Generation of custom composite emoji images based on user-selected input feed types associated with Internet of Things (IoT) device input feeds

Composite emoji images may be generated based on user-selected input feed types associated with various Internet of Things (IoT) device input feeds. A plurality of input feed type indicators corresponding to a plurality of input feed types may be displayed for user selection. The plurality of input feed types may be associated with a plurality of IoT device input feeds. A user selection of at least some of the plurality of input feed types may be received. A composite emoji image may be generated based on a composite of a base template emoji and individual emoji image layer portions that are generated according to the at least some of the plurality of input feed types of the user selection. For each real-time IoT device input feed, a current emoji image layer portion associated with the feed may be regularly updated for display to better enable the user selection.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

Present invention embodiments relate to emoji image generation, and more specifically, to the generation of custom composite emoji images based on user-selected input feed types associated with Internet of Things (IoT) device input feeds.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Text messaging, instant messaging, and social networking applications for communicating messages amongst users are very popular. In messaging sessions, users are increasingly using emojis to express their mood. Emojis have become increasingly popular world-wide since their inclusion into smart phones. With emojis, both senders and receivers of messages are able to incorporate their emotion along with their typed-in text message. Many emojis are static Unicode characters or stickers/pictures which are built into the application or operating system (OS). If a user would like to better express himself or herself, he or she has to import many additional stickers or pictures.

While selecting an emoji, the user must select an appropriate emoji from a very large list in an emoji library. At some time, a specific type of emoji needed by the user may not be available, so the user may end up typing the message without the expression or have to embellish the text in another way.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method of generating custom composite emoji images is performed. A plurality of input feed type indicators corresponding to a plurality of input feed types are displayed for user selection. The plurality of input feed types are associated with a plurality of Internet of Things (IoT) device input feeds. A user selection of at least some of the plurality of input feed types is received. A composite emoji image is generated based on a composite of a base template emoji and individual emoji image layer portions that are generated or selected according to the at least some of the plurality of input feed types of the user selection. Embodiments of the present invention further include a computer system and a computer program product for generating custom composite emoji images in substantially the same manner described above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is an illustrative representation of a communication system100which includes a communication network102, a user device110, and a user device120. User devices110and120may utilize messaging software in a social networking application or the like for communicating messages to each other via communication network102. InFIG.2, a simplified illustrative representation of user devices110and120ofFIG.1, including their respective displays112and122, is shown. As depicted, user devices110and120may communicate messages that are maintained in a conversation thread which is displayed in conversation thread fields114and124, respectively, of the devices.

On the sending side, user device110may display a previously communicated message (“HOW ARE YOU?”) in conversation thread field114of display112. User device110may also display a current message (“VERY WELL TY !”) that is currently being entered in a text entry field116of display112. Notably, the current message in text entry field116may include a “custom” composite emoji image118which is generated at user device110according to some embodiments. On the receiving side, user device120may display the previously communicated messages (“HOW ARE YOU?” followed by “VERY WELL TY !”) in conversation thread field124of display122. User device120may also display an empty message (i.e. waiting for text entry) in a text entry field126of display122. One of the previously communicated messages (“VERY WELL TY !”) shown in conversation thread field124is from user device110, and may include the “custom” composite emoji image which is indicated at user device120as a custom composite emoji image128.

As will be described in more detail herein, composite emoji image118may be generated at user device110based on user-selected input feed types associated with various IoT device input feeds at user device110. In particular, composite emoji image118may be generated based on a composite of a base emoji image and individual emoji image layer portions that are generated or selected according to at least some of the plurality of input feed types, received at user device110, that correspond to a user's selection.

FIG.3is a schematic block diagram of an IoT device input feed based emoji image generator300(or “IoT-based emoji generator”300) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. IoT-based emoji generator300may be included in the user device described in relation toFIGS.1-2and elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, a computer system of the user device may include a system memory and one or more processors configured to execute program modules of IoT-based emoji generator300that are stored in the system memory.

As shown inFIG.3, IoT-based emoji generator300may include a composite emoji image generator320having a plurality of inputs330to receive various emoji image data (e.g. emojis, and/or emoji layers or layer portions) and an output340for producing a composite emoji image based on the various emoji image data. In particular, composite emoji image generator300may produce a composite emoji image based on a composite of a base template emoji322and individual emoji image layer portions that are generated or selected according to user-selected input feed types associated with a plurality of IoT device input feeds350received at the user device.

