Audio User Interface Patents (Class 715/727)
  • Publication number: 20140201639
    Abstract: A method comprises converting an audio frequency domain signal into one or more voltage signals. Then the characteristics of the one or more voltage signals are determined. Afterwards the characteristics of the one or more voltage signals are compared with one or more characteristics of an audio trigger command. Activation of an audio user interface is then activated on the basis of the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: NOKIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jari Tuomas Savolainen, Jukka Mikael Jalkanen, Jyrki Porio
  • Patent number: 8781830
    Abstract: Differential dynamic content delivery including providing a session document for a presentation, wherein the session document includes a session grammar and a session structured document; selecting from the session structured document a classified structural element in dependence upon user classifications of a user participant in the presentation; presenting the selected structural element to the user; streaming presentation speech to the user including individual speech from at least one user participating in the presentation; converting the presentation speech to text; detecting whether the presentation speech contains simultaneous individual speech from two or more users; and displaying the text if the presentation speech contains simultaneous individual speech from two or more users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: William K. Bodin, Michael J. Burkhart, Daniel G. Eisenhauer, Thomas J. Watson, Daniel M. Schumacher
  • Patent number: 8780047
    Abstract: An interface system and method are provided for facilitating cross-disability access to an electronic device. A first screen of a plurality of screens is displayed on the electronic device. Each screen includes at least one of a non-input element and an input element. The interface system includes a keyboard having a plurality of alpha-numeric keys and a plurality of keys or selectors that allow a user to navigate through the non-input elements and input elements of the plurality of screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Gregg C. Vanderheiden, J. Bern Jordan, David P. Kelso
  • Publication number: 20140195918
    Abstract: A method for providing a graphic interface is disclosed. The method includes the steps displaying a set of interface tiles on a display device, detecting a location of a user's gaze, identifying that a user is looking at one tile of the set of interface tiles for a set period of time, displaying a expansion tile along with the set of interface tiles, the expansion tile comprises additional content associated with an identified tile of the set of interface tiles that the user is looking at.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Steven FRIEDLANDER
  • Patent number: 8774955
    Abstract: In some examples, aspects of the present disclosure may include techniques for audio control of one or more multimedia objects. In one example, a method includes receiving an electronic document that includes a group of one or more multimedia objects capable of generating audio data. The method also includes registering a multimedia object of the group of one or more multimedia objects, wherein registering the multimedia object comprises storing a multimedia object identifier that identifies the multimedia object. The method further includes receiving audio data; and determining, by a computing device, a volume level of the audio data generated by the registered multimedia object based on one or more configuration parameters, wherein the one or more configuration parameters define one or more volume levels associated with the multimedia object identifier. The method also includes outputting, to an output device, the audio data at the determined volume level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Chen
  • Patent number: 8767718
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and system for providing VoIP clients with the ability to confirm accuracy in conversation data over a digital communication channel. More specifically, a method and system is provided for verifying, via a visual representation whether a receiving client captures accurate information from a particular portion of the digital voice conversation. In response to a triggering event, a visual representation, including information extracted from the particular portion of the digital voice conversation, may be generated for verifying the accuracy. Based on the needs of the clients engaging in the conversation, one or more visual representations and corresponding verifications can be exchanged. In this manner, a multi-tiered oral agreement with authentication may be generated over a digital communication channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Scott C. Forbes, Linda Criddle, David Milstein, Lon-Chan Chu, Kuansan Wang, David A. Howell
  • Patent number: 8762851
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for creating a voice application, the method being implemented by a computer system and comprising generating a graphical user interface comprising a text-to-topic button; receiving first input identifying a location of a text file; receiving second input selecting the text-to-topic button; partitioning content associated with the text file into subjects in response to receiving the second input; and storing information on the partitioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: West Interactive Corporation II
    Inventors: Askok Mitter Khosla, Steven Samuel Pollock
  • Patent number: 8762565
