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: 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: Systems, methods and apparatuses for vaporizing all or substantially all plant matter, liquid and/or other material to be vaporized are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention comprise a vaporization chamber sealed except for at least two conduits, heating element, a first conduit coupled to a source of fully or almost fully non-oxygenated gas, a heating element capable of heating the vaporization chamber to a temperature above a combustion temperature, a second conduit configured to transport vaporization gases and vaporized elements out of the vaporization chamber and at least one valve positioned in the second conduit preventing the flow of atmospheric air into the vaporization chamber. In some instances, the first gas substantially clears the vaporization chamber of atmospheric air prior to reaching combustion temperature. A second gas containing oxygen may be intermixed with the vaporization gases and vaporized elements proximal to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A sound button devices, systems, and methods for sound buttons capable of emitting sound using less power, greater sound transmissibility, and/or greater resistance to damage and that allow for training both non-humans and humans to communicate more effectively than previously possible In typical embodiments, the sound button may comprise a shell, a switch operably connected to a printed circuit board (“PCB”), a button cap assembly operably coupled to the shell, the button cap assembly comprising a button cap having at least one recess, the at least one recess having a hole; and a speaker facing toward the button cap, where, when a force is applied to the button cap, the button cap and the speaker move together to actuate the switch, thereby causing the speaker to emit a sound.

Abstract: Devices for providing language-like abilities for dogs. Using polygonal layouts, audible, scent, visible and other cues, the devices provide an efficient and novel ability to communicate with dogs in a granular manner. Devices for capturing and releasing scents are provided. Novel button designs and functions are taught with particular suitability for animal training.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for vaporizing all or substantially all plant matter, liquid and/or other material to be vaporized are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention comprise a vaporization chamber sealed except for at least two conduits, heating element, a first conduit coupled to a source of fully or almost fully non-oxygenated gas, a heating element capable of heating the vaporization chamber to a temperature above a combustion temperature, a second conduit configured to transport vaporization gases and vaporized elements out of the vaporization chamber and at least one valve positioned in the second conduit preventing the flow of atmospheric air into the vaporization chamber. In some instances, the first gas substantially clears the vaporization chamber of atmospheric air prior to reaching combustion temperature. A second gas containing oxygen may be intermixed with the vaporization gases and vaporized elements proximal to the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A game engine is configured to accept human intelligence tasks as in-game content and present the in-game content to the game player. A method performed by the game engine enables performance of human intelligence tasks, such as visual discrimination, in a video game context. The game engine may receive a definition of human intelligence tasks from one or more remote sources. The game engine may present the human intelligence tasks to multiple video game participants as in-game content. The game engine defines and enables game play rules for the in-game content. The game play rules set parameters for the multiple video game participants to perform the human intelligence tasks to achieve desired results. The game engine may award each of the multiple video game participants an improved game score upon successful performance of the human intelligence tasks in accordance with the game play rules. The game engine may measure success by consistency in responses between different participants or trials.

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: Digital image data including discrete photographic images of a variety of different subjects, times, and so forth, are collected and analyzed to identify specific features in the photographs. In an embodiment of the invention, distinctive markers are distributed to aid in the identification of particular subject matter. Facial recognition may also be employed. The digital image data is maintained in a database and quarried in response to search requests. The search requests include criteria specifying any feature category or other identifying information, such as date, time, and location that each photograph was taken, associated with each photograph. Candidate images are provided for review by requesters, who may select desired images for purchase or downloading.

Abstract: A multi-instance, multi-user animation platform includes a plurality of modeled parallel dimensions in a computer memory. Each of the parallel dimensions may be an independent model of a physical, three-dimensional space having corresponding features such that the parallel dimensions are recognizable as counterparts to each other. Avatars are located within corresponding ones of the parallel dimensions so as to prevent over-population of any one of the parallel dimensions by avatars. Avatars are animated within different ones of the parallel dimensions using input from respective users to provide virtual-reality data. A common space is modeled in the computer memory configured in relation to the plurality of parallel instances so that an object located inside the common space is visible from viewpoints located inside each of the plurality of parallel instances. Remote clients may output an animated display of a corresponding one of the parallel dimensions and avatars therein.

Abstract: Devices for determining the likelihood that a user of a primary monitoring device (“PMD”) has developed a medical condition, generally comprising sensors coupled to the PMD, wherein the PMD detects changes to sensor readings over time, and wherein the changes indicate a change in the likelihood that a user of the PMD has developed a medical condition. In some embodiments, motion sensors are operably coupled to the PMD, and the PMD monitors and saves data relating to characteristics of motion detected, which are used to determine whether there has been a change in a likelihood that a user is undergoing a medical event. In further embodiments, the PMD comprises cameras, and the PMD monitors and saves data relating to movement of a user's eyes, which is utilized to determine whether there has been a change to a likelihood that the user is currently undergoing a medical event.

