Abstract: A method for facilitating a timed video call comprising receiving a request from a host on a first user device to initiate a timed video call with one or more guests on one or more second user devices, the request including a configuration for a queue, wherein the queue determines an order and time for the one or more guests to speak during the timed video call, and streaming video and audio between the first user device and a given one of the one or more second user devices based on the queue, the streamed video and audio rendered on a call interface, the call interface comprising a timer ribbon including a host portion indicator corresponding to a first length of time, a guest portion indicator corresponding to a second length of time, and an indicator for a next one of the one or more guests on the queue.

Abstract: Systems and methods for amplifying the accuracy of group forecasts and insights through interactive behavioral polling with perturbation analysis. During a first time period the system collects behavioral data of the user interaction with the dynamic user interface and a first displayed prompt, and then performs a perturbation analysis using the data collected during the first time period. A perturbation stimulus is displayed to the user, and during a second time period the user may additionally interact with the dynamic interface during a second time period, during which the system collects behavioral data of the user interaction during the second time period. The system determines a prediction based on data collected during at least one of the time periods from each of a plurality of users.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system, a method and a computer program product are provided. The system includes a controller configured to broadcast a web-based meeting between a first user and a second user. The system further includes a graphical user interface configured to display the broadcasted web-based meeting. The controller is configured to receive a request from the first user through the graphical user interface. The request includes one of a text question, a recorded video question and a request from the first user to present a live video question to the second user. The controller is further configured to broadcast the request through the graphical user interface as a real time video feed of the first user, so that the first user can ask the question in real time and the second user can respond to the first user's question in real time.

Abstract: A system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing digital avatars. A first request message is received for requesting a digital representation of a first target user combined with a target product for an online marketplace application on a first client device. The first request message is associated with a first user identifier indicative and a product identifier. Based on the first user identifier, a first user record is selected from a first database. The first user record includes measurement data. Based on the product identifier, a product record is selected from a second database. Based at least on the measurement data of the first user record and the selected product record, model data of the target product is determined and provided to the first client device.

Abstract: Provided are a mediation method and a computer-readable recording medium. A mediation method according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure includes establishing one video call session between a plurality of terminals, receiving videos obtained from each of the plurality of terminals, analyzing characteristics of the video call session, and in response to the analysis result, determining respective qualities of videos to be transmitted to each of the plurality of terminals. The plurality of terminals includes one host terminal and at least one guest terminal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for improving establishment and broadcasting of communication among mobile computing devices. For example, a method comprises determining a first user accesses a mobile application on a first mobile device of the first user; determining a second user accesses the mobile application on a second mobile device of the second user; and initiating the audio conversation between the first user and the second user, wherein the audio conversation is streamed to a third user who accesses the mobile application on a third mobile device of the third user.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring network pairings enabling end-to-end communications between electronic devices is disclosed. The system receives a network pairing request from a requesting device to communicate with a target device. The system identifies historic data associated with the communication object and determines whether an affinity group associated with the requesting device is found. Further, the system determines whether the communication object has a valid permission token associated therewith. If a valid permission token is unavailable, the system checks whether a subscriber filter criteria is met by the requesting device. If the filter criteria is met, system calculates a subscriber access score (SAS) for the requesting device and compares the score to a threshold. When the SAS is greater than the predetermined threshold value, system creates a dynamic network pairing between the requesting device and the target device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for audio signal enhancement facilitated using video data are provided. In one example, a method includes receiving a multi-channel audio signal including audio inputs detected by a plurality of audio input devices. The method further includes receiving an image captured by a video input device. The method further includes determining a first signal based at least in part on the image. The first signal is indicative of a likelihood associated with a target audio source. The method further includes determining a second signal based at least in part on the multi-channel audio signal and the first signal. The second signal is indicative of a likelihood associated with an audio component attributed to the target audio source. The method further includes processing the multi-channel audio signal based at least in part on the second signal to generate an output audio signal.

Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to repositioning a location of an acoustic sweet spot for a multi-speaker system. One example provides a computing system configured to receive first location data regarding a first location of an object in a space as determined from data acquired by a first image sensor having a fixed location within the space, send a notification to an audio-providing device regarding the first location of the object as determined from the data acquired by the first image sensor, receive second location data regarding a second location of the object in the space as determined by a second sensor, the second location being outside of a view of the first image sensor, and based on receiving the second location data, send a notification to the audio-providing device regarding the second location of the object as determined by the second sensor.

