Abstract: In a digital mixer, a standard mode or a switched mode of an input patch is selectable. When shifting from the standard mode to the switched mode is selected, input port information in input patch data stored in a current memory is converted according to a port correspondence relation indicated by conversion data. When shifting from the switched mode to the standard mode is selected, the input port information in the input patch data stored in the current memory is reversely converted to original information according to the port correspondence relation indicated by the conversion data.

Abstract: System and method that provides audible feedback through a speaker of a handheld electronic device upon actuation of a navigation tool. The audible feedback produced by the speaker is capable of being modified based upon the location, speed, and other characteristics of the movement of a cursor on the display of a handheld electronic device. The sound produced by the speaker can originate from an audio file stored or otherwise available on the handheld electronic device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus related to correcting errors are disclosed. Inputs having a plurality of input types can be received at a wearable computing device. A text string corresponding to the inputs can be generated using the wearable computing device. The text string can include a plurality of segments, where each segment can be associated with an input type. For a given segment of the text string, one or more corrected segments can be generated by applying an error-correction filter configured to correct errors based on an input type associated with the given segment and a location-sensitive context. At least one of the corrected segments can be displayed using the wearable computing device. A corrected segment can be selected using the wearable computing device. A corrected text string including the selected corrected segment can be displayed using the wearable computing device.

Abstract: Given the rise in popularity of communicating personal, private, sensitive, or vital peer-to-peer or peer-to-group information over potentially insecure text messaging infrastructure, it would be highly desirable to provide a solution that would enable the initiator and/or the consumer of these communiqués to determine the state of the privacy associated with the messages. The non-limiting technology herein provides systems and methods for enabling a consumer to graphically, linguistically, verbally, or programmatically, determine the privacy and security state of a communiqué and/or the privacy/security association with the at least one plurality of peers. Methods and systems provided by a computer application can enable a consumer to input message oriented data that will be subsequently communicated to at least one of a plurality of peers. Upon reception of the data, systems and methods are also describe to display the message oriented communiqué to the at least one peer consumer or other user.

Abstract: An information processing device for reproducing content data is provided. The information processing device includes a reproducing unit for reproducing content data; a sound image localization processing unit for sound image localization processing the content data to be reproduced by the reproducing unit so that a sound image by the content data localizes at an arbitrary localization position; and a control unit for moving the localization position of the sound image in response to change in reproduction state of the content data by the reproducing unit.

Abstract: Establishing a preferred mode of interaction between a user and a multimodal application, including evaluating, by a multimodal application operating on a multimodal device supporting multiple modes of interaction including a voice mode and one or more non-voice modes, user modal preference, and dynamically configuring multimodal content of the multimodal application in dependence upon the evaluation of user modal preference.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards obtaining a linear narrative synthesized from a set of objects, such as objects corresponding to a plan, and using cinematographic and other effects to convey additional information with that linear narrative when presented to a user. A user interacts with data from which the linear narrative is synthesized, such as to add transition effects between objects, change the lighting, focus, size (zoom), pan and so forth to emphasize or de-emphasize an object, and/or to highlight a relationship between objects. A user instruction may correspond to a theme (e.g., style or mood), with the effects, possibly including audio, selected based upon that theme.

Abstract: Man-machine interface apparatus and method for an user are provided. The man-machine interface apparatus includes: a touch recognizing unit recognizing a touch by the invisible user; and a voice notifying unit notifying the invisible user of a name of a menu or application service corresponding to the touched position through a voice.

Abstract: A content reproducing apparatus includes: a recording unit that records content impression values obtained by digitizing impressions of plural contents, respectively, and a list for registering the plural contents corresponding to the plural content impression values in a selection area with a reference impression value set as a reference and causing a user to use the contents; a reproducing unit that reproduces the contents; an evaluation-value detecting unit that detects evaluation values of the plural contents registered in the list according to reproduction of the contents by the reproducing unit; a selection-area changing unit that changes the selection area on the basis of the evaluation values detected by the evaluation-value detecting unit; and a list correcting unit that corrects the list according to the selection area changed by the selection-area changing unit and the plural content impression values.

