Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for controlling robot pixels to display a visual representation of an input. The input to the system could be an image of a face, and the robot pixels deploy in a physical arrangement to display a visual representation of the face, and would change their physical arrangement over time to represent changing facial expressions. The robot pixels function as a display device for a given allocation of robot pixels. Techniques are also disclosed for distributed collision avoidance among multiple non-holonomic robots to guarantee smooth and collision-free motions. The collision avoidance technique works for multiple robots by decoupling path planning and coordination.

Abstract: Systems and methods configured to deliver fluids to an array of plant deliver different fluids to different plants or groups of plants. The fluids include one or more of nutrients, dyes, insecticides, and/or herbicides. Delivery may be controlled such that a graphic and/or image is depicted by an array of plants or groups of plants.

Abstract: Objects in a virtual space may be non-traversable such that traversal by characters of the virtual space through such objects is not permitted by the physics of the virtual space. Objects may be relocated during interactive gameplay. A navigation map of the virtual space is updated interactively, e.g. after an object has been relocated, by determining which regions are traversable or non-traversable, the boundaries of these regions, and which boundaries separate adjacent traversable regions. The updated navigation map may be queried on behalf of a non-player character in the virtual space, e.g. to determine where to go and/or how to get there.

Abstract: Methods for content-aware image compression are disclosed. One method comprises the steps of non-uniformly downscaling an original input image according to a saliency map, creating a residual image, encoding the residual image and downscaled input image, and transmitting the residual image and downscaled input image. The encoded image components are transmitted to a receiver. Downscaling may be performed using an aspect ratio that is automatically calculated from the saliency map. The saliency map may be based on an algorithm specified at an encoder or on regions of interest selected by a plurality of users of receivers that receive the transmitted encoded image components.

Abstract: A movable robotic structure including a frame or substrate, an outer skin connected to at least a portion of the frame and a vacuum source in fluid communication with the outer skin. The vacuum source, such as a vacuum pump, is activated to pull the outer skin into engagement with an outer surface of the frame. When pulled by the vacuum source, the skin may conform to the topography or texture of the frame, as well as become taut over at least a portion of the frame.

Abstract: A ride adapted for providing riders or passengers with a unique ride experience. The ride includes a first turntable assembly including a first turntable and a drive mechanism operable to rotate the first turntable about a rotation axis extending vertically through the first turntable. The ride apparatus includes a second turntable assembly that is supported on the first turntable, and the second turntable assembly includes a second turntable and a drive mechanism operable to rotate the secondary turntable about a rotation axis extending vertically through the second turntable. The ride apparatus includes a number of passenger vehicles mounted on the second turntable that are rotated to maintain an angular orientation to cause the vehicles to face a focal point or area on a projection surface provided about the turntables. The drive mechanisms are operable to independently rotate the first and second turntables about the rotation axes, e.g., no mechanical linkage.

