Abstract: In a method for providing an augmented reality interface for use by a first real-world human user and a second real-world human user, an augmented reality and virtual reality engine (AR-VR engine) produces a visual transformation of the first real-world human user (transformed human user 1), and a visual transformation of a real-world environment around the first real-world human user (transformed environment). The AR-VR engine also produces a virtualized reality world that includes images of transformed first real-world human user moving about, and interacting with, the transformed environment. The AR-VR engine further provides an electronic interface through which the second real-world human user can interact, in real-time, with at least one of the transformed first real-world human user and the transformed environment.

Abstract: A system that allows users of augmented reality environments to interact with each other across instances. For each user, the system recognizes real-world objects in an image of a real-world environment and retrieves augmented reality assets to overlay according to each user's selected theme. A user can open a multi-dimensional region in which the augmented reality assets of their augmented reality environment are replaced with those of a different augmented reality environment, giving the user a way to tunnel into another user's augmented reality environment. The augmented reality assets may include commands linked to real-world objects capable of receiving commands, allowing for users to interact with the real-world objects in the environment, such as a streamer's environment.

Abstract: In a method facilitating connectivity between at least first and second persons contemplates utilizing one or more computer processors to instantiate a first augmented reality space that mimics a real world space physically in existence about a first person. The first augmented reality space includes at least an avatar of the first person, and a first virtual representation of at least one real world object within the first augmented reality space. Using one or more computer processors, the method provides an interface through which the second person, distal to the first person, can use a second avatar to contemporaneously occupy and enter the first augmented reality space, traverse the space, and interact with the object.

Abstract: Personal companions crowd-source and/or crowd-share characterizations, and optionally raw data, from real-world, virtual and/or mixed-reality experiences. Characterizations can advantageously be stored in one or more self-evolving, structured databases, and can be organized according to objects, actions, events and thoughts. Characterizations can be weighted differently for different users, and “forgotten” over time, especially in favor of maintaining higher level characterizations. Personal companions can be used to obtain additional information, and conduct interpersonal, commercial, or other interactions or transactions.

Abstract: Improvements for parametized storage and retrieval of multiple different types of marketplace items include: (a) providing lists recommended parameters to guide users' entry and searching of data; (b) limiting users to suggesting additions of new parameters to the system; (c) an item classification based in whole or in part upon a trademark classification; (d) a data structure in which value data is stored in cells of a table for which a given column can represent multiple different parameters; (e) values can comprise links that resolve to particular items of data other than a file, a web site, and an email address; data is loaded en masse, and then distributed to edge cache databases; and (f) users can privatize individual records and values within their loaded data.

Abstract: A system or method includes a platform to allow users to coordinate images captured by a separated worn camera with images captured by a held camera, displaying such images at real-time to a user through a user interface on the held camera or a user interface on a separate device. The separate worn camera is contemplated to provide a separate image feed to provide one or more augmentations to an image captured by the held camera.

Abstract: The present inventive concept contemplates a method that of producing a walkabout reality for a user by extracting user-associated characteristics from social media interactions of the user, and using the user-associated characteristics to select a theme and corresponding theme elements from a theme data store. The invention further contemplates producing a virtualization of a current physical environment that includes the avatar of the user and corresponding theme elements. An augmented reality engine executes commands from the user to control actions of the avatar with the virtualization.

Abstract: A lid for a container having an upper rim bead, the lid having a fiber-containing body and a mating portion depending from the body that is configured to mate with the upper rim bead, wherein the mating portion has a higher weight percentage of a polymer than the body. The mating portion can include the polymer on a medial or lateral surface, and/or inside the mating portion, or the mating portion can be entirely made of polymer.

Abstract: In a method facilitating connectivity between at least first and second persons contemplates utilizing one or more computer processors to instantiate a first augmented reality space that mimics a real world space physically in existence about a first person. The first augmented reality space includes at least an avatar of the first person, and a first virtual representation of at least one real world object within the first augmented reality space. Using one or more computer processors, the method provides an interface through which the second person, distal to the first person, can use a second avatar to contemporaneously occupy and enter the first augmented reality space, traverse the space, and interact with the object.

Abstract: The present application contemplates a method of providing a participant with traversable access to a local environmental context of a target. In preferred embodiments, a context engine accesses multiple views of the local environmental context and stitches together the multiple views to produce a digital, walkabout reality of the local environmental context. Upon a participant/recipient accessing a communication from a sender, the participant is able to use a portal during a viewing session to traverse the digital, walkabout reality associated with a target. It is contemplated that the target is physically located within the local environmental context.

