Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing instructional help, at multiple levels of sophistication, in a learning application includes assistance in the form to at least two optional levels of sophistication. The user can select any level of sophistication according to desire or need. The levels allow for flexibility in learning relative to the person involved, the amount of previous knowledge the person has about the subject matter, the differences in how different people learn. In one embodiment, the assistance is contained in programming on a CD-ROM which is used in an interactive computerized system.

Abstract: An interactive interface of an embodiment of the present invention comprises a mirror surface; a sensor configured to receive an input from a user; a processor communicatively coupled to the sensor; the processor configured to identify a user identification based on the input, retrieve user specific content associated with the user identification; and identify one or more interactions with the user, wherein the processor comprises a speech processor and a video processor; and an output configured to display content associated with the user identification and responsive to the interactions on the mirror surface.

Abstract: Many embodiments may comprise logic such as hardware and/or code to implement user interface for traversal of long sorted lists, via audible mapping of the lists, using sensor based gesture recognition, audio and tactile feedback and button selection while on the go. In several embodiments, such user interface modalities are physically small in size, enabling a user to be truly mobile by reducing the cognitive load required to operate the device. For some embodiments, the user interface may be divided across multiple worn devices, such as a mobile device, watch, earpiece, and ring. Rotation of the watch may be translated into navigation instructions, allowing the user to traverse the list while the user receives audio feedback via the earpiece to describe items in the list as well as audio feedback regarding the navigation state. Many embodiments offer the user a simple user interface to traverse the list without visual feedback.

Abstract: An audio shortcut may involve an audio command being used to represent a sequence of one or more inputs on a client device. When the client device receives the audio command, the client device may automatically perform the sequence of one or more inputs, as if this sequence were entered manually. If a threshold number of client devices share the same or a similar audio shortcut with a server device, the server device may make this audio shortcut available to additional client devices.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing an audio signal and method thereof are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an information receiving unit receiving a downmix signal including and a plurality of preset informations; an external preset information receiving unit receiving a plurality of external preset informations being inputted from external; an external preset applying-determining unit determining whether the plurality of the external preset informations applies to the downmix signal; an external preset information selecting unit selecting one external preset information, if the plurality of external preset informations is selected; and a rendering unit controlling the object by applying the external preset information to the all data regions. Accordingly, an audio signal can be efficiently reconstructed by individually selecting and applying external preset information by a data region unit or by selecting and applying the same external preset information to a whole downmix signal.

Abstract: Techniques are presented that include determining, using signals captured from two or more microphones configured to detect an acoustic signal from one or more sound sources, one or more prominent sound sources based on the one or more sound sources. The techniques also include determining one or more directions relative to a position of one or more of the two or more microphones for prominent sound source(s). The techniques further include outputting information suitable to be viewed on a display, the information providing for the prominent sound source(s) a visual effect indicating at least in part the one or more directions, relative to a position of one or more of the microphones, of the prominent sound source(s) in the acoustic signal. The information and the corresponding visual effect(s) may be presented on a display, e.g., as part of a screensaver.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and techniques for providing context menus based upon gestured input are provided. Example embodiments provide a Gesture Based Context Menu System, which enables a gesture-based user interface to invoke a context menu to present one or more choices of next actions and/or entities based upon the context indicated by the gestured input and a set of criteria. In overview, the GBCMS allows an area of electronically presented content to be dynamically indicated by a gesture and then examines the indicated area in conjunction with a set of criteria to determine and present a context menu of further choices available to the user. The choices may be presented in the form of, for example, a pop-up menu, a pull-down menu, an interest wheel, or a rectangular or non-rectangular menu. In some embodiments the menus dynamically change as the gesture is modified.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and techniques for automatically providing auxiliary content are provided. Example embodiments provide a Gesture Based Navigation System (GBNS), which enables a gesture-based user interface to navigate to auxiliary content that is related to an portion of electronic input that has been indicated by a received gesture. In overview, the GBNS allows a portion (e.g., an area, part, or the like) of electronically presented content to be dynamically indicated by a gesture. The GBNS then examines the indicated portion in conjunction with a set of (e.g., one or more) factors to determine auxiliary content to navigate to. Auxiliary content may be in many forms, including, for example, a web page, code, document, or the like. Once the auxiliary content is determined, it is then presented to the user, for example, using a separate panel, an overlay, or in any other fashion.

