Abstract: A system for creating an environment and for sharing an experience based on the environment includes a plurality of mobile devices having a camera employed near a point of interest to capture random, crowdsourced images and associated metadata near said point of interest, wherein the metadata for each image includes location of the mobile device and the orientation of the camera. Preferably, the images include depth camera information. A wireless network communicates with the mobile devices to accept the images and metadata and to build and store a point cloud or 3D model of the region. Users connect to this experience platform to view the 3D model from a user selected location and orientation and to participate in experiences with, for example, a social network.

Abstract: A system and method for observing a personal networking event which shares the position of a number of friendly participants with other participants within a group. In one form, the position of unknown participants meeting certain criteria is also displayed to a user or one or more friendly participants. The views are selectable by friendly participants on, for example, a GPS equipped cell phone, to include a view from the participant's position, zoom, pan, and tilt views, or views from another friendly location or from another geographic location, giving increased situational awareness and identification of participants. Other information can be shared among friendly participants, including social information, status and directions.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing artificial reality messages, such as at an event at a venue, where the messages are geo-referenced, artificial reality words or symbols and enhanced for greater comprehension or relevancy to the user. Typically, the messages are geo-referenced to a moving participant or to a fixed location at the venue. Using the spectator's chosen location as the viewing origin, an artificial reality message or product is inserted into the spectator's perspective view of the venue. The enhancement involves changing the content for context, or changing the perspective, orientation, size, background, font, or lighting for comprehension.

Abstract: A system and method for creating content such as artificial reality (AR) messages at an event, particularly among members on a social network, thereby enhancing and expanding the event experience. Typically, a participant shares an event with spectators, such as friends or a subset of friends in the participant's social network. The AR message may include geo-referenced artificial reality words, products or symbols and appear in a perspective view of the event to the participant or spectators. In addition to creating an active gallery for an event, messages, audio and video can be exchanged among participants and spectators, and virtual goods, money, bets, applause, other feedback, and donations exchanged.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing artificial reality messages, such as at an event at a venue, where the messages are geo-referenced, artificial reality words or symbols and enhanced for greater comprehension or relevancy to the user. Typically, the messages are geo-referenced to a moving participant or to a fixed location at the venue. Using the spectator's chosen location as the viewing origin, an artificial reality message or product is inserted into the spectator's perspective view of the venue. The enhancement involves changing the content for context, or changing the perspective, orientation, size, background, font, or lighting for comprehension.

Abstract: A system and method for observing a personal networking event which shares the position of a number of friendly participants with other participants within a group. In one form, the position of unknown participants meeting certain criteria is also displayed to a user or one or more friendly participants. The views are selectable by friendly participants on, for example, a GPS equipped cell phone, to include a view from the participant's position, zoom, pan, and tilt views, or views from another friendly location or from another geographic location, giving increased situational awareness and identification of participants. Other information can be shared among friendly participants, including social information, status and directions.

Abstract: A system and method for observing a personal networking event which shares the position of a number of friendly participants with other participants within a group. In one form, the position of unknown participants meeting certain criteria is also displayed to a user or one or more friendly participants. The views are selectable by friendly participants on, for example, a GPS equipped cell phone, to include a view from the participant's position, zoom, pan, and tilt views, or views from another friendly location or from another geographic location, giving increased situational awareness and identification of participants. Other information can be shared among friendly participants, including social information, status and directions. Preferably, an orientation mechanism shows when the device is correctly pointed to a position.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing a target in a background from a user's perspective. In one form, the views are selectable by the user on, for example, a GPS equipped cell phone, to include a view from the participant's position, zoom, pan, and tilt views, or views from another geographic location, giving increased situational awareness and identification of the target. Other information can be conveyed, such as messages or advertisements, on a billboard, which may be a geo-referenced area on or near the target. Preferably, an orientation mechanism shows when the device is correctly pointed to a target.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing a target in a background from a user's perspective. In one form, the views are selectable by the user on, for example, a GPS equipped cell phone, to include a view from the participant's position, zoom, pan, and tilt views, or views from another geographic location, giving increased situational awareness and identification of the target. Other information can be conveyed, such as messages or advertisements, on a billboard, which may be a geo-referenced area on or near the target. Preferably, an orientation mechanism shows when the device is correctly pointed to a target.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing artificial reality (AR) messages on a golf course, where the messages are geo-referenced artificial reality words or symbols to indicate distances, tips, targets or other information to the golfer. Typically, the AR messages are geo-referenced to a fixed location on the golf hole, such as a hazard or green. Using the spectator's chosen location as the viewing origin, an artificial reality message or object is inserted into the golfer's perspective view of the golf hole. Outings and contests can be held even if the matches are separated by hours or days, and outcomes and information published to select groups or individuals.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and viewing artificial reality (AR) messages at an event, such as a sporting event, and sharing the event on a social network thereby enhancing and expanding the participant and spectator experience. The AR messages include geo-referenced artificial reality words or symbols to indicate distances, tips, targets or other information to the participant. The event is shared with spectators, such as friends or a subset of friends in the participant's social network. In addition to creating an active gallery for an event, messages can be exchanged among participants and spectators and virtual goods, money, and donations exchanged.