Abstract: A voice recognition system used for onboard equipment having a genre database (DB) that stores search target vocabularies in accordance with respective genres. It has a mike 1 for outputting speech sounds as spoken data; a first voice recognition dictionary 2a for recognizing words of search target genres in the genre DB; a second voice recognition dictionary 2b for recognizing words outside the search target genres; a voice recognition unit 3 for recognizing the speech sounds by collating the spoken data delivered from the mike with the vocabularies contained in the first and second voice recognition dictionaries; an interactive control unit 4 for outputting, when a word delivered from the voice recognition unit as a recognition result is a word obtained using the second voice recognition dictionary, a message so stating as presentation information; and a presentation unit 5 for presenting the presentation information to an outside.

Abstract: A computer implemented method in a data processing system and a computer program product enable visual selection of a media signal. A set of media signals is received from a set of media providers. A subject matter and a performer of the subject matter are then identified for at least one of the set of media signals. A set of icons is then identified. Each of the set of icons corresponds to at least one of media signals. The set of icons and the set of media providers are then forwarded to a client media player.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus and an information selecting method are disclosed which can easily restore an original state after checking the result of executing predetermined processing based on different information. If an operator of an operation unit is pressed in an already processed state where a processing execution unit is executing predetermined processing using already selected information set in a selected information memory, information assigned to the operator is newly set in the selected information memory to execute the predetermined processing with the processing execution unit. After that, if the pressed operator is released, the processing execution unit is restored to the already processed state. With this operation, after checking a new processing state using different information from already selected information by pressing an operator, the already processed state can be restored simply by releasing the pressed operator.

Abstract: A handheld device stores mapping relationships between a plurality of user sound types and a plurality of user situations. The handheld device detects a user sound signal from surrounds of the handheld device, and analyzes the user sound signal to obtain a corresponding user sound type. The handheld device determines a corresponding user situation according to the corresponding user sound type and the mapping relationships between the plurality of user sound types and the plurality of user situations, and creates a user interface corresponding to the determined user situation.

Abstract: An audio display system includes a pointing device configured to address locations within an interaction field, a sound system adapted to communicate with the pointing device, and—an object mapping unit adapted to communicate with the sound system. The object mapping unit is configured to generate a map identifying locations within the interaction field that correspond to a representation of an object to be displayed such that the interaction field is segmented into an exterior region and an interior region of the representation of the object. The sound system is configured to provide an object-locating sound when the pointing device addresses a location in the exterior region so as to guide a user to further address the interaction field at least one of closer to or further away from the interior region of the object.

Abstract: A media browsing system prepares various media content and synchronizes the content for playback. A user can specify the content and preconfigure the manner in which the content will be subsequently accessible through a user interface. A variety of mobile phone and media player devices having configurable, user interfaces promote a consistent media browsing experience across the devices for users accessing a variety of preconfigured media content.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for receiving a PDL File that describes a print job, processing the PDL commands in the file, identifying print settings and printer factors that may affect the entire print job, and reporting such print settings and printer factors. Methods and apparatus are also provided for receiving a PDL File that describes a print job, processing the PDL commands in the file, identifying any objects in the print job that have associated predetermined attributes, and reporting the print objects that have any such predetermined attributes.

Abstract: A method, software and system of developing personalities for interactive and/or automated call center applications are provided. According to teachings of the present invention, sample population questionnaires and interviews may be used to identify key personality traits. The impact of the identified key personality traits are then empirically determined. Based on the empirical determination of the key personality traits' impact on customer satisfaction, a plurality of personality profiles may be generated for evaluation. A plurality of application types and voice talents may then be employed to evaluate the impact of each personality profile on customer satisfaction, for different user populations and different types of automated systems. The personality traits for each automated system are preferably rated and reviewed to ensure a system accurately represents the identified key personality traits.