Abstract: A mechanism for enabling nodes on a network to collaboratively exchange sets of rendering information respecting a file. Each node maintains its own copy of the file, and each node may access its copy of the file. Whenever a node does access the locations of the file, that node sends out a rendering information message. The rendering information message comprises the set of rendering information for the file that has been updated. The rendering information message is forwarded to each of the other nodes. When each of the other nodes receives the rendering information message, it stores the set of rendering information contained therein to a rendering history associated with a user. In this manner, histories of access in the file by all users are exchanged among the nodes, and the user on each node is able to see rendering information generated by users on the other nodes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for enhancing user interaction with objects connected to a network. The system includes a processor, a display screen, a memory coupled to the processor. The memory comprises a database including a list of two or more objects and instructions executable by the processor to display a menu. The menu is associated with at least two independent objects. And the two independent objects are produced by two independent vendors.

Abstract: A first mobile, wireless communication device including a memory and a communication module. The memory is configured to store data associating a first user of the first mobile, wireless communication device with a second user of a second mobile, wireless communication device. The communication module is configured to, based on the data associating the first user of the first mobile, wireless communication device with the second user of the second mobile, wireless communication device, establish a communication link between the first mobile, wireless communication device and the second mobile, wireless communication device. In response to the second user being within a predetermined range of the first user, the first mobile, wireless communication device is configured to automatically receive, via the communication link, notification that the second user is within the predetermined range of the first user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically controlling “scroll-on output” (“SOO”) operations of a computing device (100). The methods involve: adding First Display Content (“FDC”) to a display (304); receiving a First User Input (“FUI”) for scrolling back FDC (706); determining if the SOO operations are enabled in response to the reception of FUI; and automatically disabling the SOO operations if it is determined that the SOO operations are enabled. The methods also involve: receiving a Second User Input (“SUI”) for scrolling forward the FDC; determining if the SOO operations are enabled in response to the reception of SUI; and automatically enabling the SOO operations if it is determined that the SOO operations are disabled.

Abstract: A method of generating a multimedia user interface includes playing music with an electronic device; ascertaining a parameter associated with the music; and adapting visual content displayed on a display of the electronic device in conformance with the parameter of the music by applying a visual effect to the visual content, the visual effect having an association with the parameter.

Abstract: A system and method allows panels to be dragged into position using an icon displayed on a selector user interface or from another position, and as the panels are moved over a position in which another panel is displayed, the other panel, and panels in subsequent positions, are animated to move out of the position over which the panel being dragged is positioned.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a display, an input unit, and a controller. The input unit is configured to receive an input of a first keyword from a user. The controller is configured to retrieve first character information including the input first keyword from a database configured to store a plurality of character information items converted from a plurality of voice information items by voice recognition processing, extract a second keyword that is included in the first character information acquired by the retrieval and is different from the first keyword, and control the display to display a list of items including first identification information with which the acquired first character information is identified and the second keyword included in the first character information.

Abstract: One or more submenus associated with context based menus are provided. A context based menu may include top level commands/items available for execution on selected content or activation of submenu(s) that include additional executable commands. Additional commands may be executed through the submenu(s) by tap, swipe, or press and hold actions. Upon selection of a termination item or execution of a command, a submenu may be hidden and/or a parent menu displayed.

Abstract: A system and method for billing an incoming communication. A code is received from a calling party during the incoming communication. Expenses of the incoming communication are allocated to an account of the calling party in response to receiving the code. An invoice is generated for the calling party and a receiving party specifying the expenses.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for displaying tag words for selection by users engaged in social tagging of content accessible via a communications network, are provided. A tag cloud, tag word inventory curve and slider control are displayed within a graphical user interface. The tag cloud is a visual representation of an inventory of tag words. The tag word inventory curve is a graphical representation of the words in the inventory by frequency of usage by others. The slider control is responsive to user movement, and is movable within a range that spans the length of the tag word inventory curve. Movement of the slider control changes the number of tag words from the inventory displayed in the tag cloud according to frequency of usage by others.