To achieve this, IoT-based emoji generator300may include one or more emoji image layer portion generators310associated with the plurality of IoT device input feeds350. The one or more emoji image layer portion generators310are configured to generate a plurality of individual emoji image layer portions according to the plurality of IoT device input feeds350. The plurality of IoT device input feeds350may be or include real-time IoT device input feeds. In some embodiments, the one or more emoji image layer portion generators310may be associated with one or more Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) of the user device for receiving data of the plurality of IoT device input feeds350.

A user selection filter312may receive a user selection314(e.g. received via a user interface of the user device) of at least some of the plurality of input feed types associated with the plurality of IoT device input feeds350. The user selection may be made by a user at a user interface of the user device, via a mouse, touch screen selection, voice commands, or gestures, as a few examples. Composite emoji image generator320may generate a composite emoji image based on base template emoji322and at least some of the individual emoji image layer portions that are generated or selected according to the at least some of the plurality of input feed types of this user selection314. One illustrative example of such user selection314is provided later in relation toFIG.7.

Composite emoji image generator320may produce the composite emoji image further based on emoji image data that is generated or selected according to textual context324of text of a message, as well as according to emoji image data based on other context(s)326. Other context(s)326may include, notably, a location of the user device (e.g. a geo-location, a Wi-Fi network or Wi-Fi hotspot location, a social media check-in location, etc.).

The plurality of IoT device input feeds350may include a plurality of user-wearable IoT device input feeds302, such as a user-wearable IoT device input feed306, and a plurality of surrounding or ambient IoT device input feeds304, such as a surrounding IoT device input feed308.

User-wearable IoT devices or “wearable” IoT devices (“wearables”) may include smartwatches, smart contact lenses, smartglasses, and the like. Other wearables include smart gloves, smart shoes, smart badges, smart rings, finger wearables, smart wrist bands, head band or caps, and thigh/leg wearables, and ankle wearables.

As one example, smartwatches are very popular and being used in various IoT applications, including healthcare and fitness. The use of smartwatches among cyclers, runners, gym-goers, swimmers, and athletes is increasing rapidly, owing to their wide-range of monitoring capabilities. Health and fitness oriented wearable devices that offer biometric measurements, such as heart rate, perspiration levels, and complex measurements like oxygen levels in the bloodstream, are also becoming available. The ability to sense, store, and track biometric measurements over time and then analyze these results is possible. Tracking body temperature, for example, might provide an early indication of whether the user may be catching a cold or the flu. The wireless synchronization of smartwatches with smartphones enables users to control music, notifications, alarms, auto-sleep, and other functions. Smart watches may have cameras as well as recording facilities.

As another illustrative example, smart contact lenses may include a micro-camera and sensors embedded on the surface, and may be controlled by blinking. Smart contact lens may be able to take photos or images, process data related to the photos or images, and carry out tasks based on the processed data. Some smart contact lenses may track and monitor the user's eye's or direction of the eyes. These smart contact lenses may enable the wearer to record everything that he or she sees. Smart contact lenses may also be able to integrate with augmented reality.

As even another example, smartglasses may be wearable computer glasses that associate information alongside or to what the wearer is able to see. Smartglasses may superimpose such information onto a field of view, which may be achieved with use of an optical head-mounted display (OHMD) or embedded wireless glasses having a transparent heads-up display (HUD) or augmented reality (AR) overlay. Such systems may have the capability to reflect projected digital images, as well as allow the user to see through it or see better with them. Like other computers, smartglasses may collect information from internal or external sensors, and may control or retrieve data from other instruments or computers. Smartglasses may support wireless technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS. Some models may run a mobile operating system and function as portable media players to send audio and video files to the user via a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi headset. Some smartglasses models also feature full lifelogging and activity tracker capability.

Again, the plurality of IoT device input feeds350may also include the plurality of surrounding (or ambient) IoT device input feeds304, such as surrounding IoT device input feed308. Surrounding or ambient IoT devices and/or associated feeds of a user device may include a weather feed, a temperature feed, an audio or sound system feed, a multimedia entertainment system feed, a local camera, an ambient sound monitoring IoT device (e.g. a microphone), a home automation input feed, a home appliance input feed, a current news feed, and a favorite channel of an online video sharing platform.

