Abstract: Various input modes and output modes may be used for a three-dimensional (3D) environment. A user may use a particular input mode (e.g., text, audio, video, etc.) for animating a 3D avatar of the user in the 3D environment. The user may use a particular output mode (e.g., text, audio, 3D animation, etc.) in the presentation of the 3D environment. The input/output modes may change based on conditions such as a location of the user.

Abstract: An automated cage-to-cage fitting technique is used to fit arbitrary three-dimensional (3D) geometry to arbitrary target 3D geometry for 3D avatars in a 3D environment, such as an online game. Each graphical representation of items of clothing is provided with an inner cage and with an outer cage. The inner cage of a clothing item (a current layer) is mapped to the outer cage of another clothing item (a previous/underlying layer) that has already been fitted on the 3D avatar. This mapping enables the current layer to conform to the shape of the previous layer. The technique allows any body geometry to be fitted with any clothing geometry, including enabling layers of clothing to be fitted over underlying layer(s) of clothing, thereby providing customization.

Abstract: A method and system hosts a game on a collaboration platform to allow playing users to participate in gameplay of the game. The method and system identify a condition of the game that is specified by the creating user of the game and identifies first social interaction criteria for the plurality of playing user. Satisfaction of the condition qualities at least one of the playing users to receive a friend request. The method and system determine that a first social interaction between a first playing user and a second playing user of the plurality of playing users playing the game satisfies the condition of the game. The method and system send the friend request to a first client device of the first playing user inviting the first playing user to establish a friendship with the second playing user on the collaboration platform.

Abstract: Various input modes and output modes may be used for a three-dimensional (3D) environment. A user may use a particular input mode (e.g., text, audio, video, etc.) for animating a 3D avatar of the user in the 3D environment. The user may use a particular output mode (e.g., text, audio, 3D animation, etc.) in the presentation of the 3D environment. The input/output modes may change based on conditions such as a location of the user.

Abstract: Some implementations relate to methods, systems, and computer-readable media for inferring a skeletal structure to create a practical 3D asset. A user may create an avatar using different parts from different parent models. Upon creation, a data model for the avatar is examined to determine joint placement and infer an overall skeletal structure. Thereafter, different skinning techniques may be used to deform the avatar skin during animations based on the joint placement and movement.

Abstract: An automated cage-to-cage fitting technique is used to fit arbitrary three-dimensional (3D) geometry to arbitrary target 3D geometry for 3D avatars in a 3D environment, such as an online game. Each graphical representation of items of clothing is provided with an inner cage and with an outer cage. The inner cage of a clothing item (a current layer) is mapped to the outer cage of another clothing item (a previous/underlying layer) that has already been fitted on the 3D avatar. This mapping enables the current layer to conform to the shape of the previous layer. The technique allows any body geometry to be fitted with any clothing geometry, including enabling layers of clothing to be fitted over underlying layer(s) of clothing, thereby providing customization.

Abstract: An automated cage-to-cage fitting technique is used to fit arbitrary three-dimensional (3D) geometry to arbitrary target 3D geometry for 3D avatars in a 3D environment, such as an online game. Each graphical representation of items of clothing is provided with an inner cage and with an outer cage. The inner cage of a clothing item (a current layer) is mapped to the outer cage of another clothing item (a previous/underlying layer) that has already been fitted on the 3D avatar. This mapping enables the current layer to conform to the shape of the previous layer. The technique allows any body geometry to be fitted with any clothing geometry, including enabling layers of clothing to be fitted over underlying layer(s) of clothing, thereby providing customization.

Abstract: Various input modes and output modes may be used for a three-dimensional (3D) environment. A user may use a particular input mode (e.g., text, audio, video, etc.) for animating a 3D avatar of the user in the 3D environment. The user may use a particular output mode (e.g., text, audio, 3D animation, etc.) in the presentation of the 3D environment. The input/output modes may change based on conditions such as a location of the user.

Abstract: A user selection of character settings for a character associated with a playing user of the online gaming system is received. Responsive to detecting an access to the online game by the character associated with the playing user, whether the morphing settings have been specified for the online game is determined. Whether the one or more components of the character that correspond to the first components identified by the morphing settings are permitted to be changed is determined. Responsive to determining the morphing settings have been specified for the online game and determining that the one or more components of the character that correspond to the first components identified by the morphing settings are permitted to be changed, generation of a first morphed character for presentation within the online game by changing the one or more components of the character in accordance with the morphing settings is caused.