Abstract: A device and method for an asset protection scheme includes receiving, by a data chunk serving server, a first request for an asset from a client device; transmitting, by the data chunk serving server, a plurality of data chunks to the client device, each of the data chunks corresponding to a portion of the asset; receiving, by a key serving server, a second request for key data from the client device, the key data corresponding to data removed from the asset to create the plurality of data chunks, wherein the plurality of data chunks and the key data correspond to an entirety of the asset; and transmitting, by the key serving server, the key data to the client device.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to predict movement and behavior of a guest within a geographic region. In one embodiment, a map is received that contains locations and further contains routes connecting the locations within the geographic region. A historical data set is received that specifies actions and locations of one or more previous guests with respect to the map. A new data set is received that specifies actions and locations of a current guest within the geographic region. The new data set is correlated with the historical data set. Characteristics of the guest are interpreted based on the correlation, to generate a set of predicted future actions of the guest within the geographic region.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention broadly contemplate systems, methods, apparatuses and program products that provide position tracking using a simple, low frequency oscillator that is attached to an object to be tracked, and one or more receiving stations that are placed around the area in which the object moves. Embodiments of the invention enable position tracking of the object using light weight equipment which minimally impacts the object's natural state.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring group behavior are provided. Group behavior of different groups may be measured objectively and automatically in different environments including a dark environment. A uniform visible signal comprising images of members of a group may be obtained. Facial motion and body motions of each member may be detected and analyzed from the signal. Group behavior may be measured by aggregating facial motions and body motions of all members of the group. A facial motion such as a smile may be detected by using the Fourier Lucas-Kanade (FLK) algorithm to register and track faces of each member of a group. A flow-profile for each member of the group is generated. Group behavior may be further analyzed to determine a correlation of the group behavior and the content of the stimulus. A prediction of the general public's response to the stimulus based on the analysis of the group behavior is also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an approach for rendering granular media. According to one aspect of the disclosure, granular media are rendered using bidirectional point scattering distribution functions (BPSDFs). The dimensionality of BPSDFs may be reduced by making certain assumptions, such as random orientations of grains, thereby simplifying light transport for computational efficiency. To generate a BPSDF from a grain, light transport may be precomputed using a Monte Carlo simulation in which photons are shot onto the grain from all directions. The precomputed BPSDF may be used, during rendering, for describing the interactions within grains. When a light ray traced during rendering intersects proxy geometry which replaces grain geometry, the BPSDF may be evaluated to determine light transport. By repeating this process for many light rays in a Monte Carlo simulation, the light propagation through the granular medium may be determined.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for a video optimizer for determining relationships between events. The method comprises receiving a total number of events for a plurality of contents over a period of time, receiving a first number of events of a first content of the plurality of contents over the period of time, receiving a second number of events of the plurality of contents over the period of time, and determining a relationship between the first content and the second content based on the first number of events, the second number of events, and the total number of events. A second relationship may be determined by utilizing a first time of event by a user of the first content, a second time of event by the user of the second content, and a weighed correspondence.

Abstract: Systems and methods for efficiently distributing digital cinema files from a server to a theater are disclosed. The systems and methods may comply with DCI requirements. A server updates an original composition playlist, updates a track file associated with the updated composition playlist, and distributes the updated composition playlist and updated track file to one or more theaters over a communications network. The theater is configured to store the updated track file at a storage containing copies of all track files associated with the updated composition playlist and update the theater's original composition playlist to the updated composition playlist. The server may have a database configured to track the composition playlists and associated track files present in each theater in the system.

Abstract: Metabrushes for digital painting (such as 3D painting) are provided. Metabrushes may be defined by 3D paint strokes embedded on an elementary piece of geometry. Paint strokes are replicated in 3D over a user's painting gesture, allowing a fast embedding of numerous strokes using only a few user input gestures. Hierarchical metabrushes are further provided for providing faster and more diverse creation of digital paintings.

Abstract: The system described in this disclosure may be configured to read information stored on toy objects that indicates whether the toy objects have been used and/or are being used with other toy objects, gaming systems, and/or other devices. The system described in this disclosure may be configured to facilitate an association of the information stored on the toy objects with virtual entities in a virtual space, update virtual content associated with the virtual entities, determine relationships between users, and/or other perform other functions based on the information stored on the toy objects. The information stored on the toy objects may be updated responsive to the toy objects being used by users with other toy objects, gaming systems, and/or other devices. The use of the toy objects by users may include two or more users playing together with toy objects and/or playing with gaming systems associated with the toy objects.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to facilitate group activities in a virtual environment. An indication is conveyed of a region surrounding a first avatar as being a group activity region, upon detecting that the first avatar is leading a first group activity in the virtual environment. The region is defined by proximity to the first avatar. A second avatar is allowed to participate in the first group activity with the first avatar in the region, only when the second avatar is within the region surrounding the first avatar in the virtual environment.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for adaptive rendered environments using user context. The method comprises determining user context data corresponding to a user of a virtual environment, altering a feature of the virtual environment using the user context data to obtain an altered feature, and rendering the altered feature of the virtual environment for display. The feature may include a non-player character in the virtual environment, such as eyesight focus of the non-player character or a physical action of the non-player character. The user context data may correspond to real world position data of a user and may be determined using a camera, for example through image recognition, or using a user device. Additionally, the virtual environment may include a cinematic, interactive game, or user generated content.

