Abstract: A computer system is used to host a virtual reality universe process in which multiple avatars are independently controlled in response to client input. The host provides coordinated motion information for defining coordinated movement between designated portions of multiple avatars, and an application responsive to detect conditions triggering a coordinated movement sequence between two or more avatars. During coordinated movement, user commands for controlling avatar movement may be in part used normally and in part ignored or otherwise processed to cause the involved avatars to respond in part to respective client input and in part to predefined coordinated movement information. Thus, users may be assisted with executing coordinated movement between multiple avatars.

Abstract: A method for using a wireless receiver may include receiving subscribed messages for a user identified with a user account of a hub, being messages posted by other uses of the hub to which the user has subscribed. The method may include automatically processing the messages to determine content for display on a display device, and displaying the content on the display device. The display device may be configured as two separate screens mounted at separate locations on the user's body. The messages may include user status messages, which are messages posted to the hub by the user, and the user status messages and subscription messages may be displayed on separate ones of the two screens. An apparatus for performing the method may include a processor coupled to a memory holding encoded instructions for performing operations of the method.

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: In a multi-participant modeled virtual reality environment, avatars are modeled beings that include moveable eyes creating the impression of an apparent gaze direction. Control of eye movement may be performed autonomously using software to select and prioritize targets in a visual field. Sequence and duration of apparent gaze may then be controlled using automatically determined priorities. Optionally, user preferences for object characteristics may be factored into determining priority of apparent gaze. Resulting modeled avatars are rendered on client displays to provide more lifelike and interesting avatar depictions with shifting gaze directions.

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: A computer system is used to host a virtual reality universe process in which multiple avatars are independently controlled in response to client input. The host provides coordinated motion information for defining coordinated movement between designated portions of multiple avatars, and an application responsive to detect conditions triggering a coordinated movement sequence between two or more avatars. During coordinated movement, user commands for controlling avatar movement may be in part used normally and in part ignored or otherwise processed to cause the involved avatars to respond in part to respective client input and in part to predefined coordinated movement information. Thus, users may be assisted with executing coordinated movement between multiple avatars.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing advertising service in a computer network is provided. This method and apparatus further comprises receiving a request from a user via this computer network to view a Web page, providing conditions to the user for viewing this Web page, delivering this Web page to the user, determining if the user has met the conditions required for viewing this Web page, and terminating access of the user to this Web page if these conditions are not met.

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: In a multi-participant modeled virtual reality environment, avatars are modeled beings that include moveable eyes creating the impression of an apparent gaze direction. Control of eye movement may be performed autonomously using software to select and prioritize targets in a visual field. Sequence and duration of apparent gaze may then be controlled using automatically determined priorities. Optionally, user preferences for object characteristics may be factored into determining priority of apparent gaze. Resulting modeled avatars are rendered on client displays to provide more lifelike and interesting avatar depictions with shifting gaze directions.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for managing information about living beings and/or objects are disclosed. The systems and methods of the present invention comprise operably coupling together at least two Digital Person Devices, gathering data about living beings and/or objects with one or more of the Digital Person Devices, analyzing and/or identifying the data gathered, and sharing at least a portion of the data between one or more of the Digital Person Devices so as to improve qualities and/or the quantity of available data to the devices, and/or to reduce the power, performance and/or bandwidth required by one or more of the Digital Person Devices. In some embodiments, the systems and methods also comprise operably coupling a digital professor device to the Digital Person Devices, wherein the Digital Professor Device manages the gathering of data, and/or the storing, analyzing, identifying and/or exchanging of the gathered data.