Abstract: In an audio device that has a port for connection and that constitutes an audio system together with at least one external device having a port for connection with the audio device via a communication line, a plurality of connection setting templates are previously prepared, which contain target port connection information specifying target destination ports to which the ports of the audio device and the external device that constitute the audio system should be connected. One of the connection setting templates is selected. Check is made to compare the target port connection information contained in the selected connection setting template with actual port connection information indicating actual destination ports to which respective ports of the audio device and the external device constituting the audio system are actually connected.

Abstract: Improved graphical user interfaces suitable for reviewing, browsing, previewing and/or purchasing media items are also disclosed. The graphical user interfaces are suitable for reviewing or browsing numerous media items. The graphical user interfaces are also suitable for previewing or purchasing media items in an on-line manner. The graphical user interfaces are particularly useful for a system that provides purchase and distribution of media in a client-server environment.

Abstract: This invention includes: a voice quality feature database (101) holding voice quality features; a speaker attribute database (106) holding, for each voice quality feature, an identifier enabling a user to expect a voice quality of the voice quality feature; a weight setting unit (103) setting a weight for each acoustic feature of a voice quality; a scaling unit (105) calculating display coordinates of each voice quality feature based on the acoustic features in the voice quality feature and the weights set by the weight setting unit (103); a display unit (107) displaying the identifier of each voice quality feature on the calculated display coordinates; a position input unit (108) receiving designated coordinates; and a voice quality mix unit (110) (i) calculating a distance between (1) the received designated coordinates and (2) the display coordinates of each of a part or all of the voice quality features, and (ii) mixing the acoustic features of the part or all of the voice quality features together based

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a broadcast reception unit that receives broadcast content. A communication unit transmits request information to an external device and receives, in response to the request information, content related information related to the broadcast content. The information processing apparatus also includes a storage medium that stores a plurality of contents and identification information related to the plurality of contents. A display unit displays a notification of whether the broadcast content has been recorded on the storage medium. A judging unit judges whether the broadcast content has been stored in the storage medium by comparing the content related information and the identification information. A control unit controls the display unit to display the notification of whether the broadcast content has been recorded on the storage medium, in response to a judgment, based on the content related information and the identification information, by the judging unit.

Abstract: An embodied music system. The system creates an interactive interface between a listener and the external environment. The system includes a physical device located in the environment that provides sensory input to the listener. An audio signal of the system is adapted to be heard by the listener. An encoder embeds inaudible control data into the audio signal. A decoder extracts the control data from the audio signal and transmits the control data to the physical device, thereby controlling operation of the device. Finally, an audio reproduction device is connected to the decoder and plays the audio signal for the listener. The embodied music system allows the listener to experience multi-sensory compositions.

Abstract: A system for editing audio objects in which a variety of audio objects are represented as images and laid out in a 2 dimensional visual environment. The system includes a display unit, a processing unit, a user interface unit, and a device for playing/receiving audio. The system has the capability to perform a variety of editing functions, such as the recording and playback of audio content, joining and splitting audio objects, and reordering audio objects. Additionally, the system includes functionality to automatically recording new content when sound is detected above a set threshold. Furthermore, the system includes functionality for linking portions of audio objects to media objects such as HTML documents and video.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to systems and methods that enable dynamic programming and execution of an electronic communications dialog. In one aspect, a configurable messaging system is provided. The system includes a configuration file to describe interface options of a computerized dialog session, wherein the configuration file specifies interface activities and state transitions between the interface options within the configuration file. A state controller executes the interface options during communications activities with the dialog session. The configuration file can also describe prompt elements to solicit information from users or applications.

Abstract: Systems, methods, computer-readable media, and graphical user interfaces for presenting secondary media objects are provided. A primary media presenting module presents primary media. Upon detecting an indication to initiate the presentation of a secondary media object, the primary media object may be delayed and the secondary media object may be initiated. In embodiments, an indication to initiate the presentation of a secondary media object may comprise a selector hovered over a song title associated with the secondary media object. At a later instance, the primary media object may resume such that it resumes at the point at which the primary media object was delayed. In embodiments, a user may initiate the resuming of the primary media object by removing the selector from the song title.

