Abstract: Active noise control systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein. Anti-snoring systems can include a first pillow unit having at least one error microphone and at least one speaker, at least one reference microphone configured to capture sound produced proximate to the at least one reference microphone, and a control unit operatively coupled to the first pillow unit and the at least one reference microphone. In some aspects, the control unit can be configured to produce an anti-noise in the at least one speaker disposed in the first pillow unit by processing signals received from the at least one error microphone and the at least one reference microphone using gated dynamic adjustments such that the anti-noise cancels any sound produced proximate the at least one reference.

Abstract: Active noise control systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein. Anti-snoring systems can include a first pillow unit having at least one error microphone and at least one speaker, at least one reference microphone configured to capture sound produced proximate to the at least one reference microphone, and a control unit operatively coupled to the first pillow unit and the at least one reference microphone. In some aspects, the control unit can be configured to produce an anti-noise in the at least one speaker disposed in the first pillow unit by processing signals received from the at least one error microphone and the at least one reference microphone using gated dynamic adjustments such that the anti-noise cancels any sound produced proximate the at least one reference.

Abstract: Active noise control systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein. Anti-snoring systems can include a first pillow unit having at least one error microphone and at least one speaker, at least one reference microphone configured to capture sound produced proximate to the at least one reference microphone, and a control unit operatively coupled to the first pillow unit and the at least one reference microphone. In some aspects, the control unit can be configured to produce an anti-noise in the at least one speaker disposed in the first pillow unit by processing signals received from the at least one error microphone and the at least one reference microphone using gated dynamic adjustments such that the anti-noise cancels any sound produced proximate the at least one reference.

Abstract: An avatar interaction system that solicits the end user to provide a cultural profile and automatically filters or translates responses through the avatar in a manner compatible with the cultural profile designated. End users may selected from a plurality of gender, race, and ethnically identifiable anthropomorphic forms to self-identify with a cultural profile. Gestures having cultural significance are identified, suppressed, and/or modified according to the currently enabled cultural profile of the end user.

Abstract: Active noise control systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein. Anti-snoring systems can include a first pillow unit having at least one error microphone and at least one speaker, at least one reference microphone configured to capture sound produced proximate to the at least one reference microphone, and a control unit operatively coupled to the first pillow unit and the at least one reference microphone. In some aspects, the control unit can be configured to produce an anti-noise in the at least one speaker disposed in the first pillow unit by processing signals received from the at least one error microphone and the at least one reference microphone using gated dynamic adjustments such that the anti-noise cancels any sound produced proximate the at least one reference.

Abstract: A low-cost, low-demand (physical and cognitive) interface for puppeteers that allows them to easily participate in the control of verbal and non-verbal activities of a set of virtual characters or avatars. The invention further provides a low-cost, unencumbered interface for participants that allows them to employ both natural movement and also verbal and non-verbal interaction with virtual characters. A network protocol supports real-time remote interaction even when dealing with relatively poor network connections; and an integrated after-action review system supports trainers in the processes of tagging and commenting on events, subsequently using these to assist reflection on the part of participants.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable media for real-time chromakey matting using image statistics. To identify the chroma key spectrum, the system/method executes in three stages. In an off-line training stage, the system performs semi-automatic calibration of the chroma key parameterization. In the real-time classification stage, the system estimates the alpha matte on a GPU. Finally, an optional error minimization stage improves the estimated matte, accounting for misclassifications and signal noise. Given the resulting matte, standard alpha blending composites the virtual scene with the video feed to create the illusion that both worlds coexist.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable media for real-time chromakey matting using image statistics. To identify the chroma key spectrum, the system/method executes in three stages. In an off-line training stage, the system performs semi-automatic calibration of the chroma key parameterization. In the real-time classification stage, the system estimates the alpha matte on a GPU. Finally, an optional error minimization stage improves the estimated matte, accounting for misclassifications and signal noise. Given the resulting matte, standard alpha blending composites the virtual scene with the video feed to create the illusion that both worlds coexist.

Abstract: An inner container is disposed within an outer container containing an amount of foamable liquid sufficient to provide a substantial foam production capacity. The dual-container foam dispenser is provided with a porous diffusing element having material surface characteristics optimally suited for diffusing pressurized air into stationary foamable liquid located within the inner container, thereby producing high-quality foam. The inner container is provided with an upper valve and a lower valve, each biased open by a return-action biasing force. The valves open to permit flow in either direction between the containers, depending upon system pressure changes during different stages in the foam production cycle, to prevent leakage of foam out of the device and to permit refilling the inner container.