Abstract: A method and various apparatus are disclosed relating to employing audio/visual recording equipment to make a record of the act of serving official papers on an individual. The act of recording may be concealed and the recorded content may be used commercially or for official purposes.

Abstract: An apparatus, methods and systems to provide a personal viewing device configured to display an image. The personal viewing device configured to be worn by a user. At least one sensor coupled to the personal viewing device. At least one camera coupled to the personal viewing device and facing outwardly with respect to the personal viewing device. A processor configured for interaction analysis. The processor in communication with the personal viewing device, the at least one sensor and the at least one camera.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin defined by a front, a back, a roof, a floor, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side. The vehicle also includes a window having a surface area that covers at least 50% of the first side, and seating in the cabin arranged to face the first side. The seating may be arranged in at least two rows, with a first row of seats having a first elevation relative to the floor, and a second row of seats having a second elevation relative to the floor, where the second elevation being greater than the first elevation. The vehicle also includes a video system comprising a plurality of video monitors located at the first side. Other variations and a related method of providing entertainment using vehicles of the claimed type are also described herein.

Abstract: An interactive input system comprises computing structure; and an input device detecting at least one electronic device displaying a recognizable pattern within a three-dimensional (3D) input space and providing output to the computing structure. The computing structure processes the output of the input device to recognize the pattern displayed by the at least one electronic device in the 3D input space; detect the state of the at least one electronic device; and modify image data by applying a transition to digital content associated with the displayed pattern based on the detected state of the at least one electronic device.

Abstract: Disclosed invention enables ordinary person who are not non-professional movie star or singer to take a role in motion picture video. It replaces facial and voice image in existing video with someone else's facial and voice. The words, emotion, expression and feelings shown in original video are fused into that of non-professionals so that the normal person is playing a role in a movie just like the actual movie star or singer does.

Abstract: A mobile platform efficiently processes sensor data, including image data, using distributed processing in which latency sensitive operations are performed on the mobile platform, while latency insensitive, but computationally intensive operations are performed on a remote server. The mobile platform acquires sensor data, such as image data, and determines whether there is a trigger event to transmit the sensor data to the server. The trigger event may be a change in the sensor data relative to previously acquired sensor data, e.g., a scene change in an image. When a change is present, the sensor data may be transmitted to the server for processing. The server processes the sensor data and returns information related to the sensor data, such as identification of an object in an image or a reference image or model. The mobile platform may then perform reference based tracking using the identified object or reference image or model.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for remotely recording an image using a mobile device. In one embodiment, a user transmits a message using a mobile device to activate a camera pod to record an image. The user makes adjustments to the settings of the camera pod using the mobile device, and in some instances, initiates a trigger sequence using the mobile device. The camera pod records the image and transmits the image to the mobile device, enabling the user to preview the image. In some instances, the camera pod transmits the image to a storage server, where it is stored in an album. In one embodiment, the storage server creates a webpage with the captured visual record that the user can retrieve using a personal computer.

Abstract: A display device for capturing and displaying images along a single optical axis, having an image capture device for capturing the objective image through the display panel when the display device is in a second transmissive state; an image supply source for providing an image to a display panel when the display panel is in a first display state; a mechanism for alternating placing the display panel between the first display state and second transmissive state such that an image can be viewed on the display screen and the object can be captured such that the alternating between the first display state and the second transmissive state is substantially imperceptible to a user of the display panel; and a mechanism for providing digitally image processing for captured images prior to display.

Abstract: A traveling toy system is provided, in which it becomes possible to reduce the amount of information transmitted to a video display device. In the traveling toy system, a video camera, a video camera controller which is adjustably controls at least a frame rate of the video camera, a signal transmission device which transmits a video signal outputted from the video camera to a video display device, and electric storage means for power supply are mounted on the traveling toy which travels on a traveling lane using a potential energy. The traveling toy system further includes a traveling toy carrier device which carries the traveling toy from a position where the potential energy is low to a position where the potential energy is high. The video camera controller changes the frame rate so that when a traveling speed of the traveling toy is higher than a given speed, the frame rate may be increased from the frame rate at the time that the traveling speed is lower than the given speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring digital microscope images is disclosed, in which a plurality of magnified images of a specimen are captured for tiling together to provide an overall composite image of the specimen. In accordance with the described method, the specimen is moved relative to an imaging system comprising a microscope and camera in a predetermined path while the plurality of magnified images are captured. In a preferred embodiment, the specimen, contained on a slide, is mounted on a movable microscope stage, and is moved beneath the microscope in the predetermined path. The velocity of the movement of the stage and the shutter speed of the camera is computer controlled to capture overlapping, clear images.