    Abstract: When the information-provision apparatus is providing an audio signal to the specific information reproduction apparatus, the user enters an operation input to the specific information reproduction apparatus to switch processing to reproduce an audio content from the specific information reproduction apparatus to another information reproduction apparatus. In this case, the specific information reproduction apparatus requests the information-provision apparatus to start an operation of providing the audio content to the other information reproduction apparatus specified in the operation input as an apparatus to newly reproduce the audio content. Then, the specific information reproduction apparatus requests the information-provision apparatus to end an operation of providing the audio content to the specific information reproduction apparatus specified in the operation input as an apparatus to terminate an operation of reproducing the audio content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Ryuichiro Togashi, Shigetaka Kudo, Yasuhiko Otani
  • Patent number: 8762845
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Ulrich, Arlo Rose
  • Patent number: 8762852
    Abstract: Methods and arrangements involving portable devices, such as smartphones and tablet computers, are disclosed. One arrangement enables a creator of content to select software with which that creator's content should be rendered—assuring continuity between artistic intention and delivery. Another arrangement utilizes the camera of a smartphone to identify nearby subjects, and take actions based thereon. Others rely on near field chip (RFID) identification of objects, or on identification of audio streams (e.g., music, voice). Some of the detailed technologies concern improvements to the user interfaces associated with such devices. Others involve use of these devices in connection with shopping, text entry, sign language interpretation, and vision-based discovery. Still other improvements are architectural in nature, e.g., relating to evidence-based state machines, and blackboard systems. Yet other technologies concern use of linked data in portable devices—some of which exploit GPU capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Digimarc Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce L. Davis, Tony F. Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20140173439
    Abstract: A method for tracking a location of an object using a mobile communication device having a processor and a display includes generating, by the processor, a graphical user interface for display on the display. The graphical user interface includes a first button representing the object, a second button displaying a signal strength of the object, and a third button displaying an alarm status of the object. The method also includes displaying, in response to actuation of the first button, a settings menu screen associated with the object; displaying, in response to actuation of the second button, an alarm sensitivity menu associated with the object; and toggling on and off, in response to actuation of the third button, an alarm associated with the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: ACCO BRANDS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gerald A. Gutierrez, Sunny S. Chan, Megan Paskin, Juan E. Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8756508
    Abstract: There is provided a gesture recognition apparatus including a recognition unit for recognizing a gesture based on a set of gesture information input in a given input period, a prediction unit for predicting the gesture from halfway input gesture information among the set of gesture information, and a notification unit for notifying a user of prediction information about the result of predicting the gesture. A user can confirm what kind of gesture is recognized by continuing to input gesture information through a notification of the prediction information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihito Ohki, Osamu Shigeta
  • Patent number: 8756507
    Abstract: A mobile media device user interface is described. In one or more implementations, output of a plurality of audio content is monitored by a mobile media device. Each of the audio content was received via a respective one of a plurality of broadcast channels by the mobile media device. A user interface is displayed on a display device of the mobile media device, the user interface describing each of the plurality of audio content and the respective broadcast channel from which the audio content was received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Fong, D. Graham Stinson, Miguel Guerrero
  • Publication number: 20140164927
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable storage mediums are provided to create talk tags in accordance with various embodiments. A digital image is obtained. A user selection of a point of interest within the digital image is received. An expandable data container associated with the point of interest is created. An audio annotation, such as a voice description, of an image is received with respect to the selected point of interest. A pinpoint audio annotation associated with the point of interest is then created and stored. The pinpoint audio annotation can be shared with other users. The other users can respond with additional annotations of the digital image. The additional annotations may be provided within the pinpoint audio annotation or may be associated with other points of interest within the digital image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: PICSURED, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Salaverry, Scott Shebby, Timothy G. Dowling
  • Patent number: 8751934
    Abstract: A method for adjusting parameters of an audio device is provided and applied to an adjusting system operated by a user to adjust the audio device. The method includes steps of: executing an application program with the adjusting system; the application program providing a graphical user interface for receiving data wherein the graphical user interface at least includes a plurality of options to be selected; and adjusting a plurality of parameters of the audio device associated with a first option when the first option of the plurality options is selected and outputting a sound by the audio device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Alpha Networks Inc.