Abstract: Method, system, and computer program product to manage traffic in a web services cluster using a programmable reverse proxy, by providing the reverse proxy in the cluster, the cluster hosting web services, defining, in a routing table in the reverse proxy, stacks and a weight for each stack, each stack including at least one version of a web service, receiving, at the reverse proxy, a URL requesting to access a web service, selecting one of a first stack and a second stack based on the weights of each stack, the first stack specifying a first version of the web service, the second stack specifying a second version of the web service, each of the first stack and the second stack selected at least once in a plurality of requests, and generating, at the reverse proxy, a URL directed to the version of the web service specified by the selected stack.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing distortions introduced by deformation of a surface with an existing parameterization. In one embodiment, the distortions are reduced over a user-specified convex region in texture space ensuring optimization is locally contained in areas of interest. A distortion minimization algorithm is presented that is guided by a user-supplied rigidity map of the specified region. In one embodiment, non-linear optimization is used to calculate the axis-aligned deformation of a non-uniform grid specified over the region's parameter space, so that when the space is remapped from the original to the deformed grid, the distortion of the rigid features is minimized. Since grids require minimal storage and the remapping from one grid to another entails minimal cost, grids can be precalculated for animation sequences and used for real-time texture space remapping that minimizes distortions on specified rigid features.

Abstract: System, method, and computer program product to autocorrect text for the purpose of matching words from an approved corpus, by: responsive to receiving a text input comprising a first word, validating the first word against a content corpus, wherein the content corpus comprises a plurality of words approved for display in an online chat, validating the first word against a set of rules, and upon determining that the first word of the text input is not validated against at least one of the content corpus and the set of rules, modifying the text input by replacing the first word with a first approved word from the content corpus.

Abstract: A supplemental content retrieval system is disclosed for playing supplemental video content on a video player. The system comprises a video player for playing video content, a secondary device for receiving supplemental video content, and a remote database for providing supplemental video content, wherein the video player is configured to play the supplemental video content received by the secondary device. A method for using said system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system adapted for selectively attracting an object to and moving the object on a surface. The system includes an oscillating element including a contact surface such as a computer tablet with a touch screen or a table with a ferrous surface. The system includes a drive (or vibration inducing) assembly coupled to the oscillating element operable to oscillate the oscillating element to linearly move the contact surface first in a first direction and second in a second direction opposite the first direction (e.g., along an X-axis or Y-axis). The system further includes a preferential friction assembly operating to first create an attractive force between the contact surface and the object and second to modify the attractive force. This causes the object to move with the contact surface when the attractive force is created and the contact surface to move relative to the object when the attractive force is modified.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for a platform for determining and responding to user sentiments during viewed media content. The method comprises displaying on a display, a plurality of user selectable sentiment actions to a plurality of users during broadcast of a media content, receiving a first selection of at least one of the plurality of user selectable sentiment actions from each of the plurality of users, and determining a first threshold sentiment level based on the first selection of the at least one of the plurality of user selectable sentiment actions. The method may further comprise sharing the first selection of the at least one of the plurality of user selectable sentiment actions from each of the plurality of users using a social media platform. Additionally, the method may also further comprise triggering a sentiment soundtrack corresponding to the first threshold sentiment level.