Abstract: An example graphical programming interface system includes a processor. A grid matrix defined by a plurality of coordinate axes, having selectable matrix positions is displayed on a display device. Multiple movable object icons, each representing an object having a predefined output sound are also displayed on the display device. In one aspect, a single object data file is associated with each matrix position on said grid matrix. In this aspect, once a user places an object icon on a matrix position, the processor causes the predefined output sound associated with the object icon in accordance with the object data file associated with the matrix position at which the object icon is placed, and outputs the processed sound to an output device. This allows a user to program musical sequences by placing one or more object icons each on the selectable matrix positions.

Abstract: A computing device can analyze image or video information to determine a relative position of an active user. The computing device can optimize audio or video data capture based at least in part upon the relative location. The device can capture audio using one or more microphones pointing toward the relative location of the active user, and can use other microphones to determine audio from other sources to be removed from the captured audio. If video data is being captured, a video capture element can be adjusted to focus primarily on the active user. The position of the user can be monitored so the audio and video data capture can be adjusted accordingly.

Abstract: A system for executing a multimodal software application includes a mobile computer device with a plurality of input interface components, the multimodal software application, and a dialog engine in operative communication with the multimodal software application. The multimodal software application is configured to receive first data from the plurality of input interface components. The dialog engine executes a workflow description from the multimodal software application by providing prompts to an output interface component. Each of these prompts includes notification indicating which of the input interface components are valid receivers for that respective prompt. Furthermore, the notification may indicate the current prompt and at least the next prompt in sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for playing a musical composition in an audible and visual manner. In one aspect, a visual representation of a phonograph playing an analog record is transmitted to a viewer/listener along with the actual analog audio generated by same. Such transmission may occur via television networks, the Internet, or other similar networks. In another aspect, such visual representations are played with digitally recorded audio in a time-correlated manner. In yet another aspect, such visual representations are recorded with digital audio in a soft format such as a digital file, MP3 file, or the like for use with portable audio and visual devices, for streaming via the Internet, for use in gaming, and/or for use as software. Such visual representations may also be displayed at live events such that the timing of the video play and the performance of the live or recorded audio is correlated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a control device (1) for providing audio feedback in response to control of visual parameters, said control device comprising an audio signal transmitter, a user interface (3) for controlling the visual parameters, a communication unit (2) adapted to control the visual parameters by means of communicating control signals effected by said user interface being operated by a user, such that the audio signal transmitter transmits an audio signal in reply to the control of an associated visual parameter by means of the user interface being operated, a characteristic of which audio signal being arranged such that the signal audibly identifies the controlled visual parameter.

Abstract: A mobile unit includes a processor, a memory, and a display. The display shows a user interface including a plurality of commands. Each sensory activated command of the plurality of commands is shown with a respective icon indicative of at least one of a motion and an orientation assigned to the sensory activated command.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to audio equalization devices and methods. A system is provided that permits frequency equalization or balancing of frequency response for stereo or multiple surround sound channels through the use of visual representation of audio signals. The system also permits the balancing or “tuning” of concert venues and audio listening environments by generating visualizations for original and reflected audio signals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer readable-media for dynamically constructing audio in a video program. The method includes extracting video metadata from a video program displayed on a playback device to a viewer, extracting component metadata from a plurality of audio components stored in a media object library, extracting viewer preferences from a viewer profile, receiving synchronization information about the video program, identifying a segment of the video program susceptible to inserting an audio component based on extracted video metadata, component metadata, and viewer preferences, transmitting the audio component to the playback device and a set of instructions detailing how to insert the audio component in real time in the segment of the video program, and constructing audio in the video program at the playback device using the audio component and the set of instructions.

Abstract: A system and method provides messages received from a program to a user in an area used for displaying messages from multiple programs. The message may be received with an indication that the user is to be notified upon receipt of the message, however the user can disable or enable such notifications.

