience is improved.

Abstract: The embodiments herein describe a CDN that uses revalidation to force edge servers to refresh their cached objects (i.e., download new copies of the objects from the origin data center). Revalidation can be used by edge servers to determine whether an object currently cached at the edge servers has been updated or changed in the origin data center. The embodiments herein leverage revalidation to perform a forced refresh to force the edge servers to refresh their cached object, regardless whether those cached objects match the objects stored in the origin data center. A forced refresh can be used when there is a network connection that may have caused the cached objects to become corrupted. Moreover, the forced refresh can be performed in batches so as not to overwhelm the network and computing resources in the CDN.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods operating a set remotely, and more specifically, for enabling the control of a remotely adjustable audio-visual recording device as well as the communication between the remotely adjustable audio-visual recording device and various specialty devices of a cloud control center configured to remotely control features of the remotely adjustable audio-visual recording device. In operation, a talent component may receive a user input indicative of turning on the r remotely adjustable audio-visual recording device. Based on receiving the user input, the talent component may automatically connect, via a network, to a cloud control center. Based on connecting to the talent component, the cloud control center may remotely control the remotely adjustable audio-visual recording device an enable the remote recording of audio-visual content.

Abstract: A modeling engine generates a prediction model that quantifies and predicts secondary dynamics associated with the face of a performer enacting a performance. The modeling engine generates a set of geometric representations that represents the face of the performer enacting different facial expressions under a range of loading conditions. For a given facial expression and specific loading condition, the modeling engine trains a Machine Learning model to predict how soft tissue regions of the face of the performer change in response to external forces applied to the performer during the performance. The modeling engine combines different expression models associated with different facial expressions to generate a prediction model. The prediction model can be used to predict and remove secondary dynamics from a given geometric representation of a performance or to generate and add secondary dynamics to a given geometric representation of a performance.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for methods, computer program products, and systems to improve media playback comprising receiving a variant stream, identifying respective maximum segment durations for a plurality of different types of client devices that will play media content contained in the variant stream, generating, using the variant stream, a respective playlist for each of the plurality of different types of client devices, wherein the respective playlists each contain different maximum segment durations, and delivering the respective playlists to at least one of the plurality of different types of client devices via a distribution network.

Abstract: There is provided a system including a memory storing an executable code and a processor executing the executable code to receive a plurality of video inputs, wherein each video input of the plurality of video inputs includes a video feed from an event, provide the plurality of video inputs to each of a plurality of media devices, receive a plurality of user video inputs each from a different one of the plurality of media devices, wherein each of the plurality of user video inputs is created using the plurality of video inputs, and stream each of the plurality of user video inputs as a separate media channel for display by a plurality of media devices.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a customized content, comprising identifying a customizable content from which to produce the customized content, identifying a base content in the customizable content, and receiving at least one customizing criterion as input. The method further comprises determining a plurality of content modifiers for harmonizing the base content and the customizing criterion, extracting the plurality of content modifiers from a modification library, and integrating the plurality of content modifiers with the base content to produce the customized content. In one embodiment, the method is embodied as instructions stored on a computer-readable medium. A system for producing customized content comprises a content host hosting a customizable content including a base content, a modification library, and a content customizing application.

Abstract: A playset comprises a near field communication extending system. The near field communication extending comprises a main antenna and a plurality of extending antennas. The main antenna is positioned at a first location of the playset and configured to wirelessly communicate to a near field communication device of a mobile device. The plurality of extending antennas is positioned at a plurality of different locations in an interior of the playset. Each of the plurality of extending antennas is connectable to the main antenna via a plurality of connection elements. The playset further comprises an antenna switching mechanism coupled to the plurality of extending antennas via a plurality of connection elements. The antenna switching mechanism is configured to switchably couple the main antenna with each of the plurality of extending antennas.

Abstract: A system includes processing hardware and a memory storing software code. When executed, the software code receives first skeleton data including a first location of each of multiple skeletal key-points from the perspective of a first camera, receives second skeleton data including a second location of each of the skeletal key-points from the perspective of a second camera, correlates first and second locations of some or all of the multiple skeletal key-points to produce correlated skeletal key-point location data for each of at least some skeletal key-points. The software code further merges the correlated skeletal key-point location data for each of those at least some skeletal key-points to provide merged location data, and generates, using the merged location data and the locations of the first, second, and third cameras, a mapping of the 3D pose of a skeleton.