Abstract: System, method, and computer program product to generate a clip of a media file on a device having a touch input component, the media file comprising a plurality of segments, by outputting for display a first segment of the media file, responsive to receiving: (i) input indicating to generate the clip of the media file using the first segment, and (ii) a first swipe gesture on the touch input component: identifying a subset of segments, of the plurality, based on a direction of the first swipe gesture, the first subset of segments including a destination segment, and outputting for display each of the subset of segments, and responsive to receiving input selecting the destination segment as part of the clip of the media file, generating the clip of the media file, the media clip including each segment of the media file between the first and the destination segment.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for evaluating a chat message sent between users of an online environment. The method may include receiving a chat message and parsing the message into words. The method determines the acceptability of the message by matching the message to a plurality of acceptable messages stored in a data structure. Upon determining the message does not match any acceptable messages, the method replaces each word in the message with grammatical metadata. The method may use templates to determine if the message has acceptable word combinations based on the metadata. The method may also compare the metadata to rules wherein the rules determine if the message has unacceptable word combinations based on the metadata. The method may send the message to a user upon determining words in the message do not match any word in a list of unacceptable words.

Abstract: The system described in this disclosure may be configured to read information stored on toy objects that indicates whether the toy objects have been used and/or are being used with other toy objects, gaming systems, and/or other devices. The system described in this disclosure may be configured to facilitate an association of the information stored on the toy objects with virtual entities in a virtual space, update virtual content associated with the virtual entities, determine relationships between users, and/or other perform other functions based on the information stored on the toy objects. The information stored on the toy objects may be updated responsive to the toy objects being used by users with other toy objects, gaming systems, and/or other devices. The use of the toy objects by users may include two or more users playing together with toy objects and/or playing with gaming systems associated with the toy objects.

Abstract: Techniques for augmenting an appearance of a first object. Embodiments include capturing a visual scene for display. Here, the visual scene includes a physical object and wherein the visual scene is captured using one or more camera devices. The physical object is identified as a first predetermined object type, based on one or more object identifiers associated with the physical object. Embodiments also retrieve visual characteristics information corresponding to the first predetermined object type. A sequence of frames that includes the first object is then rendered for display, where the appearance the first object in the rendered sequence of frames is augmented based on the retrieved visual characteristics information and an appearance of the physical object in the captured visual scene.

Abstract: An image of a person is captured. A left eye image is located in the image. A right eye image is located in the image. A first quantity of left eye white pixels and a second quantity of left eye white pixels in the left eye image locate are determined. A left eye image ratio of the first quantity of left eye white pixels to the second quantity of left eye white pixels is calculated. A first quantity of right eye white pixels and a second quantity of right eye white pixels in the right eye image is calculated. A right eye image ratio of the first quantity of right eye white pixels to the second quantity of right eye white pixels is calculated. A gaze direction of the person is determined based upon an average ratio.

Abstract: Techniques for displaying an augmented reality toy. Embodiments capture a visual scene for display. The visual scene includes a first physical object and is captured using one or more camera devices. The first physical object is identified as a first predetermined object type, based on one or more object identifiers associated with the first physical object. Embodiments retrieve predefined geometric information corresponding to the first predetermined object type and render a sequence of frames for display in which the captured visual scene is augmented, based on the predefined geometric information.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an approach for rendering images which include subsurface scattering effects. In one aspect, a shader computes subsurface scattering effects via a ray-tracing or point-based technique using a normalized diffusion profile. The shader may use the inverse of a cumulative density function associated with the normalized diffusion profile to determine, for each ray intersecting the surface, points on the surface at which to evaluate the normalized diffusion profile. To determine the lit surface of a pixel due to subsurface scattering, the shader may multiply the result of the integral of the normalized diffusion profile for each of the R, G, and B color components by corresponding components of a diffuse color constant. Further, the shader may scale the integral of the normalized diffusion profile based on a scaling function which accounts for a forward-scattering nature of a medium and compensates for out-of-plane scattering.

Abstract: Streamed content that is a subset of a set of content is received. Further, the streamed content is stored. In addition, at least a portion of the streamed content is played. A request to download a remainder of the set of content is received. Further, a download bitrate is selected. In addition, the remainder of the set of content is received according to the download bitrate.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for evaluating a chat message sent between users of an online environment. The method may include associating each word in the chat message with metadata. The metadata identifies a word type and usage for each word in the chat message. This method may also include identifying one or more safety rules associated with the metadata. Each safety rule identifies an ordered sequence of one or more sets of words. This method may also include applying the safety rule to the chat message to determine whether a sequence of words in the chat message present in the ordered sequence of sets of words. Upon determining a word, from each set of words in the ordered sequence of sets of words, matches a respective one of the words in the chat message, the chat message is blocked from being sent to a message recipient.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for transcoding a set of key frame aligned output files from a source file. A statistics file is generated while transcoding a first output file of the set. Subsequent output files having the same frame size but different bitrates of the set may be created non-sequentially and in parallel using the statistics file.

