Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to systems and methods for navigating and analyzing portions of a three-dimensional virtual environment using a two-handed interface. Particularly, methods for operating a Volumetric Selection Object (VSO) to select elements of the environment are provided, as well as operations for adjusting the user's position, orientation and scale. Efficient and ergonomic methods for quickly acquiring and positioning, orienting, and scaling the VSO are provided. Various uses of the VSO, such as augmenting a primary dataset with data from a secondary dataset are also provided.

Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to systems and methods for navigating and analyzing portions of a three-dimensional virtual environment using a two-handed interface. Particularly, methods for operating a Volumetric Selection Object (VSO) to select elements of the environment are provided, as well as operations for adjusting the user's position, orientation and scale. Efficient and ergonomic methods for quickly acquiring and positioning, orienting, and scaling the VSO are provided. Various uses of the VSO, such as augmenting a primary dataset with data from a secondary dataset are also provided.

Abstract: Certain embodiments relate to systems and methods for navigating and analyzing portions of a three-dimensional virtual environment using a two-handed interface. Particularly, methods for operating a Volumetric Selection Object (VSO) to select elements of the environment are provided, as well as operations for adjusting the user's position, orientation and scale. Efficient and ergonomic methods for quickly acquiring and positioning, orienting, and scaling the VSO are provided. Various uses of the VSO, such as augmenting a primary dataset with data from a secondary dataset are also provided.

Abstract: A 3D display device is provided. The 3D display device provides a 3D preview image to be displayed and a control menu for setting various parameters for the 3D preview image to a user and thus enables the user to optimize the 3D parameters before viewing 3D content and view the 3D content.

Abstract: An approach is provided for generating a multi-dimensional input. A user interface platform causes, at least in part, a mapping of one or more parameters, one or more representations of the one or more parameters, or a combination thereof onto one or more respective surface segments of at least one three-dimensional icon. The user interface platform then causes, at least in part, a rendering of the at least one three-dimensional icon in a user interface. The user interface platform then determines one or more manipulations of the at least one three-dimensional icon in the user interface, and processes and/or facilitates a processing of the one or more manipulations to determine one or more weighting values for the one or more parameters.

Abstract: Method, system, and software for performing independent operations with and upon N-Dimensional spatial and temporal objects displayed in virtual and real visualization systems. The technique applies user selected points or regions of interest in the visualization system to identify corresponding points or regions on transparent focus objects which describe the visualized objects, and which intersect the user's topological line of sight. The resulting set of points or regions are then used to extract information from the focus objects, which provide additional information on object content or location of related file systems. The transparent interface provides intrinsic operations which can be applied directly to the focus objects, or coupling mechanisms to external user applications, to process, manipulate or transform focus objects in either the transparent interface or the visualization system.

Abstract: A mobile communications device user interface is described. In an implementation, a method is implemented by a mobile communications device that includes outputting a user interface having a portion that is configured to accept content. When an option is selected in relation to the portion to initiate a communication and the content includes one or more contacts, the communication is formed that includes the content and is automatically addressed to the one or more contacts.

Abstract: An interface method for a knowledge management system server. The method includes receiving a symbolic identification of an object classification from a first user system, retrieving a definition of the object classification from a database, and retrieving one or more data elements that are included within the definition of the object classification from the database. The data elements include one or more input parameters, and an initial list of the input parameters is transmitted to the first user system. The method further includes receiving object parameters from the first user system, and transmitting an updated list of the input parameters in response to a change in the input parameters caused by at least one of a change to the definition of the object classification, a change to one or more of the data elements, or receipt of the object parameters from the first user system.

Abstract: A jewelry configurator is disclosed which permits a consumer or end user to begin with a catalog of jewelry pieces that he is able to then customize and alter in various ways to tailor the piece to his taste, view a rendering of said piece, get a price quote for the piece, and send same directly to manufacture for production.

