Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing a technique for searching media objects. In general, in one aspect, the technique includes receiving user input specifying a plurality of reference objects, defining a set of features for them, and combining the features to generate composite reference information defining criteria for search. In general, in another aspect, the technique includes combining object information for a plurality of reference objects to produce composite reference information, comparing the composite reference information to object information for media objects in a collection of media objects, and selecting a media object based upon the comparison.

Abstract: A tutorial for a given application may be leveraged to generate executable code that can then be executed within a native instruction service of the application. In this way, a software application may thus provide an integrated, interactive learning experience for a user, in a manner that extends beyond the instructional content included in the native instruction service, i.e., that includes at least a portion of the instructional content of the tutorial.

Abstract: Natural language and user interface control techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a natural language input is received that is indicative of an operation to be performed by one or more modules of a computing device. Responsive to determining that the operation is associated with a degree to which the operation is performable, a user interface control is output that is manipulable by a user to control the degree to which the operation is to be performed.

Abstract: A tutorial for a given application may be leveraged to generate executable code that can then be executed within a native instruction service of the application. In this way, a software application may thus provide an integrated, interactive learning experience for a user, in a manner that extends beyond the instructional content included in the native instruction service, i.e., that includes at least a portion of the instructional content of the tutorial.

Abstract: Maximum curvature techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a curve includes a first data point disposed between second and third data points. The first data point is freely moveable while the second and third data points are constrained from movement.

Abstract: Dynamic motion path blur techniques are described. In one or more implementations, paths may be specified to constrain a motion blur effect to be applied to a single image. A variety of different techniques may be employed as part of the motion blur effects, including use of curved blur kernel shapes, use of a mesh representation of blur kernel parameter fields to support real time output of the motion blur effect to an image, use of flash effects, blur kernel positioning to support centered or directional blurring, tapered exposure modeling, and null paths.

Abstract: Natural language input processing utilizing grammar templates are described. In one or more implementations, a natural language input indicating an operation to be performed is parsed into at least one part-of-speech, a grammar template corresponding to the part-of-speech is located, an arbitrary term in the part-of-speech is detected based on the located grammar template, a term related to the arbitrary term and describing a modification for the operation is determined based on the sentence expression of the grammar template, and the indicated operation is performed with the described modification.

Abstract: Dynamic motion path blur techniques are described. In one or more implementations, paths may be specified to constrain a motion blur effect to be applied to a single image. A variety of different techniques may be employed as part of the motion blur effects, including use of curved blur kernel shapes, use of a mesh representation of blur kernel parameter fields to support real time output of the motion blur effect to an image, use of flash effects, blur kernel positioning to support centered or directional blurring, tapered exposure modeling, and null paths.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing a technique for searching media objects. In general, in one aspect, the technique includes receiving user input specifying a plurality of reference objects, defining a set of features for them, and combining the features to generate composite reference information defining criteria for search. In general, in another aspect, the technique includes combining object information for a plurality of reference objects to produce composite reference information, comparing the composite reference information to object information for media objects in a collection of media objects, and selecting a media object based upon the comparison.

Abstract: Blending techniques for curve fitting are described. In one or more implementations, an indication is received of three or more data points. A blending factor is computed based on a spatial relationship of the three or more data points to each other. A curve is fit to the three or more data points by blending a plurality or curve fitting techniques using the computed blending factor.

Abstract: Dynamic motion path blur techniques are described. In one or more implementations, paths may be specified to constrain a motion blur effect to be applied to a single image. A variety of different techniques may be employed as part of the motion blur effects, including use of curved blur kernel shapes, use of a mesh representation of blur kernel parameter fields to support real time output of the motion blur effect to an image, use of flash effects, blur kernel positioning to support centered or directional blurring, tapered exposure modeling, and null paths.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus implementing a technique for searching media objects. In general, in one aspect, the technique includes receiving user input specifying a plurality of reference objects (2), defining a set of features for them, and combining the features to generate composite reference information (4) defining criteria for search (6). In general, in another aspect, the technique includes combining object information for a plurality of reference objects to produce composite reference information, comparing (10) the composite reference information to object information for media objects in a collection of media objects, and selecting a media object based upon the comparison.

Abstract: Natural language vocabulary generation and usage techniques are described. In one or more implementations, one or more search results are mined for a domain to determine a frequency at which words occur in the one or more search results, respectively. A set of the words is selected based on the determined frequency. A sense is assigned to each of the selected set of the words that identifies a part-of-speech for a respective word. A vocabulary is then generated that includes the selected set of the words and a respective said sense, the vocabulary configured for use in natural language processing associated with the domain.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reproducing the appearance of a photographic print on a display device are disclosed. An environment model is built from received light conditions at a light sensor attached to a display surface. The environment model and a surface model are applied to an input image to generate an output image. The surface model represents reflective characteristics of a simulated surface on which display of the input image is simulated. The output image simulates an effect of the received light conditions on the input image as simulated on the surface.

Abstract: Maximum curvature techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a curve includes a first data point disposed between second and third data points. The first data point is freely moveable while the second and third data points are constrained from movement.

Abstract: Parametric curve fitting using maximum curvature techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a parametric curve is fit to a segment of a plurality of data points that includes a first data point disposed between second and third data points by setting a point of maximum curvature for the segment of the curve at the first data point. A result of the fitting is output by the computing device.

Abstract: Natural language input processing utilizing grammar templates are described. In one or more implementations, a natural language input indicating an operation to be performed is parsed into at least one part-of-speech, a grammar template corresponding to the part-of-speech is located, an arbitrary term in the part-of-speech is detected based on the located grammar template, a term related to the arbitrary term and describing a modification for the operation is determined based on the sentence expression of the grammar template, and the indicated operation is performed with the described modification.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for simulating a sequence of discrete natural effects, each natural effect of the sequence being based on an initial natural effect, an immediately preceding natural effect, and a time interval since the immediately preceding natural effect. The initial effect is a two-dimensional simulated natural effect and wherein a last one of the second consecutive simulated natural effect is a three-dimensional simulated natural effect.

Abstract: Natural language image editing techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a natural language input is converted from audio data using a speech-to-text engine. A gesture is recognized from one or more touch inputs detected using one or more touch sensors. Performance is then initiated of an operation identified from a combination of the natural language input and the recognized gesture.

Abstract: Natural language image spatial and tonal localization techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a natural language input is processed to determine spatial and tonal localization of one or more image editing operations specified by the natural language input. Performance is initiated of the one or more image editing operations on image data using the determined spatial and tonal localization.