As one example, the audio or sound system feed may provide context for music listened to by the user, its style, genre, tempo, main instrument, etc. As another example, the multimedia entertainment system feed may provide context for multimedia, film, or video, etc., for film or video watched by the user, its genre, primary character(s), etc. As yet another example, the favorite channel of an online video sharing platform may provide context for content, including type, music, film, other, etc. The latter may be provided through the user device itself (e.g. a web browser or the like), the feed being provided in form of content metadata. As another example, a smart speaker with a virtual assistant technology, such as virtual assistant Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, may be utilized. Here, the user may instruct a virtual assistant or the like with respect to target user details, in order to prompt a suggestion of a relevant meme, or audio/video (A/V) content that the sending and/or receiving user likes (e.g. has had historical data or personal connections to), etc.

IoT-based emoji generator300may also include a presentation manager370to provide image presentation data for display. According to some embodiments, for custom emoji image creation, presentation manager370may operate to cause a plurality of input feed type indicators corresponding to the plurality of input feed types to be displayed for user selection (along with other related image data). See e.g. the description of the presentation ofFIG.7described later below. Presentation manager370may further operate to cause, for each real-time IoT device input feed, a current emoji image layer portion associated with the real-time IoT device input feed to be regularly updated for display. This may better enable the user selection for the user. Presentation manager370may further operate to cause one or more previous emoji image layer portions to be displayed along with the current emoji image layer portion.

With reference now toFIG.4, a flowchart400for describing a method for use in generating composite emoji images according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The method may be performed by a user device configured to communicate messages via a network (e.g. user device110or120in the network102ofFIG.1). At least in some embodiments, the user device includes a computing system including one or more processing units and memory (e.g. the computing system ofFIG.10described later below). The method may be embodied in a computer program product which includes a computer readable storage medium and computer readable program instructions stored in the computer readable storage medium, where the computer readable program instructions are executable by one or more processing units of the computing system.

Beginning at a start block402ofFIG.4, the user device may cause a plurality of input feed type indicators corresponding to a plurality of input feed types to be displayed for user selection (step404ofFIG.4). The plurality of input feed types may be associated with a plurality of IoT device input feeds. The user device may receive a user selection of at least some of the plurality of input feed types (step406ofFIG.4). The user selection may include a user selection of one or more input feed types as well as a user deselection of one or more other input feed types. The user selection can be made via a mouse, touch screen selection, voice commands, or gestures, as a few examples. In some embodiments, once the user selection is set, it may be maintained throughout operation until the user makes subsequent modifications. In some embodiments, the user device may receive and capture any current gesture or movement for a given user-selected input feed type (step408ofFIG.4).

The user device may generate a composite emoji image based on a composite of a base template emoji and individual emoji image layer portions that are generated or selected according to the at least some of the plurality of input feed types of the user selection (step410ofFIG.4). After generation of the composite emoji image, the user device may insert the composite emoji image in a message for communication to another user device, where the message is sent via a communication network (step412ofFIG.4). In some embodiments, the user device may (automatically) save the composite emoji image in an emoji library, for subsequent use as a base template emoji.

As described previously, the plurality of input feed types which are associated with the plurality of IoT device input feeds may comprise a plurality of real-time IoT device input feeds. In the displaying in step404, for each real-time IoT device input feed, the user device may cause a current emoji image layer portion associated with a real-time IoT device input feed to be regularly updated for display for the user selection. This may be utilized to better enable the user selection for the user. For example, real-time IoT device input feeds may be regularly updated upon expiration of a time period (e.g. every 10 seconds, 1 minute, 15 minutes, etc.). The regular updating may be performed only when presentation700is displayed while the user is creating a custom emoji image. Also in the display in step404, for each real-time IoT device input feed, the user device may cause one or more previous emoji image layer portions associated with the real-time IoT device input feed to be displayed along with the current emoji image layer portion.

FIG.5is an example of a presentation in display112of the user device, where the presentation includes an emoji library presentation502and a create custom emoji option indication504for user selection according to some embodiments. This example presentation, or “pop-up” presentation, may be displayed in response to a user selection of an indication at or near a text input field of display112during user entry of a message.

As shown inFIG.5, emoji library presentation502may include a plurality of “standard” emojis of different emoji types for user selection (e.g. with use of a movable cursor506or touch position). In this specific example, emoji library presentation502includes a smiling face emoji, a grinning face emoji with big eyes, a worried face emoji, and a neutral face emoji. As another option of the user, create custom emoji option indication504may be associated one or more custom emojis that were previously user-generated, custom emojis. As is apparent, custom emojis which may be selected or created with custom emoji option indication504may be included as part of emoji library presentation502. In response to a user selection of create custom emoji option indication504(e.g. with use of movable cursor506, touch screen, touch actuation or position, etc.), a procedure for creating custom emojis may be initiated (e.g. the method described in relation toFIG.2, as well as the remaining figures).