Abstract: A media player, including a host player, including a host media playing module for playing digital media files, a host storage unit for storing digital media files, a host battery for supplying power to the host player, a host controller for storing incoming media files in the host storage unit, a host display unit, and at least one host user interface control for user command input to navigate and play the digital media files stored in the host storage unit, and a removable player which can be attached to the host player and detached from the host player, and which is operative to play digital audio files when it is attached to the host player and when it is detached from the host player, including an audio playing module, a storage unit for storing digital media files, a wireless modem for receiving digital media files from remote sources, a battery for supplying power to the removable player, which is charged by the host battery when the removable player is attached to the host player, and a controller for

Abstract: Systems and associated methods configured to provide user-driven audio content navigation for the spoken web are described. Embodiments allow users to skim audio for content that seems to be of relevance to the user, similar to visual skimming of standard web pages, and mark point of interest within the audio. Embodiments provide techniques for navigating audio content while interacting with information systems in a client-server environment, where the client device can be a simple, standard telephone.

Abstract: Activity data generated during a day or other time period on one or more computing devices is collected and aggregated. The aggregated data is then presented through an activity review user interface. The activity review user interface can be presented on a large format display device, such as a projector or television. The activity review user interface can also be navigated using natural input methods, such as gesture and voice input.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable product for positioning a virtual sound capturing device in a graphical user interface (GUI) are disclosed. The method includes displaying a virtual sound capturing device in relation to a virtual sound producing device in a three dimensional interface and in a two dimensional graphical map. Additionally, the method includes adjusting the display of the virtual sound capturing device in relation to the virtual sound producing device in both the three dimensional interface and the two dimensional graphical map in response to commands received from an input device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a user interface using sound recognition are provided. The apparatus and method may detect a position of a hand of a user from an image of the user, and may determine a point in time for starting and terminating the sound recognition, thereby precisely classifying the point in time for starting the sound recognition and the point in time for terminating the sound recognition without a separate device. Also, the user may control the user interface intuitively and conveniently.

Abstract: An adaptive operating system is described that adjusts a set of applications and/or a set of application icons presented on a user interface based on ambient noise and/or ambient light conditions at the mobile device. In some implementations, a sensor on a mobile device can detect the amount of ambient noise and/or light at the mobile device and adjust the presentation of sound-related and/or light-related applications or application icons on a graphical interface of the mobile device. In some implementations, a set of applications and/or a set of application icons presented on a user interface can be adjusted based on movement of the mobile device detected by a motion sensor of the mobile device.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device, including a controller to: transmit a client program having a graphical user interface (GUI) to a media device operating in an interactive television (iTV) network, wherein the client program presents a symbolic overlay that superimposes onto media content received by the media device and enables the media device to associate comments with the media content received at the media device, and wherein the comments are presented by at least one symbol in a temporal vicinity of the media content; and perform a highlighting event when a cursor of an input device is positioned at or near the at least one symbol of the presentation of the symbolic overlay. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for annotating video content with metadata generated using speech recognition technology. The method begins by rendering video content on a display device. A segment of speech is received from a user such that the speech segment annotates a portion of the video content currently being rendered. The speech segment is converted to a text-segment and the text-segment is associated with the rendered portion of the video content. The text segment is stored in a selectively retrievable manner so that it is associated with the rendered portion of the video content.

Abstract: A method for delivering requested media content is provided. A requested media object requested by a user device is received, the requested media object including media of at least a first type. A first new media object is created, the first new media object having at least some of the media of the requested media object of the first type. A second new media object is created, the second new media object having at least some of the media of the requested media object of a second type, if any. At least one user interface mechanism is inserted into the second new media object, the at least one user interface mechanism corresponding to media of the requested media object of the first type included in the first new media object. The second new media object is delivered to the user device, and the first new media object is delivered to a secondary device separate from the user device.