Abstract: In a method for providing an augmented reality interface for use by a first real-world human user and a second real-world human user, an augmented reality and virtual reality engine (AR-VR engine) produces a visual transformation of the first real-world human user (transformed human user 1), and a visual transformation of a real-world environment around the first real-world human user (transformed environment). The AR-VR engine also produces a virtualized reality world that includes images of transformed first real-world human user moving about, and interacting with, the transformed environment. The AR-VR engine further provides an electronic interface through which the second real-world human user can interact, in real-time, with at least one of the transformed first real-world human user and the transformed environment.

Abstract: The present invention herein provides apparatus and method, allowing a user to acquire a target location wherever the target is with a target mobile locator. The target mobile locator includes a RF receiver, a transmitter, a GPS locator and a circuit. After receiving “wake-up” signal from the user, GPS locator and/or transmitter can be activated and the target location is sent back to the user. Prior to receiving the wakeup signal, at least one of the GPS locator and the transmitter are either energy reduced state or off state such that the consumption of the energy is minimized in the locator. Therefore, the locator is active for long periods of time. Optionally, a battery can be recharged using, for example, a solar cell under the sun.

Abstract: The present invention herein provides apparatus and method, allowing a user to acquire a target location wherever the target is with a target mobile locator. The target mobile locator includes a RF receiver, a transmitter, a GPS locator and a circuit. After receiving “wake-up” signal from the user, GPS locator and/or transmitter can be activated and the target location is sent back to the user. Prior to receiving the wakeup signal, at least one of the GPS locator and the transmitter are either energy reduced state or off state such that the consumption of the energy is minimized in the locator. Therefore, the locator is active for long periods of time. Optionally, a battery can be recharged using, for example, a solar cell under the sun.

Abstract: Second and higher order correlations of search terms in records of a database are located through matching of terms found in successive concordances.

Abstract: A modular pest deterrent kit is configured to mate with one or more types of pole tops. The modular pest deterrent kit comprises a spike having a first coupling member and a base having a second coupling member configured to mate with the first coupling member. The base is contemplated to have a first bottom surface. An alternative base is contemplated to have a third coupling member configured to mate with the first coupling member. The alternative base has a second bottom surface, which is differently shaped from the first bottom surface.

Abstract: The present invention herein provides apparatus and method, allowing a user to acquire a target location wherever the target is with a target mobile locator. The target mobile locator includes a RF receiver, a transmitter, a GPS locator and a circuit. After receiving “wake-up” signal from the user, GPS locator and/or transmitter can be activated and the target location is sent back to the user. Prior to receiving the wakeup signal, at least one of the GPS locator and the transmitter are either energy reduced state or off state such that the consumption of the energy is minimized in the locator. Therefore, the locator is active for long periods of time. Optionally, a battery can be recharged using, for example, a solar cell under the sun.

Abstract: The present application contemplates a method of providing a participant with traversable access to a local environmental context of a target. In preferred embodiments, a context engine accesses multiple views of the local environmental context and stitches together the multiple views to produce a digital, walkabout reality of the local environmental context. Upon a participant/recipient accessing a communication from a sender, the participant is able to use a portal during a viewing session to traverse the digital, walkabout reality associated with a target. It is contemplated that the target is physically located within the local environmental context.

Abstract: A cell phone, tablet, laptop, TV or other device is configured to provide comments with respect to a user's prospective selection of a media item, a physical object, a service, or anything else. Comments are derived from user-specific preference information, (including e.g., selection history, rationale for prior selections, analysis of stored images, and persona), and can optionally be derived from comment templates. Comments are preferably made in a second person grammatical form, can be humorous, and can include derogatory remarks about a prospective selection and/or the user.

Abstract: Methods for improving the specificity of assays for botulinum neurotoxins are described. Reporting constructs are provided that include cleavable linker sequence with genetically modified recognition and/or cleavage sites. These linker sequences act as a substrate for a botulinum neurotoxin, with cleavage of the reporting construct providing a detectable signal. When first and second neurotoxins have activity with the same substrate protein, mutation and/or deletion of a recognition and/or cleavage site associated with the second neurotoxin improves the specificity of the detectable signal for the first neurotoxin.

Abstract: Personal companions crowd-source and/or crowd-share characterizations, and optionally raw data, from real-world, virtual and/or mixed-reality experiences. Characterizations can advantageously be stored in one or more self-evolving, structured databases, and can be organized according to objects, actions, events and thoughts. Characterizations can be weighted differently for different users, and “forgotten” over time, especially in favor of maintaining higher level characterizations. Personal companions can be used to obtain additional information, and conduct interpersonal, commercial, or other interactions or transactions.