Abstract: The present embodiments disclose techniques for transcoding media data using a virtualized network environment. This virtual environment may be hosted on one or more memory cards which each contain one or more memory chips. For example, the memory cards may include plurality of interconnected memory elements mounted on a PCB. The virtual environment may include virtual machines that execute applications that transcode the media data from one format to a different format. Because each virtual machine acts like an independent physical machine, a plurality of transcode operations may be performed in parallel on respective virtual machines. By virtualizing the transcode process, the hardware required for transcoding can be reduced relative to using a dedicated data center for transcoding the media data.

Abstract: There is provided a system and a method for ordering rays in rendered graphics for coherent shading. The method comprises recording, using the processor, intersection points for each of a plurality of directional queries in the memory, wherein each of the plurality of directional queries has one intersection point, organizing, using the processor, the intersection points in the memory into a plurality of elements, and grouping, using the processor, the intersection points in the memory by shading context. The method may further comprise shading the intersection points, wherein the shading is performed on a plurality of elements substantially concurrently. The shading context may include a volume of intersection points. In another implementation, the shading context may be one of texture ID, material ID, and element ID. Additionally, the texture ID may correspond to a mesh face ID.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for transcoding a set of key frame aligned output files from a source file. A key frame list file is generated while transcoding a first output file of the set. Subsequent output files of the set may be created non-sequentially and in parallel using the key frame list file.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an approach for determining simplified models of humanoid robots. A simplification application linearizes a robot model around a nominal state and performs a singular value decomposition of an inertial term of the model, selecting singular values and corresponding singular vectors to be kept in an inertial term of a simplified model by matching a kinetic energy of the original model to a kinetic energy of the simplified model. Further, a gravitational forces term and a velocity-dependent forces term may be determined by computing active joint torques at sample poses around the nominal pose and solving for the gravitational forces term and the velocity-dependent forces term. A mapping from the simplified model to the original model may be determined using, e.g., numerical optimization.

Abstract: A system for flock-based control of a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system includes UAVs each including a processor executing a local control module and memory accessible by the processor for use by the local control module. The system includes a ground station system with a processor executing a fleet manager module and with memory storing a different flight plan for each of the UAVs. The flight plans are stored on the UAVs, and, during flight operations, each of the local control modules independently controls the corresponding UAV to execute its flight plan without ongoing control from the fleet manager module. The fleet manager module is operable to initiate flight operations by concurrently triggering initiation of the flight plans by the multiple UAVs. Further, the local control modules monitor front and back and communication channels and, when a channel is lost, operate the UAV in a safe mode.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to distribution of media content and a system and method for presenting a user-selectable option to permit a user to change a setting for an advertising experience during presentation of such an advertising experience.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for real-time media presentation using metadata clips. There is provided a media device for providing one or more media files for a display, the media device including a memory and a processor. The memory includes a plurality of metadata clips, wherein each of the plurality of metadata clips references a referenced source media from the media files, a referenced start position, and a referenced end position. The processor can determine a playlist including some of the plurality of metadata clips for streaming segments of media files as defined by their referenced start and end positions. Flexible behaviors can also be added to enhance playback logic or to enforce access restrictions, and metadata clips and playlists may also be user generated.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to distribution of media content.