Abstract: A method of providing a list of links on a display apparatus and a display apparatus are provided. The method includes recognizing a voice spoken by a user, searching, among links included in a web page being currently displayed on the display apparatus, for a link including an index which coincides with the voice spoken by the user and generating a list of one or more links, each including the index which coincides with the voice spoken by the user.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes an imaging unit, an icon display control unit causing a display to display an operation icon, a pickup image display processing unit causing the display to sequentially display an input operation region image constituted by, among pixel regions constituting an image picked up by the imaging unit, a pixel region including at least a portion of a hand of a user, an icon management unit managing event issue definition information, which is a condition for determining that the operation icon has been operated by the user, for each operation icon, an operation determination unit determining whether the user has operated the operation icon based on the input operation region image displayed in the display and the event issue definition information, and a processing execution unit performing predetermined processing corresponding to the operation icon in accordance with a determination result by the operation determination unit.

Abstract: Dynamically extending the speech prompts of a multimodal application including receiving, by the prompt generation engine, a media file having a metadata container; retrieving, by the prompt generation engine from the metadata container, a speech prompt related to content stored in the media file for inclusion in the multimodal application; and modifying, by the prompt generation engine, the multimodal application to include the speech prompt.

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: Some embodiments of the invention provide a method that presents a preview of a set of images in a graphical user interface (GUI) of a device. To generate the preview, the method initially selects a subset of images that includes several images in the set but not all the images in the set. After selecting the subset of images, the method concurrently displays the images in the selected subset as the preview of the set of images.

Abstract: The present invention relates to creating a web page and voice browsing of the web page, and more particularly, it improves accessibility for the voice browsing of the web page through a synthetic voice, efficiently with high reliability. A content creation system 20 of the present invention is used for creating a content which may be viewed through the synthetic voice, the system including: a database 22 for storing a structured document; and an information process section 24 for creating a speech node series 18 from the structured document, and calculating a reaching time from starting voice synthesis of the speech node series 18 until each node is outputted as the synthetic voice. The information process section 24 includes a support process section 36 to determine a graphic display corresponding to the reaching time, and to visually display the reaching time to a predetermined node by the voice synthesis on a screen of a display section 26.

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 method and apparatus for displaying a content list are provided, which can display various content lists based on information on content being currently played through a user's simple manipulation. The method of displaying a content list includes receiving a user command, and displaying a content list belonging to a category set on the basis of information on content being currently played, in accordance with the received user command.

Abstract: Web server controls are provided for generating client side markups with recognition and/or audible prompting. Three approaches are disclosed for implementation of the controls.

Abstract: To provide a reproduction apparatus able to easily select a desired content data based on an attribute of the content data by a simple operation from a user and a reproduction method for the same, wherein the reproduction apparatus having: a display displaying the item; a first operation unit instructing a switch of the attribute; a second function unit instructing a selection of a predetermined item on the display; and a processing unit switching a first screen from a screen of a plurality of items so as to display a plurality of items when the first operation key is operated, and switching to a second screen displaying a plurality of item when the second operation key is operated when a plurality of item is displayed on the first screen.

Abstract: When it is determined on the basis of the output from a touch sensor of a touch screen 5 that a touch operation is started in the area of one on/off button displayed on a display screen of the touch screen 5, the on/off state of an on/off parameter assigned to the one on/off button is reversed. When it is determined that the touched position has moved to the area of another on/off button with the touch being maintained, an on/off parameter assigned to the another on/off button is set to the same on/off state as that of the on/off parameter assigned to the one on/off button in which the touch operation has been started. Users are allowed to simultaneously set respective on/off states of on/off parameters assigned to on/off buttons by a single touch operation on the touch screen 5.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a touchscreen based user interface (UI) interaction that controls a volume through circular UI graphics and switches between different application images by dragging an indicator on a touchscreen of a terminal device. The method includes: displaying an application image on a touchscreen; sensing whether the touchscreen is touched on the displayed application image; if the touchscreen is touched, displaying a volume image to control an audio volume at a touch position; and changing a size of the volume image whenever the touchscreen is touched and controlling the audio volume to corresponding to the size of the volume region.