Abstract: An information processing device includes an input operation acceptance unit, distance specification unit, and control unit. The input operation acceptance unit accepts movement of a body substantially parallel to a display surface (two-dimensional plane) of a display unit in which touch panels are laminated, as a touch operation to the touch panel. The distance specification unit detects a distance of the body when a touch operation is made from the display surface (two-dimensional plane) of the display unit. The control unit variably controls the execution of processing related to an object displayed, based on the type of touch operation accepted by the input operation acceptance unit (types differ depending on the trajectory of movement of the body), and the distance detected by the distance specification unit.

Abstract: Techniques for constraining motion of 3D objects displayed on a 2D display interface are described. Touch points are placed by a user on the 2D display interface to manipulate a displayed object. Each touch point is matched with a contact point on the surface of the object. The motion of the object is restricted by adding penalty terms to an energy equation that includes terms that measure deviation between the screen-space location of the touch points and that of their matching contact points. The penalty terms measure deviation from an ideal value. In response to movement of at least one touch point to a new screen-space location, a transformation of the object is determined by applying an algorithm that operates on the energy equation to reduce deviations between the screen-space location of the touch points and that of their matching contact points while also reducing deviation from the ideal value or values set by the penalty term or terms.

Abstract: An information presentation device includes a status information obtaining unit which obtains status information regarding a status of the user; an observed line of sight predicting unit which predicts, based on the status information, an observed line of sight of the user who observes the outside world; and a presented information obtaining unit which obtains the information to be presented to the user. Additionally, a recognized line of sight predicting unit predicts a recognized line of sight of the user who recognizes the presented information; a presentation method determining unit determines a presentation method of the presented information based on the observed line of sight and the recognized line of sight; and an information presenting unit presents the presented information in the method determined in the presentation method determining unit.

Abstract: A method on a server for providing jewelry configuration processes over a communications network is disclosed. The method includes providing a graphical user interface to a user over the communications network, receiving, via the graphical user interface, jewelry customizations from the user, generating, in real-time, a three-dimensional representation of a piece of jewelry based on the jewelry customizations that were received, rendering, in real-time, the three-dimensional representation of the piece of jewelry that was generated and displaying in the graphical user interface the three-dimensional representation of the piece of jewelry that was rendered.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for configuring information displayed on a screen is described. A display model is generated on the screen. The display model includes a status page and at least one configuration page. The pages of the display model are organized in a three-dimensional format on the screen. A header and a status icon are displayed on the at least one configuration page. At least one configuration page is filtered to prevent the at least one configuration page from being displayed on the screen.

Abstract: A graphic user interface management system displays all shortcuts on surfaces of a first three-dimensional (3D) graph displayed on a desktop background. The first 3D graph streams objects during rotating. On projection paths of the objects, a first preset number of objects forms system time to be displayed on the desktop background, a second preset number of objects forms a process wall, which displays running processes of shortcuts invoked by a user from the first 3D graph. The shortcuts dragged from the first 3D graph to other positions of the desktop background are represented by second 3D graphs. A rotation speed and direction of the first 3D graph change according to an operation speed and direction on the first 3D. The system further performs corresponding desktop display actions according to manipulated operations on the first 3D graph, the process wall, or the second 3D graphs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for protecting a user from being followed by an avatar within an immersive virtual environment. To detect a following avatar, any avatars within a specified range of the user may be identified. Historical data may then be examined to determine if any of the identified avatars has been in the same recent virtual locations as the user. In order to rule out coincidental movements, the likelihood of both avatars being in the same places at the same time may be evaluated. Further, the following avatar may be tested by transporting the user to another location, and then monitoring to determine whether the following avatar also transports to the same location. Upon confirming that the following avatar is actually following the user, avoidance actions may be performed in order to avoid the following avatar.

