Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for generating a content page having a plurality of layers. The technique includes detecting a first application event associated with a first layer included in a plurality of layers of a content page and accessing, via a template file, at least one parameter of the first layer that corresponds to the first application event. The technique further includes modifying at least one aspect of the first layer based on the first application event and the at least one parameter to generate a first modified layer, and outputting the first modified layer for display.

Abstract: A system for producing a live performance combining separate performances of remote players comprises a plurality of connected computing devices transmitting a plurality of communication streams to one another in series. The system can employ the plurality of series conceded computing devices, each for receiving and playing back an immediate predecessor communication stream from an immediate predecessor computing device, and each for capturing and transmitting a current performance along with the played back immediate predecessor communication stream. Typically, the individual performances of remote players can comprise live instrument music and/or vocals which can also include live video.

Abstract: A technique for modifying a virtual reality (VR) environment via a first computing device includes establishing a network connection with a VR application that is executing on a second computing device and generating the VR environment, receiving metadata associated with the VR environment from the second computing device via the network connection, receiving at least one user input VIA the first computing device, and, based on the metadata and on the at least one user input, transmitting data to the VR application via the network connection to modify the VR environment being generated by the VR application.

Abstract: A system for producing a live performance combining separate performances of remote players comprises a plurality of connected computing devices transmitting a plurality of communication streams to one another in series. The system can employ the plurality of series conceded computing devices, each for receiving and playing back an immediate predecessor communication stream from an immediate predecessor computing device, and each for capturing and transmitting a current performance along with the played back immediate predecessor communication stream. Typically, the individual performances of remote players can comprise live instrument music and/or vocals which can also include live video.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for prompting a user for feedback based on user experience. The technique includes detecting, via a processor, that a first application event has occurred and updating a score based on a first value assigned to the first application event. The technique further includes determining that the score exceeds a first threshold, and, in response, outputting a first prompt for display.

Abstract: A content curation system includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a system memory storing a content promotion software code providing a user interface. The hardware processor executes the content promotion software code to receive an initiation signal corresponding to a user action, and, in response to receiving the initiation signal, to identify multiple content items as desirable content items to the user. In addition, the content promotion software code determines a portion of the desirable content item as most desirable content to the user, and, for each most desirable content portion, obtains a content clip including that content, resulting in multiple content clips corresponding respectively to the multiple content items. The content promotion software code further outputs the content clips for playout to the user via the user interface.

Abstract: A content curation system includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a system memory storing a content promotion software code providing a user interface. The hardware processor executes the content promotion software code to receive an initiation signal corresponding to a user action, and, in response to receiving the initiation signal, to identify multiple content items as desirable content items to the user. In addition, the content promotion software code determines a portion of the desirable content item as most desirable content to the user, and, for each most desirable content portion, obtains a content clip including that content, resulting in multiple content clips corresponding respectively to the multiple content items. The content promotion software code further outputs the content clips for playout to the user via the user interface.

Abstract: A content curation system includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a system memory storing a content promotion software code providing a user interface. The hardware processor executes the content promotion software code to receive an initiation signal corresponding to a user action, and, in response to receiving the initiation signal, to identify multiple content items as desirable content items to the user. In addition, the content promotion software code determines a portion of the desirable content item as most desirable content to the user, and, for each most desirable content portion, obtains a content clip including that content, resulting in multiple content clips corresponding respectively to the multiple content items. The content promotion software code further outputs the content clips for playout to the user via the user interface.

Abstract: A content curation system includes a computing platform having a hardware processor and a system memory storing a content promotion software code providing a user interface. The hardware processor executes the content promotion software code to receive an initiation signal corresponding to a user action, and, in response to receiving the initiation signal, to identify multiple content items as desirable content items to the user. In addition, the content promotion software code determines a portion of the desirable content item as most desirable content to the user, and, for each most desirable content portion, obtains a content clip including that content, resulting in multiple content clips corresponding respectively to the multiple content items. The content promotion software code further outputs the content clips for playout to the user via the user interface.

Abstract: A technique for modifying a virtual reality (VR) environment via a first computing device includes establishing a network connection with a VR application that is executing on a second computing device and generating the VR environment, receiving metadata associated with the VR environment from the second computing device via the network connection, receiving at least one user input VIA the first computing device, and, based on the metadata and on the at least one user input, transmitting data to the VR application via the network connection to modify the VR environment being generated by the VR application.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for prompting a user for feedback based on user experience. The technique includes detecting, via a processor, that a first application event has occurred and updating a score based on a first value assigned to the first application event. The technique further includes determining that the score exceeds a first threshold, and, in response, outputting a first prompt for display.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for generating a content page having a plurality of layers. The technique includes detecting a first application event associated with a first layer included in a plurality of layers of a content page and accessing, via a template file, at least one parameter of the first layer that corresponds to the first application event. The technique further includes modifying at least one aspect of the first layer based on the first application event and the at least one parameter to generate a first modified layer, and outputting the first modified layer for display.

