Abstract: A method and system for representing data includes providing a data representation according to defined variables and a functional relationship between the defined variables and receiving an assigned weight assigned to a defined variable. The method includes receiving a modification of a selected defined variable, and providing a further data representation according to a recalculation of an unselected defined variable, based upon the functional relationship, the assigned weight and the modified variable. Assigned weights and a plurality of modifications of the weighted variable are received. A further data representation is provided according to a further recalculation of the weighted variable based upon a weight selected from the assigned weights according to a previous modification of the weighted variable.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for detecting affinity between entities in a virtual universe (VU) using real time access to descriptions prepared from information about objective entities available in VU databases as well as descriptive information made available by the objective entities. Objective entities may be aggregations of virtual entities. Activators for affinity determinations are provided. The information on an objective entity is compared with descriptive information on a VU subject to determine affinity, and corresponding action of the VU subject. In this manner also the comparative affinities of different objective entities may determine actions of the VU subject.

Abstract: A method and system for representing data includes providing a data representation according to defined variables and a functional relationship between the defined variables and receiving an assigned weight assigned to a defined variable. The method includes receiving a modification of a selected defined variable, and providing a further data representation according to a recalculation of an unselected defined variable, based upon the functional relationship, the assigned weight and the modified variable. Assigned weights and a plurality of modifications of the weighted variable are received. A further data representation is provided according to a further recalculation of the weighted variable based upon a weight selected from the assigned weights according to a previous modification of the weighted variable.

Abstract: A method and system for representing data includes providing a data representation according to defined variables and a functional relationship between the defined variables and receiving an assigned weight assigned to a defined variable. The method includes receiving a modification of a selected defined variable, and providing a further data representation according to a recalculation of an unselected defined variable, based upon the functional relationship, the assigned weight and the modified variable. Assigned weights and a plurality of modifications of the weighted variable are received. A further data representation is provided according to a further recalculation of the weighted variable based upon a weight selected from the assigned weights according to a previous modification of the weighted variable.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided visibility to future predicted traffic situations, based on all reserved routes in a system at a given point in time. This allows city planners, for example, to know where traffic will be to adjust traffic flow accordingly. Additional value comes into play by being able to calculate and publish aggregated savings from using this system, such as driver time, mileage, and gas. This information may be added to a database and made available to individuals via their GPS. In a typical implementation, a request for a route is received from a requester. Based on the request, an optimized route and a potential position of the requester within the optimized route are determined and then proposed to the requester. The requester can then select an option from the proposal.

Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to route optimization/prediction. In one embodiment, the present invention provides visibility to future predicted traffic situations, based on all reserved routes in a system at a given point in time. This allows city planners, for example, to know where traffic will be to adjust traffic flow accordingly. Additional value comes into play by being able to calculate and publish aggregated savings from using this system, such as driver time, mileage, and gas. This information may be added to a database and made available to individuals via their GPS. In a typical implementation, a request for a route is received from a requester. Based on the request, an optimized route and a potential position of the requester within the optimized route are determined and then proposed to the requester. The requester can then select an option from the proposal.

Abstract: A system and method to enable product trials and, in particular, to dynamically collect information relating to the product trials. The system includes a tagging engine configured to tag one or more products, which are part of a product trial in a virtual universe. The system also includes a tracking engine configured to track information on the one or more products via a tag and a storage unit configured to collect the tracked information for marketing and/or advertising purposes.

Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to route optimization/prediction. In one embodiment, the present invention provides visibility to future predicted traffic situations, based on all reserved routes in a system at a given point in time. This allows city planners, for example, to know where traffic will be to adjust traffic flow accordingly. Additional value comes into play by being able to calculate and publish aggregated savings from using this system, such as driver time, mileage, and gas. This information may be added to a database and made available to individuals via their GPS. In a typical implementation, a request for a route is received from a requester. Based on the request, an optimized route and a potential position of the requester within the optimized route are determined and then proposed to the requester. The requester can then select an option from the proposal.

Abstract: A computer system for market segmentation analysis includes program instructions to be executed. The program instructions are configured to collect virtual universe data about avatars, entities, and objects in a virtual universe. The program instructions are configured to perform a market segmentation analysis on the virtual universe data, wherein the market segmentation analysis comprises a first segmentation across multiple segments of the avatars that is based on an amount of time and an amount of money spent in the virtual universe. The market segmentation analysis further comprises a second segmentation across multiple segments of the avatars that is based on whether activity of the avatars includes social activity and business activity in the virtual universe relative to a time of day. The program instructions are configured to receive, from users, consent allowing collection of the virtual universe data and to present a reward to the users for giving the consent.

