Abstract: An apparatus, method and system including a processor, a memory device accessible by the processor, and circuitry to selectively communicate with an on-the-go user device located at a location different from a location of the apparatus. The memory device stores instructions to permit the apparatus to selectively serve as an at-home user device that receives data from a wireless ad hoc network formed by sensors located within a link range of the circuitry of the on-the-go user device, data from the sensors of the wireless ad hoc network providing data for consumption by the at-home user device to permit an at-home user to be immersed in an experience of the location of the on-the-go user device.

Abstract: A system, a computer program product, and method for controlling synthesized speech output on a voice-controlled device. A sensor is used to capture an image of a face of a person. A database of previously stored images of facial features is accessed. In response to i) not recognizing the at least one person the voice-controlled device selects a first set of conversational starters; ii) recognizing the person and recognizing previous communications with the person, the voice-controlled device selects a second set of conversational starters; iii) recognizing the person and not recognizing previous communications with the person, the voice-controlled device selects a third set of conversational starters; or iv) recognizing the at least one person and recognizing previous communications with the person selecting but do not know the person's name selecting a fourth set of conversational starters. The voice controlled device outputs the selected set of conversational starters.

Abstract: A computer-implemented preferred picture-taking method, system, and computer program product that includes providing a set of instructions including directional movement instructions to each of a photographer, a pan tilt computing system controlling the camera, and the subject in the picture to be taken to adjust a feature of a current photographic scene such that the subject of the current photographic scene most matches a template feature of a photographic template that corresponds to the current photographic scene.

Abstract: Techniques facilitating cognitive route planning for unit replenishment in a distributed network are provided. In one example, a computer-implemented method can include determining, by a system operatively coupled to one or more processors, a time limit for unit replenishment at a unit dispensing device based on a unit depletion rate for the unit dispensing device. The computer-implemented method can also include generating, by the system, a route plan for the unit replenishment based on the unit depletion rate, the time limit, and respective unit depletion rates and respective time limits for other unit dispensing devices of a set of unit dispensing devices. The unit depletion rate can be based on historical and projected withdrawal data. Further, the unit dispensing device can be included in the set of unit dispensing devices located within a defined area. The time limit can indicate time remaining until the unit dispensing device is depleted of units.

Abstract: A system, a computer program product, and method for controlling synthesized speech output on a voice-controlled device. The voice-controlled device recognized that speech input is being received. The voice-controlled device outputs synthesized speech based on the speech input. While outputting synthesized speech based on the audio is captured. The voice-controlled device recognized the audio input as speech and pausing the outputting of synthesized speech. Otherwise, in response to the captured audio not being recognized as speech and above a settable background noise threshold, pausing the outputting of synthesized speech. The paused output of speech based on the synthesized speech input is resumed after the pausing of the output of synthesized speech being within a settable pause timeframe.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for the dynamic placement, management and monitoring of Internet advertising. A provider of Internet content distributes the Internet content by embedding an advertisement placeholder in the Internet content; and provides the Internet content to an aggregator web site. The aggregator web site presents the Internet content to at least one end user with at least one advertisement in the advertisement placeholder. The advertisement placeholder is processed by a third party agent to automatically share revenue from the at least one advertisement with the provider of the Internet content and a provider of the aggregator web site. The advertisement placeholder can optionally be embedded in the Internet content using one or more templates. The third party agent also evaluates the content and at least one policy of multiple parties to identify at least one advertisement to present in the advertisement placeholder.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system including a processor, a memory device accessible by the processor, and circuitry to selectively communicate with an on-the-go user device located at a location different from a location of the apparatus. The memory device stores instructions to permit the apparatus to selectively serve as an at-home user device that receives data from a wireless ad hoc network formed by sensors located within a link range of the circuitry of the on-the-go user device, data from the sensors of the wireless ad hoc network providing data for consumption by the at-home user device to permit an at-home user to be immersed in an experience of the location of the on-the-go user device.

Abstract: A system, a computer program product, and method for controlling synthesized speech output on a voice-controlled device. A sensor is used to capture an image of a face of a person. A database of previously stored images of facial features is accessed. In response to i) not recognizing the at least one person the voice-controlled device selects a first set of conversational starters; ii) recognizing the person and recognizing previous communications with the person, the voice-controlled device selects a second set of conversational starters; iii) recognizing the person and not recognizing previous communications with the person, the voice-controlled device selects a third set of conversational starters; or iv) recognizing the at least one person and recognizing previous communications with the person selecting but do not know the person's name selecting a fourth set of conversational starters. The voice controlled device outputs the selected set of conversational starters.

Abstract: A system, a computer program product, and method for controlling synthesized speech output on a voice-controlled device. One or more sensors are used to detect whether one person or more than one person is within a first settable distance from the voice-controlled device. Next a determination is made whether the audio input received is recognized as speech. In response to only one person being detected within the settable distance, begin outputting synthesized speech based on the audio input without waiting for an attention word to be recognized and otherwise wait for additional criteria before outputting synthesized speech based on the speech input. The additional criteria includes determining that more than one person is detected and recognizing that the attention word is received before outputting synthesized speech based on the audio input.

Abstract: A method (and structure) includes forming a wireless ad hoc network with a plurality of sensors at a first location, the ad hoc network being a localized, decentralized network wherein each participating sensor has an equal status on the network for performing network functions and is free to associate with any other ad hoc network device in a link range of a vicinity of the first location. Data is transmitted from the plurality of sensors via the ad hoc network, for consumption by an at-home user located at a second location different from said first location. Each sensor indicates a location and a directivity of sensing in the vicinity of the first location, so that the plurality of sensors thereby can provide data sufficient for the at-home user to be immersed in an experience at the first location.