Abstract: A round ride adapted for efficient and safe maintenance of elevated components. The ride includes a central hub assembly with a hub and a hub drive adapted for selectively rotating the hub about a central axis. The hub assembly includes a plurality of vehicle support arms pivotally mounted at a first end to the hub and extending outward to a second end. The round ride includes a maintenance platform assembly with, for each of the vehicle support arms, extension plates proximate to the first end and extending outward from sides of the vehicle support arm. The extension plates each include a planar upper surface, and the planar upper surfaces are coplanar with an upper surface of the vehicle support arm. When the support arms are pivoted into a horizontal position, the upper surfaces of the plates combined with the upper surfaces of the arms creates a platform near the hub.

Abstract: There is presented a system and method for associating a domain transcendent identification (ID) of a user and a domain specific ID of the user, the system comprising an ID association server accessible by a plurality of secure domains over a network. The system also includes an ID associator application that when executed by ID association server is configured to receive a domain specific ID that associates the user to the secure domain, enter the domain specific ID in a domain transcendent ID record created for the user, generate a unique data associated with the domain transcendent ID record and identify a network location for submission of the unique data, send the unique data and the network location to the user, and associate the domain transcendent ID and the domain specific ID.

Abstract: A system for performing an aerial display. The system includes a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and a ground control system with a processor executing a fleet manager module and with memory storing a different flight plan for each of the UAVs. The system further includes a marionette with a body and articulatable appendages attached to the body. The body and appendages are supported with tether lines extending between the marionette and the UAVs. Then, during a display time period, the UAVs concurrently execute the flight plans to position and articulate the marionette within a display air space. In some embodiments, the UAVs each is a multicopter, and each of the multicopters includes a local controller operating to move the multicopter through a series of way points defined by the flight plan associated with the multicopter.

Abstract: A system for performing an aerial display. The system includes a plurality of UAVs each including a propulsion device and a display payload, and the system includes a ground station system with a processor executing a fleet manager module and memory storing a different flight plan and a set of display controls for the UAVs. Then, wherein, during a display time period, the UAVs concurrently execute the flight plans through operation of the propulsion devices and operate the display payloads based on the display controls. The display payloads each include a lighting assembly and a light controller. The output light is one of a two or more colored light streams, and each of the display payloads further may include a light diffuser with the output light being directed onto a surface of the light diffuser. The light diffuser may include a light diffusing screen extending about the lighting assembly.

Abstract: A process detects, at a first proximity-based device within a first object, presence of a second proximity-based device within a second object. The presence is within a proximity. Further, the process modifies a first display associated with the first object based upon a second display associated with the second object.

Abstract: System, method, and computer program product to trigger events in a virtual environment, by monitoring a communication in the virtual environment between at least a first user represented by a first avatar and a second user represented by a second avatar, the communication having an explicit meaning to the first and second users, determining whether the communication is predefined as a trigger associated with a corresponding event based on the communication having a secondary meaning not discernible from the explicit meaning, and upon determining that the communication is predefined as the trigger, triggering the corresponding event in the virtual environment.

Abstract: A process is utilized to provide a multi-display configuration. The process detects, at a first proximity-based device within a first display device, a presence of a second proximity-based device within a second display device. The presence is within a proximity. Further, the process displays a first portion of a multi-display image at the first display device based upon a location of the first display device relative to the second display device.

Abstract: A system for presenting an aerial display over an audience of spectators. The system includes a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and a plurality of flexible projection screens. Each of the screens is supportable in a display air space by the UAVs. The system includes a ground control system with a processor executing a fleet manager module and with memory storing a different flight plan for each of the UAVs. During operation during a display time period, the UAVs execute the flight plans to move and to position the flexible projection screens within the display air space. The flexible projection screens each may include a mesh body configured to have low wind resistance and to provide a projection surface for reflecting light. The system may include a projector projecting light onto the projection surface of at least one of the flexible projection screens during the display time period.

Abstract: A system and method generates a broadcast image. The method includes receiving a first image captured by a first camera having a first configuration incorporating a first center of projection. The method includes determining a first mapping from a first image plane of the first camera onto a sphere. The method includes determining a second mapping from the sphere to a second image plane of a second virtual camera having a second configuration incorporating the first center of projection of the first configuration. The method includes generating a second image based upon the first image and a concatenation of the first and second mappings.