    Inventor: Shuenn-Tsong Young
  • Patent number: 8751957
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for updating a user profile in a recommendation system for a given user based on auditory or gestural feedback information provided by the user. The auditory or gestural feedback is detected using audio or video processing techniques, or both, and includes, for example, auditory or gestural commands or facial expressions indicating the strength of the user's preferences. The auditory or gestural feedback can be explicit or implicit. Once predefined behavioral feedback is identified, the present invention updates the corresponding user profile, in an appropriate manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Pace Micro Technology PLC
    Inventors: Miroslav Trajkovic, Srinivas Gutta, Mi-Suen Lee
  • Publication number: 20140157128
    Abstract: In a multiuser touch sensitive display device including a touch sensitive display screen capable of displaying a plurality of windows for interacting with a plurality of users simultaneously, each window providing a user interface for a running instance of an application program run by one of the plurality of users for receiving touch sensitive inputs and displaying content output of the application program instance, and a plurality of output ports that can be coupled to a plurality of peripheral devices including audio output devices for generating audio outputs, wherein the multiuser touch sensitive display device runs an operating system module that can simultaneously interact with a plurality of instances of one or more application programs, a method is provided for processing simultaneously received user inputs through the plurality of windows displayed on the touch sensitive display screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: EMO2 INC.
    Inventor: Mir Abid HUSSAIN
  • Patent number: 8745514
    Abstract: First and second objects are displayed on a pressure-sensitive touch-screen display device. An intersection is detected between the objects. Contact by one or more input mechanisms is detected in a region that corresponds to the first displayed object. Pressure applied by at least one input mechanisms is sensed. The depth of the first displayed object is adjusted as a function of the sensed pressure. The depth of the displayed objects are determined at their detected intersection. The determined depths of the displayed objects are compared. Based on a result of comparing the determined depths, data is stored indicating that one of the displayed objects is overlapping the other. In addition, the displayed objects are displayed such that the overlapping displayed object is displayed closer to a foreground of the pressure-sensitive touch-screen display device than the other displayed object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Perceptive Pixel, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip L. Davidson
  • Patent number: 8745513
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide methods for displaying representative organizations of content. These methods display a plurality of representations, detect a command to implement a first content zoom, select first and second organizations of content associated with first and second representations, evaluate metadata associated with the first and second organizations of content to identify first levels of additional content associated with the first and second organizations of content, where the additional contents are descriptive of the first levels of detail of the first and second organizations, and display third and fourth representations of the first and second organizations of content, respectively, and the first level of the first and second additional contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Crystal
  • Patent number: 8743388
    Abstract: A method for controlling a peripheral device includes receiving input from a user at a workstation adapted to the user, determining whether the received input can be valid, generating a job ticket from the valid input, sending the job ticket to the peripheral device and receiving an identifier representing the job ticket from the peripheral device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohamed Nooman Ahmed, Amanda Kay Bridges, Stuart Willard Daniel, William James Gardner Flowers, Charles Edward Grieshaber, Dennis Herbert Hasselbring, Michael Earl Lhamon, Chad Eugene McQuillen, Michael Ray Timperman
  • Patent number: 8745542
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for gesture-based selection. In one aspect, a method includes displaying, on a user interface, information referencing a first set of data items and at least one control that references multiple values. A first gesture input by a user using the control is identified, and a first value is selected based on the first gesture. A second gesture input by the user using the control is identified, and a second value is selected based on the second gesture. A second set of data items is selected based on the first and second values, and information referencing the second set of data items is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Jean Baptiste Maurice Queru
  • Patent number: 8745497
    Abstract: An interactive presentation environment for eMeetings or the like that provides participants with more control over what they see and hear. One embodiment of the interactive presentation environment comprises a meeting recorder adapted to create a recording of a live meeting and a navigation control for selecting a portion of the recording to view during the live meeting. Some embodiment may further comprise a timeline control containing a first graphical indicator associated with a live position and a second graphical indicator associated with a current position, a bookmark control adapted to mark a portion of the recording for archiving, and a display operatively connected to the meeting recorder and the navigation control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Richard Hintermeister, Michael D. Rahn