Abstract: A method and system hosts a game on a collaboration platform to allow playing users to participate in gameplay of the game. The method and system identify a condition of the game that is specified by the creating user of the game and identifies first social interaction criteria for the plurality of playing user. Satisfaction of the condition qualities at least one of the playing users to receive a friend request. The method and system determine that a first social interaction between a first playing user and a second playing user of the plurality of playing users playing the game satisfies the condition of the game. The method and system send the friend request to a first client device of the first playing user inviting the first playing user to establish a friendship with the second playing user on the collaboration platform.

Abstract: A method and system hosts a game on a collaboration platform to allow playing users to participate in gameplay of the game. The method and system identify a condition of the game that is specified by the creating user of the game and identifies first social interaction criteria for the plurality of playing user. Satisfaction of the condition qualities at least one of the playing users to receive a friend request. The method and system determine that a first social interaction between a first playing user and a second playing user of the plurality of playing users playing the game satisfies the condition of the game. The method and system send the friend request to a first client device of the first playing user inviting the first playing user to establish a friendship with the second playing user on the collaboration platform.

Abstract: A system and method includes establishing a trusted relationship between a first user using a first user device to access a collaboration platform and a second user using a second user device to access the collaboration platform. The method includes receiving, by the collaboration platform, a request from the first user device to establish the trusted relationship with the second user of the collaboration platform. The method also includes transmitting a first authentication code to the first user device responsive to the request. The method includes receiving a second authentication code from the second user device. The method further includes authenticating the second user to establish the trusted relationship between the first user and the second user of the collaboration platform responsive to determining the second authentication code received from the second user device matches the first authentication code transmitted to the first user device.

Abstract: A system and method that detects a first access to a first game of an online gaming system by a first user that is associated with a character, wherein the character comprises a plurality of components. The method also determines whether first morphing settings are associated with the first game. Responsive to determining the first morphing settings are associated with the first game, the method generates a first morphed character based on the first morphing settings. The method provides the first morphed character for presentation in the first game via a user interface.

Abstract: A method and system hosts a game on a collaboration platform to allow playing users to participate in gameplay of the game. The method and system identify a condition of the game that is specified by the creating user of the game and identifies first social interaction criteria for the plurality of playing user. Satisfaction of the condition qualities at least one of the playing users to receive a friend request. The method and system determine that a first social interaction between a first playing user and a second playing user of the plurality of playing users playing the game satisfies the condition of the game. The method and system send the friend request to a first client device of the first playing user inviting the first playing user to establish a friendship with the second playing user on the collaboration platform.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for providing advertisements in virtual world environments. In one embodiment, the method may include providing at least one advertisement to be displayed within a virtual world environment distributed to a plurality of user computer systems. The method may also include determining that a user is interacting with the advertisement in the virtual world environment. In one embodiment, the method may further include tracking one or more factors associated with the interaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically decorating a three-dimensional model is disclosed. The method may include receiving an image file from a user. The image file is to decorate a surface of a three-dimensional model upon display of the three-dimensional model in a simulated three-dimensional world. The method may also include automatically formatting the image file for display on the three-dimensional model in response to receiving the image file, and storing the formatted image file in a database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically decorating a three-dimensional model is disclosed. The method may include receiving an image file from a user. The image file is to decorate a surface of a three-dimensional model upon display of the three-dimensional model in a simulated three-dimensional world. The method may also include automatically formatting the image file for display on the three-dimensional model in response to receiving the image file, and storing the formatted image file in a database.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for providing a dynamic and scalable topology for virtual world environments. In one embodiment, the method may include determining, in response to a request of a user computer system to transfer from a first place to a second place in a virtual environment, an instance of a second place that satisfies the request. The method may also include directing the user computer system to a game server that provides the determined instance of the second place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically decorating a three-dimensional model is disclosed. The method may include receiving an image file from a user. The image file is to decorate a surface of a three-dimensional model upon display of the three-dimensional model in a simulated three-dimensional world. The method may also include automatically formatting the image file for display on the three-dimensional model in response to receiving the image file, and storing the formatted image file in a database.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method and apparatus for simulating the motion of three dimensional models, toys, games, etc. In one embodiment, the method may include receiving a plurality of three dimensional objects for motion simulation. The method may also include determining at least two three dimensional objects from the plurality of three dimensional objects that do not move relative to each other during motion simulation. A super body may then be constructed that represents the determined at least two three dimensional objects, and a motion of the super body computed at a physics simulation engine to simulate motion of the super body and any remaining three dimensional objects that are not part of the super body.