Abstract: A method (300) and portable electronic device (100) can be configured to delay the presentation of content (103) until a user (102) is available. The portable electronic device (100) can received, from a user interface (204), a user indication identifying content (103) to be used at a later time. One or more modules (208) or processors (201) within the device can then monitor one or more device parameters to determine an evaluative user availability state. When the evaluative user availability state is determined, the modules (208) and processors (201) can be configured to present the content (103) on the user interface (204). The content (103) can be presented audibly, visibly, or both.

Abstract: A playback apparatus includes a menu screen display unit for displaying a content menu screen, an input unit for detecting a user's input operation to detect a selection of the content, and a control unit for causing the menu screen display unit to switch the menu screen, and for instructing playback of the selected content. The menu screen display unit, under the control of the control unit, switches an upper layer menu screen to and from a lower layer menu screen through an intermediate layer menu screen. The upper layer menu screen shows categories of the contents using menus. The lower layer menu screen shows some of contents using menus. The intermediate layer menu screen displays the menu selected in the upper layer menu screen in an area and a plurality of menus displayed in the lower layer menu screen in another area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows an animated interactive talking character to appear on a user's screen when conducting an Instant Messaging (IM) session. The character which is displayed on the user's screen is determined by a profile for the sender of the message. This allows a user to pre-select which character will be displayed on the screen of recipients of the instant messages.

Abstract: A display device configured to display a list of programs stored in a storage device includes: a cutout image acquiring section which acquires a cutout image obtained by cutting out a scene in a program; a distribution date-time acquiring section which acquires distribution date and time when the program is distributed; and a three-dimensional display section which displays a three-dimensional space applying axes respectively of a time, a day of the week, and a week, and which arranges the cutout image acquired by the cutout image acquiring section in a position corresponding to the distribution date and time acquired by the distribution time-date acquiring section in the three-dimensional space.

Abstract: Graphical user interfaces, systems, and methods of implementing electronic flashcards are disclosed. Embodiments provide an interface for enabling information on a selected side of an electronic flashcard to be displayed and hidden. For example, the information on a first side of an electronic flashcard may be displayed while the information on the second side is hidden, thereby enabling a user to test himself or herself before revealing the information on the second side of the electronic flashcard. The interface may also enable placement or storage of inactive electronic flashcards in multiple piles or stacks. For example, electronic flashcards which have not yet been viewed may be displayed in a first pile, while previously viewed flashcards may be displayed in one or more additional stacks. Additionally, the interface may limit the number of flashcards in one or more of the stacks. Further, the interface may perform automated shuffling of the flashcards.

Abstract: The subject matter of this document can be implemented in, among other things, a method that includes displaying, on a user interface of a computing device, a base portion of a keyboard. The method further includes receiving, on the user interface, a user input that includes initiating a contact at a first region of the user interface that is associated with the base portion of the keyboard, moving the contact, while maintaining connection with the user interface, to a second region of the user interface that is outside the first region and that is associated with an extended portion of the keyboard, and releasing the contact at a location within the second region. The method further includes activating a selection in the extended portion of the keyboard based on the location within the second region at which the contact is released.