Abstract: A process receives, with a processor, audio corresponding to media content. Further, the process converts, with the processor, the audio to text. In addition, the process concatenates, with the processor, the text with one or more time codes. The process also parses, with the processor, the concatenated text into one or more text chunks according to one or more subtitle parameters. Further, the process automatically translates, with the processor, the parsed text from a first spoken language to a second spoken language. Moreover, the process determines, with the processor, if the language translation complies with the one or more subtitle parameters. Additionally, the process outputs, with the processor, the language translation to a display device for display of the one or more text chunks as one or more subtitles at one or more times corresponding to the one or more time codes.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for characterizing audience engagement with one or more characters in a media content item. In some embodiments, an audience engagement characterization application processes sensor data; such as video data capturing the faces of one or more audience members consuming a media content item, to generate an audience emotion signal. The characterization application also processes the media content item to generate a character emotion signal associated with one or more characters in the media content item. Then, the characterization application determines an audience engagement score based on an amount of alignment and/or misalignment between the audience emotion signal and the character emotion signal.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for interactive editing of virtual three-dimensional scenes. In the disclosed techniques, rendering is divided into (1) an interactive phase during which a user interactively edits a virtual scene while preview image frames are rendered using a modified ray tracing technique, and (2) a refinement phase during which full ray tracing is performed to show the user a final rendered image frame. The modified ray tracing technique may limit the number of bounces of light rays and/or the computations performed at each bounce, thereby reducing computational expense relative to a full ray tracing technique. Further, the modified ray tracing technique may be user-selectable and associated with a particular department within an animation studio.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments are related to a device, system and method for implementing an audio orientated immersive experience of an event presented at a user device. A server is connected to a user device. The server generates a virtual environment that corresponds to a site of an event. The server receives tracking data corresponding to an object of the event. The tracking data is incorporated into the virtual environment. The server identifies a predetermined condition and selects enhancement data based on the predetermined condition. The predetermined condition corresponds to the tracking data and the virtual environment. The server transmits a data stream to the user device, the data stream including the enhancement data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing facial retargeting using a patch-based technique are disclosed. One or more three-dimensional (3D) representations of a source character's (e.g., a human actor's) face can be transferred onto one or more corresponding representations of a target character's (e.g., a cartoon character's) face, enabling filmmakers to transfer a performance by a source character to a target character. The source character's 3D facial shape can separated into patches. For each patch, a patch combination (representing that patch as a combination of source reference patches) can be determined. The patch combinations and target reference patches can then be used to create target patches corresponding to the target character. The target patches can be combined using an anatomical local model solver to produce a 3D facial shape corresponding to the target character, effectively transferring a facial performance by the source character to the target character.

Abstract: A system includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a memory storing a software code. The software code is executed to receive a content selection input identifying audio-video (AV) content from a user, and determine a user preferred playback mode for a core video component of the AV content using one or more of (x) a media consumption profile of the user, (y) a playback mode selection input received from the user, or (z) a playback mode supported by a user device. The software code also obtains a media package containing multiple versions of the core video component and metadata identifying a default playback mode, and streams the AV content to the user device using: the user preferred playback mode when a version of the core video component corresponding to the user preferred playback mode is contained in the media package, or the default playback mode otherwise.

Abstract: A content delivery system includes a computing platform having processing hardware and a system memory storing software code, a user account database, and a content database. The processing hardware executes the software code to receive, from a user device utilized by a user, a request for access to a first content of a plurality of contents, the request including an identifier of a sponsor of the request, to verify, using the identifier, an authorization status of the sponsor, and transmit to the user device, based on verification of the authorization status of the sponsor, content access data enabling access to the first content by the user. The processing further executes the software code to detect that the user is accessing the first content, and to offer, in response to detecting that access, an opportunity to the user to obtain access to the plurality of contents.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments are related to a device, a system, and a method for implementing a mechanism that is configured to prevent the unauthorized execution of software. A user device is configured to execute a feature access function corresponding to an application feature included in an application. The feature access function is configured to receive one of a plurality of values each time the application is launched. During operation, the feature access function receives a value and determines whether a condition is satisfied. When the condition is satisfied, the value is returned which indicates that execution of the application feature is permitted.

Abstract: According to one implementation, a system for redirecting to content after an interruption includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a system memory storing a content redirection software code. The hardware processor executes the content redirection software code to track a playout status of a primary content being provided by the system, and detect a pause to playout of the primary content due to receipt of an interrupt content by the system. In addition, the hardware processor executes the content redirection software code to, during playout of the interrupt content by the system, save the playout status of the primary content at the pause. The hardware processor further executes the content redirection software code to detect completion of interrupt content playout by the system, and enable a return to the primary content after the pause.