  • Publication number: 20140149869
    Abstract: Methods and systems for capturing, transmitting and processing data for generating ratings relating to multimedia programming based on passively obtained user cues are disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Brian Amento, Christopher Harrison, Larry Stead
  • Publication number: 20140149868
    Abstract: A method and system for providing audio assistance for non-visual navigation of data. The method includes receiving a scroll input; determining a page length associated with the data; associating the page length with a plurality of steps; associating an audio pattern to each step; determining a step, of the plurality of steps, that corresponds to the scroll input; and playing, to the user, the audio pattern corresponding to the step. The system includes an electronic device, a communication interface, a memory and a processor to receive a scroll input, to determine a page length associated with the data, to associate the page length with a plurality of steps, to associate an audio pattern to each step, to determine a step, of the plurality of steps, that corresponds to the scroll input and to play, to the user, the audio pattern corresponding to the step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Sourabh DUBEY, Vineeth Anand Nair
  • Patent number: 8739034
    Abstract: In one aspect the present disclosure is directed to a media system having a base unit and a portable media player. The base unit may be adapted to playback and record media content being received from an external media source. The base unit may further be adapted to analyze the media content and to automatically extract therefrom, without intervention by a user of the system, intermittent, designated portions of the media content as the media content is received by the base unit, and to store the designated portions of the media content as media files for subsequent playback. The portable media player may be docked to the base unit so that stored media files from the base unit may be uploaded to the portable media player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Myine Electronics, LLC
    Inventor: Jacob R. Sigal
  • Patent number: 8739062
    Abstract: A method may include playing a number of media files and outputting a graph illustrating at least two pieces of information associated with each of the media files. A first axis of the graph may be associated with a first piece of information and a second axis of the graph may be associated with a second piece of information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Hans M. Kretz
  • Publication number: 20140142954
    Abstract: A soundtrack creation method and user playback system for soundtracks synchronized to electronic text. Synchronization is achieved by maintaining a reading speed variable indicative of the user's reading speed. The system provides for multiple channels of audio to enable concurrent playback of two or more partially or entirely overlapping audio regions so as to create an audio output having, for example, sound effects, ambience, music or other audio features that are triggered to playback at specific portions in the electronic text to enhance the reading experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: BOOKTRACK HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: PAUL CHARLES CAMERON, MARK STEVEN CAMERON, RUI ZHANG, ANDREW RUSSELL DAVENPORT, PAUL ANTHONY MCGRATH
  • Patent number: 8732195
    Abstract: Various aspects described or referenced herein are directed to different methods, systems, and computer program products relating to multi-media management and streaming techniques implemented over a computer network. In one embodiment, a Multi-Media Management and Streaming (MMMS) System may be configured or designed to provide online users with “location based” streaming radio functionality. Users from different geographic locations may access a variety of MMMS System GUIs to search for, create, and/or share customized streaming radio stations which may be configured to identify and play/stream music associated with one or more artists/bands, songs, venues, and/or events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Opus Deli, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Donald Maddock Skeen, Christopher Thomas Ross, Howard Gregg Cockrill, Sara Anne Mertz, Matthew Paul Smith, David Mendel Mayeri
  • Patent number: 8732193
    Abstract: Various aspects described or referenced herein are directed to different methods, systems, and computer program products relating to multi-media management and streaming techniques implemented over a computer network. In one embodiment, a Multi-Media Management and Streaming (MMMS) System may be configured or designed to provide online users with “location based” streaming radio functionality. Users from different geographic locations may access a variety of MMMS System GUIs to search for, create, and/or share customized streaming radio stations which may be configured to identify and play/stream music associated with one or more artists/bands, songs, venues, and/or events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Opus Deli, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Donald Maddock Skeen, Christopher Thomas Ross, Howard Gregg Cockrill, Sara Anne Mertz, Matthew Paul Smith
  • Patent number: 8730180
    Abstract: A mobile terminal including a speaker configured to output sound data, a microphone configured to receive voice data, a sensing unit configured to sense a touching operation of at least one of 1) the speaker or the microphone and 2) a neighborhood area of the speaker or the microphone, and a controller configured to control a volume of the speaker or the microphone based on the sensed touching operation of said at least one of 1) the speaker or the microphone and 2) the neighborhood area of the speaker or the microphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Bong Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 8725513