Abstract: A system, a computer program product, and method for controlling synthesized speech output on a voice-controlled device. A sensor is used to capture an image of a face of a person. A database of previously stored images of facial features is accessed. In response to i) not recognizing the at least one person the voice-controlled device selects a first set of conversational starters; ii) recognizing the person and recognizing previous communications with the person, the voice-controlled device selects a second set of conversational starters; iii) recognizing the person and not recognizing previous communications with the person, the voice-controlled device selects a third set of conversational starters; or iv) recognizing the at least one person and recognizing previous communications with the person selecting but do not know the person's name selecting a fourth set of conversational starters. The voice controlled device outputs the selected set of conversational starters.

Abstract: A computer-implemented preferred picture-taking method, system, and computer program product that learns from the photos taken in the same camera or other sources to know the pictures the camera owner likes, and generates associated templates, imports/exports the templates among cameras, other devices and media, automatically takes a photo when the target person in the camera view matches with the owner's personal preferences (a selected template), and analyzes images in the template and the current view in the camera, calculates the delta, and generates position and orientation adjustment actions in space.

Abstract: A computer-implemented preferred picture-taking method, system, and computer program product that learns from the photos taken in the same camera or other sources to know the pictures the camera owner likes, and generates associated templates, imports/exports the templates among cameras, other devices and media, automatically takes a photo when the target person in the camera view matches with the owner's personal preferences (a selected template), and analyzes images in the template and the current view in the camera, calculates the delta, and generates position and orientation adjustment actions in space.

Abstract: Techniques facilitating cognitive route planning for unit replenishment in a distributed network are provided. In one example, a computer-implemented method can include determining, by a system operatively coupled to one or more processors, a time limit for unit replenishment at a unit dispensing device based on a unit depletion rate for the unit dispensing device. The computer-implemented method can also include generating, by the system, a route plan for the unit replenishment based on the unit depletion rate, the time limit, and respective unit depletion rates and respective time limits for other unit dispensing devices of a set of unit dispensing devices. The unit depletion rate can be based on historical and projected withdrawal data. Further, the unit dispensing device can be included in the set of unit dispensing devices located within a defined area. The time limit can indicate time remaining until the unit dispensing device is depleted of units.

Abstract: Techniques facilitating cognitive route planning for unit replenishment in a distributed network are provided. In one example, a computer-implemented method can include determining, by a system operatively coupled to one or more processors, a time limit for unit replenishment at a unit dispensing device based on a unit depletion rate for the unit dispensing device. The computer-implemented method can also include generating, by the system, a route plan for the unit replenishment based on the unit depletion rate, the time limit, and respective unit depletion rates and respective time limits for other unit dispensing devices of a set of unit dispensing devices. The unit depletion rate can be based on historical and projected withdrawal data. Further, the unit dispensing device can be included in the set of unit dispensing devices located within a defined area. The time limit can indicate time remaining until the unit dispensing device is depleted of units.

Abstract: A system, a computer program product, and method for controlling synthesized speech output on a voice-controlled device. One or more sensors are used to detect whether one person or more than one person is within a first settable distance from the voice-controlled device. Next a determination is made whether the audio input received is recognized as speech. In response to only one person being detected within the settable distance, begin outputting synthesized speech based on the audio input without waiting for an attention word to be recognized and otherwise wait for additional criteria before outputting synthesized speech based on the speech input. The additional criteria includes determining that more than one person is detected and recognizing that the attention word is received before outputting synthesized speech based on the audio input.

Abstract: A system, a computer program product, and method for controlling synthesized speech output on a voice-controlled device. The voice-controlled device recognized that speech input is being received. The voice-controlled device outputs synthesized speech based on the speech input. While outputting synthesized speech based on the audio is captured. The voice-controlled device recognized the audio input as speech and pausing the outputting of synthesized speech. Otherwise, in response to the captured audio not being recognized as speech and above a settable background noise threshold, pausing the outputting of synthesized speech. The paused output of speech based on the synthesized speech input is resumed after the pausing of the output of synthesized speech being within a settable pause timeframe.

Abstract: A system, a computer program product, and method for controlling synthesized speech output on a voice-controlled device. A sensor is used to capture an image of a face of a person. A database of previously stored images of facial features is accessed. In response to i) not recognizing the at least one person the voice-controlled device selects a first set of conversational starters; ii) recognizing the person and recognizing previous communications with the person, the voice-controlled device selects a second set of conversational starters; iii) recognizing the person and not recognizing previous communications with the person, the voice-controlled device selects a third set of conversational starters; or iv) recognizing the at least one person and recognizing previous communications with the person selecting but do not know the person's name selecting a fourth set of conversational starters. The voice controlled device outputs the selected set of conversational starters.

Abstract: A dialog performance improvement method, system, and computer program product, include, computing a plurality of question classes and a confidence score for each of the question classes for a language input of a user, comparing the confidence score to an upper threshold and a lower threshold for each of the question classes to determine which of at least one action to perform, receiving a language feedback from the user for the performed action, and adjusting at least one of the upper threshold and the lower threshold based on the language feedback from the user.

Abstract: Techniques facilitating cognitive planning to conserve resources are provided. In one example, a computer-implemented method can comprise determining, by a system operatively coupled to a processor, a first parameter associated with withdrawal of one or more units from a first unit dispensing device. The withdrawal of one or more units can be based on an expected unit requirement determined based on a defined interval and data related to a first entity associated with a computing device that requested a search for one or more unit dispensing devices within a defined geographic area. The computer-implemented method can also include generating, by the system, a location identification of the first unit dispensing device based on a determination that the first parameter is less than a second parameter associated with respective withdrawals of one or more units from a second unit dispensing device within the defined geographic area.