Abstract: A document processing system comprises a pattern generating system 212 arranged to generate a data encoding pattern 6, a printer 202 arranged to print a document 2 having the pattern thereon, and a receiver 220 arranged to receive data over a communication link. The pattern generating system 212 is arranged to generate the pattern 6 so as to encode data defining a communication parameter suitable for the transmission of data to the receiver 220 over the link.

Abstract: There is provided an image output apparatus including an image-capturing section that captures an image of the observed person, an observer's point of sight measuring section that measures a point of sight of the observer when the image-capturing section captures the image of the observed person, an output section that outputs the image of the observed person which is captured by the image-capturing section, and a point of sight output control section that causes the output section to output information indicating the point of sight of the observer which is measured by the observer's point of sight measuring section, together with the image of the observed person which is captured by the image-capturing section.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for simultaneous spectral decomposition suitable for image object identification and categorization for scenes and objects under analysis. The present system captures different spectral planes simultaneously using a Fabry-Perot multi-filter grid each tuned to a specific wavelength. A method for classifying pixels in the captured image is provided. The present system and method finds its uses in a wide array of applications such as, for example, occupancy detection in a transportation management system and in medical imaging and diagnosis for healthcare management. The teachings hereof further find their uses in other applications where there is a need to capture a two dimensional view of a scene and decompose the scene into its spectral bands such that objects in the image can be appropriately identified.

Abstract: An electronic component mounting apparatus includes two second linear-motion devices on each of which an image pickup device and a mounting head are placed so as to be movable in an X direction, a first linear-motion device for moving the second linear-motion devices in a Y direction independently of each other, in which the image pickup device is placed at such a position as to be contained within an X-directional width of the mounting head and moreover contained within a Y-directional total width of the mounting head and the second linear-motion device. Thus, since the image pickup region of the camera is contained within the moving region of the mounting head, there is no need for ensuring a moving distance taking into account only the camera's image pickup region, so that the moving-axis length of the second linear-motion devices can be reduced.

Abstract: The present application discloses systems and methods for verifying ownership of a printed publication. One embodiment includes receiving a first image of a portion of a printed publication from a first communications device associated with a user, the first image including an identifier uniquely associated with the user. The first image may be analyzed to verify the printed publication and to confirm that identifier is associated with the user. Some embodiments also include authenticating digital content associated with the identified publication for viewing on and/or downloading to one or more communications devices associated with the user whose associated identifier appears in the first image.

Abstract: A video display system and method that allows two different users to view different video streams on the same monitor without being able to see the other user's video stream. Frames of each video stream are rendered on the monitor. Each user views the monitor using a viewing device that allows the user to see his/her respective video stream and blocks the user from seeing frames associated with the other video stream.

Abstract: A modular camera having a chassis module, a camera module, an illumination module and a communications module that together form a cooling passageway. The chassis module has a back wall having a first end and an opposite second end, a bottom wall having at least one opening formed therein, a first fan mounted at the chassis back wall first end, and a second fan mounted at the chassis back wall second end. The camera module has a body, wherein the camera body is removably received through a hole formed through the chassis module back wall. The illumination module has a back wall, wherein the illumination module is removably coupled to the chassis module so that the illumination module back wall is spaced apart from the chassis module back wall. The communication module is removably coupled to the chassis module. The chassis module back wall, the camera module body, the illumination module back wall and the communications module together form a cooling channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a motion control photography set are disclosed. One embodiment includes a master control that receives control signals for a plurality of device actors, such as robot arms, lighting, and camera controls, and synchronizes the plurality of control signals with a global timeline to create a plurality of synchronized signals, such that the control data for each actor of the device actors is associated with a corresponding position in the global timeline. According to another embodiment, the set also includes a master input that conveys a master input signal to the master control indicating a position in the global timeline and a rate of progression through the global timeline. In response to the master input signal, the control data for each actor of the device actors is sent to respective device actors at an adjustable rate of progression through the global timeline.

