Abstract: In a virtual environment implemented using multiple hosts, a first host maintains records identifying virtual objects and entities which control the virtual objects. When a second host receives a request of a first entity acquiring the control of a virtual object from a second entity, the second host instructs the first host to: update a first record to remove the virtual object from a view simulation of the virtual world servicing the second entity; and adding a second record associating the first entity with the virtual object but having an indicator that prevents the rendering of the virtual object for the first entity. At the time for the completion of the control transfer to the first entity, the second host instructs the first host to update the second record to remove the indicator and thus allow the virtual object to be rendered in the view simulation servicing the first entity.

Abstract: In a virtual environment implemented using multiple hosts, a first host maintains records identifying virtual objects and entities which control the virtual objects. When a second host receives a request of a first entity acquiring the control of a virtual object from a second entity, the second host instructs the first host to: update a first record to remove the virtual object from a view simulation of the virtual world servicing the second entity; and adding a second record associating the first entity with the virtual object but having an indicator that prevents the rendering of the virtual object for the first entity. At the time for the completion of the control transfer to the first entity, the second host instructs the first host to update the second record to remove the indicator and thus allow the virtual object to be rendered in the view simulation servicing the first entity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for storing and dispensing nanostructure material that can maintain the morphology of the nanostructures. The nanostructures are disposed on a flexible substrate that is spooled into a roll. The substrate can be provided with raised edges that space adjacent portions from each other in the roll to protect the nanostructures from damage or misalignment. The roll can be provided to a cassette that can be sealed to protect the nanostructure material from exposure to unwanted environments and to protect individuals from exposure to the nanostructure material. The substrate can be unrolled in the cassette to permit the nanostructure material to be applied to an item outside the cassette while maintaining the morphology of the nanostructures. Various controls can be provided to unroll the substrate and deposit the nanostructure material with high precision and repeatability.

Abstract: In a virtual environment implemented using multiple hosts, a first host maintains records identifying virtual objects and entities which control the virtual objects. When a second host receives a request of a first entity acquiring the control of a virtual object from a second entity, the second host instructs the first host to: update a first record to remove the virtual object from a view simulation of the virtual world servicing the second entity; and adding a second record associating the first entity with the virtual object but having an indicator that prevents the rendering of the virtual object for the first entity. At the time for the completion of the control transfer to the first entity, the second host instructs the first host to update the second record to remove the indicator and thus allow the virtual object to be rendered in the view simulation servicing the first entity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for storing and dispensing nanostructure material that can maintain the morphology of the nanostructures. The nanostructures are disposed on a flexible substrate that is spooled into a roll. The substrate can be provided with raised edges that space adjacent portions from each other in the roll to protect the nanostructures from damage or misalignment. The roll can be provided to a cassette that can be sealed to protect the nanostructure material from exposure to unwanted environments and to protect individuals from exposure to the nanostructure material. The substrate can be unrolled in the cassette to permit the nanostructure material to be applied to an item outside the cassette while maintaining the morphology of the nanostructures. Various controls can be provided to unroll the substrate and deposit the nanostructure material with high precision and repeatability.

Abstract: A system for managing transactions such as sales and exchanges of resources in a virtual environment. A first host maintains records, including identifiers of resources and identifiers of entities which control the resources. A second host receives a request for a transaction involving a first entity acquiring a first resource in exchange for a payment, and instructs the first host to update the records, including adding a record which associates the first entity with the first resource, but temporarily preventing access to the first resource by the first entity. The second host instructs the first host to secure the payment from an account of the first entity. Upon receipt of a confirmation from the first host, the second host instructs the first host to update the record to allow access to the first resource by the first entity.

Abstract: Transactions such as sales and exchanges of resources are managed in a virtual environment. A transaction manager receives a request for a transaction which involves multiple entities in the virtual environment. The request identifies the entities, as well as resources, such as objects and virtual currency, to be exchanged among the entities in the transaction. The request is first validated. Next, the resources which are to be contributed by the entities are gathered. An object is gathered from a first entity by updating a database record to render the object inaccessible. A new database record associates the object with a second entity, and renders the object inaccessible. A reserve can be imposed on a virtual currency account. The resources are then delivered to the entities, e.g., by updating the new database record to render the object accessible to the second entity. If the gathering fails, an undo phase is entered.

Abstract: Transactions such as sales and exchanges of resources are managed in a virtual environment. A transaction manager receives a request for a transaction which involves multiple entities in the virtual environment. The request identifies the entities, as well as resources, such as objects and virtual currency, to be exchanged among the entities in the transaction. The request is first validated. Next, the resources which are to be contributed by the entities are gathered. An object is gathered from a first entity by updating a database record to render the object inaccessible. A new database record associates the object with a second entity, and renders the object inaccessible. A reserve can be imposed on a virtual currency account. The resources are then delivered to the entities, e.g., by updating the new database record to render the object accessible to the second entity. If the gathering fails, an undo phase is entered.