FIGS.6A,6B, and6Care examples of custom composite emoji images600A,600B, and600C, respectively, that may be generated based on user-selected input feed types associated with IoT device input feeds according to some embodiments. For example, these custom composite emoji images600A,600B, and600C may be generated and utilized in the environment described in relation toFIGS.1-5and7.

Here, each custom composite emoji image may be generated based on a composite of a base template emoji and individual emoji image layer portions that are generated or selected according to at least some of a plurality of input feed types that are selected by the user. At least in some instances, the base template emoji may be utilized as a default base when other input feeds are not active or neutral (e.g. a smiley face may be utilized as a default when the user's face is otherwise expression-less). Although some of these composite emoji images may appear to resemble or even replicate standard emojis, they all may be created according to techniques of the present disclosure.

More particularly, inFIG.6A, custom composite emoji image600A is custom-generated based on a composite of a base template emoji (e.g. a standard smiling face emoji; or a head-to-toe, person type A emoji) and individual emoji image layer portions602,604,606,608, and610. Individual emoji image layer portion602(i.e. a waving peace sign) may be a peace sign emoji layer portion (e.g. waving in animation) that is generated or selected according to an input feed type associated with an IoT device input feed of a smart watch, a smart glove, or one or more finger wearables. Individual emoji image layer portion604(i.e. an extended arm) may be an arm emoji layer portion that is generated or selected according to an input feed type associated with an IoT device input feed of a smart wrist band. Individual emoji image layer portion606(i.e. an extended leg or foot) may be a leg or foot emoji layer portion that is generated or selected according to an input feed type associated with an IoT device input feed of a thigh/leg wearable or smart shoes. Individual emoji image layer portion608(i.e. a bright sun) may be a sun emoji layer portion that is generated or selected according to an input feed type associated with a weather input feed. Individual emoji image layer portion610(e.g. general music) may be a general music emoji layer portion that is generated or selected according to an input feed type associated with a sound IoT device input feed (e.g. from a microphone, or audio detection or player system). Custom composite emoji image600A may be generated based on a user selection of the above-mentioned input feed types and a deselection of all others.

InFIG.6B, custom composite emoji image600B is custom-generated based on a composite of a base template emoji (e.g. an astonished face emoji622) and individual emoji image layer portions620,624, and626. Custom composite emoji image600B may resemble and even meant to replicate, at least in part, a standard emoji of a face screaming in fear. Individual emoji image layer portion620(i.e. hands on both cheeks) may be a hand emoji layer portion that is generated or selected according to an input feed type associated with an IoT device input feed of a smart glove or a smart wrist band. Individual emoji image layer portion624(i.e. a cloud with lightning and rain) may be a cloud with lightning and rain emoji layer portion that is generated or selected according to an input feed type associated with a weather input feed. Individual emoji image layer portion626(i.e. a heavy wind) may be a heavy wind emoji layer portion that is generated or selected according to an input feed type associated with a wind monitoring input feed (e.g. separate from the weather input feed). Again, custom composite emoji image600A may be generated based on a user selection of the above-mentioned input feed types and a deselection of all others.

InFIG.6C, a series of custom composite emoji images600C may be custom-generated, where each may be based on a composite of a base template emoji (e.g. a standard smiling face emoji; or a blonde, face type B emoji; etc.) and one or more individual emoji image layer portions. Individual emoji image layer portions630,632,634, and636are different arm/hand emoji layer portions that are generated or selected according to an input feed type associated with an IoT device input feed of a smart watch, a smart glove, or a smart wrist band. Facial expressions in the custom composite emoji images600C ofFIG.6Cmay be provided using different facial expression emoji layer portions that are generated or selected according to an input feed type associated with a camera device input feed or other.

As illustrated inFIG.6C, individual emoji image layer portion630in the first of the series of composite emoji images600C is shown to have captured the user's hand making contact with the user's forehead. Individual emoji image layer portion632in the second of the series of composite emoji images600C is shown to have captured both hands of the user with palms faced upwards. Individual emoji image layer portion634in the third of the series of composite emoji images600C is shown to have captured the user's left hand upwards in a “hello” position. Individual emoji image layer portion636in the fourth of the series of composite emoji images600C is shown to have captured the user's arms crossed upwards in front of the user.

FIG.7is an example of a presentation700in display112of the user device, where the presentation700may be utilized for the creation of custom composite emoji images according to some embodiments. Presentation700ofFIG.7may be produced with use of a presentation manager in the IoT-based emoji generator (e.g. presentation manager370ofFIG.3). Example custom composite emoji images that may be created have been previously described in relation toFIGS.6A,6B, and6C, as well as to be described later in relation toFIGS.9A and9B.