Abstract: In one implementation, an enhanced vision system includes a portable user device, a base station including a hardware processor and a memory storing a virtual effects rendering software code, and a display device communicatively coupled to the base station. The hardware processor executes the virtual effects rendering software code to detect the presence of the portable user device in a real-world environment, obtain a mapping of the real-world environment, and identify one or more virtual effect(s) for display in the real-world environment. The hardware processor further executes the virtual effects rendering software code to detect actuation of the portable user device, and to control the display device to display the virtual effect(s) in the real-world environment based on the mapping, and the position and orientation of the portable user device during the detected actuation.

Abstract: A process generates a certificate of authenticity for a virtual item. Further, the process sends, with the processor, the certificate of authenticity to a decentralized network of computing devices such that two or more of the computing devices store the certificate of authenticity. The two or more of the computing devices receive, from a user device that provides a virtual reality experience in which a virtual item is purchased, a request for authentication of the certificate of authenticity. In addition, the two or more computing devices authenticate the certificate of authenticity based on one or more consistency criteria for the certificate of authenticity being met by the two or more computing devices.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments relate to converting Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) content to High Dynamic Range (HDR) content using a machine learning system. In some embodiments, the neural network is trained to convert an input SDR image into an HDR image using the encoded representation of a training SDR image and a training HDR image. In other embodiments, the neural network is trained to convert an input SDR image into an HDR image using a predefined set of color grading actions and the training images.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for generating a content page having a plurality of layers. The technique includes detecting a first application event associated with a first layer included in a plurality of layers of a content page and accessing, via a template file, at least one parameter of the first layer that corresponds to the first application event. The technique further includes modifying at least one aspect of the first layer based on the first application event and the at least one parameter to generate a first modified layer, and outputting the first modified layer for display.

Abstract: An image processing system includes a computing platform having processing hardware, a display, and a system memory storing a software code. The processing hardware is configured to execute the software code to receive a three-dimensional (3D) digital model, surround the 3D digital model with multiple virtual cameras oriented toward the 3D digital model, and generate, using the virtual cameras, a multiple renders of the 3D digital model. The processing hardware is further configured to execute the software code to generate a UV texture coordinate space for a surface projection of the 3D digital model, and to transfer, using the multiple renders, lighting color values for each of multiple surface portions of the 3D digital model to the UV texture coordinate space.

Abstract: A system includes a hardware processor and a memory storing a software code including a predictive model. The hardware processor executes the software code to receive an input including an image having a pixel anomaly, and image data identifying the location of the pixel anomaly in the image. The software code uses the predictive model to extract a global feature map of a global image region of the image, the pixel anomaly being located within the global image region; to extract a local feature map of a local image region of the image, the pixel anomaly being located within the local image region and the local image region being smaller than the global image region; and to predict, based on the global feature map and the local feature map, a distraction level of the pixel anomaly within the image.

Abstract: A new controller for use in robots with kinematic loops as well as in most other types of robots (such as those with fully actuated kinematic trees). The controller includes an inverse kinematics (IK) module that implements a versatile IK formulation for retargeting of motions, including expressive motions, onto mechanical systems (i.e., robots with loops and/or without loops). Further, the controller is configured to support the precise control of the position and orientation of end effectors and the center of mass (CoM) (such as of walking robots). The formulation of the algorithms carried out by the IK module safeguards against a disassembly when IK targets are moved outside the workspace of the robot. A regularizer is included in the controller that smoothly circumvents kinematic singularities where velocities go to infinity.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for detecting physical contacts effectuated by actions performed by an entity participating in an event. An action, performed by the entity, is detected based on a sequence of pose data associated with the entity's performance in the event. A contact with another entity in the event is detected based on data associated with the detected action. The action and the contact detections are employed by neural-network based detectors.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques for automated updates to code deployment pipelines. This includes identifying a proposed change to a plurality of source code repositories based on parsing a change template. It further includes determining one or more changes to one or more files in each respective source code repository, of the plurality of source code repositories, based on the proposed change. It further includes changing the one or more files in each respective source code repository, based on the determined one or more changes, and building a project in each respective source code repository using the changed one or more files.

Abstract: A system includes a machine learning (ML) model-based video downsampler configured to receive an input video sequence having a first display resolution, and to map the input video sequence to a lower resolution video sequence having a second display resolution lower than the first display resolution. The system also includes a neural network-based (NN-based) proxy video codec configured to transform the lower resolution video sequence into a decoded proxy bitstream. In addition, the system includes an upsampler configured to produce an output video sequence using the decoded proxy bitstream.

