Abstract: The technology described herein presents systems and methods for adjusting the visual effect of the image, particularly with respect to the stereoscopic effect. In one example embodiment, the technology can determine if a “collision” is detected between the virtual camera position and then adjust a parameter of the virtual camera based on the point of intersection associated with the “collision.

Abstract: The technology described herein presents systems and methods for adjusting the visual effect of the image, particularly with respect to the stereoscopic effect. In one example embodiment, the technology can determine if a “collision” is detected between the virtual camera position and then adjust a parameter of the virtual camera based on the point of intersection associated with the “collision.

Abstract: Operations for caching to display panoramic images include repeatedly receiving an indication of one or both of a current geographic location and a current view direction for a user, receiving from a remote server a first plurality of image tiles of a first panoramic image of a predicted geographic location, caching the received first plurality of image tiles, and processing the cached first plurality of image tiles. The processing includes decompressing the cached first plurality of image tiles and storing the decompressed image tiles. When the current geographic location is at the predicted geographic location, rendering, using the stored decompressed tiles, the first panoramic image to a plurality of three-dimensional surfaces in a memory, wherein each of the plurality of three-dimensional surfaces corresponds to a respective portion of a sphere.

Abstract: A drawing system and method is provided for drawing objects and maps in a virtual world editor. The drawing method performs object checking to determine if a particular object can be drawn in the virtual world editor. When drawing the object, if the drawing method for the object does not satisfy a specific condition, the method will not allow the object to “set.” If the object satisfies the specific condition, the method will allow the object to set and be drawn onto the terrain. If the object is obstructed as it is being drawn, the drawing system will adjust the object so it is appropriately drawn in the software environment.

Abstract: Operations for caching to display panoramic images include repeatedly receiving an indication of one or both of a current geographic location and a current view direction for a user, receiving from a remote server a first plurality of image tiles of a first panoramic image of a predicted geographic location, caching the received first plurality of image tiles, and processing the cached first plurality of image tiles. The processing includes decompressing the cached first plurality of image tiles and storing the decompressed image tiles. When the current geographic location is at the predicted geographic location, rendering, using the stored decompressed tiles, the first panoramic image to a plurality of three-dimensional surfaces in a memory, wherein each of the plurality of three-dimensional surfaces corresponds to a respective portion of a sphere.

Abstract: In an editor a plurality of valid start points are determined. Based on this plurality of start points a user may select one of the points. When a user selects one of the points, the editor determines at least one valid end point. The user may then draw a line between the selected point and a valid end point. As a result of the connection between the two points a new environment is created in the editor.

Abstract: Operations for caching to display panoramic images include repeatedly receiving an indication of one or both of a current geographic location and a current view direction for a user, receiving from a remote server a first plurality of image tiles of a first panoramic image of a predicted geographic location, caching the received first plurality of image tiles, and processing the cached first plurality of image tiles. The processing includes decompressing the cached first plurality of image tiles and storing the decompressed image tiles. When the current geographic location is at the predicted geographic location, rendering, using the stored decompressed tiles, the first panoramic image to a plurality of three-dimensional surfaces in a memory, wherein each of the plurality of three-dimensional surfaces corresponds to a respective portion of a sphere.

Abstract: A drawing system and method is provided for drawing objects and maps in a virtual world editor. The drawing method performs object checking to determine if a particular object can be drawn in the virtual world editor. When drawing the object, if the drawing method for the object does not satisfy a specific condition, the method will not allow the object to “set.” If the object satisfies the specific condition, the method will allow the object to set and be drawn onto the terrain. If the object is obstructed as it is being drawn, the drawing system will adjust the object so it is appropriately drawn in the software environment.

Abstract: A touch-based computer graphics user interface enhances a stylus pen with virtual suction to create a virtual vacuum or suction tool. The virtual tool may simulate a physical world suction tool and/or provide capabilities not available in the real world. The virtual suction tool allows the user to feel as if he or she has transcended the boundary between the virtual world and the real world by physically holding in his or her hand an object that is able to interact with and virtually attract and contain items (e.g., objects with characteristics and behaviors) removed from or expellable into the virtual world. The resulting highly intuitive user interface provides fun and exciting video game play and has other applications as well.

Abstract: Operations for caching to display panoramic images include repeatedly receiving an indication of one or both of a current geographic location and a current view direction for a user, receiving from a remote server a first plurality of image tiles of a first panoramic image of a predicted geographic location, caching the received first plurality of image tiles, and processing the cached first plurality of image tiles. The processing includes decompressing the cached first plurality of image tiles and storing the decompressed image tiles. When the current geographic location is at the predicted geographic location, rendering, using the stored decompressed tiles, the first panoramic image to a plurality of three-dimensional surfaces in a memory, wherein each of the plurality of three-dimensional surfaces corresponds to a respective portion of a sphere.

Abstract: A user menu is created by retrieving at least one animation frame that corresponds to a user selected portion of stored subject matter. The animation frame or frames are displayed at a portion of the display and aid the user to accurately enter the subject matter at a desired location.

Abstract: A drawing system and method is provided for drawing objects and maps in a virtual world editor. The drawing method performs object checking to determine if a particular object can be drawn in the virtual world editor. When drawing the object, if the drawing method for the object does not satisfy a specific condition, the method will not allow the object to “set.” If the object satisfies the specific condition, the method will allow the object to set and be drawn onto the terrain. If the object is obstructed as it is being drawn, the drawing system will adjust the object so it is appropriately drawn in the software environment.

Abstract: Operations for caching to display panoramic images include repeatedly receiving an indication of one or both of a current geographic location and a current view direction for a user, receiving from a remote server a first plurality of image tiles of a first panoramic image of a predicted geographic location, caching the received first plurality of image tiles, and processing the cached first plurality of image tiles. The processing includes decompressing the cached first plurality of image tiles and storing the decompressed image tiles. When the current geographic location is at the predicted geographic location, rendering, using the stored decompressed tiles, the first panoramic image to a plurality of three-dimensional surfaces in a memory, wherein each of the plurality of three-dimensional surfaces corresponds to a respective portion of a sphere.

Abstract: Operations for efficient display of panoramic images include receiving control information a plurality of tiles of a panoramic image, identifying padding included in the received tiles, and processing the tiles to remove the padding. For each of the processed tiles, at least one patch is generated which maps at least a portion of each tile to a three-dimensional surface formed in a memory. Each patch includes a plurality of polygonal areas, and corresponds to a respective portion of a sphere. The panoramic image is drawn using the patches.