Abstract: Each touch point placed on a multi-touch display device is matched with a contact point on a surface of a three-dimensional object displayed on the multi-touch display device. A three-dimensional transformation of the object is calculated by a solver using an algorithm that reduces deviation between projected two-dimensional locations of the three-dimensional contact points after object transformation and two dimensional locations of their matching touch points. The solver, in calculating the three-dimensional transformation, assigns a weighting value to each touch point to distribute an aggregate amount of deviation calculated by the solver among the touch points such that a magnitude of the deviation between the projected two-dimensional location of one of the contact points and that of its matching touch point is different from a magnitude of the deviation between the projected two dimensional location of another contact point and that of its matching touch point.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method for displaying executable functions are disclosed. A plurality of rotatable three-dimensional polyhedral icons is displayed on a touch screen display. Executable functions are assigned to the faces of the three-dimensional polyhedral icons, and at least two faces are visible. A polyhedral icon may be selected and continuously rotated about its horizontal and vertical axes to display other faces, and the executable function on the face parallel to the plane of the display may be executed, thereby providing a convenient way to access executable functions of a mobile terminal.

Abstract: There is provided an image printer having a display unit, in which a predetermined image can be set as a background picture of the display unit. The image printer includes an image processing unit processing an image selected by a user in accordance with a predetermined image processing technique so as to set the selected image as a background picture of the display unit; and a setting unit setting the processed image as the background picture of the display unit, wherein the display unit displays the processed image.

Abstract: A method, system and program product for assisting a presentation owner in creating and presenting information to audience users in a virtual 3D cyclorama-like environment. A presentation object tool provides behavior in the cyclorama object to assist the presentation owner in resolving graphic objects into the cyclorama and in placing information onto the graphic objects. The presenter object tool also provides behavior in the graphic objects to allow the presentation owner to expand a graphic object into a larger viewing size, to increment and decrement the placement of graphic objects within the cyclorama's presentation space, and to place an expanded graphic object into a home viewing position for presentation to audience users.

Abstract: An example television Widget movement method involves receiving a dedicated command from a remote controller that activates the plurality of Widget programs, when in Display mode, display Widget representations on a display; receiving a command that establishes one of the plurality of displayed Widget programs as the Widget program that is currently in focus; and receiving a command that places the Widget program currently in focus in Move Mode. The Widget can be moved about the display while in Move Mode, where when the Widget is in Move Mode, the Widget representation is responsive to navigation commands to move about the display. Such movement is animated using a 3 dimensional graphics engine and accompanied by an audio sound effect. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: A parts catalog system is provided. The system may include a processor and a computer-readable medium operatively coupled to the processor and including a memory in which is stored a database configured to catalog collections of data associated with and identifying hardware items. The system may also include a graphical user interface (GUI) configured to display at least some of the data associated with and identifying a hardware item including. The displayed data may include a graphical representation of the hardware item. The displayed data may also include a data field integrated with the graphical representation illustrating the physical significance of the data within the data field with regard to the hardware item illustrated by the graphical representation. The data field may also be configured to accept input to designate a desired value for the data within the data field.

Abstract: This invention relates to a computer simulated environment, such as a virtual world, and to the identification of a user entering the virtual world and user context in the virtual world model. An output of the virtual world model may be rendered using objects in the virtual world model. Previous versions of the rendered objects may then be located in associated user memory and specified differences between the rendered objects and the previous versions of the objects may be identified. A layer of the identified differences may then be rendered on the rendered output of the virtual world model.

Abstract: Generally described, the present application relates to managing information in electronic devices. More specifically, the present application relates to a three dimensional dynamic system for visualizing and navigating through files. In one illustrative embodiment, the system displays information from a database or any other collection of records with different attributes in a three dimensional layout. Objects, typically spheres, can represent groups of items or records with similar characteristics according to defined attributes in the three dimensional layout. On a fourth axis, representing a separate attribute, a time related characteristic can be associated with the objects. Other attributes can be used as well. The objects can also be provided in different colors or patterns to reflect other characteristics within the records. A navigation interface can be used to rotate, pan, zoom-in, zoom-out and crop the three dimensional layout.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display presents a plurality of icons that are associated with a user interface of an electronic device. The plurality of icons include at least a first icon presented at a first depth of presentation and a second icon presented at a second, different depth of presentation. The first icon is associated with a first input component of the user interface, such that the first input component provides for interaction with the first icon. The second icon is associated with a second input component of the user interface, such that the second input component provides for interaction with the second icon. The aforementioned depths of presentation may substantially coincide with various surfaces of the electronic device (such as a first touch-sensitive surface and a second touch-sensitive surface). This approach can serve to facilitate three-dimensional presentation of icons for interaction by touch-sensitive surfaces on the front and back of the electronic device.

