Abstract: A technology is provided by which images can be specified in a moving picture and printed easily. First, a plurality of first still images are displayed on a display unit based on a plurality of images which are to be displayed at mutually differing times in a single moving picture. After receiving from a user a selection of a first still image from among the plurality of first still images, the moving picture is played on the display unit for a first time segment which is shorter than a playback time of the moving picture and includes a time at which the selected first still image is to be displayed. Then, according to an instruction by the user which is given during the playback of the moving picture, a second still image is displayed on the display unit based on an image which is to be displayed in the moving picture. The second still image is printed.

Abstract: A hand microphone and an adaptor module form an assembly which is a peripheral device for a personal computer. The hand microphone is used to control dictation functions to be carried out by the PC. Two separate analog control signal channels are output from the hand microphone and applied, respectively, as X- and Y-axis inputs for the game port on the PC. Control signals carried in the two signal channels are generated by actuating control switches mounted on the hand microphone.

Abstract: Systems and methods that facilitate the use and operation of a television with an integrated sound projection system. The sound projector preferably comprises an array of speakers configurable to project beams that reflect off the walls and ceiling to create surround sound. In one embodiment, sound can be projected and/or the television can be oriented automatically as a function of the location of the television remote control unit.

Abstract: A method, user interface module, computer program product, computer system and system that enable a graphical user interface to be used by persons with visual disabilities. The graphical user interface includes a toolbar, which provides features that enable a visually disabled user to navigate and activate the functions provided by buttons or other controls on the communication toolbar. As a user navigates around the user interface, auditory messages are read describing functionality of different features of the graphical user interface. The text can be audibly read by, for example, a screen reader module. By using a hotkey or menu navigation, a user can issue commands that would normally be issued by clicking on the toolbar. Furthermore, the user can type text into text input boxes, select items from combo boxes, enable broadcast messages to be read, and choose to listen to status messages.

Abstract: The invention describes a graphical method for detecting and adjusting audio overload conditions. The graphical user interface provides a user complete playback control of several audio tracks, detection of overload conditions such as audio clipping, and graphical methods to correct the overload conditions. The graphical interface provides drag handles which the user can use to adjust the various characteristics of an audio file. The characteristics, such as amplitude and tempo, may be adjusted as a function of time.

Abstract: Enhanced application of spoken input, in which a single, natural language voice command is accessed. Using a repository that associates multiple operations with natural language voice commands, multiple selected operations that correspond to the received single, natural language voice command are determined and applied to a user interface.

Abstract: In an interactive process using speech recognition together with a graphical user interface comprising a plurality of settable graphical user interface items, the recognition rate is improved by reducing recognition target vocabulary. A settable graphical user interface item not displayed on the display screen is detected, and the received speech information is recognized using a speech recognition grammar corresponding to the detected item, and data is set to the item using the recognition result.

Abstract: Methods of facilitating charitable donations using the internet are provided. Charitable organizations may post a picture which has been divided into predetermined sections on the internet, with each section having a corresponding price associated therewith. Donors, upon paying the price for a desired section, may post an image, text or audio data in association with their purchased image section.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of methods to automatically correct timing of recorded audio in GUI are summarized here. One or more controls to adjust resolution of timing and degree of correction for the audio are displayed. The resolution of timing relates to heats on a grid and is affected by the degree of correction. The degree of correction is mapped to a time interval at each beat along the grid. Next, a user manipulation of one or more controls selecting a resolution and a degree of correction is received. Correction of timing is performed according to the selected resolution and degree of correction. Correcting of timing may include aligning a transient of the audio to the beat by compressing or stretching a portion of the audio. Compressing or stretching the portion of the audio depends on a length of the portion relative to a distance between adjacent beats.

Abstract: A timeline-based approach for selecting and manipulating audio tracks is presented. This is accomplished via a graphical user interface that provides users with a series of visual cues and enhancements when selecting a particular area of an audio track depicted within the interface. These visual cues are rendered as a display region having multiple other display areas, components or interface components that provide the user with a location for initiating actions upon the file. User input provided to the timeline component generates a selection overlay that indicates a selected area of the audio file. The user can perform numerous actions with that audio file, such as copying and pasting. The user can do this more quickly and efficiently because the user is not required to switch tools. Everything is accomplished “modelessly.” Multiple instances of the selection overlay applied, for example, across multiple audio tracks may achieve even more powerful results.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for facilitating communication among a number of distributed clients in a distributed network is disclosed. A user, such as through a personal digital assistant device, may select one or more sound messages for transmission to one or more other users in the network. Each sound message may be preceded by a sound identifier which identifies the sending user. Users may select or create their sounds message and/or person sound identifiers. The sound messages will typically be abbreviated melodies or note strings which are associated with certain conversational messages.