Abstract: Mixer includes first and second displays each capable of displaying a pop-up screen that simultaneously displays pieces of information of eight channels. Once a display instruction for displaying a pop-up screen is received, it is ascertained whether or not the pop-up screen currently instructed to be displayed can be displayed on both of the first and second displays. If the pop-up screen can be displayed on only one of the displays, the currently instructed pop-up screen and one-screen channel selection switch are displayed on the one display together with. If, on the other hand, the pop-up screen can be displayed on both of the displays, the instructed pop-up screen are displayed on in a two-screen format on individual ones of the displays, and a two-screen channel selection switch is displayed on each one of the pop-up screens.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for providing a user interface for multistreaming audio control. The method includes determining whether a multistreaming mode of an audio device is activated upon receiving from a user a command to execute a popup menu for content, providing play menu items of audio panels to the popup menu for the content if the multistreaming mode is activated, and playing the content through an audio panel selected by the user.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to automatically construct a database of contents data which are distributed over plural reproducing apparatuses and search this database on the basis of user's fragmentary memory. A contents sharing management system practiced as one embodiment of the invention comprises an episode server installed at user's home and plural reproducing apparatuses including a component stereo set, portable player, portable wireless terminal, and MD player, which are interconnected in a wireless manner based on wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth. The episode server wirelessly connects to the portable player for example to get the episode information stored therein and organizes the retrieved episode information into a database. The episode server also searches the database upon request from the portable player to identify a source apparatus in which desired contents data are stored and supplies the retrieved contents data to the requesting portable player.

Abstract: A content playback apparatus includes: a display section that displays a plurality of indicators associated with a plurality of pieces of content, and a specifier to be used to specify one of the indicators; a playback section that plays back the piece of content associated with the indicator specified by the specifier; a switch section that switches, in accordance with a user's operation, what the specifier specifies to new the indicator; and a playback control section that controls the playback section such that if the user's operation switches, while the piece of content associated with the indicator specified by the specifier is played, what the specifier specifies to next the indicator and the user's subsequent operation switches, within a predetermined period of time from when the previous switch is completed, what the specifier specifies to subsequent the indicator, the playback section keeps playing back the piece of content.

Abstract: To facilitate the use of audio files for annotation purposes, an audio file format, which includes audio data for playback purposes, is augmented with a parallel data channel of line identifiers, or with a map associating time codes for the audio data with line numbers on the original document. The line number-time code information in the audio file is used to navigate within the audio file, and also to associate bookmark links and captured audio annotation files with line numbers of the original text document. An annotation device may provide an output document wherein links to audio and/or text annotation files are embedded at corresponding line numbers. Also, a navigation index may be generated, having links to annotation files and associated document line numbers, as well as bookmark links to selected document line numbers.

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.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for combining interactive gaming aspects into a linear story. A user may interact with the linear story via a NUI system to alter the story and the images that are presented to the user. In an example, a user may alter the story by performing a predefined exploration gesture. This gesture brings the user into the 3-D world of the displayed image. In particular, the image displayed on the screen changes to create the impression that a user is stepping into the 3-D virtual world to allow a user to examine virtual objects from different perspectives or to peer around virtual objects.

Abstract: An example method of accessing a web page includes receiving audio output from speakers of electronic equipment; detecting a cue in the received audio output; determining a web address based on the detected cue; and connecting to a web page using the web address.

Abstract: A method by which a multimedia presentation editor for use on a (typically handheld) communication or computing terminal (10) interfaces with a user so as to allow the user to create or edit a presentation (20), including: a step (51) in which objects to be displayed successively when a slide (21) is displayed in play mode, are instead assembled by the editor one under another in a column (25a), and objects (22) to be displayed continuously are also assembled in a (one-object-long) column (25b); and a step (52) in which the editor displays each column (25a-b) side-by-side, corresponding to the side-by-side arrangement of respective objects in the different columns (25a-b) when the slide (21) is displayed in play mode, thus allowing some parts of the slide (21) to be fixed, and some parts (23a-c) to change—the parts having columns with more than one object. Corresponding equipment is also provided.

Abstract: A system, method, and software allowing user interaction with virtual games/virtual social environments by using a mobile device and SMS/MMS messaging over a cellular telephone network. A communication device server sends to and accepts from a mobile aggregator, asynchronous SMS/MMS/text/email messages related to a virtual game running on a game server. The virtual game server integrates with a virtual social network utility such as Facebook®, and is accessible to the user through a dedicated web server. Multiple users may register with the social network utility to access the virtual game over the computer network (using the social network utility web server or a dedicated web server) or over the cellular telephone network (using the aggregator/communication device server). This system and method allows the user to interact with the virtual game/virtual social network while the user is offline.