Abstract: Disclosed are techniques and systems to provide a narration of a text in multiple different voices. In some aspects, systems and methods described herein can include receiving a user-based selection of a first portion of words in a document where the document has a pre-associated first voice model and overwriting the association of the first voice model, by the one or more computers, with a second voice model for the first portion of words.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques and systems for synchronizing an audio file with a sequence of words displayed on a user interface.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques and systems to provide a narration of a text in multiple different voices. Further disclosed are techniques and systems for modifying a voice model associated with a selected character based on data received from a user.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques and systems to provide a narration of a text in multiple different languages where the portions of the text narrated using the different voices associated with different languages are selected by a user.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques and systems to provide a narration of a text in multiple different voices where the portions of the text narrated using the different voices are selected by a user.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques and systems to provide a narration of a text in multiple different voices. Further disclosed are techniques and systems for processing indicia in a document to determine a portion of words and associating a particular a voice model with the portion of words based on the indicia. During a readback process, an audible output corresponding to the words in the portion of words is generated using the voice model associated with the portion of words.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques and systems to provide a narration of a text in multiple different voices. Further disclosed are techniques and systems for generating an audible output in which different portions of a text are narrated using voice models associated with different characters.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques and systems to provide a narration of a text in multiple different voices where the portions of the text narrated using the different voices are selected by a user. Also disclosed are techniques and systems for associating characters with portions of a sequence of words selected by a user. Different characters having different voice models can be associated with different portions of a sequence of words.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a non-repudiatable record of a communications data stream is provided, which is applicable to real-time and quasi-real-time data streams. A binary communication data stream is captured and segmented into defined frames. A key frame is generated for each of a number of data frames containing integrity and authentication information. The key frame is inserted into the data stream to provide an authenticated data stream.

Abstract: A wireless remote cooking thermometer system includes a first unit positionable at a first location adjacent food being cooked, the first unit including a radio frequency transmitter adapted to transmit temperature readings for the food being cooked, and a temperature sensor connectable to the first unit for providing temperature readings to the first unit. The system also includes a second unit including a radio frequency receiver adapted to receive the temperature readings transmitted by the radio frequency transmitter and a visual display for displaying the received temperature readings, wherein the second unit is movable to a second location remote from the first location while maintaining radio contact with the first unit. The system includes a microprocessor operative to calibrate a taste preference and a choice preference associated with the food being cooked.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for use in directly adjusting the timbre of a reproduced audio signal in any closed or partially enclosed space according to the measured reverberation time or other function describing the decay of sound within the space. The measurement of the reverberation time and the correction of the timbre are performed by a system that can be incorporated within the installed audio reproduction system, although a separate measuring system could alternatively be used. The measurement of decay time or reverberation time for the space is by known methods. The invention centres around the calculation and application of a correction filter determined directly from the measured decay time or reverberation time for the space.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a non-repudiatable record of a communications data stream is provided, which is applicable to real-time and quasi-real-time data streams. A binary communication data stream is captured and segmented into defined frames. A key frame is generated for each of a number of data frames containing integrity and authentication information. The key frame is inserted into the data stream to provide an authenticated data stream.

Abstract: A variable cam timing phaser for an internal combustion engine with at least one camshaft includes a housing (144), a rotor (138), and a phaser control valve (168). The phase control valve is offset from a center axis of rotation through the camshaft of the phaser and may also be parallel to the center axis of rotation. The phaser control valve directs fluid flow to shift the relative angular position of the rotor relative to the housing. The phaser may be cam torque actuated, oil pressure actuated, or torsion assist.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of evaluating whether an image under test is similar to a reference image, the method comprising performing a test on pairs of blocks in turn, each pair of blocks comprising a block of the image under test and a corresponding block of the reference image, the test comprising calculating a difference measure indicative of the difference between the blocks and comparing the difference measure to a threshold, wherein the test is passed if the difference measure betters the threshold, and the image under test and the reference image are deemed to be similar if the test is passed by all of the pairs of blocks.

Abstract: A variable cam timing phaser for an internal combustion engine with at least one camshaft includes a housing (144), a rotor (138), and a phaser control valve (168). The phase control valve is offset from a center axis of rotation through the camshaft of the phaser and may also be parallel to the center axis of rotation. The phaser control valve directs fluid flow to shift the relative angular position of the rotor relative to the housing. The phaser may be cam torque actuated, oil pressure actuated, or torsion assist.

Abstract: A remote timer, thermometer and paging system includes a first unit having a radio frequency transmitter, a housing having a recess formed therein and a timer for selecting a time period. The system includes a temperature sensor in communication with the first unit for measuring temperature. The system also includes a second unit having a radio frequency receiver adapted to communicate with the radio frequency transmitter of the first unit. The first unit is adapted to wirelessly transmit an alert signal to the second unit when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor matches a pre-selected temperature or when the selected time period has expired. The second unit is insertible into the recess for storage inside the first unit and is removable from the first unit for moving the second unit to a remote location away from the first unit.

Abstract: A remote timer, thermometer and paging system includes a first unit having a radio frequency transmitter, a housing having a recess formed therein and a timer for selecting a time period. The system includes a temperature sensor in communication with the first unit for measuring temperature. The system also includes a second unit having a radio frequency receiver adapted to communicate with the radio frequency transmitter of the first unit. The first unit is adapted to wirelessly transmit an alert signal to the second unit when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor matches a pre-selected temperature or when the selected time period has expired. The second unit is insertible into the recess for storage inside the first unit and is removable from the first unit for moving the second unit to a remote location away from the first unit.

Abstract: A snowshoe binding engages the sole of the user's boot in a region between the arch and the widest part of the sole, gripping the sole laterally and sufficiently firmly that the boot will not pull out of the binding during use of the snowshoe, even in the absence of a heel strap. The arch area of the boot typically is narrower in width than the ball of the foot, providing a rearwardly tapering region for positive engagement against pulling back of the boot in the binding. By engaging the boot at the sole, the binding can put pressure on the boot not felt by the user. In one form the sole engaging binding device has a width adjustment with a sliding element, and the firmly clamping sole engagement preferably is accomplished with a cam that engages when a strap is tightened. An efficient buckle and strap are also disclosed.