Abstract: A conferencing system with low noise.

Abstract: Visualizing and exploring a music library using metadata, such as genre, sub-genre, artist, and year, is provided. Geometric shapes, such as disks or rectangles, may be divided into sectors representing genre and each sector may be further divided into sub-sectors representing artists associated with each genre. The sector's relative size generally reflects the importance of the corresponding genre within the library. Likewise, the sub-sector's relative size generally reflects the importance of the corresponding artist within the genre which may be determined by the number of media items of the artist. Marks representing each media item may be arranged and displayed within the geometric shape to reflect the mark's corresponding genre, artist, and year. In addition, each mark may reflect an attribute, such as playcount, of the media item and each sector may reflect the mean value of an attribute of all media items within the sector.

Abstract: A level adjustment method is applicable to an audio processing apparatus having a plurality of amplifiers corresponding to three or more of input channels of an audio signal for amplifying signal levels of the respective input channels. The level adjustment method is carried out by a group arrangement process of arranging the plurality of the input channels into one or more group, and a group control process of controlling each group such as to decrease an amplification rate of all the amplifiers corresponding to the input channels belonging to the same group as a maximal one of the signal levels of the input channels belonging to the same group increases. Typically, the group arrangement process is applied to an audio signal of a surround system having at least six input channels including a left channel, a right channel, a left surround channel, a right surround channel, a center channel and an LFE channel.

Abstract: A system and method for improved audio controls on a personal computer is provided. The system and method provide a unified architecture for audio controls across hardware and software interfaces of the personal computer. An intelligent facility may automatically change audio controls for users to simply interact with various communications and media applications. To this end, a configurable audio controller intelligently handles various aspects of the system's audio devices by following various rules that may be based at least in part on user-configurable settings and a current operating state. The present invention also provides audio controls so that a user may easily change audio settings such as the volume of an audio output device. There are many applications that may use the present invention for automatic control of audio devices based upon the user's context.

Abstract: An automated banking machine is operative to output a visual and audible user interface which enables a consumer to operate the machine. The visual user interface includes a plurality of hierarchically organized visual screens. For each visual screen, the exemplary machine includes corresponding verbal instructions which are output through external loudspeakers or a headphone placed in operative connection with an external port of the machine. Upon insertion of the headphone into the port, the machine is operative to mute the output to any external loudspeakers and set the audio output through the headphone to a minimum or medium volume level. The automated banking machine is responsive to operating at least one volume control key to cycle the audible output through a plurality of different volume levels. For each input, the machine is operative to output verbal description of the function associated with the input.

Abstract: A system and method for recording and reproducing three-dimensional sound events using a discretized, integrated macro-micro sound volume for reproducing a 3D acoustical matrix that reproduces sound including natural propagation and reverberation. The system and method may include sound modeling and synthesis that may enable sound to be reproduced as a volumetric matrix. The volumetric matrix may be captured, transferred, reproduced, or otherwise processed, as a spatial spectra of discretely reproduced sound events with controllable macro-micro relationships.

Abstract: A system for collaboratively producing artwork includes a server and a plurality of user computers coupled to a network. The server transmits a request for submissions to collaborators and who prepare portions of the artwork using multimedia tools provided by the server computer. The collaborators transmit their completed portions of the artwork back to the server computer where they are compiled and transmitted to a recipient on a designated time.

Abstract: A method comprising: obtaining music information that defines at least one characteristic of audible music; and controlling changes to an appearance of a graphical user interface using the music information.

Abstract: A system for producing audio output from interaction with printed material and a pen based computer system. The system includes a printed page including a substantially invisible position code and a human viewable image. The system further includes a pen-based computer system for determining a position of the human viewable image in response to interactions there between, e.g., based upon the pen tip's proximity to the image. The pen-based computer is operable to produce a human-audible output corresponding to the human viewable image contemporaneously with the interaction. The human viewable image may be produced independent of the pen based computer and may include a textual word and/or an image. A plurality of pages may be provided in book form allowing a plurality of audio recordings to be rendered in connection with a plurality of images, thusly providing an interactive audio book experience for the user.

