Abstract: In an interactive environment, a user action may dictate what type of action a base device performs using an entertainment object. In one embodiment, the base device includes a controllable electromagnet that uses magnetism to move one or more permanent magnetics mounted in or on the entertainment object. For example, the entertainment object may be a doll or character that jumps, vibrates, slides, or sways in response to a changing magnetic field generated by the electromagnet. Moreover, the user may wear headphones that determine the location of the base device (and the toy) relative to the user. Using this location, the headphones can output 3D positional audio that the user perceives as originating from the location of the entertainment object on the base device. The 3D positional audio can be outputted synchronously with the action performed by the entertainment object to further immerse the user in the interactive environment.

Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques for automating control of electronic device. A first interactive game playing within the physical environment using one or more electronic devices is detected. Embodiments collect electromyogram data from one or more electromyography sensors within the physical environment and analyze the electromyogram data collected to determine muscle activations made by the user. Upon determining that the determined muscle activations made by the user match a predefined pattern of electromyography data, embodiments determine a gameplay action corresponding to the predefined pattern of electromyography data and transmit an instruction, to at least one of the one or more electronic devices within the physical environment, instructing the electronic device to perform the determined gameplay action.

Abstract: A magnetic reader for identifying an object includes a hardware processor, a memory storing multiple magnetic field profiles, and a magnetic field detector. The hardware processor of the magnetic reader is configured to detect, using the magnetic field detector, a magnetic field produced by one or more elements incorporated into the object, and to measure, using the magnetic field detector, one or more characteristics of the magnetic field. The hardware processor of the magnetic reader is further configured to compare the one or more characteristics of the magnetic field to one or more of the multiple magnetic field profiles stored in the memory, and to identify the object based on the comparison.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an apparatus that includes a plurality of wheels configured to rotate in either of two rotational directions about an axis of rotation. The apparatus further includes a turret portion disposed between the two wheels and rotatable about the axis of rotation in either of the two rotational directions and independently of the plurality of wheels. Additionally, the apparatus includes a motor configured to provide torque to the plurality of wheels and the turret portion. The motor can cause each of the plurality of wheels to rotate independently in either of the two rotational directions when operating in a first rotational speed mode. The motor can also cause the turret portion to rotate in either of the two rotational directions independently of the plurality of wheels when operating in a second rotational speed mode which is faster relative to the first rotational speed mode.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a throwing apparatus that includes a projectile that slides on a rail. In one example, as the user makes a throwing action, the projectile slides along the rail and locks into place at an end of the rail. In response, the throwing apparatus launches a virtual object representing the projectile along a virtual path extending away from the throwing apparatus. The apparatus may include an emitter that transmits a signal indicative of the signal path of the virtual object. An external device receiving the signal can determine whether the device is on the path and whether it is struck by the virtual object. The apparatus may also include a speaker that outputs a sound simulating the projectile flying through free space. The speaker may change the volume of the sound depending on whether the virtual object is moving away or towards the throwing apparatus.

Abstract: A magnetic reader for identifying an object includes a hardware processor, a memory storing multiple magnetic field profiles, and a magnetic field detector. The hardware processor of the magnetic reader is configured to detect, using the magnetic field detector, a magnetic field produced by one or more elements incorporated into the object, and to measure, using the magnetic field detector, one or more characteristics of the magnetic field. The hardware processor of the magnetic reader is further configured to compare the one or more characteristics of the magnetic field to one or more of the multiple magnetic field profiles stored in the memory, and to identify the object based on the comparison.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a device that includes one or more line of sight transmitters configured to transmit signals over a line of sight communications medium, one or more transmitters configured to transmit signals over another communications medium and a controller. The controller is configured to perform an operation that includes retrieving a key adapted for use in decrypting encrypted content. The operation further includes transmitting the key to a second device over the line of sight communications medium using the one or more line of sight transmitters. Additionally, the operation includes encrypting data such that the data can be decrypted using the retrieved key. The operation also includes transmitting the encrypted data to the second device over the other communications medium using the one or more transmitters, where the second device is configured to decrypt the encrypted data using the key received over the line of sight communications medium.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods for tracking objects for augmented reality. Positions and/or orientations of objects, light sources, and/or visual markers may be determined. Visual effects may be determined based on the objects, lights sources, and/or visual markers. Overlay positions and/or overlay orientations for the visual effects may be determined based on the positions and orientations of the objects, light sources, and/or visual markers. An overlay image including the visual effects may be determined and displayed.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods for simulating an internet of things capability in an object. Storage media may store reactions executable by a wireless communication device. The wireless communication device may include one or more sensors and one or more feedback capabilities. Individual reactions may be characterized by reaction criteria detectable by the one or more sensors and reaction effects executable through the one or more feedback capabilities. One or more processors may be configured by machine readable instructions to receive input indicating an object association between the wireless communication device and the object, and, responsive to reception of the input, activate a set of reactions for the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A method, computer-readable medium, and system are disclosed for an interactive storytelling environment. The method comprises identifying a plurality of storytelling devices available to participate in a storytelling experience, at least one of the plurality of the storytelling devices comprising a first beacon device. The method further comprises beginning playback of a first story of the storytelling experience, the first story comprising a first plurality of predetermined actions associated with a predetermined first virtual setting, the first virtual setting mapped to the first beacon device. The method further comprises determining a location of a user using the first beacon device, and during playback of the first story and using at least one of the plurality of storytelling devices, producing one or more of the at least one audiovisual effect corresponding to the first virtual setting based on the determined location of the user.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods for using augmented reality with the internet of things. An augmented reality experience may be provided based on an operation of an object. Operation status information of a detected object may be obtained and a visual effect may be determined based on the operation status information. An object may be controlled using augmented reality. Operation status information of a detected object may be obtained and a control option may be determined based on the operation status information. A visual effect may be determined based on the control option and a user input regarding the control option may be obtained. A control information configured to effectuate a change in the operation of the object may be transmitted to the object.

