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 multi-user virtual reality universe (VRU) process receives input from multiple remote clients to manipulate avatars through a modeled 3-D environment. A VRU host models movement of avatars in the VRU environment in response to client input, which each user providing input for control of a corresponding avatar. The modeled VRU data is provided by the host to client workstations for display of a simulated environment visible to all participants. The host maintains personalized data for selected modeled objects or areas that is personalized for specific users in response to client input. The host includes personalized data in modeling the VRU environment. The host may segregate VRU data provided to different clients participating in the same VRU environment according to limit personalized data to authorized users, while all users receive common 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. The virtual-reality data may be configured to cause remote clients to output an animated display of a corresponding one of the parallel dimensions and avatars therein.

Abstract: A method and system for organizing and displaying information about Internet Web pages on Web maps are disclosed. Web maps display a summary of the information that a Web page provides access to, in a format that facilitates a rapid assessment of what may be accessed through a Web site's home page, or through any Web page on the Web site. Preferably, Web maps are displayed on a Web page, or within a frame of a Web page, by an Internet browser application. A set of Web maps may be automatically generated by a search engine or directory in response to a user's search request. Alternatively, a user may request that a Web map be produced for a particular Web page of interest. The Web maps are preferably generated by a Web server, or by an application running in the background of a user's computer, so that the user may perform other tasks on the user's computer while the Web maps are being generated.

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: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for incentivizing users of one application to try or use another application by, for example, enabling users to transfer virtual objects between applications. These applications may be unrelated. However, the systems disclosed herein are capable of converting the virtual objects that are configured to function with one application so that the virtual objects can be utilized by another application. In some cases, the conversion of the virtual object may be dependent on the market rate for a virtual object and/or the number of users who decide to convert instances of the virtual object. Further, the systems disclosed herein enable users to unlock features of applications based on accomplishments in other applications.

Abstract: A gaming method operates to provide expert card-counting information to some or all participants, in exchange for a premium. The premium may be a cash payment, a reduction in the prize amount or betting odds, some combinations of the foregoing, or any other useful remuneration. The house retains its edge via the premium. The method may be implemented for play at a physical or virtual card table.

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. The virtual-reality data may be configured to cause remote clients to output an animated display of a corresponding one of the parallel dimensions and avatars therein.

Abstract: Duplicate hands are dealt in a remote game of poker or other card game of chance. Simulated cards or game pieces are dealt to players with the order of suits changed for each player. A map is maintained in a computer memory between a reference set of indices corresponding to card suits, and differently-ordered sets of playing suits for dealing in the game. A reference game is maintained at a server computer to track game status according to the reference set of indices. Game play is translated between the reference game and individual playing suits so that players are unaware of the order of suits used for other players.

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: 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: A mufti-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. The virtual-reality data may be configured to cause remote clients to 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: A method for filtering content makes use of local filtering agents for end users, and a portal to a network of human reviewing resources. Local filtering agents request content classification for unclassified content. The portal routes requests from local agents to available human reviewing resources. A content classification is provided by the reviewing resources, and may be saved in association with a content identifier for future use. The method permits human review of content within a short period after review is requested. In an embodiment of the invention, a centrally-located switch is provided for controlling filtering levels at one or more user terminals.

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. The virtual-reality data may be configured to cause remote clients to 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: A multi-user animation process receives input from multiple remote clients to manipulate avatars through a modeled 3-D environment. Each user is represented by an avatar. The 3-D environment and avatar position/location data is provided to client workstations, which display a simulated environment visible to all participants. A text or speech-based bulletin board application is coupled to the animation process. The bulletin board application receives text or speech input from the multiple remote users and publishes the input in a public forum. The bulletin board application maintains multiple forums organized by topic. Access or participation to particular forums is coordinated with the animation process, such that each user may be permitted access to a forum only when the user's avatar is located within a designated room or region of the modeled 3-D environment.

Abstract: A virtual environment in generated in a server where at least one object representative of an entity interacts with other objects or attributes of the environment. A desired frame rate for rendering the virtual environment is identified, and compared to a maximum achievable frame rate at a client device. If the maximum achievable frame rate is slower than the desired frame rate, the number of objects displayed within the virtual environment is modified, in accordance with one or more rule sets, until the maximum achievable frame rate is at or near the desired frame rate. In addition, a server may provide and synchronize output for clients participating in the virtual environment using different target frame rates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing audio advertisements in a computer network enables Web sites to deliver audio advertisements that cannot be bypassed by a visitor. More particularly, an advertising or sponsoring Web site receives a request from at least one user for delivery of a user-selected Web page associated with the Web site. The Web site selects at least one audio advertisement from a plurality of audio advertisements for delivery to the user in conjunction with the user-selected Web page. The Web site then delivers the audio advertisement to the user via the network in a format that precludes the user from controlling the manner of playback of the audio advertisement.