Abstract: A method, means, apparatus, and system is disclosed, for use with an electrically controllable light-producing activity, or possibly an electrically-controlled sound producing activity. In one embodiment, the light is modulated to affect an imaging function, as a secondary effect, without substantially affecting a primary or main purpose of the light-producing activity. In another embodiment, the light is modulated to affect an imaging function, as a secondary effect, in conjunction with effects on the primary or main purpose of the light-producing activity. The invention is useful, for example, in TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding where the light-producing arc, and possibly some light-producing utility lights, are modulated to improve a computer vision system (such as an auto darkening welding helmet or a headup display for a welding helmet) that helps a person see better. Cybernetic and physiological sensing is disclosed such as EEG, ECG, and the like, in conjunction with wearable computing.

Abstract: A method for digitally augmenting or enhancing a food product such as the surface or top of a cake or other edible object. The method includes generating an augmentation media file based on a projection surface of the food product such as a digital movie or image that is mapped to the 3D topography of projection surface and that is projected on the food product using a properly aligned projector. Interactivity is provided by having the method include determining a modification or change of the 3D topography of the projection surface and, based upon the modification, generating a modified augmentation media file and operating the projector to use the modified augmentation media file to project a modified projected image on the food product. The method further provides interactivity by detecting a user interaction with the projection surface and generating a modified augmentation media file based on this tracked interaction.

Abstract: In a finger vein authentication unit and an information processing unit using the same, in order to realize a reduction in size and maintain high accuracy such that the finger vein authentication unit is applied to a small-sized information processing unit such as a mobile telephone, the finger vein authentication unit includes a light source which irradiates infrared light to a finger, an imaging sensor which images a vein image by the light which is diffused in the finger and transmitted through the front side of the finger, and an image processing unit which processes the image. The light source is mounted on the front side of the finger and emits the light toward the side surfaces of the finger. Further, a wall is disposed on either side of the finger vein authentication unit for supporting the finger and guiding the irradiated infrared light.

Abstract: A system for real-sense acquisition, connected to an image obtaining device, includes a sensing means, an environment setting means, a real-sense effect metadata creation means and a start/end processing means. The sensing means creates sensing data by sensing environment around the image obtaining device. The environment setting means sets a reference value for extracting effective data from the sensing data created by the sensing means. The real-sense effect metadata creation means creates real-sense effect metadata by extracting effective data based on the reference value set by the environment setting means from the sensing data created by the sensing means. The start/end processing means controls an operation of the sensing means based on start and end times when the image obtaining device obtains an image.

Abstract: The present application includes systems and methods for capturing information for registering the tires to enable submission of the registration information electronically. In order to capture the required information, embodiments utilize techniques to capture both information about an end-user, and information about a tire being purchased. Captured information may be populated into appropriate registration fields and sent to a third party in order to be utilized in the event of a tire recall or other emergency situation.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes: an image pickup apparatus introduced and retained in a body; a retaining/fixing section which contacts a body wall in the body, for retaining and fixing the image pickup apparatus at the body wall; plural operation wires operated from an extracorporeal side; and an observation direction control section which changes an observation direction of the image pickup apparatus by operation of the plural wires, and includes: an image pickup apparatus fixing section connected to the operation wires, which contacts an outer surface part of the image pickup apparatus; and a rotary section for supporting the retaining/fixing section and the image pickup apparatus fixing section so as to be separated from each other by a predetermined distance, and allowing the image pickup apparatus fixing section to rotate with respect to the retaining/fixing section with a rotation center as a fulcrum, based on operation of the plural operation wires.

Abstract: A digital camera having an image mover includes a controller, a location information inputter, an orientation information inputter, a focal length information inputter, and an exposure time setter which sets an exposure time for which a celestial body image is exposed to an image sensor. The controller calculates a movement path of the celestial body image, which moves relative to the photographing optical system due to the rotation of the earth within the exposure time, using the location information that is input to the controller via the location information inputter, and the azimuth information and the altitude information that are input to the controller via the orientation information inputter. The controller drives the image mover in accordance with the calculated movement path to move the image sensor in a manner such that the image of the celestial body remains at a stationary position on the image sensor.