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for providing expressive user interaction with a multimodal application, the multimodal application operating in a multimodal browser on a multimodal device supporting multiple modes of user interaction including a voice mode and one or more non-voice modes, the multimodal application operatively coupled to a speech engine through a VoiceXML interpreter, including: receiving, by the multimodal browser, user input from a user through a particular mode of user interaction; determining, by the multimodal browser, user output for the user in dependence upon the user input; determining, by the multimodal browser, a style for the user output in dependence upon the user input, the style specifying expressive output characteristics for at least one other mode of user interaction; and rendering, by the multimodal browser, the user output in dependence upon the style.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Cross, Jr., Ellen M. Eide, Igor R. Jablokov
  • Patent number: 8726162
    Abstract: An audio apparatus contains a plurality of playable files stored in a database and organized in folders. The folders can be listed in a manner understandable at a glance even when viewed on a small display area and when the hierarchical structure shows a minimum level of detail. A folder selection section selects a folder from a database, and a directly-under-folder detection section detects if a playable file exists directly under a folder selected. A folder-under-folder detection section detects if a playable file exists directly under any folder located under the selected folder assuming no playable file exists directly under the selected folder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Alpine Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Takeru Mishima, Noboru Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8726188
    Abstract: A method for presenting information to a host vehicle having a user interface. The method comprises remotely creating an information set including user accessible information pertaining to troubleshooting onboard components of the host vehicle, wirelessly communicating a portion of the information set to the host vehicle, and operating the user interface to selectively make available the user accessible information in the portion of the information set for access at the host vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Tan
  • Patent number: 8719032
    Abstract: A clear picture of who is speaking in a setting where there are multiple input sources (e.g., a conference room with multiple microphones) can be obtained by comparing input channels against each other. The data from each channel can not only be compared, but can also be organized into portions which logically correspond to statements by a user. These statements, along with information regarding who is speaking, can be presented in a user friendly format via an interactive timeline which can be updated in real time as new audio input data is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Jefferson Audio Video Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew David Bader, Nathan David Cole
  • Patent number: 8713440
    Abstract: Techniques to manage communications resources for a multimedia conference event are described. An apparatus may comprise an audio management component operative to manage multiple audio connections for a multimedia conference event. The audio management component may comprise an audio monitor module communicatively coupled to an audio message module. The audio monitor module may be operative to monitor multiple audio connections for the multimedia conference event, and determine at least one audio quality parameter for an audio connection is lower than a defined threshold value to form an audio quality warning state. The audio message module may be operative to generate an operator message with the audio quality warning state and one or more options to improve audio quality for the audio connection. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Avronil Bhattacharjee, Pulin Thakkar, Kapil Sharma, Noor-E-Gagan Singh
  • Patent number: 8712685
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a position detecting unit detecting a position, an explanation information storage unit storing explanation position information and explanation information, a generation unit extracting the explanation information corresponding to a first explanation position from the explanation information storage unit and generating the extracted explanation information with a sound when the first explanation position is detected within a first distance from the detected position, and a group determining unit determining whether or not the first explanation position belongs to the same group as a second explanation position when the second explanation position is detected within the first distance from the detected position after the generation unit starts the generating of the explanation information corresponding to the first explanation position with a sound, wherein the generation unit continues to reproduce the explanation information with a sound when both explanation pos
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Hattori, Kimitake Hasuike, Reina Kikuchi
  • Publication number: 20140115479
