Abstract: A method of simulating physics in a virtual worlds system includes selecting at least one of the client devices participating in an instance of a scene as a physics host, the physics host determining subsequent states of objects and sending the subsequent states to one or more processors of a server, the subsequent states of objects comprising one or more of: subsequent locations, orientations, velocities and accelerations determined based on characteristics of the objects and constraints for simulating physics consistent with the new instance of the scene of the virtual worlds system.

Abstract: Aspects are disclosed for enhancing digital media. In an aspect, a target object in a primary image is identified, and reference images that include the target object are located. The target object is then modified within the primary image according to data derived from analyzing the reference image. In another aspect, a primary file is received, and at least one reference file is referenced to generate enhancement data that facilitates enhancing the primary file from an extrapolation of the reference file. In yet another aspect, media files corresponding to a common event are aggregated, and a desired enhancement of a primary file is identified. Here, the desired enhancement corresponds to a modification of an obstruction included in the primary file. A reference file which includes data associated with the desired enhancement is then referenced, and the obstructed data is modified based on replacement data extrapolated from the reference file.

Abstract: A method of providing information for display on a display of an immersive display. The method includes obtaining information utilized for displaying a first image in front of a first eye and a second image in front of a second eye of a user of the immersive display, excluding part of the information to yield adjusted information to occlude or replace first information from a first area of the first image and second information from a second area of a second image when displayed on the immersive display, and providing the adjusted information for displaying the first image absent the first area and the second image absent the second area on the immersive display.

Abstract: A method of providing information for display on a display of an immersive display. The method includes obtaining information utilized for displaying a first image in front of a first eye and a second image in front of a second eye of a user of the immersive display, excluding part of the information to yield adjusted information to occlude or replace first information from a first area of the first image and second information from a second area of a second image when displayed on the immersive display, and providing the adjusted information for displaying the first image absent the first area and the second image absent the second area on the immersive display.

Abstract: Aspects are disclosed for enhancing digital media. In an aspect, a target object in a primary image is identified, and reference images that include the target object are located. The target object is then modified within the primary image according to data derived from analyzing the reference image. In another aspect, a primary file is received, and at least one reference file is referenced to generate enhancement data that facilitates enhancing the primary file from an extrapolation of the reference file. In yet another aspect, media files corresponding to a common event are aggregated, and a desired enhancement of a primary file is identified. Here, the desired enhancement corresponds to a modification of an obstruction included in the primary file. A reference file which includes data associated with the desired enhancement is then referenced, and the obstructed data is modified based on replacement data extrapolated from the reference file.

Abstract: A recorded experience in a virtual worlds system may be played back by one or more servers instantiating a new instance of a scene using one or more processors of the one or more servers and playing back the recorded experience in the new instance by modeling objects of a recorded initial scene state of the recorded experience in the new instance and updating the recorded initial scene state based on subsequent recorded changes over a time period, a recorded experience file includes the recorded initial scene state and the subsequent recorded changes and is stored in one or more memories of the one or more servers. One or more client devices are in communication with the one or more servers to participate in the new instance.

Abstract: A system for displaying a digital scratcher ticket on a device having an interactive display. A backend data storage and processing unit creates and stores data corresponding to a digital scratcher ticket having a unique identifier. A trigger mechanism storage and processing generates a trigger signal for use by the device. Upon receipt of the trigger signal by the device, the device receives the stored data corresponding to a digital scratcher ticket created by the backend data storage and processing unit. The device then validates the data with the backend data storage and processing unit. The validated data is used to display the digital scratcher on the interactive display, but the displayed digital scratcher ticket is hidden until a user of the device interacts with the interactive display to reveal the digital scratcher ticket.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a method and apparatus for presenting unsolicited data to users without interrupting the user's activities, wherein the presentation of the unsolicited data is monitored and is available for review by the user at the user's convenience. Embodiments of the invention comprise a content and display manager, wherein the content and display manager include a display monitor, a content delivery system and a content controller. The display monitor selects the display of content to the users, in part, by reviewing a marker which defines the last time that content was displayed to the user and the type of content displayed. The content delivery system transmits a content window to a user computer via the controller.

Abstract: A recorded experience in a virtual worlds system may be played back by one or more servers instantiating a new instance of a scene using one or more processors of the one or more servers and playing back the recorded experience in the new instance by modeling objects of a recorded initial scene state of the recorded experience in the new instance and updating the recorded initial scene state based on subsequent recorded changes over a time period, a recorded experience file includes the recorded initial scene state and the subsequent recorded changes and is stored in one or more memories of the one or more servers. One or more client devices are in communication with the one or more servers to participate in the new instance.

Abstract: Content which is related to content being displayed on an out-of-home display screen is synchronized with content being shown on an out-of-home display screen. A mobile device operates to receive content which is related to the content being displayed on the out-of-home display screen. The system operates based on mobile device location, out-of-home display screen location and the time of day. Based on the time and locations, a server can determine what content is on the display screen and can therefore serve related content based on that to the mobile device. It works passively with periodic regular updates of the mobile device location or actively through the use of a button (touch screen, keyboard, etc.) on the mobile device to signal the server to check its location and therefore identifying which display screen the mobile device is near.