Abstract: One embodiment of a representative system for web integrated interactive voice response includes an interactive voice response system adapted to provide a plurality of voice menus to a user over a telephone and a graphical user interface system adapted to provide a plurality of menus in a graphical format to the user over a network connection. Information provided in the voice menus corresponds to information provided in the menus in the graphical format and is responsive to commands received by the graphical user interface system from the user. Other systems and methods are also provided.

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: Receiving commands from a remote controller and automatically activating display areas for cursor navigation. Content display areas within a display frame respectively correspond to a variety of content items and include a primary display area wherein cursor navigation is activated and secondary display areas wherein cursor navigation is prevented. Remote controller navigational commands, for example, then allow cursor based navigation for the content item currently displayed in the primary display area. A content selection command such as a number key input of the remote controller allows immediate and automatic updating of the primary display area to include a desired content item that is associated to the command (e.g., the particular number).

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing a NUI system including a speech reveal mode where visual objects on a display having an associated voice command are highlighted. This allows a user to quickly and easily identify available voice commands, and also enhances an ability of a user to learn voice commands as there is a direct association between an object and its availability as a voice command.

Abstract: A visual presentation system and method for synchronizing presentation data being viewed in a display with speech input. A system is disclosed that includes: a speech recognition system for recognizing speech input; an association system for determining a context of the speech input and matching the context with a relevant portion of the presentation data; and a visual coordination system for coordinating the display of a data item from the presentation data based on a match made by the association system.

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 speech processing system which exploits statistical modeling and formal logic to receive and process speech input, which may represent data to be received, such as dictation, or commands to be processed by an operating system, application or process. A command dictionary and dynamic grammars are used in processing speech input to identify, disambiguate and extract commands. The logical processing scheme ensures that putative commands are complete and unambiguous before processing. Context sensitivity may be employed to differentiate data and commands. A multi faceted graphic user interface may be provided for interaction with a user to speech enable interaction with applications and processes that do not necessarily have native support for speech input.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for navigating an information hierarchy using a mobile communication device. The method comprises causing a plurality of selectable items to be presented on a display associated with the mobile communication device, in response to receiving, via an audio input device associated with the mobile communication device, a first voice command indicating that one of the plurality of selectable items is to be selected, causing one of the selectable items in the plurality of selectable items to be displayed differently from the other selectable items to thereby form an accentuated selectable item, and, in response to receiving, via the audio input device, a second voice command indicating that the accentuated selectable item is to be selected, causing information associated with the accentuated selectable item to be presented on the display.

Abstract: The present invention can recognize both English and Chinese at the same time. The most important skill is that the features of all English words (without samples) are entirely extracted from the features of Chinese syllables. The invention normalizes the signal waveforms of variable lengths for English words (Chinese syllables) such that the same words (syllables) can have the same features at the same time position. Hence the Bayesian classifier can recognize both the fast and slow utterance of sentences. The invention can improve the feature such that the speech recognition of the unknown English (Chinese) is guaranteed to be correct. Furthermore, since the invention can create the features of English words from the features of Chinese syllables, it can also create the features of other languages from the features of Chinese syllables and hence it can also recognize other languages, such as German, French, Japanese, Korean, Russian, etc.

Abstract: A method and device for temporally sequenced recommendations of activities delivers to users temporally sequenced objects comprising user activities, wherein the delivered objects are selected based, at least in part, on inferences of preferences from usage behaviors. The delivered objects may include activities associated with processor-based devices in addition to human activities. Variations of the system and method include delivering the temporally sequenced objects in accordance with the contents of the objects and user feedback with regard to the objects. Information as to why objects were delivered to users may be provided to the users.

Abstract: User interfaces for navigating structured content. In one example embodiment, a user interface includes a grid, a header row of cells each positioned in a separate column of the grid, a header column of cells each positioned in a separate row of the grid, a plurality of multi-dimensional cells each having a unique position in the grid, and a viewport that displays only a portion of the grid. Upon of reception an indication that the portion of the grid displayed within the viewport should simultaneously scroll both horizontally and vertically, the multi-dimensional cells of the grid are configured to scroll simultaneously within the viewport both horizontally and vertically, and the header row cells and header column cells of the grid are configured to scroll in a synchronous manner so as to remain visible in the viewport and remain aligned with the rows and columns of multi-dimensional cells.