Abstract: A method for generating a haptic interactive representation including the steps of defining a haptic interaction space and building a hierarchical construct, for use within the haptic interaction space, using a plurality of underlying constructs. In one embodiment the method includes determining the forces to be applied to a user by generating a haptic interactive, sensing a position of a user in real space, determining a haptic interface location in the haptic interaction space in response to the position of the user in real space and determining whether the virtual object collides with the haptic interface location. The invention also relates to a method for interacting with a haptic interactive representation.

Abstract: A method for generating a haptic interactive representation including the steps of defining a haptic interaction space and building a hierarchical construct, for use within the haptic interaction space, using a plurality of underlying constructs. In one embodiment the method includes determining the forces to be applied to a user by generating a haptic interactive, sensing a position of a user in real space, determining a haptic interface location in the haptic interaction space in response to the position of the user in real space and determining whether the virtual object collides with the haptic interface location. The invention also relates to a method for interacting with a haptic interactive representation.

Abstract: A method for generating a haptic interactive representation including the steps of defining a haptic interaction space and building a hierarchical construct, for use within the haptic interaction space, using a plurality of underlying constructs. In one embodiment the method includes determining the forces to be applied to a user by generating a haptic interactive, sensing a position of a user in real space, determining a haptic interface location in the haptic interaction space in response to the position of the user in real space and determining whether the virtual object collides with the haptic interface location. The invention also relates to a method for interacting with a haptic interactive representation.

Abstract: A method for generating a haptic interactive representation including the steps of defining a haptic interaction space and building a hierarchical construct, for use within the haptic interaction space, using a plurality of underlying constructs. In one embodiment the method includes determining the forces to be applied to a user by generating a haptic interactive, sensing a position of a user in real space, determining a haptic interface location in the haptic interaction space in response to the position of the user in real space and determining whether the virtual object collides with the haptic interface location. The invention also relates to a method for interacting with a haptic interactive representation.

Abstract: A method for providing images includes assigning a rating to each of a plurality of photographers in a photographer network. Software on a computer server is used to select a plurality of photographers from the photographer network in fulfillment of a customer request. The selection is based at least in part on the rating assigned to the one or more photographers.

Abstract: A method for providing images to a customer includes receiving a request for an image from a customer. The request identifies at least one image criteria. A set of automation parameters is used to select a plurality of shooters to submit one or more images in fulfillment of the request. The occurrence of an escalation event is detected, and in response to the escalation event, the set of automation parameters are adjusted to modify the plurality of shooters selected.

Abstract: A method for providing images includes receiving a first image and a second image from a photographer. The second image includes a release image. The first and second images are stored, and the first image is associated with the second image.

Abstract: A method for providing images to a customer is provided. The method includes receiving a request for at least one image from a customer. Software on a computer server is used to select a plurality of photographers from a photographer network in response to the request. An uploaded image is received from each of at least two photographers. The uploaded images are displayed to the customer for selection of at least one image in fulfillment of the request, and a selected uploaded image is provided to the customer after the customer agrees to execute a license to use the uploaded image.

Abstract: A method for providing images to a customer includes receiving a request for an image from a customer. Software on a computer server is used to identify a plurality of photographers in a photographer network to receive an invitation to submit one or more uploaded images in fulfillment of the request. The invitation is communicated to the plurality of photographers. One or more acceptances is received from the identified photographers receiving the invitation, and at least one shooter is assigned to fulfill the request in response to receiving the one or more acceptances.

Abstract: A method for haptically deforming a virtual surface within a haptic virtual environment is used to plastically deform the virtual surface of a virtual object by sensing a user's position in real space, determining a haptic interface location in the haptic environment based thereon, and determining whether the virtual surface collides with the haptic interface location. Upon detection of a collision above a threshold force, a visual representation of the virtual surface is plastically deformed and a corresponding force is calculated and fed back to the user. The virtual surface can be visco-elastically deformed.

Abstract: A method for generating a haptic interactive representation including the steps of defining a haptic interaction space and building a hierarchical construct, for use within the haptic interaction space, using a plurality of underlying constructs. In one embodiment the method includes determining the forces to be applied to a user by generating a haptic interactive, sensing a position of a user in real space, determining a haptic interface location in the haptic interaction space in response to the position of the user in real space and determining whether the virtual object collides with the haptic interface location. The invention also relates to a method for interacting with a haptic interactive representation.