Abstract: A digital content generating system comprising mobile computing devices in communication with a server. A sensor data analyser receives data, generated by the sensors one of the mobile devices in respect of a real-world scene and determines features of the real-world scene from the data. A data analytics system matches the real-world scene features and user preferences with digital content items to create personalised digital content for the user of the mobile device. The system therefore dynamically generates digital content that is automatically and contextually constructed, the context being created from automatically-sensed features in the user's physical environment and from the user's interests and opinions.

Abstract: A method of defining an acoustic channel in a vehicle or other environment involving providing a respective definition of in-vehicle sound sources, the definitions including a definition of a respective sound associated with each sound source and a respective location within the vehicle associated with each sound source. Segments corresponding to the sounds are identified in an output signal of a microphone located in the vehicle. Definitions of acoustic channels are generated from the output signal segments in respect of the location associated with the respective sound source. The sounds relate to intrinsic parts of the vehicle, for example a door closing or a windshield wiper operating. A map of acoustic channels is maintained and used to compensate audio signals for distortion caused by a relevant acoustic channel. The acoustic map can be updated while the vehicle is driving in response to detection of sounds from the sound sources.

Abstract: A method of determining contexts for a vehicle, each context corresponding to one or more events associated with the vehicle, for example that the radio is on and a window is open. The method comprises detecting sound activities in an audio signal captured in the vehicle, and assigning context to the vehicle based on the detected sound activities. Non-audio data such as the operational status of a vehicle system or device is used to help assign contexts.

Abstract: A digital content generating system comprising mobile computing devices in communication with a server. A sensor data analyser receives data, generated by the sensors one of the mobile devices in respect of a real-world scene and determines features of the real-world scene from the data. A data analytics system matches the real-world scene features and user preferences with digital content items to create personalised digital content for the user of the mobile device. The system therefore dynamically generates digital content that is automatically and contextually constructed, the context being created from automatically-sensed features in the user's physical environment and from the user's interests and opinions.

Abstract: A method of determining contexts for a vehicle, each context corresponding to one or more events associated with the vehicle, for example that the radio is on and a window is open. The method comprises detecting sound activities in an audio signal captured in the vehicle, and assigning context to the vehicle based on the detected sound activities. Non-audio data such as the operational status of a vehicle system or device is used to help assign contexts.

Abstract: A method of defining an acoustic channel in a vehicle or other environment involving providing a respective definition of in-vehicle sound sources, the definitions including a definition of a respective sound associated with each sound source and a respective location within the vehicle associated with each sound source. Segments corresponding to the sounds are identified in an output signal of a microphone located in the vehicle. Definitions of acoustic channels are generated from the output signal segments in respect of the location associated with the respective sound source. The sounds relate to intrinsic parts of the vehicle, for example a door closing or a windshield wiper operating. A map of acoustic channels is maintained and used to compensate audio signals for distortion caused by a relevant acoustic channel. The acoustic map can be updated while the vehicle is driving in response to detection of sounds from the sound sources.

Abstract: An audio coding system in which a plurality of quantization methods are selectable for application to components of a streamed audio signal to achieve a target frame size that is determined by comparing an achieved bit rate against a target bit rate. Based on the target frame size, the system calculates a bit allocation for signal components and compares the bit allocation to the dynamic range of the signal components. Depending on the outcome of the comparison, the system may select to quantize or not quantize a signal component. The system employs lossless coding techniques, but is capable of introducing lossy coding by quantization in order to meet the target bit rate.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to computer-implemented methods for automatically grouping resources, such as electronic files, websites, applications, and the like, that are accessed by a user. In one aspect, the disclosed subject matter relates to automatically displaying frequently accessed websites in website groups. One approach to defining the groups is to consider websites that are accessed within a certain amount of time to belong to a particular group. Website group graphics can be generated which point to the various groups of websites. The website group graphic for a grouping of websites can be used to access the websites that are a part of that grouping.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and manufacture for audio transmission is provided. A head-related transfer function (HRTF) profile most accurate for a user is selected from several HRTF profiles. The HFTF is selected by: wirelessly transmitting test signals to binaural headphones, then receiving feedback from the user, and then selecting the HRTF profile based on the feedback. Subsequently, the selected HRTF profile is employed to convert a multi-channel audio signal into a stereo signal such that the stereo signal retains the immersive and spatial audio characteristics of the multi-channel audio signal. Next, the stereo signal is wirelessly transmitted to the binaural headphones.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for icon generation. The method comprises determining a color from a first icon, generating a colored region comprising the determined color, and generating a composite image of the colored region and the first icon to produce a second icon, wherein the second icon is larger than the first icon.

Abstract: Establishing a merchant as an automatic payment recipient includes a payment system that employs a server configured for receiving a request for a first transaction with a merchant; identifying one or more transactions of the merchant; determining that the merchant is a candidate to be a payment recipient requiring a reduced authorization level; communicating a notice of the determination; receiving an indication of an acceptance of the merchant as a payment recipient requiring a reduced authorization level; establishing a reduced level of transaction authorization required for a subsequent transaction between the user and the merchant; recognizing that the user computing device is at a location of the merchant for a second transaction that is after the establishing step; and configuring the user network device to conduct the second transaction using the reduced level of transaction authorization.

Abstract: An audio encoder capable of implementing a plurality of encoding functions, wherein an adaptation controller adjusts the implementation of the encoding functions in response to feedback received by the adaptation controller during use. The adjustment may involve adapting encoding algorithms or selecting alternative encoding algorithms. The encoder may also include an operations scheduler to adjust the order in which the encoding functions are applied. The feedback may be received from internally of the encoder, for example from the currently implemented encoding functions, or from externally of the encoder. A corresponding decoder is also provided.

Abstract: The subject technology provides a computer-implemented method for icon generation according to one aspect. The method comprises determining a color from a first icon, generating a colored region comprising the determined color, and generating a composite image of the colored region and the first icon to produce a second icon, wherein the second icon is larger than the first icon.

Abstract: An audio coding system in which a plurality of quantization methods are selectable for application to components of a streamed audio signal to achieve a target frame size that is determined by comparing an achieved bit rate against a target bit rate. Based on the target frame size, the system calculates a bit allocation for signal components and compares the bit allocation to the dynamic range of the signal components. Depending on the outcome of the comparison, the system may select to quantize or not quantize a signal component. The system employs lossless coding techniques, but is capable of introducing lossy coding by quantization in order to meet the target bit rate.

Abstract: An audio encoder capable of implementing a plurality of encoding functions, wherein an adaptation controller adjusts the implementation of the encoding functions in response to feedback received by the adaptation controller during use. The adjustment may involve adapting encoding algorithms or selecting alternative encoding algorithms. The encoder may also include an operations scheduler to adjust the order in which the encoding functions are applied. The feedback may be received from internally of the encoder, for example from the currently implemented encoding functions, or from externally of the encoder. A corresponding decoder is also provided.

Abstract: An audio encoder capable of implementing a plurality of encoding functions, wherein an adaptation controller adjusts the implementation of the encoding functions in response to feedback received by the adaptation controller during use. The adjustment may involve adapting encoding algorithms or selecting alternative encoding algorithms. The encoder may also include an operations scheduler to adjust the order in which the encoding functions are applied. The feedback may be received from internally of the encoder, for example from the currently implemented encoding functions, or from externally of the encoder. A corresponding decoder is also provided.