Abstract: A question-and-answer application with an “ask-to-answer” feature is described. The ask-to-answer feature enables any user to solicit an answer to a question from one or more users. Upon soliciting one or more users for an answer to a particular question, a message may be directed to the one or more users. The message may include a copy of the text of the question and may provide a mechanism enabling the one or more users to pass on answering the question. Subsequent to the solicitation, the question page may include a notification with information about the solicitation, including information identifying the group of users who have been asked to answer the question and the number of times the one or more users has been asked to provide an answer.

Abstract: A background image is also generated, e.g., by filling portions of a captured image where a foreground object was extracted and communicated to the playback device, Foreground objects are identified and point cloud representations of the foreground objects are generated and communicated to a playback device so that they can be used in generating images including the background which is communicated separately. In the case of a point cloud representation a number of points in an environment, e.g., 3D space, are communicated to the playback device along with color information. Thus in some embodiments a foreground object is represented as a set of points with corresponding color information on a per point basis. Foreground object information is communicated and processed in some embodiments at a different rate, e.g., faster rate, then the background textures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for streaming or playing back stereoscopic content are described. Camera dependent correction information is communicated to a playback device and applied in the playback device to compensate for distortions introduced by the lenses of individual cameras. By performing lens dependent distortion compensation in the playback device edges which might be lost if correction were performed prior to encoding are preserved. Distortion correction information maybe in the form of UV map correction information. The correction information may indicate changes to be made to information in a UV map, e.g., at rendering time, to compensate for distortions specific to an individual camera. Different sets of correction information maybe communicated and used for different cameras of a stereoscopic pair which provide images that are rendered using the same UV map. The communicated correction information is sometimes called a correction mesh since it is used to correct mesh related information.

Abstract: A staple housing includes an array of staples each in a staple delivery position or “ready position” ready to be fired into target tissue. A staple driver is advanceable to drive the ready-position staples from the staple head into the tissue using staple pushers. During use, the staples in the ready positions are simultaneously fired into the target tissue using the staple pushers, forming an array of staples in the target tissue. After the array has been fired, one or more feed mechanisms within the staple housing advance a second group of staples from one or more staple storage locations into the ready positions in preparation for firing of the second group of staples.

Abstract: A background image is also generated, e.g., by filling portions of a captured image where a foreground object was extracted and communicated to the playback device, Foreground objects are identified and point cloud representations of the foreground objects are generated and communicated to a playback device so that they can be used in generating images including the background which is communicated separately. In the case of a point cloud representation a number of points in an environment, e.g., 3D space, are communicated to the playback device along with color information. Thus in some embodiments a foreground object is represented as a set of points with corresponding color information on a per point basis. Foreground object information is communicated and processed in some embodiments at a different rate, e.g., faster rate, then the background textures. The playback device renders images which are sent to the display by first rendering a background layer using the communicated background information, e.g.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of using silicate materials, including silicate materials obtained from nature, synthesized, and/or obtained from industrial waste streams, to capture and store carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, the methods can also be used to form silica (e.g., high purity silica). In some embodiments, the methods can also be used to produce hydrogen.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and processor-readable storage media for AI continued learning in electrical power grid fault analysis use historical fault record data to generate a fault cause prediction model for predicting the cause of a fault, and modify the fault cause prediction model based on additional technician data received from power grid technicians. The systems disclosed herein additionally receive an indication of a fault which has occurred in a power grid, obtain a prediction of the cause of the fault by applying the indication of the fault to the fault cause prediction model, and cause the predicted cause of the fault to be remedied.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for streaming or playing back stereoscopic content are described. Camera dependent correction information is communicated to a playback device and applied in the playback device to compensate for distortions introduced by the lenses of individual cameras. By performing lens dependent distortion compensation in the playback device edges which might be lost if correction were performed prior to encoding are preserved. Distortion correction information maybe in the form of UV map correction information. The correction information may indicate changes to be made to information in a UV map, e.g., at rendering time, to compensate for distortions specific to an individual camera. Different sets of correction information maybe communicated and used for different cameras of a stereoscopic pair which provide images that are rendered using the same UV map. The communicated correction information is sometimes called a correction mesh since it is used to correct mesh related information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for capturing, communicating and using image data to support virtual reality experiences are described. Images, e.g., frames, are captured at a high resolution but lower frame rate than is used for playback. Interpolation is applied to captured frames to generate interpolated frames. Captured frames, along with interpolated frame information, are communicated to the playback device. The combination of captured and interpolated frames correspond to a second frame playback rate which is higher than the image capture rate. Cameras operate at a high image resolution but slower frame rate than images could be captured with the same cameras at a lower resolution. Interpolation is performed prior to delivery to the user device with segments to be interpolated being selected based on motion and/or lens FOV information. A relatively small amount of interpolated frame data is communicated compared to captured frame data for efficient bandwidth use.