Presentation700may include an indicator710for user selection of a base template emoji from a plurality of base template emojis. Here, presentation700may present a “current” base template emoji (e.g. a standard smiling face emoji, as shown) and one or more “previous” base template emojis (e.g. a grinning face emoji with big eyes, a worried face emoji, and a neutral face emoji, as shown in order) to be displayed along with the current emoji image layer portion.

Presentation700may also include a plurality of input feed type indicators702corresponding to a plurality of input feed types to be displayed for user selection. Presentation700includes a plurality of input feed type indicators702corresponding to a plurality of input feed types to be displayed for user selection. The plurality of input feed types are associated with a plurality of different input feeds, which include IoT device input feeds as described herein. The user selection can be made via a mouse, touch screen selection, voice commands, or gestures, as a few examples. In some embodiments, once the user selection is set, it may be maintained throughout operation until the user makes subsequent modifications. For each one of the input feed types702, presentation700may present a “current” emoji image layer portion and one or more “previous” emoji image layer portions to be displayed along with the current emoji image layer portion.

Each one of the input feed type indicators702corresponding to the various input feed types is now described. An input feed type indicator712corresponds to an input feed type that is named FEED1(feed for hand position or placement) and is associated with an IoT device input feed of a smart watch, a smart wrist band, or smart gloves. For this input feed type, presentation700may include a current emoji layer portion (e.g. inactive or not positioned, as indicated), and one or more previous emoji layer portions (e.g. hands on both cheeks, hands close to body, and thinking face hand position, as shown in order) to be displayed along with the current emoji image layer portion. Input feed type that is named FEED1(feed for hand position or placement) is shown as deselected by the user (not bold or highlighted).

An input feed type indicator714corresponds to an input feed type that is named FEED2(feed for finger gesture and/or movement) and is associated with an IoT device input feed of a smart ring or a finger “wearable.” For this input feed type, presentation700may include a current emoji layer portion (e.g. finger/hand waving, as indicated) and one or more previous emoji layer portions (e.g. OK gesture, peace sign gesture, and thumbs up gesture, as shown in order) to be displayed along with the current emoji image layer portion. The input feed type that is named FEED2(feed for finger gesture and/or movement) is shown as selected by the user (bold or highlighted).

An input feed type indicator716corresponds to an input feed type that is named FEED3(feed for leg and feet position or movement) and is associated with an IoT device input feed of smart shoes or a thigh/leg wearable. For this input feed type, presentation700may include a current emoji layer portion (e.g. at rest sitting in chair, as shown) and one or more previous emoji layer portions (e.g. walking pace position, running pace position, as shown in order) to be displayed along with the current emoji image layer portion. Input feed type that is named FEED3(feed for leg and feet position or movement) is shown as selected by the user (bold or highlighted).

An input feed type indicator718corresponds to an input feed type that is named FEED4(feed for music including main or dominant instrument) and is associated with associated with a sound IoT device input feed (e.g. from a microphone, or audio detection or player system). For this input feed type, presentation700may include a current emoji layer portion (e.g. quiet or no music indicator) and one or more previous emoji layer portions (e.g. saxophone music, keyboard music, rock guitar music, as shown in order) to be displayed along with the current emoji image layer portion. Input feed type that is named FEED4(feed for music including main or dominant instrument) is shown as deselected (not bold or highlighted).

An input feed type indicator720corresponds to an input feed type that is named FEED5(feed for the weather) and is associated with associated with a weather input feed. For this input feed type, presentation700may present a current emoji layer portion (e.g. a bright sun) and one or more previous emoji layer portions (e.g. cloud with rain and lightning, a sun behind cloud, and a cloud with snow, as shown in order) to be displayed along with the current emoji image layer portion. Input feed type that is named FEED5(feed for the weather) is shown as selected (bold or highlighted).

In some preferred embodiments, presentation700may include the current emoji image layer portion associated with a real-time IoT device input feed, to be regularly updated for display to better enable user selection. For example, the current emoji image layer portion may be regularly updated upon expiration of a time period (e.g. every 10 seconds, 1 minute, 15 minutes, etc.). In some of these embodiments, the regular updating may be performed only when presentation700is displayed while the user is creating a custom emoji image.