Abstract: A cursor control system including a plurality of electronic devices is provided. Each of the electronic devices includes a display screen to display a data frame and a cursor. The cursor control system includes a first electronic device, a second electronic device, a mouse and a displacement detection unit. The mouse controls a movement and a direction of the cursor on the first electronic device or the second electronic device. The data frame is dragged to another position or into another data frame on the display screen when the data frame is clicked by the mouse. The displacement detection unit detects whether the cursor moves to a boundary of the first electronic device or a boundary of the second electronic device. The displacement detection unit detects whether the data frame moves to the boundary of the first electronic device or the boundary of the second electronic device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optimizing collaborative activities between computing devices (e.g., desktop computers, laptop computers, smart TV's, tablets, mobile devices), and more particularly to systems, methods, and computer products for inputting data or commands on a computing device, and for moving, sharing, and controlling files between computing devices through the use of a pointing device with a corresponding pointer that can be shared between “N” computing devices.

Abstract: An electronic invitation, including invitation proxy information, for a meeting is communicated to at least a first and a second invitee. A response is received from the first invitee including response proxy information indicating that the response to the invitation includes a request to proxy for the second invitee. Updating, in a memory, using the response proxy information, an attendance register to indicate that the first invitee will attend the meeting and that the first invitee may proxy for the second invitee. Communicating a proxy confirmation request to the second invitee and receiving a proxy confirmation response including proxy confirmation information. The attendance register is updated, in the memory, using the proxy confirmation information, to indicate that the second invitee will not attend the meeting and that the first invitee will proxy for the second invitee.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optimizing collaborative activities between computing devices (e.g., desktop computers, laptop computers, smart TV's, tablets, mobile devices), and more particularly to systems, methods, and computer products for inputting data or commands on a computing device, and for moving, sharing, and controlling files between computing devices through the use of a pointing device with a corresponding pointer that can be shared between “N” computing devices.

Abstract: An electronic invitation, including invitation proxy information, for a meeting is communicated to at least a first and a second invitee. A response is received from the first invitee including response proxy information indicating that the response to the invitation includes a request to proxy for the second invitee. Updating, in a memory, using the response proxy information, an attendance register to indicate that the first invitee will attend the meeting and that the first invitee may proxy for the second invitee. Communicating a proxy confirmation request to the second invitee and receiving a proxy confirmation response including proxy confirmation information. The attendance register is updated, in the memory, using the proxy confirmation information, to indicate that the second invitee will not attend the meeting and that the first invitee will proxy for the second invitee.

Abstract: An electronic invitation, including invitation proxy information, for a meeting is communicated to at least a first and a second invitee. A response is received from the first invitee including response proxy information indicating that the response to the invitation includes a request to proxy for the second invitee. Updating, in a memory, using the response proxy information, an attendance register to indicate that the first invitee will attend the meeting and that the first invitee may proxy for the second invitee. Communicating a proxy confirmation request to the second invitee and receiving a proxy confirmation response including proxy confirmation information. The attendance register is updated, in the memory, using the proxy confirmation information, to indicate that the second invitee will not attend the meeting and that the first invitee will proxy for the second invitee.

Abstract: An electronic invitation, including invitation proxy information, for a meeting is communicated to at least a first and a second invitee. A response is received from the first invitee including response proxy information indicating that the response to the invitation includes a request to proxy for the second invitee. Updating, in a memory, using the response proxy information, an attendance register to indicate that the first invitee will attend the meeting and that the first invitee may proxy for the second invitee. Communicating a proxy confirmation request to the second invitee and receiving a proxy confirmation response including proxy confirmation information. The attendance register is updated, in the memory, using the proxy confirmation information, to indicate that the second invitee will not attend the meeting and that the first invitee will proxy for the second invitee.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: an acquirer acquiring an image; a locator that, upon receiving coordinate information of a specified area being a part of a video displayed on an output device connected to the other apparatus, locates coordinates on the image corresponding to the coordinate information based on association information, in which coordinates on the video and coordinates on the image are associated; a cropping part that crops, from the image, an image of an area defined by the coordinates on the image; a controller that controls directionality of a microphone array including a plurality of microphones on the apparatus so that the directionality of one microphone related to the coordinates on the image is focused to a position indicated by the coordinate on the image; and a first transmission controller that controls transmitting output information containing the cropped image and voice captured with the controlled directionality to the other apparatus.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing device including a position acquisition unit configured to acquire a selection position based on a specification of a user in a captured image obtained by imaging a real space, and a line control unit configured to cause a display unit to display a two-dimensional line obtained by projecting, onto a corresponding position on a display screen of the captured image, a three-dimensional line according to a three-dimensional selection position corresponding to the selection position in a three-dimensional virtual space and a three-dimensional installation position of an imaging device including the three-dimensional selection position within an imaging range.

