Abstract: A method for preloading media assets during playback execution of a multimedia experience is disclosed. The method includes providing a default preloading scheme. The method also includes receiving a custom instruction to preload at least one media asset associated with a multimedia experience and, in response to the custom instruction, loading the at least one media asset so as to override the default preloading scheme. The method further includes playing the least one media asset after loading the at least one media asset.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide methods for identifying cells in a path in a flowchart and for synchronizing graphical and textual views of a flowchart. In one preferred embodiment, a method for identifying cells in a path in a flowchart is provided comprising the acts of displaying a flowchart comprising a plurality of cells, selecting a cell in the flowchart, determining a path comprising the selected cell, and identifying at least some of the cells in the path. In another preferred embodiment, a method for synchronizing graphical and textual views of a flowchart is provided. This method comprises the acts of displaying a graphical view of a flowchart comprising a plurality of cells in a first display region, displaying a textual view of at least some cells in the flowchart in a second display region, and in response to input received in either the first or second display regions, applying the input to both the first and second display regions.

Abstract: A method for creating a multimedia experience is disclosed. The method includes defining a first cell, defining a first branch selectively associated with the first cell, and defining a second branch selectively associated with the first cell. The method further includes associating a variable with the first cell that is configured to identify one of the first and second branches. The method further includes defining a second cell, associating the second cell to the first cell such that the variable is reflected in the second cell, and generating copies of the first and second branches in response to the association of the variable to the second cell.

Abstract: This patent discloses tools, methods and systems for dynamically visualizing, controlling and modifying the timing of actions that are implemented as part of an interactive multimedia experience. The tools, methods and systems include a timing region that dynamically reflects the timing of at least some of the cells along a selected single path in the multimedia experience and allows a designer to play through the cells and to change the timing of actions associated with the cells.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing an on-line auction are disclosed. Online auctions are popular methods of buying and selling items. Some of these auctions relate to “Dutch Auctions,” where the subject of the auction is a plurality of similar items. Other types of auctions are disclosed. The embodiments presented herein can be used in contexts other than auctions. Also, each of the embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another.

Abstract: A method for conducting a fantasy sports auction for a plurality of players utilizing a plurality of pre-recorded multimedia clips is disclosed. The method includes initiating an auction session including a plurality of participating team bidders, selectively displaying data associated with an individual player during the auction session, and displaying a starting bid for the individual player on the user interface. A series of progressively higher bid levels associated with the player is displayed and the participating bidders are prompted to make bids by playing at least one of the multimedia clips. Bids are received from the participating bidders and visual representations are provided for each bid on the user interface. A winning bidder is determined based on the receipt of a bid associated with the highest bid level displayed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing an on-line auction are disclosed. Online auctions are popular methods of buying and selling items. Some of these auctions relate to “Dutch Auctions,” where the subject of the auction is a plurality of similar items. Other types of auctions are disclosed. The embodiments presented herein can be used in contexts other than auctions. Also, each of the embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another.

Abstract: A method for creating a multimedia experience is disclosed. The method includes defining a first cell, defining a first branch selectively associated with the first cell, and defining a second branch selectively associated with the first cell. The method further includes associating a variable with the first cell that is configured to identify one of the first and second branches. The method further includes defining a second cell, associating the second cell to the first cell such that the variable is reflected in the second cell, and generating copies of the first and second branches in response to the association of the variable to the second cell.

Abstract: A method for conducting a fantasy sports auction for a plurality of players utilizing a plurality of pre-recorded multimedia clips is disclosed. The method includes initiating an auction session including a plurality of participating team bidders, selectively displaying data associated with an individual player during the auction session, and displaying a starting bid for the individual player on the user interface. A series of progressively higher bid levels associated with the player is displayed and the participating bidders are prompted to make bids by playing at least one of the multimedia clips. Bids are received from the participating bidders and visual representations are provided for each bid on the user interface. A winning bidder is determined based on the receipt of a bid associated with the highest bid level displayed.

Abstract: Tools, methods and systems for identifying coordinated actions in a flowchart representing a multimedia experience. These include displaying a graphical view of a flowchart representing a multimedia experience and defining, within the flowchart, a cell including a primary action configured to trigger playback of a primary media asset and secondary actions configured to trigger playback of secondary media assets, wherein each of the secondary actions has a timing coordinated with the primary action. The tools, methods and systems further include displaying a representation of the primary action, displaying representations of the secondary actions in chronological order according to their timing, and visually associating each of the representations of the secondary actions with the representation of the primary action.

Abstract: This patent discloses tools, methods and systems for dynamically visualizing, controlling and modifying the timing of actions that are implemented as part of an interactive multimedia experience. The tools, methods and systems include a timing region that dynamically reflects the timing of at least some of the cells along a selected single path in the multimedia experience and allows a designer to play through the cells and to change the timing of actions associated with the cells.

Abstract: A method for preloading media assets during playback execution of a multimedia experience is disclosed. The method includes providing a default preloading scheme. The method also includes receiving a custom instruction to preload at least one media asset associated with a multimedia experience and, in response to the custom instruction, loading the at least one media asset so as to override the default preloading scheme. The method further includes playing the least one media asset after loading the at least one media asset.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide methods for identifying cells in a path in a flowchart and for synchronizing graphical and textual views of a flowchart. In one preferred embodiment, a method for identifying cells in a path in a flowchart is provided comprising the acts of displaying a flowchart comprising a plurality of cells, selecting a cell in the flowchart, determining a path comprising the selected cell, and identifying at least some of the cells in the path. In another preferred embodiment, a method for synchronizing graphical and textual views of a flowchart is provided. This method comprises the acts of displaying a graphical view of a flowchart comprising a plurality of cells in a first display region, displaying a textual view of at least some cells in the flowchart in a second display region, and in response to input received in either the first or second display regions, applying the input to both the first and second display regions.