Abstract: A method for overlaying first and second images in a common focal plane of a viewer comprises forming the first image and guiding the first and second images along an axis to a pupil of the viewer. The method further comprises adjustably diverging the first and second images at an adaptive diverging optic to bring the first image into focus at the common focal plane, and, adjustably converging the second image at an adaptive converging optic to bring the second image into focus at the common focal plane.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to extraction of a social graph from contact information across a confined user base. Users are typically subscribed to a service that backs up data from end-user devices to a cloud. The data includes contacts from mobile address books. The service is able to determine relationships of contacts in the cloud to build a social graph or map of these contacts. The social graph can be used to drive individual and group analytics to, for example, increase membership and provide value-added features to its service members.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed living room movie creation. Movies can be directed, captured, and edited using a system that includes a depth camera. A virtual movie set can be created by using ordinary objects in the living room as virtual props. The system is able to capture motions of actors using the depth camera and to generate a movie based thereon. Therefore, there is no need for the actors to wear any special markers to detect their motion. A director may view scenes from the perspective of a “virtual camera” and record those scenes for later editing.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a request to refresh a display for a refresh period, wherein the display is coupled to a touch sensor operable to detect touch input at the display. The method also includes refreshing a first portion of the display and activating the touch sensor at a second portion of the display different from the first portion of the display during a first portion of the refresh period. The method further includes, during a second portion of the refresh period, refreshing a third portion of the display different from the first and second portions of the display and activating the touch sensor at a fourth portion of the display different from the first, second, and third portions of the display.

Abstract: A system for generating passive and anonymous feedback of multimedia content viewed by users is disclosed. The multimedia content may include recorded video content, video-on-demand content, television content, television programs, advertisements, commercials, music, movies, video clips, and other on-demand media content. One or more of the users in a field of view of a capture device connected to the computing device are identified. An engagement level of the users to multimedia content being viewed by the users is determined by tracking movements, gestures, postures and facial expressions performed by the users. A report of the response to viewed multimedia content is generated based on the movements, gestures, postures and facial expressions performed by the users. The report is provided to rating agencies, content providers and advertisers.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for delivering content customized to the specific user or users interacting with the system. The system includes one or more modules for recognizing an identity of a user. These modules may include for example a gesture recognition engine, a facial recognition engine, a body language recognition engine and a voice recognition engine. The user may also be carrying a mobile device such as a smart phone which identifies the user. One or more of these modules may cooperate to identify a user, and then customize the user's content based on the user's identity. In particular, the system receives user preferences indicating the content a user wishes to receive and the conditions under which it is to be received. Based on the user preferences and recognition of a user identity and/or other traits, the system presents content customized for a particular user.

Abstract: A system for policy-based applications may be developed by using non-device specific policies that are executed on a policy engine. During installation, available sensor devices are identified by metadata that describes the devices within a taxonomy of sensor devices, and a separate device policy may be installed and executed by each sensor device. The policy engine, in conjunction with the sensor devices operating a device policy, may be execute a wide range of applications. In many applications, a sensor device may detect that a first policy engine is not available and send communications to a second policy engine that may be accessed through the Internet.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for combining interactive gaming aspects into a linear story. A user may interact with the linear story via a NUI system to alter the story and the images that are presented to the user. In an example, a user may alter the story by performing a predefined exploration gesture. This gesture brings the user into the 3-D world of the displayed image. In particular, the image displayed on the screen changes to create the impression that a user is stepping into the 3-D virtual world to allow a user to examine virtual objects from different perspectives or to peer around virtual objects.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to sharing media streams capturing different perspectives of an event. For example, one embodiment provides, on a computing device, a method including storing an event definition for an event, receiving from each capture device of a plurality of capture devices a request to share a media stream provided by the capture device, receiving a media stream from each capture device of the plurality of capture devices, and associating a subset of media streams from the plurality of capture devices with the event based upon the event definition. The method further includes receiving a request for transmission of a selected media stream associated with the event, and sending the selected media stream associated with the event to the requesting capture device.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed living room movie creation. Movies can be directed, captured, and edited using a system that includes a depth camera. A virtual movie set can be created by using ordinary objects in the living room as virtual props. The system is able to capture motions of actors using the depth camera and to generate a movie based thereon. Therefore, there is no need for the actors to wear any special markers to detect their motion. A director may view scenes from the perspective of a “virtual camera” and record those scenes for later editing.