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 user interface translation system can provide functionality of translating at least a portion of a user interface of a primary application. The user interface translation system may, for instance, add an overlay interface over a portion of the primary application. The primary application can conduct all the processing tasks. The overlay interface can correspond to user interfaces of well-known applications that users may prefer. In certain embodiments, users can select from a list of overlay interfaces. The user interface translation system can receive user control input from the overlay interface and map the received input to a corresponding command for the primary application. The user interface translation system can also train users to adapt to a change in user interface over a period of time or usage.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices that provide a therapeutic solution to alleviate the pain and discomfort of phantom limb syndrome are disclosed. The methods and systems of the present invention generally comprise capturing data from recording devices operably coupled to a processor and/or computing device, the recording devices configured to capture data associated with intact portions of a missing limb, one or more intact limbs and/or portions of the environment surrounding the missing limb, identifying the data captured, generating a three-dimensional virtual image of the missing limb and the surrounding environment from the data captured, and displaying the three-dimensional virtual image and the portions of the surrounding environment to the amputee such that the missing limb appears intact. The present invention advantageously provides a therapeutic and more immediate solution to alleviate the pain and discomfort from phantom limb syndrome.

Abstract: A multi-user process receives input from multiple remote clients to manipulate avatars through a virtual environment modeled in a host memory. The environment includes portal objects operable to transport avatars, which are modeled objects operated in response to client input, between defined areas of the virtual environment. The portals are customizable in response to client input to transport avatars to destinations preferred by users. Adjacent defined areas are not confined in extent by shared boundaries. The host provides model data for display of the modeled environment to participating clients.

Abstract: A method for managing a multi-user animation platform is disclosed. A three-dimensional space within a computer memory is modeled. An avatar of a client is located within the three-dimensional space, the avatar being graphically represented by a three-dimensional figure within the three-dimensional space. The avatar is responsive to client input commands, and the three-dimensional figure includes a graphical representation of client activity. The client input commands are monitored to determine client activity. The graphical representation of client activity is then altered according to an inactivity scheme when client input commands are not detected. Following a predetermined period of client inactivity, the inactivity scheme varies non-repetitively with time.

Abstract: A user interface translation system can provide functionality of translating at least a portion of a user interface of a primary application. The user interface translation system may, for instance, add an overlay interface over a portion of the primary application. The primary application can conduct all the processing tasks. The overlay interface can correspond to user interfaces of well-known applications that users may prefer. In certain embodiments, users can select from a list of overlay interfaces. The user interface translation system can receive user control input from the overlay interface and map the received input to a corresponding command for the primary application. The user interface translation system can also train users to adapt to a change in user interface over a period of time or usage.

Abstract: A multi-user process receives input from multiple remote clients to manipulate avatars through a virtual environment modeled in a host memory. The environment includes portal objects operable to transport avatars, which are modeled objects operated in response to client input, between defined areas of the virtual environment. The portals are customizable in response to client input to transport avatars to destinations preferred by users. Adjacent defined areas are not confined in extent by shared boundaries. The host provides model data for display of the modeled environment to participating clients.

Abstract: In a multi-participant modeled virtual reality environment, avatars are modeled beings that include moveable eyes creating the impression of an apparent gaze direction. Control of eye movement may be performed autonomously using software to select and prioritize targets in a visual field. Sequence and duration of apparent gaze may then be controlled using automatically determined priorities. Optionally, user preferences for object characteristics may be factored into determining priority of apparent gaze. Resulting modeled avatars are rendered on client displays to provide more lifelike and interesting avatar depictions with shifting gaze directions.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for refining virtual objects output within an augmented reality environment. In one example, a method includes determining, by a system comprising a processor, first response data representative of a first response to a first set of object data associated with a simulation of an interaction between a first virtual object and a second virtual object. The method also includes modifying at least one object of the first set of object data to create a second set of object data associated with another simulation of the interaction between the first virtual object and the second virtual object. Further, the method includes outputting data representative of the first virtual object, the second virtual object, and the second set of object data.

Abstract: A method for managing a multi-user animation platform is disclosed. A three-dimensional space within a computer memory is modeled. An avatar of a client is located within the three-dimensional space, the avatar being graphically represented by a three-dimensional figure within the three-dimensional space. The avatar is responsive to client input commands, and the three-dimensional figure includes a graphical representation of client activity. The client input commands are monitored to determine client activity. The graphical representation of client activity is then altered according to an inactivity scheme when client input commands are not detected. Following a predetermined period of client inactivity, the inactivity scheme varies non-repetitively with time.