Voice application architecture

A voice-based system may comprise a local speech interface device and a remote control service. A user may interact with the system using speech to obtain services and perform functions. The system may allow a user to install applications to provide enhanced or customized functionality. Such applications may be installed on either the speech interface device or the control service. The control service receives user speech and determines user intent based on the speech. If an application installed on the control service can respond to the intent, that application is called. Otherwise, the intent is provided to the speech interface device which responds by invoking one of its applications to respond to the intent.

Contact structure and method of forming

Contact structures and methods of forming contacts structures are contemplated by this disclosure. A structure includes a dielectric layer over a substrate, an adhesion layer, a silicide, a barrier layer, and a conductive material. The dielectric layer has an opening to a surface of the substrate. The adhesion layer is along sidewalls of the opening. The silicide is on the surface of the substrate. The barrier layer is on the adhesion layer and the silicide, and the barrier layer directly adjoins the silicide. The conductive material is on the barrier layer in the opening.

Microelectronic animal identification

Devices, systems and methods for microelectronic animal identification are disclosed. The microelectronic animal identification device includes an inserter configured to releasably holding the microelectronic chip at a distal end of the inserter, and an actuator configured to release the microelectronic chip from the inserter when the distal end of the inserter is inserted into a substrate of an animal body part. The microelectronic animal identification system includes a microelectronic chip and delivery system, a pigment marking device, a media transfer assembly for producing a pigment mark, a tissue sample device, and a data management system providing traceability of the animal and the materials used.

Replacement metal gate and fabrication process with reduced lithography steps

Embodiments of the present invention provide a replacement metal gate and a fabrication process with reduced lithography steps. Using selective etching techniques, a layer of fill metal is used to protect the dielectric layer in the trenches, eliminating the need for some lithography steps. This, in turn, reduces the overall cost and complexity of fabrication. Furthermore, additional protection is provided during etching, which serves to improve product yield.

Dimensioning system with guided alignment

A dimensioning system including a computing device running an alignment software program is disclosed. The alignment software uses range information from a range sensor in order to generate alignment messages. The alignment messages may help a user define a frame of reference and align the dimensioning system's range sensor for improved dimensioning performance.

INTERACTIVE INDICIA READER

An interactive indicia (e.g., barcode) reader is disclosed. This indicia reader incorporates a projector to display context sensitive information on a surface. This information may represent manufacturer or store related information about the item with the indicia. What is more, the indicia reader may also recognize a user's interaction with the projected image. In this way, the indicia reader may enhance the information that it provides, as well as expanding the data that it can collect.

Dialog flow management in hierarchical task dialogs

Methods and systems for managing multiple tasks using a dialog are presented. In some embodiments, a processor may parse a first natural language user input received at a user device to extract task related information from the first natural language user input. In response to identifying that the first natural language user input comprises a request to perform a first task, the processor may initiate execution of the first task. The user device may receive a second natural language user input after execution of the first task has been initiated which requests execution of a second task. The processor may initiate execution of the second task before execution of the first task is complete.

Zoom dual-aperture camera with folded lens

Zoom digital cameras comprising a Wide sub-camera and a folded fixed Tele sub-camera. The folded Tele sub-camera may be auto-focused by moving either its lens or a reflecting element inserted in an optical path between its lens and a respective image sensor. The folded Tele sub-camera is configured to have a low profile to enable its integration within a portable electronic device.

Powering RFID tags using multiple synthesized-beam RFID readers

Synthesized-beam RFID readers may be used to manage and provide information about RFID tag populations. In one embodiment, two or more synthesized-beam readers synthesize respective RF beams towards a tag location. The synthesized-beam readers may coordinate their pointing by means of a controller, a peer-to-peer network, or by using a master-slave arrangement. The synthesized-beam readers may coordinate their transmissions to increase the RF energy available to a tag at the pointing location.

Contaminant monitoring and air filtration system

Devices, methods and systems for monitoring, sampling, and filtering or sanitizing the air of an environment are provided. Devices and methods including air filtering units with smart features including connectivity and reporting features are provided wherein a unit is provided to communicate with a system. Based on detected values related to air contamination and particulates entrained in the air, the system and methods are capable of performing various functions including reporting and remediation functions.