Abstract: A method for overlaying first and second images in a common focal plane of a viewer comprises forming the first image and guiding the first and second images along an axis to a pupil of the viewer. The method further comprises adjustably diverging the first and second images at an adaptive diverging optic to bring the first image into focus at the common focal plane, and, adjustably converging the second image at an adaptive converging optic to bring the second image into focus at the common focal plane.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for delivering content customized to the specific user or users interacting with the system. The system includes one or more modules for recognizing an identity of a user. These modules may include for example a gesture recognition engine, a facial recognition engine, a body language recognition engine and a voice recognition engine. The user may also be carrying a mobile device such as a smart phone which identifies the user. One or more of these modules may cooperate to identify a user, and then customize the user's content based on the user's identity. In particular, the system receives user preferences indicating the content a user wishes to receive and the conditions under which it is to be received. Based on the user preferences and recognition of a user identity and/or other traits, the system presents content customized for a particular user.

Abstract: A system for generating passive and anonymous feedback of multimedia content viewed by users is disclosed. The multimedia content may include recorded video content, video-on-demand content, television content, television programs, advertisements, commercials, music, movies, video clips, and other on-demand media content. One or more of the users in a field of view of a capture device connected to the computing device are identified. An engagement level of the users to multimedia content being viewed by the users is determined by tracking movements, gestures, postures and facial expressions performed by the users. A report of the response to viewed multimedia content is generated based on the movements, gestures, postures and facial expressions performed by the users. The report is provided to rating agencies, content providers and advertisers.

Abstract: A system for generating a customized advertisement for a user is provided. Multimedia content associated with a current broadcast is received and displayed. The multimedia content may include recorded video content, video-on-demand content, television content, television programs, advertisements, commercials, music, movies, video clips, and other on-demand media content. One or more users are identified in a field of view of a capture device connected to a computing device. User-specific information related to a user is tracked. An emotional response of a user to the multimedia content viewed by the user is tracked. A targeted advertisement is provided to a user based on the multimedia content viewed by the user, the user's identification information and the user's emotional response. The targeted advertisement is automatically customized based on the user-specific information related to the user to generate a customized advertisement for the user.

Abstract: A method of extending the life of a journal bearing assembly in a solid fuel pulverizer includes: removing a first lower journal bearing from a journal shaft and a lower bearing seat of a lower bearing housing; removing a first upper journal bearing from the shaft and an upper bearing seat of an upper bearing housing; modifying the lower and upper bearing seats; modifying lower and upper shoulders on the journal shaft; disposing the second lower and upper journal bearings on the modified lower and upper bearing seats; disposing a new journal bearing spacer between the second lower and upper journal bearings; disposing a new journal bearing collar between the upper shoulder and the second upper journal bearing; filling a cavity defined by the lower and upper journal housings with grease; and disposing a seal assembly between the shaft and one end of the upper journal housing opposite the lower journal housing to prevent the ingress of solid fuel into the cavity of the journal assembly.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for combining interactive gaming aspects into a linear story. A user may interact with the linear story via a NUI system to alter the story and the images that are presented to the user. In an example, a user may alter the story by performing a predefined exploration gesture. This gesture brings the user into the 3-D world of the displayed image. In particular, the image displayed on the screen changes to create the impression that a user is stepping into the 3-D virtual world to allow a user to examine virtual objects from different perspectives or to peer around virtual objects.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for analysing a biological fluid sample to determine a disturbance of haemostasis resulting in a change of viscosity.

Abstract: A method of extending the life of a journal bearing assembly in a solid fuel pulverizer includes: removing a first lower journal bearing from a journal shaft and a lower bearing seat of a lower bearing housing; removing a first upper journal bearing from the shaft and an upper bearing seat of an upper bearing housing; modifying the lower and upper bearing seats; modifying lower and upper shoulders on the journal shaft; disposing the second lower and upper journal bearings on the modified lower and upper bearing seats; disposing a new journal bearing spacer between the second lower and upper journal bearings; disposing a new journal bearing collar between the upper shoulder and the second upper journal bearing; filling a cavity defined by the lower and upper journal housings with grease; and disposing a seal assembly between the shaft and one end of the upper journal housing opposite the lower journal housing to prevent the ingress of solid fuel into the cavity of the journal assembly.

Abstract: An auxiliary device communicates with a user in a manner other than a conventional, textual visual representation. For example, auxiliary device(s) can provide information aurally, vocally, visually (non-textual), tactilely and/or olfactorily. The information communicated can include alternative information to information displayed on a primary display of the computer system. A platform component of a computer system can provide device-specific and/or device-independent information to the auxiliary device.

Abstract: An auxiliary computing device normally used for remotely controlling a primary device may change its functionality and extend its usefulness based on a usage context. An auxiliary device may change its usage context by connecting differently to a primary device depending on any number of parameters including distance from the device, battery life, connection method, and proximity to other devices. The device may change its usage context by interfacing with a primary device service that communicates with various applications to feed the auxiliary device different information in different usage contexts. Further, the device may control different functions of the primary device based on the usage context.