A multi-instance, multi-user animation platform includes a plurality of modeled parallel dimensions in a computer memory. Each of the parallel dimensions may be an independent model of a physical, three-dimensional space having corresponding features such that the parallel dimensions are recognizable as counterparts to each other. Avatars are located within corresponding ones of the parallel dimensions so as to prevent over-population of any one of the parallel dimensions by avatars. Avatars are animated within different ones of the parallel dimensions using input from respective users to provide virtual-reality data. A common space is modeled in the computer memory configured in relation to the plurality of parallel instances so that an object located inside the common space is visible from viewpoints located inside each of the plurality of parallel instances. Remote clients may output an animated display of a corresponding one of the parallel dimensions and avatars therein. ... see more

A recorded experience in a virtual worlds system may be played back by one or more servers instantiating a new instance of a scene using one or more processors of the one or more servers and playing back the recorded experience in the new instance by modeling objects of a recorded initial scene state of the recorded experience in the new instance and updating the recorded initial scene state based on subsequent recorded changes over a time period, a recorded experience file includes the recorded initial scene state and the subsequent recorded changes and is stored in one or more memories of the one or more servers. One or more client devices are in communication with the one or more servers to participate in the new instance. ... see more

A method of operating an immersive display includes obtaining first images of environment in a first region in front of the immersive display, obtaining second images of environment in a second region outside the first region, which second region is not in front of the immersive display, displaying the first images of the environment on a first area of at least one display of the immersive display to provide a field of view of the environment in front of the immersive display, and displaying the second images of the environment in the second region on a second area of the at least one display to provide images outside the field of view of the environment in front of the immersive display. The first area is delineated from the second area. ... see more

Systems and methods of virtual world interaction, operation, implementation, instantiation, creation, and other functions related to virtual worlds (note that where the term "virtual world" is used herein, it is to be understood as referring to virtual world systems, virtual environments reflecting real, simulated, fantasy, or other structures, and includes information systems that utilize interaction within a 30 environment). Various embodiments facilitate interoperation between and within virtual worlds, and may provide consistent structures for operating virtual worlds. The disclosed embodiments may further enable individuals to build new virtual worlds within a framework, and allow third party users to better interact with those worlds. ... see more

An electronic device for touch translation includes a body and pins extending therefrom and including couplings to facilitate movement of a first portion relative to a second portion. The pins are controllable to move the first portion relative to the second portion and to control force applied by the pins on an external object. Heads are disposed on the pins, which heads are greater in width than the pins and are movable relative to the pins about respective couplings. Sensors cooperating with the pins detect forces applied to the pins and a communication subsystem communicates over a network, with a remote electronic device. A controller, based on detected forces, transmits signals to the remote electronic device to control the remote electronic device, and actuates pins to control the relative movement of the portions based on signals received from the remote electronic device. ... see more

A computer receives information about a debit account controlled by a third-party issuer, a user owing the account and instructions for managing the account after a specified trigger date. Operating according the instructions, an unknown remaining balance in the account may be exhausted after the trigger date has passed, using a sequence of charges responsive to the initial balance, to the last charge amount completed or attempted, and to whether or not the last charge amount is accepted. In the alternative, or in addition, the account may be managed to convert the remaining balance to a non-monetary coupon (e.g., "virtual currency") for use in an online computer game or the like, after the trigger date. ... see more