Abstract: A method for dynamically adapting to increased system load at a selective forwarding unit (SFU) is disclosed. In an embodiment, an SFU sends a plurality of video streams to a plurality of participant computing devices. The SFU monitors a system load value on the SFU according to any of a plurality of metrics. When the SFU determines that the monitored system load value exceeds a stored load threshold value, the SFU selects one or more of the streams being sent to participant computing devices and disables them.

Abstract: A shared edge for a display environment is described. In one or more implementations, a display environment of a computing device that is implemented using a plurality of display devices is configured to include a shared edge defined through a described arrangement of at least two of the display devices in relation to each other. Responsive to an input that describes movement of a cursor across at least a portion of the shared edge, an element is displayed in the display environment.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a first display area; a second display area; and an interface separating the first display area from the second display area; and a display controller configured to control display of a user interface element in a first configuration when the user interface element is movable across the interface from the first display area to the second display area and a first criteria dependent upon a distance of the user interface element from the interface is satisfied and is configured to control display of the user interface element in a second configuration, different to the first configuration, when the user interface element is movable across the interface from the first display area to the second display area and the first criteria concerning a distance of the user interface element from the interface is not satisfied.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, in part, a progress gauge used to indicate a user's location in a digital work and to associate locations within the digital work with corresponding locations on the progress gauge. For instance, a progress gauge as described herein may comprise a progress bar having numerous segments corresponding to different sections (e.g., chapters, acts, scenes, etc.) within a digital work. Each segment of the progress bar may include a unique visual indicator, while each page within the corresponding section of the digital work may also include the same unique visual indicator or another type of indicator that maps to the visual indicator on the progress bar.

Abstract: A message screen display comprises a static non-scrollable display area for display of at least part of a first message, the first message having an associated first message time. The message screen display further comprises a scrollable display area for display of at least part of a second message, the second message having an associated second message time. The message screen display further comprises a feature applied to at least part of the first message that varies based on time as referenced to the associated first message time.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes a communication unit to communicate with information processing apparatuses; an image synthesizing unit to synthesize a multi-segmented screen image composed of screen images of the information processing apparatuses; a projection unit to project the multi-segmented screen image onto a screen; a functional mode management unit to control switching between a normal projection mode and a multi-segmented screen operation mode; an image capture device to capture the multi-segmented screen image and a hand movement of an operator when switched to the multi-segmented screen operation mode; a designated screen image recognition unit to detect a hand movement of the operator based on the image captured by the image capture device, and to recognize a screen image designated as an active-target image; and a signal control unit to transmit a request of image data transmission to an information processing apparatus corresponding to the designated active-target image.

Abstract: A software-implemented method which allows the streaming of applications from a server or cluster of server to one or more clients, typically mobile devices. The invention also enables the sharing, through a social network cloud service, of applications located on connected computers or on the cloud. When applications are streamed to mobile devices, the user interface of the application may be modified to fit the native user interface of the device.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting a chat session with multiple chat members. The chat system receives chat comments from the chat members. The chat system attempts to identify a topic or subject of the chat comment. The chat system may then retrieve product or product category advertisements relevant to the identified topic. The chat system then effects the display of the chat comment along with the retrieved advertisements to each chat member. The chat system thus dynamically recognizes the topic of chat comments and displays relevant additional information along with the chat comments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of providing a teleforum. The method includes generating simultaneous outbound invitation calls to multiple invitees and transmitting a message to each invitee, inviting him or her to become a teleforum participant. Teleforum participants who accept the invitation are connected to the teleforum in a listen-only mode. During the teleforum, a teleforum participant may request active participation in the teleforum. The method also includes allowing the participant to actively participate in the teleforum. Active participation may include but is not limited to such activities as: speaking to the teleforum, asking a question, responding to a poll, making a donation, providing information, leaving a message, being transferred to a subconference, receiving feedback from participants, leaving a voicemail, volunteering for future activities or receiving media transmitted outside of the teleforum.

