Abstract: Instances of media items are generated from a selection of media items. The instances are scaled and rotated within a display environment.

Abstract: Icons are arranged in foreground background positions in an interface environment to define a multidimensional path extending from a terminus. The icons transition between the foreground position and the background positions along the multidimensional path.

Abstract: A valuation system determines a win probability, which is a measure of the likelihood a participant in a particular game is to win the game given a current game state. The valuation system may determine the win probability from an analysis of events that have occurred in actual games that have occurred over a predetermined time period in the past. The valuation system may then provide the win probability to various media outlets for display or broadcast, for example, within the context of the game. The valuation system may also display or broadcast the win probability through its own broadcast source, such as its web site.

Abstract: A valuation system determines in real-time values of plays occurring during games by identifying a play that occurred during a game. The system determines an expectation of scoring prior to the play occurring, and an expectation of scoring that results from the play occurring. The system then calculates a value of the play as the difference between the expectation of scoring that results from the play occurring and the expectation of scoring that existed prior to the play occurring, and any scoring generated by the play.

Abstract: A valuation system for measuring the value of an athlete is described. The system determines a market value for a share of a financial instrument in the athlete. The system also determines the performance points generated by the athlete as a result of the athlete's participation in real-life athletic competitions. The system then determines a value of the athlete as the combination of the market value of the financial instrument and the performance points.

Abstract: An interactive fantasy cross-sport challenge that allows the participants to compete in the challenge by formulating a portfolio comprising shares of financial instruments in real-life athletes is provided. Each participant in the challenge is initially allotted a predetermined amount of fantasy money units with which to create a portfolio. The portfolio may be comprised of shares of financial instruments in real-life athletes from a plurality of sports, as specified by the challenge. During the course of the challenge, each participant is allowed to place market orders for the purchase and/or sale of shares of financial instruments in real-life athletes from the specified plurality of sports, and the participant receives dividends based on the shares of the financial instruments in real-life athletes contained in the participant's portfolio.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) for a fantasy sports application is provided. The GUI provides intuitive, easy-to-use user interface elements that enable the users to perform an extensive search of athletes based on a combination of one or more extensive and rich search criteria. Other GUIs provide users the ability to include interests in an athlete or multiple athletes in their fantasy teams or portfolios by performing a simple click-and-drag operation.

Abstract: An interactive fantasy single sport challenge that allows the participants to compete in the challenge by formulating a portfolio comprising shares of financial instruments in real-life athletes is provided. Each participant in the challenge is initially allotted a predetermined amount of fantasy money units with which to create a portfolio. During the course of the challenge, each participant is allowed to place market orders for the purchase and/or sale of shares of financial instruments in real-life athletes, and the participant receives dividends based on the shares of the financial instruments in real-life athletes contained in the participant's portfolio. The dividend generated by a share of a financial instrument in a real-life athlete is a measurement of the real-life athlete's on-field performance during real-life athletic competitions in which the real-life athlete participates.

Abstract: A multimedia schedule presentation system provides a program guide area which is a list of the programs that are currently airing, was aired, or is scheduled. The program guide area is semi-transparent and overlays on the broadcast program material that the user is currently watching. The invention displays the program guide information in two different modes: two column or three column. The two column mode displays the available channels in a rotating endless list fashion in the left hand column and the programs for the highlighted channel in the right hand column. The current time period is shown above the left column on the screen and is easily changed by the user. Below the time display is the listing of the channels available to the user. Next to each channel number is the station ID and the title of the current program that is being aired. A description of the current highlighted program is displayed above the two columns.