Abstract: A system and method for observing a personal networking event which shares the position of a number of friendly participants with other participants within a group. In one form, the position of unknown participants meeting certain criteria is also displayed to a user or one or more friendly participants. The views are selectable by friendly participants on, for example, a GPS equipped cell phone, to include a view from the participant's position, zoom, pan, and tilt views, or views from another friendly location or from another geographic location, giving increased situational awareness and identification of participants. Other information can be shared among friendly participants, including social information, status and directions.

Abstract: A spectator sport system and method that displays different views of a sporting event and, in particular, uses the spectator's GPS position to assist in displaying a view from the spectator's position. The spectator, using a personal device, can zoom, pan, tilt and change the view, as well as change the view to another position, such as a finish line, goal, or a participant position. Vital information on the sporting event or a participant can be appended to the view. In some forms, augmented reality can be used, such as a finish line or goal, to enhance the experience. Additional service requests can be made from the personal device.

Abstract: A system and method for observing a security event which shares the position of a number of friendly participants with other participants. Preferably, the position of unknown participants or foes is also displayed to friendly participants. The views are selectable by friendly participants on, for example, a handheld device, to include a view from the participant's position, zoom, pan, and tilt views, or views of another friendly or from another location, giving increased situational awareness. Other information can be shared among friendly participants, including status and directions.

Abstract: A system and method for viewing a target in a background from a user's perspective. In one form, the views are selectable by the user on, for example, a GPS equipped cell phone, to include a view from the participant's position, zoom, pan, and tilt views, or views from another geographic location, giving increased situational awareness and identification of the target. Other information can be conveyed, such as messages or advertisements, on a billboard, which may be a geo-referenced area on or near the target. Preferably, an orientation mechanism shows when the device is correctly pointed to a target.

Abstract: A spectator sport system and method that displays different views of a sporting event and, in particular, uses a position selected by the spectator to assist in displaying a view from the selected position. The spectator, using an internet device, can zoom, pan, tilt and change the view, as well as change the view to another position, such as a finish line, goal, or a participant position (e.g. Driver of car #3 or Tiger Wood's position). The starting position can be specified, as well as the target position or orientation from the starting position. Vital information on the sporting event or a participant can be appended to the view. In some forms, augmented reality or any geographic referenced datasets can be used and combined, such as 3D imagery or 3D renderings, to enhance the experience.

Abstract: A method, apparatus. and system is described for displaying a message to a golfer on a golf course. The system includes a number of GPS receivers attached to carts (or handheld) which display golf information and/or messages. The GPS receiver includes a display which can show the distance to the golf cup or other feature on a golf hole. The display can show a message, such as an advertising message, to the golfer. The message is shown at convenient, nonintrusive times. For example, such messages are shown at predetermined locations on the golf course such as before the first hole, after the last hole, or between holes. Additionally, such messages can be displayed using location information to determine if the receiver is moving or stopped. Finally, such messages may be displayed based on the activity of the golfer, such as scorecard input or refreshment ordering. In a preferred form, a pen input display capable of graphics is used.

Abstract: A method and system is described for determining the approximate distance from a golf ball to features on a golf course. The system includes a number of GPS receivers attached to carts (or handheld) which display the distance between the feature location and the receiver location. The GPS receiver includes a display of the golf hole being played which shows: the location of the receiver on the hole; the golf cup on the green; hazards on the hole; and the distance to the golf cup or other feature. In a preferred form, a pen input display is used and the player can designate a mark on the display and find out the distance from the receiver to the mark or the distance from the mark to the golf pin. The display preferably shows a distance grid centered about the receiver (or a mark) which allows a quick estimate of distance to the pin hazards, driving distance, target areas, to the group playing ahead, or other features on the hole.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the locations of freight containers in a freight yard is described. A remote unit that includes a GPS receiver is attached to the freight containers. The remote receivers have an independent power supply—a battery. Intermittently, either by a timer or by a motion detector, the remote receivers are operated. During operation, the remote receivers receive signals from the global positioning satellite system and at an allotted time, transmit the GPS data to a base station before shutting down to conserve power. The base station processes the GPS data to determine a position in the freight yard of each freight container. When a particular freight container or contents is desired, a data base in the base station can be consulted and the contents and location of a particular freight container located. The freight yard is typically outside with a view of the GPS constellation, such as a rail yard, airport baggage area, ship yard, truck park, etc.

Abstract: The methods and apparatus of the present invention provides for determining accurate positions using a global positioning satellite system (GPS), either the United States Navstar or Russian Glonass, without the use of radio broadcast differential corrections. The method contemplates that selective availability (S/A) is either disabled or satellites with S/A active can be identified and not used. In one method, a GPS receiver is positioned at a reference location with a known position. The apparent position determined by the GPS receiver is then compared to the known position to determine an error correction. Preferably, the error correction is made to each satellite's pseudorange as a timing or range correction. When the GPS receiver moves, the error correction is applied to each satellite's pseudorange. The satellites used for position determination are chosen based on the "quality" of the satellite. Here, "quality" can mean the geometry of the satellite relative to the earth and the absence of SIA.