Abstract: A method of identifying relevant information while a user views an application user interface is provided. A keyword(s) is identified from an application user interface presented at a first computer, wherein the identification is performed transparent to a user viewing the application user interface. The identified keyword is compared with information associated with a plurality of guide links. A guide link is associated with a categorized collection of information about a topic. A relevant guide link of the plurality of guide links is identified based on the comparison. If a relevant guide link is identified, a match between the identified keyword and the identified guide link is indicated at the first computer. If a relevant guide link is identified, a user may view the identified guide link at the first computer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an enhanced auditory behavior to a graphical user interface are described. Control elements portrayed by the graphical user interface on a display are associated with at least two states. When transitioning between states, a sound effect specified for that transition can be provided to provide further user or designer customization of the interface appearance. Movement of objects can be accompanied by a repeated sound effect. Characteristics of both sound effects can be easily adjusted in volume, pitch and frequency.

Abstract: In a mixer system including: a plurality of mixer engines each provided with a programmable DSP; and a PC controlling operations of the respective mixer engines, the PC stores, as zone data, a plurality of configuration data each indicating a configuration of signal processing to be executed by one mixer engine or more out of the mixer engines under the control of the PC, accepts the selection of the zone data, and when the necessary mixer engines are in a controllable state, transfers data on a part of the aforesaid configuration which is to be assigned to each of the mixer engines, to the corresponding mixer engines. Then, when the selection of the configuration is accepted, each of the mixer engines to which the configuration is transferred is caused to execute the audio signal processing according to the selected configuration.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering interactive voice messages using a voice messaging system are disclosed. In an illustrative embodiment, the system comprises a voice messaging processor and memory containing machine readable instructions which, when executed by the processor, enable the voice messaging system to: receive an inbound call from a sender; record an interactive voice message from the sender directed to at least one recipient; receive a voice message retrieval request from a recipient; play the interactive voice message for the recipient; and initiate an interactive session with the recipient to elicit responses from the recipient regarding the interactive voice message. In one aspect of the invention, an application server is provided for generating interactive voicemails and placing the inbound call from the sender to the voice messaging processor.

Abstract: A method for reducing data events representing a parameter of a signal as adjusted by a user through a control interface during a time period. The method includes receiving a series of data events where each data event has a parameter value of the signal and a time-based value associated with the parameter value that corresponds to an instance in time during the time period. The method further includes processing three data events in the series of data events and eliminating one of the three data events based in part on the parameter values of the three data events relative to each other.

Abstract: A meeting recorder captures multimodal information of a meeting. Subsequent analysis of the information produces scores indicative of visually and aurally significant events that can help identify significant segments of the meeting recording. Textual analysis can enhance searching for significant meeting segments and otherwise enhance the presentation of the meeting segments.

Abstract: An application instance can be identified that is associated with an audible notice, which is to be presented. A placement of the application instance in a window stack can be determined. An audio characteristic (e.g., volume, pitch, speed, repetition, audio channel, etc.) of the audible notice can be adjusted based upon the determined placement in the window stack. Different placements in the windows stack can result in different adjustments. The adjusted audio notice can then be presented.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a telephonic annotation services is disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile telephone may be configured to include an annotation component used to record audio-based annotations for a telephone conversation. In another embodiment, a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) enabled telephone is used. Annotation recordings may be created both during and after a telephone conversation. The annotation recordings may be stored in a database and indexed to a telephone number associated with the other participant in the conversation. Subsequently, prior to calling the same telephone number, or prior to placing a call to the same telephone number, annotations may be selectively played back, according to criteria specified in an annotation profile. Additionally, annotations templates may be used to structure an annotation recording according to a predefined format.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a graphics user interface is provided. The graphics user interface includes a plurality of graphical representations identifying separate audio data, respectively. Each of the plurality of graphical representations is configured in a list to be selected for playback of the respective audio data. A progression icon is displayed in each of the respective graphical representations. Each progression icon illustrates a temporal progression of the playback of the respective audio data.

Abstract: A content reproducing apparatus and a content reproducing method reproduce sound from image data or music data from the beginning, in a case where music data and image data is obtained from a content storage device and reproduced in succession. An input receiving unit receives a user's input, an external-output requesting unit requests a content storage device to externally output contents, and a reproducing unit reproduces the contents. The external-output requesting unit requests the content storage device to externally output the corresponding music data and the corresponding image data in analog format based on the input received by the input receiving unit, in order to cause the reproduction unit to reproduce music data and image data in succession.