Abstract: Devices for providing language-like abilities for dogs. Using polygonal layouts, audible, scent, visible and other cues, the devices provide an efficient and novel ability to communicate with dogs in a granular manner. Devices for capturing and releasing scents are provided. Novel button designs and functions are taught with particular suitability for animal training.

Abstract: A game engine is configured to accept human intelligence tasks as in-game content and present the in-game content to the game player. A method performed by the game engine enables performance of human intelligence tasks, such as visual discrimination, in a video game context. The game engine may receive a definition of human intelligence tasks from one or more remote sources. The game engine may present the human intelligence tasks to multiple video game participants as in-game content. The game engine defines and enables game play rules for the in-game content. The game play rules set parameters for the multiple video game participants to perform the human intelligence tasks to achieve desired results. The game engine may award each of the multiple video game participants an improved game score upon successful performance of the human intelligence tasks in accordance with the game play rules. The game engine may measure success by consistency in responses between different participants or trials.

Abstract: A multi-instance, multi-user animation platform includes a plurality of modeled parallel dimensions in a computer memory. Each of the parallel dimensions may be an independent model of a physical, three-dimensional space having corresponding features such that the parallel dimensions are recognizable as counterparts to each other. Avatars are located within corresponding ones of the parallel dimensions so as to prevent over-population of any one of the parallel dimensions by avatars. Avatars are animated within different ones of the parallel dimensions using input from respective users to provide virtual-reality data. A common space is modeled in the computer memory configured in relation to the plurality of parallel instances so that an object located inside the common space is visible from viewpoints located inside each of the plurality of parallel instances. Remote clients may output an animated display of a corresponding one of the parallel dimensions and avatars therein.

Abstract: A multi-instance, multi-user animation platform includes a plurality of modeled parallel dimensions in a computer memory. Each of the parallel dimensions may be an independent model of a physical, three-dimensional space having corresponding features such that the parallel dimensions are recognizable as counterparts to each other. Avatars are located within corresponding ones of the parallel dimensions so as to prevent over-population of any one of the parallel dimensions by avatars. Avatars are animated within different ones of the parallel dimensions using input from respective users to provide virtual-reality data. A common space is modeled in the computer memory configured in relation to the plurality of parallel instances so that an object located inside the common space is visible from viewpoints located inside each of the plurality of parallel instances. Remote clients may output an animated display of a corresponding one of the parallel dimensions and avatars therein.

Abstract: A multi-instance, multi-user animation platform includes a plurality of modeled parallel dimensions in a computer memory. Each of the parallel dimensions may be an independent model of a physical, three-dimensional space having corresponding features such that the parallel dimensions are recognizable as counterparts to each other. Avatars are located within corresponding ones of the parallel dimensions so as to prevent over-population of any one of the parallel dimensions by avatars. Avatars are animated within different ones of the parallel dimensions using input from respective users to provide virtual-reality data. A common space is modeled in the computer memory configured in relation to the plurality of parallel instances so that an object located inside the common space is visible from viewpoints located inside each of the plurality of parallel instances. Remote clients may output an animated display of a corresponding one of the parallel dimensions and avatars therein.

Abstract: A guest management method and system for an online multi-player virtual reality environment or social networking site. A network interface receives guest access requests from guest clients and input data from a plurality of remotely-located clients. The input data is operative to control avatars associated with the clients in a modeled virtual reality environment. A memory holds program instructions for determining whether the guest access is associated with a member client. If the guest access request is associated with the member client, then the guest client is allowed to access the virtual reality environment via a guest avatar. The guest avatar's movements in the virtual reality environment are restricted based on a location of a member avatar controlled by the associated member client. For example, the guest avatar may only be permitted to move within an area that is bounded by a perimeter about the member avatar.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system facilitate efficient creation of virtual places and provide tools for using the virtual places. The virtual places include a virtual real estate listing, newsworthy place and a virtual box seat. Tools are provided including an automatic declutter tool and a staging tool.

Abstract: Digital image data including discrete photographic images of a variety of different subjects, times, and so forth, are collected and analyzed to identify specific features in the photographs. In an embodiment of the invention, distinctive markers are distributed to aid in the identification of particular subject matter. Facial recognition may also be employed. The digital image data is maintained in a database and quarried in response to search requests. The search requests include criteria specifying any feature category or other identifying information, such as date, time, and location that each photograph was taken, associated with each photograph. Candidate images are provided for review by requesters, who may select desired images for purchase or downloading.

Abstract: Devices for determining the likelihood that a user of a primary monitoring device (“PMD”) has developed a medical condition, generally comprising sensors coupled to the PMD, wherein the PMD detects changes to sensor readings over time, and wherein the changes indicate a change in the likelihood that a user of the PMD has developed a medical condition. In some embodiments, motion sensors are operably coupled to the PMD, and the PMD monitors and saves data relating to characteristics of motion detected, which are used to determine whether there has been a change in a likelihood that a user is undergoing a medical event. In further embodiments, the PMD comprises cameras, and the PMD monitors and saves data relating to movement of a user's eyes, which is utilized to determine whether there has been a change to a likelihood that the user is currently undergoing a medical event.