Abstract: A system and method for initiating communication in real-time between users in a multi-user communication environment are described. To limit the receipt of unwanted messages, communication may be limited to a pre-prepared library of chat messages. The pre-prepared library of chat messages may include one or more of predetermined words, phrases and actions. Users are enabled to communicate and/or perform gaming actions based on the prepared library of chat messages, in one or more languages.

Abstract: A first computer system in a collaborative environment receives a plurality of indications of actions executed on content of a second computer system in the collaborative environment. A mapping between the content of the second computer system and corresponding content of the first computer system is determined. A subset of the plurality of indications of the actions executed on the content of the second computer system that are to be executed on the corresponding content of the first computer system is identified. A preview of executing the subset of the plurality of indications of the actions is presented on the first computer system. The subset of the plurality of indications of the actions is executed on the corresponding content of the first computer system.

Abstract: Presented is a method of adapting user interface elements. The method includes identifying state of a computer application, adapting one or more user interface elements associated with the computer application based on the state of the computer application, and displaying the one or more user interface elements.

Abstract: A display system manages the states of two cursors that are situated on an interactive window of a display screen, as a function of the last actions carried out by the crew.

Abstract: As a user of a social networking system views a page that includes information provided by the system, certain types of social interactions are monitored. If an interaction monitored for is detected, at least one recommendation unit is identified to present to user on the page. The recommendation unit is identified based on a description of the interaction. The recommendation unit suggests that the user perform a social interaction in the social networking system. The recommendation unit is transmitted to a device of the user and is presented to the user on the page without having to reload the entire page.

Abstract: A session invitation can be received from a first communicator for a first communication session. The session invitation can be for a temporary participant to join a sub-session of the first communication session for a sub-session duration specified by the first communicator. The sub-session duration can be less than a duration of the first communication session. The session information can be conveyed to the temporary participant within a session invitation so that the sub-session duration is able to be presented to the temporary participant. Thus, the temporary participant is able to accept or deny the session invitation with full knowledge of the sub-session duration.

Abstract: A method for specifying email recipients that includes specifying a first set of email recipients, a second set of email recipients, and a set operation. A third set of email recipients can be automatically is generated by performing the set operation upon the first set and the second set. Email can then be sent to this automatically generated third set of email recipients.

Abstract: A session invitation can be received from a first communicator for a first communication session. The session invitation can be for a temporary participant to join a sub-session of the first communication session for a sub-session duration specified by the first communicator. The sub-session duration can be less than a duration of the first communication session. The session information can be conveyed to the temporary participant within a session invitation so that the sub-session duration is able to be presented to the temporary participant. Thus, the temporary participant is able to accept or deny the session invitation with full knowledge of the sub-session duration.

Abstract: A method of displaying a calendar entry of an electronic calendar application is disclosed. The method includes determining if a user of the electronic calendar application is within a specified distance of a location of an appointment corresponding to the calendar entry at a specified time prior to the appointment. In response to determining that the user is within the specified distance at the specified time, displaying an indication with the calendar entry that the appointment is face-to-faceable. In response to determining that the user is not within the specified distance at the specified time, displaying an indication with the calendar entry that the appointment is not face-to-faceable.

Abstract: Control of multiple display screens associated with a computer, wherein the auxiliary screen display content that depends on conditions of the computer. During some times the auxiliary screen displays content associated with the presently executing program, and during other times the auxiliary screen displays history information. The rules can be automatically changed or manually changed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a videoconferencing endpoint may be an MCU (Multipoint Control Unit) or may include embedded MCU functionality. In various embodiments, the endpoint may thus conduct a videoconference by receiving/compositing video and audio from multiple videoconference endpoints. The endpoint may select a subset of endpoints and form a composite video image from the subset of the videoconference endpoints to send to the other videoconference endpoints. In some embodiments, the subset of endpoints that are selected for compositing into the composite video image may be selected according to criteria such as the last N talking participants. In some embodiments, the master endpoint may request the non-talker endpoints to stop sending video to help conserve the resources on the master endpoint. In some embodiments, the master endpoint may ignore video from endpoints that are not being displayed.

Abstract: A lead user may share an on-line media content experience with one or more followers by identifying content of interest being experienced on the lead user system, identifying one or more followers with whom to share the content of interest, inviting the followers to experience the content of interest, and enabling the followers to access the content of interest.