Abstract: A jewelry fixture having a mounting pedestal cooperatively engaged with the top side of a base is disclosed. First and second angled surface are cooperatively positioned on the top side of the base. The angled surfaces have a reflective or mirrored surface. The angled surfaces are positioned adjacent and perpendicular to each other. A jewelry holder allowing cooperative engagement with an item of jewelry is positioned between the angled surfaces and cooperatively engaged with the mounting pedestal on the top side of the base. The base has reference and prime positioning guides. The full-image jewelry positioner (fixture) improves the development of images for duplication or replication of jewelry or other items having detailed structures. When combined with a camera or a camera and a computer system, the images developed may be captured and manipulated for auto-tracing and duplication or replication of the item of jewelry.

Abstract: An advertising and promotion system including an electronic shopping cart display screen that provides wireless in-store advertising and promotions. In embodiments of the present invention, the advertising and promotion system includes a display unit attached to a shopping cart, a plurality of store-wide transceiver units, an audible alert component on the display unit for signaling receipt of information from the transceiver unit, a host computer for operating the advertising and promotion system, and a battery charger for powering the display unit. The display unit includes a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) panel for displaying animated graphic advertisements and other visual messages automatically exhibited in the proximity of a transceiver unit by a desired product display. The display unit may be interactive (i.e., capable of responding to user information requests and directions) or passive (i.e.

Abstract: An automated system for inspecting a porous substrate using a sample, comprising, a delivery device positioned to apply the sample to a target point on the porous substrate along a sample axis; an imaging device and one or more lenses, positioned so that the imaging device and the lens each has a focus axis that is offset from the sample axis, and have a viewing focal point that is substantially the same as the target point; a light source that is offset from the delivery device to illuminate the surface target; and a processor comprising a data acquisition and control system that coordinates timing and automation of the delivery and imaging devices, and determines one or more characteristics of the porous substrate.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for automatic image registration includes providing a previously aligned image pair, extracting a first number of samples of features from the previously aligned image pair, and extracting a second number of samples of features from an observed image pair. The method further includes determining a Euclidean minimum spanning tree of a union set of the samples of features from the previously aligned image pair and the observed image pair, determining a similarity measure of the observed image pair based on the Euclidean minimum spanning tree, estimating a gradient of the similarity measure, wherein a gradient estimate is used to update transformation parameters applied to register the observed image pair, and outputting a registration of the observed image pair, wherein the registration of the observed image pair is one of displayed and stored on a storage media.

Abstract: An electronic appliance has a video camera for picking up an image of a user of the electronic appliance. The user's image is displayed on a display of the electronic appliance. To adjust the size of the user's image on the display, a measurement zone having a first area is defined on the display. The user holds his or her hand so that the hand is displayed on the measurement zone. A control information determination unit or a CPU generates information indicative of the ratio of the area of the hand in the measurement zone to the area of the measurement zone. According to the generated information, the CPU controls an image adjuster that optimizes the size and position of the user's image on the display.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for use in conjunction with a container in which one or more plants is growing and having associated with it a device for receiving an enquiry signal and automatically responding by transmitting an unique identifier signal the apparatus comprising (a) transporter means by which a container may be supported for moving the container, (b) means for transmitting the enquiry signal, (c) means for recording the identifier signal as a digital output, and (d) computer means to which the digital output is supplied for storage of the data in prescribed format in a database for manipulation to afford comparison of data related to the container.

Abstract: An aerial camera system including a plurality of main reels, a camera interface/safety reel and a stabilized camera head. The camera head is supported from main cables from the main reels with a safety reel cable providing power, data and video communication between the camera head and a main computer system. Each of the main reels, the camera interface/safety reel and the camera head are in communication with the main computer system, which controls the feeding and reeling in of the main cables. Further, the computer system controls the feeding and reeling in of the safety reel cable, which typically only follows the camera head as it moves in three-dimensional space, but may in emergency mode support the weight of the camera head and be used to slowly pull the camera head up and out of the way so that it does not interfere with any activity below the flight area.

