Abstract: There is described a computer-implemented method for controlling a virtual avatar on an electronic device, the method comprising; providing a virtual avatar associated with a user, wherein the virtual avatar is associated with a plurality of poses and a plurality of animations; receiving input data associated with the user from at least one input source; processing the input data, the input data comprising images of the user and/or audio data captured from the user; determining a user mannerism from the processed input data; and updating at least one of the plurality of poses and/or animations of the virtual avatar, or creating a new pose and/or animation, to apply the user mannerism to the virtual avatar. There is also described a computing device configured to carry out the computer-implemented method.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for real-time customization of a virtual avatar, comprising providing a virtual avatar associated with a user, receiving an image of the user and at least a portion of their surroundings, applying a facial detection algorithm to detect the user's face in the image, extracting a region of interest from the image, the region of interest including the user's face, providing the region of interest to a data model, processing the region of interest, by the data model, and using feature recognition to determine whether the region of interest comprises a feature from a set of predefined features. In response to determining that the region of interest comprises a feature from a set of predefined features, the appearance of the virtual avatar is updated.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling a virtual avatar on an electronic device, the method comprising: providing a base model that defines a virtual avatar associated with a user profile corresponding to a user; receiving input data from at least one of a plurality of multimedia input sources; processing the input data; determining a baseline avatar and a dynamic avatar using the processed input data; generating an output avatar based on the determined baseline avatar and the determined dynamic avatar; updating the base model by adding the generated output avatar to the base model; and rendering the updated base model to display the virtual avatar on a display screen.

Abstract: A system for managing inputs to interactive content by a user, the system comprising a plurality of input modules configured to detect respective types of user inputs to the system, an input characterisation unit configured to determine a usage level of use of each input type in dependence upon the user inputs detected by the corresponding input modules, a module management unit configured to modify the operation of one or more input modules in dependence upon the respective level of use, and an input mapping unit configured to determine a mapping between detected user inputs and interactions with the content in dependence upon the modification of the operation of input modules.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes identifying a gaming device in a real-world environment, the gaming device providing a user experience to a user in a mixed-reality setting, identifying an object in the real-world environment in proximity to the gaming device, and initiating an activity relating to the object based on a virtual part of the mixed-reality setting.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes selecting a virtual object to be positioned in a mixed-reality environment, the virtual object having one or more conditions relating to the positioning of the virtual object, scanning a real-world part of the mixed-reality environment, determining a location to position the virtual object based on the scan, wherein the location satisfies the one or more conditions, scaling the virtual object based on the location, and positioning the virtual object in the mixed-reality environment at the determined location.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for detecting a display screen using an extended reality display device, comprising receiving, at the extended reality display device, an image, or data defining an image, corresponding to a predetermined frame of a video stream, the predetermined frame comprising a plurality of specified feature points, monitoring a display screen that is displaying the video stream, detecting at least some of the plurality of specified feature points in the predetermined frame of the video stream as displayed on the display screen, and determining, based on the detected specified feature points, the physical boundaries of the display screen.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for representing virtual objects outside of a display screen, comprising: receiving data defining a virtual environment that comprises a plurality of virtual objects, each virtual object having a virtual location within the virtual environment, displaying, on a display screen, a portion of the virtual environment that is within a field of view controlled by a user determining if at least one virtual object of a subset of the virtual objects is outside of the field of view but at least partially within a virtual display area adjacent the display screen. In response to determining that a virtual object of the subset of the virtual objects is at least partially within the virtual display area, the method comprises converting the virtual location of the virtual object into a real-world location, and displaying a virtual element representing the virtual object at the real-world location using a mixed-reality display device.

Abstract: A haptic feedback method includes: providing a wearable haptic feedback device comprising one or more bone-conduction haptic feedback units, and driving the one or more bone conduction haptic feedback units with at least a first signal processed using a bone conduction head related transfer function, ‘bHRTF’.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus includes circuitry configured to: receive an image of a user in an environment; detect an object in the image; perform one of a plurality of user-selectable processes associated with the object, each of the plurality of user-selectable processes being associated with hiding a visual characteristic of the object in the image; and after the one of the plurality of user-selectable processes has been performed, transmit data representing the image.

Abstract: An audio visualisation method includes: generating for output a virtual environment comprising at least a first virtual sound source, classifying an intended effect on a user of a sound to be output by the at least first virtual sound source, outputting the sound, and producing a visual element for view by the user that has a visual property selected to correspond to the classified intended effect.

Abstract: A method and system are provided which enable an object, known or unknown, to be augmented with additional visual elements. This may provide a more immersive experience, for example, when gaming or viewing content.

Abstract: A glasses case for a pair of glasses that in turn includes an integral display, the glasses case including a housing, where the housing encloses a volume in which the glasses are to be stored; and a battery operably coupled to a power access unit from which the glasses, when stored in the housing volume, can draw power; and where the housing of the glasses case includes, on the outer portion thereof, user control inputs laid out in a configuration similar to, and operational as, a conventional handheld videogame controller, and adapted to provide inputs to a computing system driving the integral display of the glasses.

Abstract: A glasses case for a pair of glasses that in turn includes an integral display, the glasses case including a housing, where the housing encloses a volume in which the glasses are to be stored; and a battery operably coupled to a power access unit from which the glasses, when stored in the housing volume, can draw power; and where the housing of the glasses case includes, on the outer portion thereof, user control inputs laid out in a configuration similar to, and operational as, a conventional handheld videogame controller, and adapted to provide inputs to a computing system driving the integral display of the glasses.

Abstract: A backpack has a body with an interior chamber that holds a plurality of balls. A dispenser near the bottom of the backpack on the left side, the right side or both allows the wearer to easily access a ball within the interior chamber. An opening on the top of the backpack provides access to the interior chamber, allowing it to be filled with a plurality of balls. The backpack may also include a mesh pouch for holding a tennis racket and pockets for storing other items.