    Abstract: An audio management method and apparatus, which relate to the field of communications technologies. The method includes: when it is detected that there is a first web page audio to be automatically played, determining whether there is an audio being played and whether a priority of the first web page audio is lower than a priority of the audio being played; when yes, intercepting automatic play of the first web page audio; otherwise, playing the first web page audio. A priority of a first web page audio to be automatically played and a priority of a web page audio being played are compared to decide whether to play the first web page audio, so that the problem of a conflict between web page audios is solved, and a user is not required to perform operations one by one.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Huawei Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yahui Wang, Ke Jing, Wenmei Gao, Shunan Fan, Xiaoqiang Lv
  • Publication number: 20140114623
    Abstract: A system and mechanism for monitoring and/or controlling a sound masking system from a computer aided design drawing. According to an embodiment, the system is configured to allow an operator to “click” sound masking components on the design drawing and view operating/configuration settings, and/or edit, change or modify the operating/configuration settings, which are then applied via an interface to the associated physical sound masking component in the sound masking system. According to another embodiment, the system is configured to allow an operator to design or configure sound masking components on a design drawing. The sound masking components correspond to physical sound masking components in a sound masking system and comprise one or more active sound masking elements, which are configured to be responsive to an input and allow an operator to monitor, change and/or modify operating/configuration settings for physical sound masking component via the sound masking element in the design drawing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: NIKLAS MOELLER, PETER BABINEAU
  • Patent number: 8707169
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus that controls reproduction of contents includes: a first storage means for storing contents and attribute data indicating predetermined attributes of the contents so as to correspond to each other; a second storage means for storing association among the attribute data; and a selection means for selecting a second content to be reproduced subsequent to a first content which is being reproduced or whose reproduction has been instructed. The selection means selects, as the second content, a content having attribute data that is stored in the second storage means so as to be associated with the attribute data of the first content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiro Morita, Yasuhiro Shirai, Shin Ogata, Susumu Morita, Taku Sugawara
  • Patent number: 8706275
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems, methods, apparatuses and program products configured to intelligently manage sound options for applications of a computer system based on display device characteristics. Various embodiments of the invention are particularly well suited for optimizing the sound options of two or more applications running on two or more display screens of the computer system simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Nathan J. Peterson, Arnold S. Weksler, Rod D. Waltermann, Scott E. Kelso, John C. Mese
  • Patent number: 8706492
    Abstract: A voice recognition terminal executes a local voice recognition process and utilizes an external center voice recognition process. The terminal includes: a voice message synthesizing element for synthesizing at least one of a voice message to be output from a speaker according to the external center voice recognition process and a voice message to be output from the speaker according to the local voice recognition process so as to distinguish between characteristics of the voice message to be output from the speaker according to the external center voice recognition process and characteristics of the voice message to be output from the speaker according to the local voice recognition process; and a voice output element for outputting a synthesized voice message from the speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kunio Yokoi, Kazuhisa Suzuki, Masayuki Takami, Naoyori Tanzawa
  • Patent number: 8707181
    Abstract: A system and method for presenting reproduction of media objects. A plurality of media objects is retrieved. The plurality of media objects is reproduced one after another on a media reproduction system. One or more graphical objects are presented on a display of the media reproduction system. Each graphical object of the plurality of graphical objects corresponds to each of the plurality of media objects being reproduced. As each of the plurality of media objects is reproduced, a corresponding graphical object presented on the display moves from a beginning side of the display to an end side of the display in relation to an amount of the corresponding media object being reproduced. As reproduction of the plurality of media objects transitions from one media object to a next media object, the graphical object corresponding to the next media object to be reproduced is presented from the beginning side of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Windy Chien, Gary Stewart, Robert Kondrk
  • Publication number: 20140108934
    Abstract: An image display apparatus and a method for operating the same are disclosed. The image display apparatus operating method includes receiving a touch input or a gesture input in a first direction, outputting a first sound corresponding to the first direction, receiving a touch input or a gesture input in a second direction, and outputting a second sound corresponding to the second direction. Therefore, it may be possible to improve user convenience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Tacksung CHOI, Kookyeon KWAK
  • Patent number: 8694139
    Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes: a storage unit storing content data and first group identification information for identifying first groups in which the content data are arranged in a predetermined unit; a parameter output unit outputting a parameter representing an amount of displacement of an operating object in response to an operation on the operating object which can be displaced in a predetermined range by a user's operation; a selection unit sequentially selecting the content data while the parameter is in a first range and sequentially selecting the first groups by sequentially selecting the first group identification information stored in the storage unit while the parameter is a value in a second range; and a notification unit notifying what content data is selected when the content data are selected by the selection unit and notifying what group is selected when the first groups are selected by the selection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shingo Utsuki, Manabu Fujiki, Hiroshi Sato, Junichi Nagahara
  • Publication number: 20140096003
    Abstract: A vehicle audio system interface is provided, as well as a method of using same, in which a visual representation of the vehicle's passenger cabin is displayed on the vehicle's touch-screen. Also displayed on the touch-screen is a touch sensitive balance slide controller and a touch sensitive fade slide controller. As the user makes left-right balance selections on the balance controller, and front-rear fader selections on the fade controller, an acoustic sweet spot designator is presented on the displayed representation of the passenger cabin. The acoustic sweet spot designator, which corresponds to the pre-determined acoustic sweet spot, is based on the combination of the current left-right balance and front-rear fader settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Miriam Vu, Brennan Boblett, Nalinichandra Penke, Kevin Hsieh, Joe Nuxoll
  • Patent number: 8689142
    Abstract: A method including receiving a user selection of a first media content, determining a second media content based on characteristics of the first media content in relation to characteristics of the second media content, and determining a third media content based on the characteristics of the second media content in relation to characteristics of the third media content. The method further includes causing, at least in part, display of a first icon representing the second media content and a second icon representing the third media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Craig Pugsley, Jesmond Allen, Jonathan Davies
  • Publication number: 20140089805
    Abstract: A mobile terminal and controlling method thereof are disclosed, which facilitates a terminal to be used in further consideration of user's convenience. The present invention includes saving a first memo sheet including at least one memo object and at least one audio memo object for the first memo sheet, displaying the first memo sheet to be displayed on a touchscreen, and when a prescribed memo object is selected from the at least one memo object displayed on the first memo sheet, controlling an audio memo object corresponding to the selected memo object to be outputted via an audio output unit. Accordingly, a voice memo content and other memo contents can be efficiently recorded and read.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hosung SONG, Junho LEE, Sunkuk MOON, Keansub LEE, Sangkeun OH, Mina KIM
  • Patent number: 8683334
    Abstract: A control system and method is described having a framework in which many applications in a user interaction system (UIS) can share common data regardless of which application obtained the data and all without prior knowledge of the other applications. The shared data is typically personal data of the current user, such as name, location, preferences, etc. However, the system can also be used to share style sheets, announcements, etc., that can be utilized by multiple applications. The data is stored in a standardized manner in a location available to any application. Application's have access to the data based upon user privileges at any particular time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Intervoice Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Laurence Potter, III, Stephen A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8683335
    Abstract: An information processing device includes: a storage unit; a first display control unit; and a demanding unit. The storage unit that stores attribute data representing specified attribute of contents and category data representing a category of the attribute correlated to each other. The first display control unit that provides controls for displaying information for a selected attribute and for displaying, in a categorized state, information for related attributes correlated to the same category as that of the attribute on a correlation display screen. The demanding unit that demands data search by referring to the correlated attribute selected corresponding to information selected from among those displayed on the correlation display screen to an information provision device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Shirai, Toshihiro Morita, Susumu Morita, Taku Sugawara
  • Publication number: 20140082500
    Abstract: Natural language and user interface control techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a natural language input is received that is indicative of an operation to be performed by one or more modules of a computing device. Responsive to determining that the operation is associated with a degree to which the operation is performable, a user interface control is output that is manipulable by a user to control the degree to which the operation is to be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: ADOBE SYSTEMS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Gregg D. Wilensky, Walter W. Chang, Lubomira A. Dontcheva, Gierad P. Laput, Aseem O. Agarwala