Abstract: Systems and method for detecting unknown samples wherein pattern recognition algorithms are applied to a visible image of a first target area comprising a first unknown sample to thereby generate a first set of target data. If comparison of the first set of target data to reference data results in a match, the first unknown is identified and a hyperspectral image of a second target area comprising a second unknown sample is obtained to generate a second set of test data. If comparison of the second set of test data to reference data results in a match, the second unknown sample is identified as a known material. Identification of an unknown through hyperspectral imaging can also trigger the visible camera to obtain an image. In addition, the visible and hyperspectral cameras can be run continuously to simultaneously obtain visible and hyperspectral images.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods that enable a user in an emergency situation to capture an image (such as a picture image or a video image) and transmit the image to an emergency authority (such as a PSAP) and/or to another party. In some embodiments, these operations can be performed while the user equipment and/or a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) inserted into the user equipment are in a locked condition. Devices and systems are also disclosed for performing the methods, as well as a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon that, when executed, perform the methods.

Abstract: A system for automatically setting video signal processing parameters for an endoscopic video camera system based upon characteristics of an attached endoscope, with reduced EMI and improved inventory tracking, maintenance and quality assurance, and reducing the necessity for adjustment and alignment of the endoscope and camera to achieve the data transfer.

Abstract: A device (101) for determining the presence, absence, concentration, or count of rare cell or cell-like objects in a turbid fluid consisting of a light source (103) for illuminating a chamber (123) containing a solution including complexes of suspended cells or cell-like moieties (261) and an optically-active agent, and further including an imaging detector (145) and an output (147) for providing a determined or displayed result. Methods of enumeration are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a recipe generation apparatus and method for reducing the time required to reflect an optimal value and changed value in an input file by automatically reflecting a value obtained by optimizing an input file for recipe generation in the input file for recipe generation. This invention eliminates the inconvenience of manually reflecting changes in an input file for recipe generation by automatically reflecting changed values in the input file for recipe generation after editing a provisionally generated off-line recipe and achieves a reduction in processing time. This invention also provides a method for automatically generating an off-line recipe and a file for recipe generation from a recipe of a scanning electron microscope (see FIG. 3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaging-based radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponder. Specifically, the transponder includes a photo-responsive cell for capturing an image; and an analysis component. The photo-responsive cell captures images of objects. Once captured, the analysis component is configured to: determine whether the RFID transponder has sufficient power to analyze the image; analyze the image on the RFID transponder if sufficient power exists; and/or transmit data corresponding to the image to an RFID reader for analysis in the event the RFID transponder has insufficient power to analyze the image. Where quality of the image and/or performance of the transponder are less than desirous, any number of corrective approaches can be taken. For example, the setup of the transponder can be adjusted, the range readout can be reduced, the integration time per pixel of the image can be increased, etc.

Abstract: An imaging system with an imaging mechanism which includes polarization analyzers, which may be crossed polarization analyzers, positioned to provide birefringence images of particles in the fluid passing through the flow chamber. Captured images are of high resolution and may be used in comparison to known images of a library of images. The system and related method enhance the accuracy and sensitivity of particle monitoring by utilizing birefringence imaging combined with particle analysis and the detection of each particle's characteristic features, such as crystalline features. The system includes a scatter detector used to trigger backlighting of the flow chamber and capture images of particles therein.

Abstract: A liquid medicine identification apparatus includes a pattern projection unit, a placing unit that places thereon a medicine container filled with a liquid medicine, an imaging camera, and an image processing unit. Imaged image information imaged by the imaging camera after transmitting light and dark patterns of the pattern projection unit through the medicine container is compared with reference image information by the image processing unit, and a type of the liquid medicine or the medicine container is determined.

Abstract: Included are embodiments for product demonstration. One embodiment of a system includes a first image capture device that captures a real-time video image of a first product and a memory component that stores a computer application, the computer application causing the system to identify the first product and render an altered version of the real-time video image. The altered version of the real-time video image may include a first virtual menu option that is selectable by the user making a first physical gesture and a second virtual menu option that is selectable by the user making a second physical gesture. Some embodiments include a display device for displaying the altered version of the real-time video image.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to obtain an image of a consumer electronic device, the image comprising at least one visual indication of a first operating state of the consumer electronic device, and to transmit one or more commands to the consumer electronic device to change to a second operating state different from the first operating state, responsive to determining the first operating state by extracting information associated with the at least one visual indication from the image. The commands may be determined by accessing a database having control instructions associated with the consumer electronic device. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A disclosed drawn image sharing apparatus making objects to be drawn on share drawn images includes an image receiving portion from another drawn image sharing apparatus; an image supplying portion supplying a received image to a focusing device to produce an image; an image acquiring portion acquiring a sharing image from an image capturing device; an image difference generating portion generating a difference image between the produced image and the captured image in a sharing region; and an image dividing portion dividing the acquired image into first and second images, wherein in an adjusting mode, the image difference generating portion generates first and second difference images between the supplied images corresponding to the same regions and the first and second images, and the image combining portion substitutes the positions of the first and the second difference images and combines the first and the second difference images.