Abstract: The present invention includes in one embodiment, a computer survey system comprising a microprocessor, a display screen, a user input device and a database all in communication with the microprocessor. The microprocessor activates software that systematically administers a quality of life survey by displaying a plurality of quality of life questions on the display screen. The software requests responses from the participant using a user input device and stores the response in a database. The system further has a sound player that is configured to play a recording of the question displayed on the display screen upon activation of the sound player by the user input device.

Abstract: A computer program of the type commonly known as a “wizard” is disclosed that initializes user interface software for controlling an audio conferencing device. The wizard allows the desired audio inputs (e.g., microphone, telephones, etc.) and audio outputs (speakers, recording devices, etc.) to be chosen by an audio system administrator. Thereafter, the wizard allows an audio conferencing device (or devices) to be chosen by the administrator, or allows such a device(s) to be optimally chosen dependent upon the chosen inputs and outputs. The wizard then maps the inputs and outputs to the input and output ports on the audio conferencing device. When the administrator finishes the wizard, the wizard computes the mapping parameters and other audio-optimizing parameters for the selected inputs and outputs. These parameters are then loaded into the user interface software automatically.

Abstract: A human-machine interface generation system comprises a voice recognition component that receives voice commands relating to generation of a human-machine interface within an industrial automation environment. The voice recognition component further translates the voice commands into machine code, such as into a query that conforms to a database query language. A view generation component communicatively coupled to the voice recognition component generates a human-machine interface based at least in part upon the received voice commands. For example, the view generation component can access a data store that includes graphical depictions of portions of a plant relating to the received voice commands.

Abstract: A computer having a display device, a speaker device and an input device, for identifying problems concerning accessibility in content the computer. The computer includes: display means for displaying content containing a plurality of structured objects; conversion means for converting the content into reading information based on predetermined rules; reading means for reading the converted reading information through the speaker device; history means for obtaining a history of operations of the input device by a user, the history including an operation by the user in response to a reading corresponding to a specific object; and identification means for identifying the specific object based on the reading information and the operation history. The method includes: displaying content containing structured objects; converting the content into reading information; reading the converted information; obtaining a history of operations; and identifying a specific object.

Abstract: A user is presented with a media selection that is delivered in discreet segments from a server computer over a distributed network to a client computer or other presentation device. The user can annotate each media segment and record, also in segments, a reading of any text of the media and any additional commentary, including observations or opinions regarding musical or video media streams. The voice data or recording, i.e., the “audio performance,” is either recorded over the network by the server computer, or transferred from the client computer or other presentation device over the network to the server computer. The segments of audio are synchronized with the media segments and assembled with prerecorded segment cues. In one implementation, a user, for example, a grandparent, can view the pages of a children's book through an Internet web browser, add or edit personal anecdotes, and read the book for page-by-page recording over a network to a storage server for later presentation to a grandchild.

Abstract: A Method for visualizing audio data corresponding to a piece of music, comprising the steps of: determining a structure of said piece of music based on said audio data, said structure comprising music structure segments each having a music structure segment length; allocating a predetermined graphical object to said piece of music, said graphical object having a predetermined size; segmenting said graphical object into graphical segments, wherein each graphical segment has a size representing said music structure segment length; and displaying said graphical object and said graphical segments on a display.

Abstract: Techniques for mixing multiple input channel signals into multiple output channel signals are provided. A graphical user interface (GUI), which includes multiple indicators, is displayed. The input channel signals are mixed to produce multiple output channel signals. The mixing is performed based on the distance between the indicators' positions in the GUI. According to one embodiment of the invention, the mixing is also performed based on the angle formed between the indicators. Thus, the extent to which an input channel signal is carried by an output channel signal is, in one embodiment of the invention, a function of both the distance between the indicators and an angle formed by the indicators in the GUI.