Alternative embodiments and variations are now described in relation toFIGS.8A and8B. With reference now toFIGS.8A and8B, a flowchart800A/800B for describing a method for use in generating custom “context-aware” emojis (or custom composite emoji images) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The method ofFIGS.8A and8Bmay be considered to be a more specific embodiment of the techniques of the present disclosure. The method may be performed by a user device configured to communicate messages via a network (e.g. user device110or120in the network102ofFIG.1). At least in some embodiments, the user device includes a computing system including one or more processing units and memory (see e.g. later description of the computing system ofFIG.10). The method may be embodied in a computer program product which includes a computer readable storage medium and computer readable program instructions stored in the computer readable storage medium, where the computer readable program instructions are executable by one or more processing units of the computing system.

InFIG.8A, a user having a user device may want to create and send a custom, “context-aware” emoji (step802ofFIG.8A). The user may enable the user device to initiate the generation of the emoji, by enabling analysis of surrounding input feeds (step804ofFIG.8A). Here, the user may define or select which data feed may be gathered at the user device for generating the context-aware emoji (step806ofFIG.8A). The user device will gather the input feed from the surrounding based on the user selection, along with the context (step810ofFIG.8A). The user device will also connect to user-wearable devices of the user, capturing sound and the textual information of text of the message (step812ofFIG.8A). The gathered data will be display to the user, where the user can selectively add or cancel one or more data to be used for emoji creation (step814ofFIG.8A).

Continuing inFIG.8B, accordingly, an emoji generation engine of the user device will be receiving textual conversation, user-defined selected user-wearable input feeds, and user—defined surrounding input feeds (step816ofFIG.8B). Using the historical learning about the gathered data, the emoji generation engine will create an animated emoji based on the surrounding and user context (step818ofFIG.8B). The user may selectively modify the generated context-aware emoji, including changing the relative position of the emoji, providing an animation sequence, and/or removing one or more image-generated objects (step820ofFIG.8B). Once the context-aware emoji is created, the user device may send a message having the emoji to one or more receiving parties. In some cases, the context-aware emoji may be illustrated in an animated fashion to explain the sending party's contextual situation (step822ofFIG.8B).

Accordingly, in some embodiments, while preparing to send a message including an emoji to a recipient, the user can modify a user-selected emoji based on one or more sensor feeds from user-wearables and/or the surrounding devices. These sensors feeds may update the selected emoji on a real-time basis. While selecting an emoji, the user can create an emoji based on the user's interest (e.g. outside weather, which may be raining; or an in-house cartoon character being played by a multimedia system, etc.) at that point in time. The user may reciprocate to the message received by any action (a gesture or otherwise) that is suitable as a response to convey his or her reply in emoji form. Accordingly, while the emoji is being modified by one or more IoT device feed signals from the user-wearable or surrounding, the user can selectively define which IoT signals are to be considered among the plurality of input feed signals and for what to dynamically modify the emoji.

In some embodiments, at a given time, the user is able to select two or more emojis from the emoji library and, with a hand gesture, the user can create a single emoji from the emojis. Accordingly, the user is able to create a contextual relationship among the selected emojis and share the same to the recipient.

In some embodiments, the message that user sent or received will be parsed to create or suggest an equivalent emoji as a response based on the user's historical responses, context, etc., when a similar situation arises. Once any modified emoji is sent to any recipient, then user can also alter the animation behavior or even the shape of the emoji based on the IoT based signals created by the user.

In some embodiments, modification behavior of the emojis may be learned, and therefore, the same may be created dynamically and with recommendations of appropriate modification of the emoji for the user.

In some embodiments, a smart speaker with a virtual assistant technology, such as virtual assistant AI technology, may be utilized. Here, the sending user may instruct the virtual assistant with respect to target user details, in order to prompt a suggestion of a meme or A/V or multimedia content that the sending and/or receiving user likes (e.g. has had historical data or personal connections to). In response, the emoji may be auto-modified and stored in the emoji library.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, messaging software in a social networking application may provide an emoji library. Each and every emoji in the emoji library may be considered to be a base template for an emoji to be created or modified. Each emoji in the emoji library may be able to be selected individually, and multiple emojis may be selected at a given time. An emoji editing API may be provided such that, when any emoji is selected, the selected emoji may be displayed for editing. The emoji editing API will provide editing capability for modifying the emoji based on an IoT device input feed(s) of the surrounding IoT device input feed(s). Each and every emoji may be constructed with multiple parts (e.g. multiple individual emoji image layer portions), and each and every part may be uniquely identifiable, have its own metadata, and be individually editable.