Abstract: A sight system is provided which may be selectively used in a variety of different ways. In one example, the sight system may be positioned on a rifle to provide a rifle sight system. In this example, the sight system may be positioned on the rifle barrel a substantial distance away from a user's eye. Advantageously, such an implementation may permit a user to effectively sight the rifle without compromising situational awareness. In another example, the sight system may be used to provide a reflex sight with a reticle (e.g., a dot, crosshair, mark, or other appropriate shape) superimposed on an image (e.g., a zoomed or non-zoomed image) displayed from a camera. In another example, the sight system may be used to provide an occluded sight in which a camera and/or display of the sight system is disabled. As a result, a reticle may be displayed over an opaque background.

Abstract: A device for identifying a traffic sign in an image includes a Hough transformer implemented to identify a plurality of line sections running in different directions through the image in the image or in an edge image derived from same. The device further includes a shape detector implemented to detect a predefined shape in the image or in the edge image derived from same based on the identified line sections. The device apart from that includes a pattern identifier implemented to select an image section corresponding to the detected predefined shape based on the detected predefined shape and to identify a traffic sign based on the selected image section.

Abstract: Methods for processing overhead imagery of a vessel include the step of determining an initial classification and classification probability based on the vessel length and length-to-width ratio. Next, mutually exclusive deck features can be extracted from the image. For several embodiments, the extracted deck features that can be spherical tanks, hatches and containers that are stored on deck. The initial classification probability is then weighted using the results of the deck feature extraction step to yield a posterior classification probability for the ship image. If the posterior classification probability is above a predetermined value, the image is assigned a posterior classification. If the posterior probability is below the predetermined value, the vessel image is classified as unknown, and the gross tonnage of the vessel is calculated using the length and width of the vessel.

Abstract: An information processing device that is connected to a projecting device that projects an annotation image input from an external terminal onto a projection region including an object, and is connected to an image capturing device that captures an image of the projection region. The information processing device obtains image data to be input to and output from the projecting device and the image capturing device through a communication with the external terminal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to associate audio data and image data are disclosed herein. Disclosed embodiments include detecting a specific region in image data obtained by an image capturing apparatus, acquiring audio data that will be associated with the detected specific region from a user, and generating audio data connection information needed for associating the acquired audio data with the detected specific region. When user selects a specific region to which audio data is associated, the image capturing apparatus reproduces the audio data connected to the specific region.

Abstract: Within a digital acquisition device with a built in flash unit, the exposure of an acquired digital image is perfected using face detection in the acquired image is provided. Groups of pixels that correspond to plural images of faces are identified within a digitally acquired image, and corresponding image attributes to the group of pixels are determined. An analysis is performed of the corresponding attributes of the groups of pixels. It is then determined to activate the built-in flash unit based on the analysis. An intensity of the built-in flash unit is determined based on the analysis. Alternatively based on similar analysis, a digital simulation of the fill flash is performed on the image.

Abstract: A system of microphones, signal processors, and loudspeakers provides enhanced comprehension of speech in noisy social events where the locations of participants are relatively constrained. Speech enhancement comprises both boosting sounds moderately at higher frequencies and delaying them to match the arrival of sounds directly from speakers. Virtual loudspeakers create the illusion for each listener that the boosted sounds come from the vicinity of each talker. Video cameras determine the head positions and facing directions of participants. Subgroups of participants having at least temporary conversational affinities can be identified. Such subgroups may overlap and change. Speech from talking participants is picked up by directional microphones and filtered, sorted, and relayed selectively via loudspeakers to listening participants identified as subgroup members, reinforcing and enhancing the naturally heard speech. More weight can be given to enhancing speech between affined participants.