Abstract: A method of operating an immersive display includes obtaining first images of environment in a first region in front of the immersive display, obtaining second images of environment in a second region outside the first region, which second region is not in front of the immersive display, displaying the first images of the environment on a first area of at least one display of the immersive display to provide a field of view of the environment in front of the immersive display, and displaying the second images of the environment in the second region on a second area of the at least one display to provide images outside the field of view of the environment in front of the immersive display. The first area is delineated from the second area.

Abstract: Systems and methods of virtual world interaction, operation, implementation, instantiation, creation, and other functions related to virtual worlds (note that where the term “virtual world” is used herein, it is to be understood as referring to virtual world systems, virtual environments reflecting real, simulated, fantasy, or other structures, and includes information systems that utilize interaction within a 3D environment). Various embodiments facilitate interoperation between and within virtual worlds, and may provide consistent structures for operating virtual worlds. The disclosed embodiments may further enable individuals to build new virtual worlds within a framework, and allow third party users to better interact with those worlds.

Abstract: Methods of aggregating and collaborating Internet searches, search pathways and components, and performing collaborative searches are disclosed. Data from a plurality of related Internet searches may be aggregated and analyzed to identify common content, pathways and search criteria to determine intent. Subsequent searches by the same or other persons for similar groupings of searches may be directed to the results output from the initial searches. The output from searches may be displayed in a dynamic results page, a word cloud, or other two-dimensional or three-dimensional formats in which users may change the weighting of certain search results, or link words in the results page. Collaborate searches may be performed, wherein a person may simultaneously see searches performed by other persons. Thus, the present invention advantageously displays search results that are particularly appropriate and relevant in much less time than individual searches would take to perform.

Abstract: Aspects are disclosed for enhancing digital media. In an aspect, a target object in a primary image is identified, and reference images that include the target object are located. The target object is then modified within the primary image according to data derived from analyzing the reference image. In another aspect, a primary file is received, and at least one reference file is referenced to generate enhancement data that facilitates enhancing the primary file from an extrapolation of the reference file. In yet another aspect, media files corresponding to a common event are aggregated, and a desired enhancement of a primary file is identified. Here, the desired enhancement corresponds to a modification of an obstruction included in the primary file. A reference file which includes data associated with the desired enhancement is then referenced, and the obstructed data is modified based on replacement data extrapolated from the reference file.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a method and apparatus for presenting unsolicited data to users without interrupting the user's activities, wherein the presentation of the unsolicited data is monitored and is available for review by the user at the user's convenience. Embodiments of the invention comprise a content and display manager, wherein the content and display manager include a display monitor, a content delivery system and a content controller. The display monitor selects the display of content to the users, in part, by reviewing a marker which defines the last time that content was displayed to the user and the type of content displayed. The content delivery system transmits a content window to a user computer via the controller.

Abstract: Systems and methods of virtual world interaction, operation, implementation, instantiation, creation, and other functions related to virtual worlds (note that where the term “virtual world” is used herein, it is to be understood as referring to virtual world systems, virtual environments reflecting real, simulated, fantasy, or other structures, and includes information systems that utilize interaction within a 3D environment). Various embodiments facilitate interoperation between and within virtual worlds, and may provide consistent structures for operating virtual worlds. The disclosed embodiments may further enable individuals to build new virtual worlds within a framework, and allow third party users to better interact with those worlds.

Abstract: An electronic device for touch translation includes a body, a plurality of pins extending from the body, the pins including couplings to facilitate movement of a first portion relative to a second portion of the pins, the pins being controllable to control movement of the first portion relative to the second portion and to control force applied by the pins on an external object. Sensors cooperating with the pins detect forces externally applied to the pins and a communication subsystem is utilized to communicate over a network, with a remote electronic device.

Abstract: Content which is related to content being provided by a media source is synchronized with content being provided by the media source. A mobile device operates to receive content which is related to the content being provided by the media source. The system operates based on mobile device location, and the media source location. Based on the location, a server can determine what content is being provided by the media source and can therefore serve related content based on that to the mobile device. It works passively with periodic regular updates of the mobile device location or actively through the use of a button (touch screen, keyboard, etc.) on the mobile device to signal the server to check its location and therefore identifying which media source the mobile device is near.

Abstract: Aspects are disclosed for enhancing digital media. In an aspect, a target object in a primary image is identified, and reference images that include the target object are located. The target object is then modified within the primary image according to data derived from analyzing the reference image. In another aspect, a primary file is received, and at least one reference file is referenced to generate enhancement data that facilitates enhancing the primary file from an extrapolation of the reference file. In yet another aspect, media files corresponding to a common event are aggregated, and a desired enhancement of a primary file is identified. Here, the desired enhancement corresponds to a modification of an obstruction included in the primary file. A reference file which includes data associated with the desired enhancement is then referenced, and the obstructed data is modified based on replacement data extrapolated from the reference file.

Abstract: Content which is related to content being displayed on an out-of-home display screen is synchronized with content being shown on an out-of-home display screen. A mobile device operates to receive content which is related to the content being displayed on the out-of-home display screen. The system operates based on mobile device location, out-of-home display screen location and the time of day. Based on the time and locations, a server can determine what content is on the display screen and can therefore serve related content based on that to the mobile device. It works passively with periodic regular updates of the mobile device location or actively through the use of a button (touch screen, keyboard, etc.) on the mobile device to signal the server to check its location and therefore identifying which display screen the mobile device is near.