Abstract: A method, computer-readable medium, and system are disclosed for an interactive storytelling environment. The method comprises identifying a plurality of storytelling devices available to participate in a storytelling experience, including a first storytelling device at a first physical location and a second storytelling device at a remote second physical location. The method further comprises receiving, based on user input during playback of a story, an instruction to perform a first action of a predetermined plurality of actions using the second storytelling device, the user input indicating a user interaction with a depiction of the second storytelling device at the first physical location. The method further comprises performing, based on timing information included in the received instruction, the first action using the second storytelling device such that performing the first action is at least partly synchronized with performance of an animation sequence of the depicted second storytelling device.

Abstract: In an interactive environment, a user action may dictate what type of action a base device performs using an entertainment object. In one embodiment, the base device includes a controllable electromagnet that uses magnetism to move one or more permanent magnetics mounted in or on the entertainment object. For example, the entertainment object may be a doll or character that jumps, vibrates, slides, or sways in response to a changing magnetic field generated by the electromagnet. Moreover, the user may wear headphones that determine the location of the base device (and the toy) relative to the user. Using this location, the headphones can output 3D positional audio that the user perceives as originating from the location of the entertainment object on the base device. The 3D positional audio can be outputted synchronously with the action performed by the entertainment object to further immerse the user in the interactive environment.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a throwing apparatus that includes a projectile that slides on a rail. In one example, as the user makes a throwing action, the projectile slides along the rail and locks into place at an end of the rail. In response, the throwing apparatus launches a virtual object representing the projectile along a virtual path extending away from the throwing apparatus. The apparatus may include an emitter that transmits a signal indicative of the signal path of the virtual object. An external device receiving the signal can determine whether the device is on the path and whether it is struck by the virtual object. The apparatus may also include a speaker that outputs a sound simulating the projectile flying through free space. The speaker may change the volume of the sound depending on whether the virtual object is moving away or towards the throwing apparatus.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an apparatus that includes a plurality of wheels configured to rotate in either of two rotational directions about an axis of rotation. The apparatus further includes a turret portion disposed between the two wheels and rotatable about the axis of rotation in either of the two rotational directions and independently of the plurality of wheels. Additionally, the apparatus includes a motor configured to provide torque to the plurality of wheels and the turret portion. The motor can cause each of the plurality of wheels to rotate independently in either of the two rotational directions when operating in a first rotational speed mode. The motor can also cause the turret portion to rotate in either of the two rotational directions independently of the plurality of wheels when operating in a second rotational speed mode which is faster relative to the first rotational speed mode.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a device that includes one or more line of sight transmitters configured to transmit signals over a line of sight communications medium, one or more transmitters configured to transmit signals over another communications medium and a controller. The controller is configured to perform an operation that includes retrieving a key adapted for use in decrypting encrypted content. The operation further includes transmitting the key to a second device over the line of sight communications medium using the one or more line of sight transmitters. Additionally, the operation includes encrypting data such that the data can be decrypted using the retrieved key. The operation also includes transmitting the encrypted data to the second device over the other communications medium using the one or more transmitters, where the second device is configured to decrypt the encrypted data using the key received over the line of sight communications medium.

Abstract: There is presented a system and method for producing art electronically. In one embodiment, an electronic art system comprises an electrically sensitive art surface, an art brush having bristles, a voltage reference coupled to the bristles of the art brush, and an at least lightly conductive liquid for moistening the bristles. An electrical pattern formed by an interaction between a plurality of the moistened bristles of the art brush executing a brushstroke and the electrically sensitive art surface, resulting in production of an image of the brushstroke. In other embodiments, the electronic art system can comprise one or more of a camera configured to capture an optical image of the brushstroke, a conductive micro-screen providing a residual image of the brushstroke, a position detection unit for identifying the location of the brushstroke on the electrically sensitive art surface, and a computer to process and produce the image of the brushstroke.