Abstract: A method for managing dynamic models in a social media platform includes creating a shared collection of comparable, dynamic models dedicated to a subject in the social media platform based on instructions from a first group member. The social media platform includes a subset of interactive webpages dedicated to at least one of the comparable, dynamic models and a database containing at least one model profile of the comparable, dynamic models. The method also includes creating a group of members that includes the first group member who have access to the shared collection, assigning at least one member of the group other than the first group member a permission to modify the shared collection, and updating the comparable, dynamic models by changing the associated model profile in the database in response to receiving modifying instructions from the at least one member.

Abstract: A chat room discussion method for branching conversation streams includes receiving an initial post, storing the initial post as part of a first conversation stream, receiving a subsequent chat, determining that the subsequent chat has a different topic than the first conversation stream, and storing the subsequent chat as part of a second conversation stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a complex character includes a body having a first side and a second side, the first side and the second side being independently moveable, and an actuator disposed between the first side and the second side of the body, the actuator being configured to generate control commands in response to a relative movement of the second side or the first side, wherein the body is configured to provide control of at least nine axes of motion associated with the complex character.

Abstract: A data input device includes a finger touch sensing surface wherein the finger touch sensing surface is configured to produce a visual feedback in response to a touching of the touch inputs, the visual feedback indicating an absolute location that the finger touch sensing surface was touched by a finger.