Abstract: A decoder includes a first decoder configured to iteratively decode input data, accumulate iteratively decoded data in bit units, compare an accumulated value obtained for each bit of the iteratively decoded data with a plurality of reference values, and output decision data and indicator data according to a comparison result. The decoder includes a second decoder configured to perform error correction on a symbol including the decision data according to the indicator data.

Abstract: Techniques for changing a conversation topic between one or more users via a user-interface are provided. A request to change the conversation topic is obtained from the one or more users via the user-interface. An indicator is presented to the one or more users notifying the one or more users, via the user-interface, of the request to change the conversation topic. The conversation topic between the one or more users is changed in response to an affirmative act by at least one of a moderator, the one or more users, and a predefined condition.

Abstract: Control of multiple display screens associated with a computer, wherein the auxiliary screen display content that depends on conditions of the computer. During some times the auxiliary screen displays content associated with the presently executing program, and during other times the auxiliary screen displays history information. The rules can be automatically changed or manually changed.

Abstract: A method comprises receiving a signal containing an environmental cue; correlating the environmental cue to a user interface control element; and generating a user interface control command based on the environmental cue. A device may be controlled by receiving a visual image, processing the image to identify a visual cue, correlating the visual cue with a user interface control, and controlling the device using the user interface control. The visual image may be received from a camera that is part of an automobile, and the user interface control may include a control for a radio to tune to a radio station; a speed control for controlling a speed of the automobile corresponding to a speed sign visual cue; or a navigation system control for controlling a navigation system based on traffic signs. Other variations include an apparatus and computer-readable media including instructions for performing the methods.

Abstract: A communication server implements a method that minimizes bandwidth usage between a media device and the communication server in a communication system where separate session and floor control protocols are used. Where multiple clients have established separate sessions to access a media source at a media device and upon determining that the multiple clients are attempting to access the same media source, the communication server implements floor control logic to tie multiple floor arbiters together across the separate sessions to cause a single media stream to be sent from the media source and received at the communication server for distribution to the clients, thereby minimizing the bandwidth on the uplink between the media device and the communication server.

Abstract: A work information generation system includes: a plurality of terminals that display a document; and a server that conducts communications with the plurality of terminals, wherein each of the plurality of terminals includes a notification section that sends notification of identification information given to each of the plurality of terminals and identification information of a document in association with each other to the server in response to display of the document, and wherein the server includes: a determination section; a work information generation section; and a work information retention section as described in the specification.

Abstract: Collaboration by a plurality of users in an application. The application may include processing logic and a user interface. The user interface may include at least one control element adapted to receive collaborative input, where the at least one control element may be linked to a collaboration utility. The collaboration utility may be adapted to generate the collaborative input for the control element based on the individual inputs of at least some of the plurality of users.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of providing a teleforum. The method includes generating simultaneous outbound invitation calls to multiple invitees and transmitting a message to each invitee, inviting him or her to become a teleforum participant. Teleforum participants who accept the invitation are connected to the teleforum in a listen-only mode. During the teleforum, a teleforum participant may request active participation in the teleforum. The method also includes allowing the participant to actively participate in the teleforum. Active participation may include but is not limited to such activities as: speaking to the teleforum, asking a question, responding to a poll, making a donation, providing information, leaving a message, being transferred to a subconference, receiving feedback from participants, leaving a voicemail, volunteering for future activities or receiving media transmitted outside of the teleforum.

Abstract: A user interface for software applications enables the full use of graphical user interface (GUI) software, particularly engineering design software, by visually impaired individuals. The interface combines tactile representations of graphical elements, non-visual cues, and a hardware element to allow the effective placement and interconnection of graphic elements using design software.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a server that hosts webpages facilitating user interaction between multiple endpoints. The system monitors for a user input requesting initiation of a happy hour, and when the input is detected, modifies the webpages to alert users of the happy hour. The users are notified of which user initiated the happy hour, and are also notified that interaction incentives accumulate at an increased rate during the happy hour. The system also tracks user scorings that accumulate based on the user interaction, and enables certain website features based on these user scorings. The system also tracks ratings for user-uploaded objects and identifies top rated objects for displaying on webpages viewable by other users.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for providing a pop-up repelling region (e.g., frame) for use in a screen sharing session that includes providing, or creating a region on a screen, during a screen sharing session, that includes a view of at least one application within the region and repelling from the view in the frame of all other applications.