Abstract: A method and system for state-based control of objects. A simulator controls data associated with a plurality of objects, the simulator including a first list of the plurality of objects and a data structure comprising data defining the plurality of objects. A state manager includes a plurality of states, wherein a state includes a second list of a subset of objects of the plurality of objects and determines a display appearance and a display action of the subset of objects. A plurality of software nodes are operable to perform associated operations on subsets of objects and to update data of the data structure for the subset of the objects.

Abstract: An interactive video display system allows a physical object to interact with a virtual object. A light source delivers a pattern of invisible light to a three-dimensional space occupied by the physical object. A camera detects invisible light scattered by the physical object. A computer system analyzes information generated by the camera, maps the position of the physical object in the three-dimensional space, and generates a responsive image that includes the virtual object. A display presents the responsive image.

Abstract: A method and system for combining nodes in a file used for loading a node graph. The method includes defining a first node in the file as a mega-node of the file. The XML file includes a plurality of nodes arranged in parent/child relationships. The method proceeds by identifying a base node type for basing the mega-node upon.