Abstract: There is provided a wireless portable device for providing location-based data to a user in a defined geographical area including a plurality of points of interest, the wireless portable device comprising a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, and a display. The wireless transmitter can transmit location information to a wireless server over a wireless network. The wireless receiver can receive location-based data relating to a point of interest from the wireless server periodically and automatically, based on the location of the wireless portable device. By optimizing map routes and schedules using the location-based data and user preferences including wish lists, the wireless portable device can provide helpful recommendations via the display, enabling the user to plan an efficient schedule of activities in the defined geographical area optimized by walking distance, queue wait times, booking and arriving at reserved events, and/or by other user preferences.

Abstract: Embodiments provide for a system, comprising a plurality of encoders configured to generate a plurality of variant streams, and a cross-variant Instantaneous Decoder Refresh (IDR) identifier configured to inspect the plurality of variant streams, identify IDR frames in each of the plurality of variant streams, determine which IDR frames correspond to cross-variant boundaries, and demarcate the IDR frames corresponding to cross-variant boundaries.

Abstract: This disclosure presents systems and methods to facilitate interaction by one or more participants with content presented across multiple distinct physical locations. A current distinct physical location of a participant may be determined. In response to determining the current distinct physical location in which the participant is located, operation of one or more content devices physically present in the current distinct physical location may be effectuated.

Abstract: A system includes a hardware processor that executes a software code to receive an authorization request on behalf of a user for a stacked resource including resources offered separately by multiple resource providers, determine resource provider computers associated with the stacked resource, and send a look-up request including an electronic identity of the user to those computers, where the electronic identity is used as a look-up key for determining user attribute(s) of the user. The software code further receives the user attribute(s) from the resource provider computers, generates an accumulated access profile of the user based on the user attribute(s), applies the profile to a rules engine to determine a stacked access result, and routes the authorization request and the stacked access result to one of the resource provider computers, where that computer completes an authorization process for access to the stacked resource based on the stacked access result.

Abstract: A system includes a computing platform including processing hardware and a memory storing software code, a trained machine learning (ML) model, and a content thumbnail generator. The processing hardware executes the software code to receive interaction data describing interactions by a user with content thumbnails, identify, using the interaction data, an affinity by the user for at least one content thumbnail feature, and determine, using the interaction data, a predetermined business rule, or both, content for promotion to the user. The software code further provides a prediction, using the trained ML model and based on the affinity by the user, of the desirability of each of multiple candidate thumbnails for the content to the user, generates, using the content thumbnail generator and based on the prediction, a thumbnail having features of one or more of the candidate thumbnails, and displays the thumbnail to promote the content to the user.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein provide techniques for performing incremental natural language understanding on a natural language understanding (NLU) system. The NLU system acquires a first audio speech segment associated with a user utterance. The NLU system converts the first audio speech segment into a first text segment. The NLU system determines a first intent based on a text string associated with the first text segment, wherein the text string represents a portion of the user utterance. The NLU system generates a first response based on the first intent prior to when the user utterance completes.

Abstract: There is provided a system including a memory storing an executable code and a processor executing the executable code to provide access to a plurality of users to curate video clips stored in a content repository, wherein each video clip is associated with one of a plurality of ownership identifications, receive curation inputs from a user of one of a plurality of user devices arranging two or more video clips into a video compilation, wherein a first video clip is associated with the first ownership identification of a first content owner and a second video clip is associated with the second ownership identification of a second content owner, stream the video compilation to one or more of the plurality of user devices, and distribute a first fee to the first content owner and a second fee to the second content owner, in response to streaming the video compilation.

Abstract: A system includes a computing platform having processing hardware, one or more sensor(s), and a memory storing perception software and animation software, as well as an augmented reality (AR) headset including another processing hardware. The computing platform is configured to obtain an environmental data using the sensor(s), determine the location and orientation of the AR headset using the perception software and the environmental data, identify an action for execution by the computing platform, using the animation software and the location and orientation of the AR headset, and transmit performative data corresponding to the identified action to the AR headset. The AR headset is configured to receive, from the computing platform, the performative data, and to render at least one AR effect corresponding to the identified action using the performative data.

Abstract: A transparent display system is provided where broadcast talent (or presenter) can see interactive content, tool palettes, prompts (and the like) as well as their own sketches and annotations, but a viewing audience sees only the broadcast talent and content intended for the viewing audience with the talent's annotation thereof. A transparent scattering screen together with optical filtering or gating of a first optical property of the light (e.g., polarization-based or wavelength-based) is used such that the first property of the light is projected onto the screen so the talent can see the projection, and a camera-side filter blocks the first property of the light so it is not seen by the camera. Simultaneously, a broadcast talent (or presenter) is illuminated by light having properties other than the first property, which allows the talent image to pass through the screen and the camera-side filter allowing the talent to be seen by camera.