Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes retrieving a media content item for display on a projectable surface. The method includes sending, to an interaction device including a projector and a camera, instructions causing the camera to capture one or more images of the projectable surface, receiving the one or more images from the interaction device, and determining one or more attributes of the surface based on the one or more images. The method also includes modifying the media content item based at least in part on the one or more attributes of the projectable surface and sending, to the interaction device, the modified media content item and instructions causing the projector to project the modified media content on the projectable surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes sending, to an interaction device including a projector and a camera, a media content item and instructions causing the projector to project the media content item on a projectable surface and receiving, from the interaction device, one or more media objects captured by the camera, where one or more of the media objects include images of a user in proximity to the projectable surface. The method includes determining one or more movements of the user based on the one or more of the media objects and updating the media content item based on the determined movements. The method also includes sending, to the interaction device, the updated media content item and instructions causing the projector to project the updated media content item on the projectable surface.

Abstract: A method includes retrieving a media content item for display to a user in an environment. The method includes receiving, from one or more interaction devices each including a projector and a camera, one or more media objects captured by one or more cameras, where one or more of the media objects include images of the user, and determining a location of the user in the environment based on an analysis of the one or more of the media objects. The method also includes identifying one of the interaction devices based on the determined location of the user and sending, to the identified interaction device, the media content item and instructions causing the projector associated with the identified interaction device to project the media content item.

Abstract: A method includes sending, to an interaction device including a projector and a camera, instructions causing the projector to project a light pattern to each of one or more specified directions and receiving, from the interaction device, one or more images each including illumination patterns associated with one or more surfaces of a specified direction. The method also includes constructing, based on the projected light patterns and the received illumination patterns, a model describing an environment of the interaction device, where the model includes one or more characteristics of each of one or more objects in the environment and one or more characteristics of each of one or more surfaces in the environment.

Abstract: A method is provided for encoding device independent multi-modal content including an arrangement comprising one or more of a plurality of tokens, where each token corresponds to a standard predefined effect. The method includes defining a token for one or more standard predefined effects, wherein the token is adapted for being mapped to one or more effect producing elements in a target device. One or more tokens are then composed for playback together as an arrangement.

Abstract: A tag is provided, which can be associated with one or more individuals and/or a connection to a predetermined network resource, and which can be used to facilitating interaction of the wireless communication device with the corresponding individual(s) and/or resource. The tag includes a transmitter and a storage element including an ID value, which associates the tag with the individual(s) and/or resource. In at least some instances the tag will additionally include a trigger element, such as a user actuatable switch, which will enable an action to be initiated in the nearby wireless communication device, relative to the associated individual(s) and/or resource, in response to an actuation of the trigger element in the tag.

Abstract: A method is provided for encoding device independent multi-modal content including an arrangement comprising one or more of a plurality of tokens, where each token corresponds to a standard predefined effect. The method includes defining a token for one or more standard predefined effects, wherein the token is adapted for being mapped to one or more effect producing elements in a target device. One or more tokens are then composed for playback together as an arrangement.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) comprises a housing (112), an input (118, 122) coupled mechanically to the housing for receiving data, an output (114, 118) coupled mechanically to the housing for presenting information to a user of the electronic device in at least one of an audio and visual mode, an electronic circuit (210) coupled mechanically to the housing for providing intelligent operations that receives the data from the input and provides the information to the output, and at least two electromechanical transducers (226), each providing a tactile alert to the user in response to the data, the tactile alerts occurring simultaneously or in succession.

Abstract: A device for enhancing interpersonal communication over distance through use of touch. A vibrotactile (touch-and-vibration) interface is used to improve existing remote communication by allowing tactile cues to augment the audio-visual information in real-time. The pressure exerted by each finger of the transmitter produces patterns of vibration against the corresponding finger of the receiver. A hand-held device using the interface allows a user to transmit and receive patterns of vibration to and from a remote user and signify tactile gestures, or expressive uses of touch.

Abstract: An input roller device (50) includes a roller (58), an eccentric rotating mass (59) within the roller, a drive mechanism (54, 56 and 57) causing the eccentric rotating mass to rotate within the roller, and a processor (52) coupled to the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism can also optionally include a drive link (57) if not directly driven by the shaft of the motor. The input roller device 50 can further include a rotary encoder (60) coupled to the roller such that the rotary encoder can provide data to the processor on a rotation of the roller. Note, the processor can be programmed to cause the input roller to provide a varied tactile feedback to the user to correspond to different events or to cause the input roller to provide a rolling resistance that varies in coordination with inputs from a user interface.

Abstract: A tag is provided, which can be associated with one or more individuals and/or a connection to a predetermined network resource, and which can be used to facilitating interaction of the wireless communication device with the corresponding individual(s) and/or resource. The tag includes a transmitter and a storage element including an ID value, which associates the tag with the individual(s) and/or resource. In at least some instances the tag will additionally include a trigger element, such as a user actuatable switch, which will enable an action to be initiated in the nearby wireless communication device, relative to the associated individual(s) and/or resource, in response to an actuation of the trigger element in the tag.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) comprises a housing (112), an input (118, 122) coupled mechanically to the housing for receiving data, an output (114, 118) coupled mechanically to the housing for presenting information to a user of the electronic device in at least one of an audio and visual mode, an electronic circuit (210) coupled mechanically to the housing for providing intelligent operations that receives the data from the input and provides the information to the output, and at least two electromechanical transducers (226), each providing a tactile alert to the user in response to the data, the tactile alerts occurring simultaneously or in succession.

Abstract: Remote, non-verbal interpersonal communication is facilitated between communication stations located remotely from each other. A first communication station registers proximity of a user thereto and communicates to a second communication station a signal indicative of the registered proximity. The first communication station also registers a physical gesture and communicates a signal indicative of the gesture to the second communication station. The second communication station, in turn, receives the signals and, in response thereto, produces a visual output indicative of proximity and of the gestural input.

Abstract: A device for enhancing interpersonal communication over distance through use of touch. A vibrotactile (touch-and-vibration) interface is used to improve existing remote communication by allowing tactile cues to augment the audio-visual information in real-time. The pressure exerted by each finger of the transmitter produces patterns of vibration against the corresponding finger of the receiver. A hand-held device using the interface allows a user to transmit and receive patterns of vibration to and from a remote user and signify tactile gestures, or expressive uses of touch.

Abstract: Remote, non-verbal interpersonal communication is facilitated between communication stations located remotely from each other. A first communication station registers proximity of a user thereto and communicates to a second communication station a signal indicative of the registered proximity. The first communication station also registers a physical gesture and communicates a signal indicative of the gesture to the second communication station. The second communication station, in turn, receives the signals and, in response thereto, produces a visual output indicative of proximity and of the gestural input.