Abstract: A watercraft is disclosed which has the ability to automatically adjust one of its planes in relation to a surface of water to achieve useful goals.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for incorporating a representation of a participant into a virtual 3D environment substantially in real-time is provided. An image including a participant is captured by a camera. A contour of the participant is automatically determined. Depth data is automatically associated with the participant contour. A first virtual 3D representation of the participant is automatically generated by extruding the participant contour based on the associated depth data. An interaction between the first virtual 3D representation of the participant and a second virtual 3D representation of a second object is displayed.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for providing location-based services using a mobile device is provided. A first anchor is generated by sensing a location-identifying physical characteristic proximate to a mobile device present at a first location and generating a representation of the location-identifying physical characteristic; determining a descriptive identification of the first location; and combining the descriptive identification and the representation of the location-identifying physical characteristic. The first anchor is transmitted to a computer remote from the first location. A request is made to a remote computer for a chronotope retrieved from a database of previously generated anchors, the received chronotope indicating a logical distance between the first anchor and a second anchor, wherein the second anchor is associated with a second location distinct from the first location.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for providing location-based services using a mobile device is provided. A first anchor is generated by sensing a location-identifying physical characteristic proximate to a mobile device present at a first location and generating a representation of the location-identifying physical characteristic; determining a descriptive identification of the first location; and combining the descriptive identification and the representation of the location-identifying physical characteristic. The first anchor is transmitted to a computer remote from the first location. A request is made to a remote computer for a chronotope retrieved from a database of previously generated anchors, the received chronotope indicating a logical distance between the first anchor and a second anchor, wherein the second anchor is associated with a second location distinct from the first location.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods are described for a simulation and/or user interface environment. Image data and actual measured depth data of a real object from a real-world scene is acquired via one or more sensors. There is matching of the resolution of the image data and actual measured depth data as well as a linking formed between the image data and actual measured depth data for each pixel representing the real-world object in the scene. The actual measured depth data of the real-world object is processed to extract normal vector data to the surface of the real-world object. occlusion, lighting, and any physics-based interaction effects are based on at least the image data and actual measured depth data.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for processing video is provided. A first image and a second image are captured by a camera. A feature present in the first camera image and the second camera image is identified. A first location value of the feature within the first camera image is identified. A second location value of the feature within the second camera image is identified. An intermediate location value of the feature based at least in part on the first location value and the second location value is determined. The intermediate location value and the second location value are communicated to a physics simulation.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for providing location-based services using a mobile device is provided. A location of a mobile device is automatically determined. A user context is generated based at least on a user preference and the automatically determined location of the mobile device, wherein the user preference represents at least a content interest of a user. A request is made to a computer remote from the location of the mobile device for an available service relevant to the user context and compatible with a capability of the mobile device. The available service is executed using the mobile device.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for providing location-based services using a mobile device is provided. A first anchor is generated by sensing a location-identifying physical characteristic proximate to a mobile device present at a first location and generating a representation of the location-identifying physical characteristic; determining a descriptive identification of the first location; and combining the descriptive identification and the representation of the location-identifying physical characteristic. The first anchor is transmitted to a computer remote from the first location. A request is made to a remote computer for a chronotope retrieved from a database of previously generated anchors, the received chronotope indicating a logical distance between the first anchor and a second anchor, wherein the second anchor is associated with a second location distinct from the first location.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for inputting transient data into a persistent world is provided. The method includes capturing sensor data from a sensor. The method further includes detecting a condition, wherein the detection is based at least in part on the match of a detection criteria from a database of a plurality of detection criteria to the captured sensor data. The method includes interpreting the detected condition, wherein the interpretation is based at least in part on the match of an interpretation criteria from a database of a plurality of interpretation criteria to the detected condition. And, the method includes registering the interpretation of the detected condition with a virtual object in a simulation.