Abstract: A device for deploying an aerostat includes a cylindrical shaped container having an open end and a closed end and a center tube axially oriented in the container. A tapered disc is mounted for axial movement on the center tube, and it has a taper of increasing diameter in an axial direction from the closed end toward the open end of the container. In its operation, the tapered disc is held in a first position while a portion of the aerostat is loaded into the container. It is then moved to a second position wherein the tapered disc holds the loaded portion of the aerostat in the container. Thereafter, the disc is moved to a release position wherein the disc directs deployment of the aerostat from the container.

Abstract: A storage facility for an airship includes a wall that is made from a plurality of box-like ISO containers. The wall surrounds an area on the ground, and a semicylindrical member is affixed to the top of the wall. This creates an enclosed volume over the area for the storage and protection of the airship. Buttresses for supporting the wall can be made from additional containers, and restraints can be used to secure the containers of the facility to each other.

Abstract: A device for deploying an aerostat includes a cylindrical shaped container having an open end and a closed end and a center tube axially oriented in the container. A tapered disc is mounted for axial movement on the center tube, and it has a taper of increasing diameter in an axial direction from the closed end toward the open end of the container. In its operation, the tapered disc is held in a first position while a portion of the aerostat is loaded into the container. It is then moved to a second position wherein the tapered disc holds the loaded portion of the aerostat in the container. Thereafter, the disc is moved to a release position wherein the disc directs deployment of the aerostat from the container.

Abstract: A system and method for docking an airship to a mooring mast includes a thruster that is mounted to the fore end of the airship. When activated, the thruster generates a thrust vector that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the airship and is selectively directional. In particular, the configuration of the thruster can be changed to vary the direction of the thrust vector around the longitudinal axis to maneuver a connector on the thruster into contact with the mooring mast. Engagement of the connector to the mooring mast then docks the airship to the mooring mast.

Abstract: A “wing in ground effect” aerial vehicle includes a wing mounted on a fuselage, and two cycloidal propulsion units for providing lift, thrust and longitudinal control. Additional lift is provided by a lighter-than-air gas such as helium contained in the fuselage. Operationally, the two cycloidal propulsion units and the volume of lighter-than-air gas are concertedly regulated to achieve “wing in ground effect” flight. Importantly, the two cycloidal propulsion units may operate in one of several modes, to include a curtate mode, a prolate mode, and a fixed-wing mode. Additionally, the vehicle may hover. Also, a thruster unit is mounted on the fuselage for providing forward thrust in combination with, or in lieu of, the two cycloidal propulsion units.

Abstract: A system and method for docking an airship to a mooring mast includes a thruster that is mounted to the fore end of the airship. When activated, the thruster generates a thrust vector that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the airship and is selectively directional. In particular, the configuration of the thruster can be changed to vary the direction of the thrust vector around the longitudinal axis to maneuver a connector on the thruster into contact with the mooring mast. Engagement of the connector to the mooring mast then docks the airship to the mooring mast.

Abstract: A water turbine for generating mechanical energy from a flowing fluid includes a rigid base that can be secured at a fixed position relative to the fluid flow. On the base, a substantially disk-shaped hub is rotatably mounted and at least one blade is positioned on the hub for rotation with the hub around a hub axis. Also, each blade is rotatably mounted onto the hub for rotation of the blade relative to the hub. For the turbine, each blade defines a chord line, and for each blade, a pitch angle can be defined as the instantaneous angle between the blade's chord line and the direction of fluid flow. The turbine also includes a sprocket and chain assembly to rotationally interconnect the hub to each blade. This assembly allows the pitch angle for each blade to be selectively varied during hub rotation.

Abstract: An airship ballast system includes an engine driven propeller and a cooling tube that is positioned coplanar with the propeller and outside its tip path. One end of the cooling tube is connected to receive exhaust gases from the engine while the other end is connected to a ballast tank. In operation, exhaust gases from the engine are cooled as they transit the cooling tube, and water condensed from the cooled exhaust gases is pumped to the ballast tank to maintain a ballast for the airship.