The emoji editing API may receive the IoT sensor input feed and the emoji will be edited based on the IoT sensor feed. The position of the IoT devices may be uniquely identified, for example, wearable devices may identify the hands, smart contact lens may identify the position of the eyes, etc. At a given time, the user may select multiple emojis and the same will be shown on the emoji editing API on the user device. While the selected emojis are displayed on the emoji editing API, then the same can be used for editing the emojis. Any emoji may be selected from the emoji editing API and then edited.

When an emoji is selected on the emoji editing API, the user can select to perform various actions. The IoT devices will be tracking user's activities, e.g. walking, blinking, movement, hand-based movement, etc. The IoT device input feed will be transmitted or communicated to the emoji editing API and, accordingly, different portions of the emojis (e.g. various individual emoji image layer portions) will be showing appropriate orientation and movement. As different portion of emoji is mapped with different portion of body and the IoT sensor positions ae also mapped, so the proposed system will identify which portion of the emoji needs to be modified. The modified emoji will be shown in the emoji editing API, and accordingly, the user's mobility or actions will also be recorded. Based on the action or movement, an animated emoji may be created. At a given time, the user can select multiple emojis and then, with a finger gesture, the user is able to create a correlation with the emojis, and can create a combined emoji from multiple individual emojis (e.g. individual emoji image layer portions). Along with the IoT sensor feed, user can also perform touch interaction with the display and accordingly the emojis can be modified.

FIG.9Ais another example of a custom composite emoji image900A that may be generated based on user-selected input feed types associated with IoT device input feeds according to some embodiments. InFIG.9A, custom composite emoji image900A is custom-generated based on a composite of a base template emoji (e.g. a dark-haired, face type C emoji) and individual emoji image layer portions902,904,906, and908. Individual emoji image layer portion902(i.e. waving open hands) may be an emoji layer portion (e.g. waving in animation) that is generated or selected according to an input feed type associated with an IoT device input feed of a smart watch, a smart wrist band, or smart gloves. Individual emoji image layer portion904(i.e. eyes squeezed shut) may be an eyes squeezed shut emoji layer portion that is generated or selected according to an input feed type associated with an IoT device input feed of smart contact lenses or smartglasses. Individual emoji image layer portion906(i.e. a storm cloud) may be a storm cloud emoji layer portion that is generated or selected according to an input feed type associated with a weather input feed. Individual emoji image layer portion908(i.e. lightning) may be a lightning emoji layer portion that is generated or selected according to an input feed type associated with a weather input feed or camera. Custom composite emoji image900A may be generated based on a user selection of the above-mentioned input feed types and a deselection of all others.

FIG.9Bis an illustrative diagram900B showing other examples of custom composite emoji images922and924which may be generated based on user-selected input feed types associated with IoT device input feeds according to some embodiments. Custom composite emoji images922and924may correspond to a user scenario depiction920, which shows a businessman in an office, yawning with his hand waving over his mouth.

InFIG.9B, custom composite emoji image922is custom-generated based on a composite of a base template emoji (e.g. a standard smiling face emoji) and individual emoji image layer portions940and942. Custom composite emoji image922may resemble and even meant to replicate, at least in part, a standard emoji of a yawning face. Individual emoji image layer portion940(i.e. hand waving over open mouth) may be a arm/hand emoji layer portion that is generated or selected according to an input feed type associated with an IoT device input feed of a smart watch, smart gloves, a smart wrist band. Individual emoji image layer portion942(i.e. eyes squinting) may be an eyes squinting emoji layer portion that is generated or selected according to an input feed type associated with an IoT device input feed of smart contact lenses or smartglasses. Custom composite emoji image922may be generated based on a user selection of the above-mentioned input feed types and a deselection of all others.

With reference now to custom composite emoji image924ofFIG.9B, individual emoji image layer portion950(i.e. a sun behind cloud) may be a sun behind cloud emoji layer portion that is generated or selected according to an input feed type associated with a weather input feed. Individual emoji image layer portion952(e.g. office chair) may be an office chair emoji layer portion that is generated or selected according to location (e.g. geo-location, Wi-Fi network or Wi-Fi hotspot location, social media check-in location, etc.), and/or according to an input feed type associated with an IoT device input feed of smart shoes or a thigh/leg wearable. Individual emoji image layer portion954(e.g. music notes with keyboard) may be a music with keyboard emoji layer portion that is generated or selected according to an input feed type associated with a sound IoT device input feed (e.g. from a microphone, or audio detection or player system) which distinguishes, by sound or metadata, amongst types of main instruments, genres, style, and tempo.