Abstract: A computer system for market segmentation analysis includes program instructions to be executed. The program instructions are configured to collect virtual universe data about avatars, entities, and objects in a virtual universe. The program instructions are configured to perform a market segmentation analysis on the virtual universe data, wherein the market segmentation analysis comprises a first segmentation across multiple segments of the avatars that is based on an amount of time and an amount of money spent in the virtual universe. The market segmentation analysis further comprises a second segmentation across multiple segments of the avatars that is based on whether activity of the avatars includes social activity and business activity in the virtual universe relative to a time of day. The program instructions are configured to receive, from users, consent allowing collection of the virtual universe data and to present a reward to the users for giving the consent.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a multifaceted tool (e.g., graphical representation/object) for searching and displaying data (e.g., search results). Specifically, aspects of the present invention build on “seed” terms to find and display related words, presenting them in a graduated manner by closeness to the seed. The tool allows a user to select variable weights which indicate the desired degree of closeness to the seed word/idea, or it may be randomly generated. Additionally, this tool may be used to create brainstorm teams with a desired level of variance from a target subject. In a typical embodiment, the a search or seed term and corresponding results are displayed in a hub and spoke-like graphical representation whereby the seed term is positioned in a center window of the graphic, and results are displayed in branches that extend radially from the center. Each branch can correspond to a different information source from which the corresponding results were obtained.

Abstract: A method for market segmentation analysis includes a computer collecting virtual universe data associated with interactions between avatars, entities, and objects in a virtual universe. The computer collecting the virtual universe data includes the computer recording portions of the virtual universe data as the interactions occur. The method includes the computer determining criteria with which to perform a market segmentation analysis on the virtual universe data. The method further includes the computer performing the market segmentation analysis on the virtual universe data, which includes the computer analyzing a plurality of groups of the virtual universe data. The groups are formed based on whether an avatar activity includes social activity and business activity in the virtual universe relative to a time of day. The method further includes the computer generating a report indicating results of the market segmentation analysis.

Abstract: A system and method for researching virtual markets and using the research to optimize product placements and displays. The system includes a monitoring engine configured to monitor information about user reactions and/or at least one product. The system also includes a recommendation engine configured to recommend a location within a virtual universe to display the at least one product based on the information monitored by the monitoring engine and a display engine configured to display the at least one product at a recommended location.

Abstract: A system and method for researching virtual markets and using the research to optimize product placements and displays. The system includes a monitoring engine configured to monitor information about user reactions and/or at least one product. The system also includes a recommendation engine configured to recommend a location within a virtual universe to display the at least one product based on the information monitored by the monitoring engine and a display engine configured to display the at least one product at a recommended location.

Abstract: A system and method for researching virtual markets and using the research to optimize product placements and displays. The system includes a monitoring engine configured to monitor information about user reactions and/or at least one product. The system also includes a recommendation engine configured to recommend a location within a virtual universe to display the at least one product based on the information monitored by the monitoring engine and a display engine configured to display the at least one product at a recommended location.

Abstract: A system and method for researching virtual markets and using the research to optimize product placements and displays. The system includes a monitoring engine configured to monitor information about user reactions and/or at least one product. The system also includes a recommendation engine configured to recommend a location within a virtual universe to display the at least one product based on the information monitored by the monitoring engine and a display engine configured to display the at least one product at a recommended location.

Abstract: A method for market segmentation analysis includes a computer collecting virtual universe data associated with interactions between avatars, entities, and objects in a virtual universe. The computer collecting the virtual universe data includes the computer recording portions of the virtual universe data as the interactions occur. The method includes the computer determining criteria with which to perform a market segmentation analysis on the virtual universe data. The method further includes the computer performing the market segmentation analysis on the virtual universe data, which includes the computer analyzing a plurality of groups of the virtual universe data. The groups are formed based on whether an avatar activity includes social activity and business activity in the virtual universe relative to a time of day. The method further includes the computer generating a report indicating results of the market segmentation analysis.

Abstract: A method includes collecting, by one or more processors, virtual universe data associated with interactions between avatars, entities, and objects in a virtual universe. The collecting includes collecting, by the one or more processors, at least some of the virtual universe data as the interactions occur. The method also includes determining, by the one or more processors, a criteria with which to perform a market segmentation analysis on the virtual universe data. The method also includes performing, by the one or more processors, the market segmentation analysis on the virtual universe data, wherein the market segmentation analysis includes segmenting the avatars based on an amount of time the avatars are in the virtual universe and an amount of money the avatars spend in the virtual universe. The method also includes generating a report indicating results of the market segmentation analysis.

Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to route optimization/prediction. In one embodiment, the present invention provides visibility to future predicted traffic situations, based on all reserved routes in a system at a given point in time. This allows city planners, for example, to know where traffic will be to adjust traffic flow accordingly. Additional value comes into play by being able to calculate and publish aggregated savings from using this system, such as driver time, mileage, and gas. This information may be added to a database and made available to individuals via their GPS. In a typical implementation, a request for a route is received from a requester. Based on the request, an optimized route and a potential position of the requester within the optimized route are determined and then proposed to the requester. The requester can then select an option from the proposal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a multifaceted tool (e.g., graphical representation/object) for searching and displaying data (e.g., search results). Specifically, aspects of the present invention build on “seed” terms to find and display related words, presenting them in a graduated manner by closeness to the seed. The tool allows a user to select variable weights which indicate the desired degree of closeness to the seed word/idea, or it may be randomly generated. Additionally, this tool may be used to create brainstorm teams with a desired level of variance from a target subject. In a typical embodiment, the a search or seed term and corresponding results are displayed in a hub and spoke-like graphical representation whereby the seed term is positioned in a center window of the graphic, and results are displayed in branches that extend radially from the center. Each branch can correspond to a different information source from which the corresponding results were obtained.