Abstract: An input assistance apparatus includes a generation unit configured to generate from input content data a first input candidate that has first notation data, a storage unit configured to store reference data, the reference data including reference data components, each reference data components including second notation data representing a notation of the reference data component and ordinal data representing a time position of the reference data component in the reference data, the second notation data being stored in association with the ordinal data, a storage unit configured to store an input history including the notation data, the ordinal data associated with the notation data and the input position data, an estimation unit configured to estimate a retrieval range for the reference data, from the input position data and the input history, and a generation unit configured to retrieve, from the retrieval range, and to generate a second input candidate.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing an audio signal and method thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes an audio signal receiving unit receiving the audio signal including at least one object; a preset metadata receiving unit receiving preset metadata from preset information; a preset rendering data receiving unit obtaining preset matrix from the preset information; a display unit displaying the preset metadata; an input unit receiving command for selecting one of the preset metadata; and an object adjusting unit adjusting output level of the object according to the output channel by using the preset matrix corresponding to the selected preset metadata. Accordingly, without user's setting for each object, if preset metadata to be applied to an audio signal is selected with reference to preset metadata and preset matrix, levels of objects included in the audio signal can be easily adjusted using preset rendering data corresponding to the selected preset metadata.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus for executing control such that one of image data and audio data is made subject to reproduction and the other data made subject to accompanying reproduction to reproduce both the subject to reproduction and the subject to accompanying reproduction, including a comparing section configured to unify a form of a feature of the subject to reproduction and a form of a feature of the subject to accompanying reproduction and make a comparison between these features; and a selecting section configured to select, on the basis of a result of comparison made by the comparing section, the subject to accompanying reproduction for the subject to reproduction from candidates of at least one subject to accompanying reproduction.

Abstract: Methods and systems that improve the way media is played, sorted, modified, stored and cataloged are disclosed. One aspect relates to a browse window that allows a user to navigate through and select images that are related to media items. Another aspect relates to a graphical user interface of a media management program that utilizes multiple browse windows. Another aspect relates to simultaneously displayed media browse windows whose operations are integrated together so that the content shown therein is automatically synched when selections are made. Another aspect relates to resetting browsed content to the currently playing media.

Abstract: A method for use on a hand-held mobile self-powered wireless device including a listing program is provided. The listing programs extracts commands from a user's voice streams and initiates subroutines in response to those commands. For example, the method of the present invention allows a user to navigate through a hierarchy of files and folders, create new files and folders, and manage the contents thereof without the inconvenience of physically manipulating keys or a stylus and without paying visual attention to the device. Further, the method of the present invention allows a user to save voice streams in a desired file and to easily locate and play back the voice streams at a convenient time and place.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing an enhanced auditory behavior to a graphical user interface are described. Control elements portrayed by the graphical user interface on a display are associated with at least two states. When transitioning between states, a sound effect specified for that transition can be provided to provide further user or designer customization of the interface appearance. Movement of objects can be accompanied by a repeated sound effect. Characteristics of both sound effects can be easily adjusted in volume, pitch and frequency.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to recruit personnel are disclosed. A disclosed example recruiting system includes an electronic test administrator to present a test to a candidate and to record at least one of the candidate's answers to the test; and a recruiter interface to provide a recruiter with access to the at least one of the candidate's answers, to facilitate manual scoring of the at least one of the candidate's answers and to receive an assessment of the candidate's speaking voice.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for an operation realization interface. In some embodiments, the method and apparatus provides a user query interface for a user to enter a query to describe her goal of a product. Then, the method and apparatus processes the query to determine appropriate operations of the product that, when realized, realize the user's goal. Finally, the method and apparatus manipulates the product to realize the appropriate operations so to realize the user's goal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that enable multimodal communication command and control of various systems, such as the Internet, cable or satellite television, and other systems, with utilization of a device configured to accept user command and control inputs and an interface to the system or systems being controlled.

Abstract: An information product and a method for interacting with a user are disclosed. The information product comprises: an input module, a storage module, a detecting module, and a comparing module. In the method for interacting with the user, the user firstly affects the input module. Then, a predetermined input value is provided, wherein the predetermined input value corresponds to a predetermined message. Thereafter, a user input value corresponding to the user's affecting the input module is produced. Then, if the user input value substantially matches the predetermined input value is determined. When the user input value substantially matches the predetermined input value, the use of the predetermined message is controlled.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to presenting sound. In some embodiments, this is a visual presentation. One embodiment provides a presentation of sound built over time, which may be displayed in layers similar to strata in a sedimentary rock formation. In another embodiment, the visual presentation is an animated presentation which reflects a characteristic, for example the volume, of the sound at that instant.

Abstract: Techniques for creating a playlist for media objects are provided. The techniques include receiving a selection of a set of IDs. Each ID is generated based on content of a media objects. A playlist ID is then generated based on the set of IDs and a fixed representation of the playlist ID is created. The fixed representation allows a device to use the playlist ID to determine media objects including the content of media objects used to generate the set of IDs.

Abstract: Automated facilities are provided for uploading media program information through a network connection to an automated encoding system. An encoding request is received from a client which requests that the media program information be encoded in one or more encoding formats to produce publication-ready-media information. Automated facilities also provide ancillary services associated with the publication-ready-media information such as organization control, design control and publication control of the publication-ready-media information.