In some preferred embodiments, individual emoji image layer portions may be generated or selected in a more accurate manner utilizing data from two or more different input feeds of different input feed types. With respect to the above example ofFIG.9B, individual emoji image layer portion952(e.g. the office chair) may be an office chair emoji layer portion that is generated or selected according to location (e.g. geo-location, Wi-Fi network or Wi-Fi hotspot location, social media check-in location, etc.), and an IoT device input feed of smart shoes or a thigh/leg wearable.

Referring now toFIG.10, a schematic diagram of an example of a computing device1010which may operate in a computing environment is shown. Computing device1010is only one example of a suitable user device for the relevant computing environment of the present disclosure (i.e. user device110or user device120of communication system100ofFIG.1), and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of embodiments of the invention described herein. Regardless, computing device1010is capable of being implemented and/or performing any of the functionality set forth herein.

Computer system1012may be described in the general context of computer system executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer system. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and so on that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.

As shown inFIG.10, computer system1012is shown in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of computer system1012may include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units1015, a system memory1035, and a bus1018that couples various system components including system memory1035to processing units1015.

Computer system1012typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. Such media may be any available media that is accessible by computer system1012, and it includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

System memory1035can include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM)1030and/or cache memory1032. Computer system1012may further include other removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, storage system1034can be provided for reading from and writing to a nonremovable, non-volatile magnetic media (not shown and typically called a “hard drive”). Although not shown, a magnetic disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media can be provided. In such instances, each can be connected to bus1018by one or more data media interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below, memory1035may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules that are configured to carry out the functions of embodiments of the invention.

Program/utility1040, having a set (at least one) of program modules1042(e.g., a composite emoji image generator, an emoji image layer portion generator or selector, a user selection filter, a presentation manager, etc.) may be stored in memory1035by way of example, and not limitation, as well as an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data or some combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networking environment. Program modules1042generally carry out the functions and/or methodologies of embodiments of the invention as described herein.

Computer system1012may also communicate with one or more external devices1014such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display1024, etc.; one or more devices that enable a user to interact with computer system1012; and/or any devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.) that enable computer system1012to communicate with one or more other computing devices. Such communication can occur via Input/Output (I/O) interfaces1022. Still yet, computer system1012can communicate with one or more networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via network adapter1025. As depicted, network adapter1025communicates with the other components of computer system1012via bus1018. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardware and/or software components could be used in conjunction with computer system1012. Examples, include, but are not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems, etc.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings represent only a few of the many ways of implementing embodiments for the generation of composite emoji images based on user-selected input feed types associated with IoT device input feeds.

It is to be understood that the software of the present invention embodiments (e.g., the IoT-based emoji image generator, or portions thereof, including the emoji image layer portion generator(s) or selector(s), the user selection filter, the composite emoji image generator, the presentation manager, etc.) may be implemented in any desired computer language and could be developed by one of ordinary skill in the computer arts based on the functional descriptions contained in the specification and flowcharts illustrated in the drawings. Further, any references herein of software performing various functions generally refer to computer systems or processors performing those functions under software control. The computer systems of the present invention embodiments may alternatively be implemented by any type of hardware and/or other processing circuitry.

The software of the present invention embodiments (e.g., the IoT device input feed based emoji image generator, or portions thereof, including the emoji image layer portion generator or selector, the user selection filter, the composite emoji image generator, the presentation manager, etc.) may be available on a non-transitory computer useable medium (e.g., magnetic or optical mediums, magneto-optic mediums, floppy diskettes, CD-ROM, DVD, memory devices, etc.) of a stationary or portable program product apparatus or device for use with stand-alone systems or systems connected by a network or other communications medium.

The system may employ any number of any conventional or other databases, data stores or storage structures (e.g., files, databases, data structures, data or other repositories, etc.) to store information (e.g., emoji library information, emoji images, emoji image layer portions, etc.). The database system may be implemented by any number of any conventional or other databases, data stores or storage structures (e.g., files, databases, data structures, data or other repositories, etc.) to store information (e.g., emoji library information, emoji images, emoji image layer portions, etc.). The database system may be included within or coupled to the server and/or client systems. The database systems and/or storage structures may be remote from or local to the computer or other processing systems, and may store any desired data (e.g., emoji library information, emoji images, emoji image layer portions, etc.).

The present invention embodiments are not limited to the specific tasks or algorithms described above, but may be varied according to requirements and/or tools utilized as one ordinarily skilled in the art would readily appreciate.