Abstract: A method of dataset generation is described. The method comprises steps including receiving user image data and generating personalised training data based on the received user image data. Generating personalised training data comprises generating a computational model based at least in part on the received user data and generating the personalised training data based on the computational model.

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 robot has a generally cubic body portion on propulsion elements. The robot turns its head in accordance with a remote person turning his head, and also presents, on a display representing the face of the robot, a full-face image representing the person even when the person is being imaged in profile.

Abstract: A device may include network interfaces for relaying communication information from source devices to destination devices and a processor. The processor may be configured to compare each of a plurality of advertisements to a part of the communication information, identify, within the communication information, a portion that matches one of the plurality of advertisements, and send a message that describes the identified advertisement to a reimbursement device.

Abstract: The present application describes an integrated process for the manufacture of biodiesel from vegetable or animal oils using a solid, transesterification catalyst and a solid, etherification catalyst.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a biocidal agent in a gaseous state. The apparatus includes a first monolith and second monolith. The first monolith includes a surface impregnated with an acid, while the second monolith includes a surface impregnated with a compound. The apparatus further includes a means for directing a gas that includes moisture sequentially to the first monolith and then to the second monolith. A gaseous stream that includes moisture having passed through the first monolith carries an acid vapor desorbed from the surface of the first monolith to the compound of the second monolith, whereby a stream of biocidal agent in a gaseous state is generated.

Abstract: A method for producing novel catalysts comprising of Group VIII metal along with a partially reducible metal oxide, zirconium oxide, lanthanum oxide and aluminum oxide is disclosed. These novel catalysts retain their catalytic activity even in the presence of significant quantities of sulfur compounds. This makes them attractive in the conversion of hydrocarbons into hydrogen; a process for the same is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the carbon dioxide reforming of methane in the presence of a catalyst to produce a synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The process utilizes a catalyst and reducing agent which under appropriate process conditions can accomplish the CO.sub.2 reforming of methane in the absence of steam. The process includes contacting methane and CO.sub.2 in the presence of an effective amount of rhodium incorporated into a natural or synthetic crystalline zeolite having a silicon to aluminum ratio of greater than or equal to about 1.0 under reforming conditions sufficient to convert CH.sub.4 to synthesis gas.