Abstract: Distributed energy resources (DERs) are remotely controlled devices that are connected to the electric grid and can affect the grid. The effect could be the result of consuming electricity, generating electricity, or storing electricity. Common examples of DERs include thermostats, electric vehicles (EVs), home batteries, and electric water heaters. DERs may be controlled to take advantage of multiple incentive programs offered by one or more incentive providers. The DER optimization may involve interacting with a carbon marketplace, a renewable energy credit marketplace, or both. A customer may provide preference data that indicates preferred and acceptable values for conditions of one or more DERs. Multiple incentives are combined into a single price signal. Based on the price signal and customer preference data, a schedule for energy consumption is generated. One or more DERs are controlled according to the generated schedule.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for capturing, communicating and using image data to support virtual reality experiences are described. Images, e.g., frames, are captured at a high resolution but lower frame rate than is used for playback. Interpolation is applied to captured frames to generate interpolated frames. Captured frames, along with interpolated frame information, are communicated to the playback device. The combination of captured and interpolated frames correspond to a second frame playback rate which is higher than the image capture rate. Cameras operate at a high image resolution but slower frame rate than images could be captured with the same cameras at a lower resolution. Interpolation is performed prior to delivery to the user device with segments to be interpolated being selected based on motion and/or lens FOV information. A relatively small amount of interpolated frame data is communicated compared to captured frame data for efficient bandwidth use.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for streaming or playing back stereoscopic content are described. Camera dependent correction information is communicated to a playback device and applied in the playback device to compensate for distortions introduced by the lenses of individual cameras. By performing lens dependent distortion compensation in the playback device edges which might be lost if correction were performed prior to encoding are preserved. Distortion correction information maybe in the form of UV map correction information. The correction information may indicate changes to be made to information in a UV map, e.g., at rendering time, to compensate for distortions specific to an individual camera. Different sets of correction information maybe communicated and used for different cameras of a stereoscopic pair which provide images that are rendered using the same UV map. The communicated correction information is sometimes called a correction mesh since it is used to correct mesh related information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing a playback system capable of operating as a virtual or augmented reality device are described. In various embodiment one or more environmental triggers are detected and an action is taken based on the detected trigger, user input and/or other environmental conditions. The methods allow a user who is subject to an immersive experience to smoothly transition in/or out of the virtual environment and respond to environmental triggers which may require a user to take an action.

Abstract: Devices and methods for acquiring and fastening tissues folds within an internal organ, such as the stomach, and for applying the methods and devices to producing reductions in organ volume or repair of bariatric procedures, are disclosed. An exemplary method for forming a continuous laterally extending tissue fold involves forming a succession of laterally extending folds having adjacent overlapping fold portions. One exemplary tissue-acquisition device has an open-end roller-and-arm structure that allows individual tissue folds to be formed and fastened, then advanced to an adjacent region within the stomach, for capture of a new fold that will form an extension of the existing fold(s).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using selective resolution reduction on images to be transmitted and/or used by a playback device are described. Prior to transmission one or more images of an environment are captured. Based on image content, motion detection and/or user input a resolution reduction operation is selected and performed. The reduced resolution image is communicated to a playback device along with information indicating a UV map corresponding to the selected resolution allocation that should be used by the playback device for rendering the communicated image. By changing the resolution allocation used and which UV map is used by the playback device different resolution allocations can be made with respect to different portions of the environment while allowing the number of pixels in transmitted images to remain constant. The playback device renders the individual images with the UV map corresponding to the resolution allocation used to generate the individual images.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collecting user feedback information from viewers of content are described. Feedback information is received from viewers of content. The feedback indicates, based on head tracking information in some embodiments, where users are looking in a simulated environment during different times of a content presentation, e.g., different frame times. The feedback information is used to prioritize different portions of an environment represented by the captured image content. Resolution allocation is performed based on the feedback information and the content re-encoded based on the resolution allocation. The resolution allocation may and normally does change as the priority of different portions of the environment change.

Abstract: Content delivery and playback methods and apparatus are described. The methods and apparatus are well suited for delivery and playback of content corresponding to a 360 degree environment and can be used to support streaming and/or real time delivery of 3D content corresponding to an event, e.g., while the event is ongoing or after the event is over. Portions of the environment are captured by cameras located at different positions. The content captured from different locations is encoded and made available for delivery. A playback device selects the content to be received based in a user's head position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting the capture of images of surfaces of an environment visible from a default viewing position and capturing images of surfaces not visible from the default viewing position, e.g., occluded surfaces, are described. Occluded and non-occluded image portions are packed into one or more frames and communicated to a playback device for use as textures which can be applied to a model of the environment where the images were captured. An environmental model includes a model of surfaces which are occluded from view from a default viewing position but which maybe viewed is the user shifts the user's viewing location. Occluded image content can be incorporated directly into a frame that also includes non-occluded image data or sent in frames of a separate, e.g., auxiliary content stream that is multiplexed with the main content stream which communicates image data corresponding to non-occluded environmental portions.

Abstract: A microphone acquires audio data of a user's speech. The audio data is processed to determine sentiment data indicative of perceived emotional content of the speech. For example, the sentiment data may include values for one or more of valence that is based on a particular change in pitch over time or activation that is based on speech pace. A simplified user interface provides the user with a graphical representation based on the sentiment data and associated descriptors. For example, a visual indicator such as a dot may be shown at particular coordinates onscreen that correspond to the sentiment data. Text descriptors may also be presented near the dot. As the user continues speaking, and new audio data is processed, the interface is dynamically updated. The user may use this information to assess their state of mind, facilitate interactions with others, and so forth.