Abstract: A method for receiving input from a user of a virtual world, the method including: interacting with an object displayed in the virtual world; displaying another object in the virtual world in response to the interacting, the another object adapted to interact with the user; displaying at least one of a user specific label and a service specific label in place of a generic label associated with the another object; selecting the another object; and receiving the generic label and the at least one of the user specific label and the service specific label as the input in response to the selecting.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for enabling navigation and selection of content using an interactive virtual sphere. The system comprises a content database accessible via a content server, the content database configured to store a first plurality of content units, and an aggregator linked to the content database, the aggregator configured to update the first plurality of content units. The system also includes a spherical graphics rendering module and a content navigation module. The spherical graphics rendering module is configured to render visual representations corresponding to a second plurality of content units on the surface of a virtual sphere. The content to navigation module provides a user interface for interacting with the virtual sphere, and is configured to access the content database and to enable selection of at least one of the second plurality of content units according to an input received by the user interface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a technology for utilizing an indirect experience without copying a real world to a virtual world. An apparatus for providing a visual surrogate for indirect experience according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a synchronization setup unit for setting up synchronization models between a surrogate, a real object and virtual objects corresponding to the surrogate and the real object, wherein the surrogate is a substitute for a remote user and the virtual objects are displayed in a control space. A control space generation unit generates the control space required to input commands for the surrogate and the real object and to output surrounding information sensed by the surrogate. A service provision unit generates an application in which the synchronization models and the control space are packaged.

Abstract: The disclosed implementations relate generally to 3D histograms and other user interface elements for color correcting digital images. A color correction method includes: generating a user interface for display on a display device, the user interface including a display area; generating a three-dimensional cube representing a color space for display in the display area; and generating a plurality of spheres for display within the cube, where the spheres are sized to represent pixel densities in a digital image.

Abstract: Three-dimensional user interaction is described. In one example, a virtual environment having virtual objects and a virtual representation of a user's hand with digits formed from jointed portions is generated, a point on each digit of the user's hand is tracked, and the virtual representation's digits controlled to correspond to those of the user. An algorithm is used to calculate positions for the jointed portions, and the physical forces acting between the virtual representation and objects are simulated. In another example, an interactive computer graphics system comprises a processor that generates the virtual environment, a display device that displays the virtual objects, and a camera that capture images of the user's hand. The processor uses the images to track the user's digits, computes the algorithm, and controls the display device to update the virtual objects on the display device by simulating the physical forces.

Abstract: A method for transforming a virtual object based on user input information including receiving by an input device a user input alpha-numeric input information, correlating, using one or more processors, the user input alpha-numeric information with transformation of one or more characteristics of the virtual object, and transforming, using one or more processors, the one or more characteristics of the virtual object from a first configuration to a second configuration based on the correlated user input alpha-numeric information.

Abstract: A method of generating a time managed challenge-response test is presented. The method identifies a geometric shape having a volume and generates an entry object of the time managed challenge-response test. The entry object is overlaid onto the geometric shape, such that the entry object is distributed over a surface of the geometric shape, and a portion of the entry object is hidden at any point in time. The geometric shape is rotated, which reveals the portion of the entry object that is hidden. A display region on a display is identified for rendering the geometric shape and the geometric shape is presented in the display region of the display.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for placing an asset on a three-dimensional model. Each asset can be associated with a pivot point and with an asset normal. A contact point on the surface of a model where an asset is to be positioned may be identified, and a surface normal that may be perpendicular to the surface at the contact point may also be identified. Then, the asset can be placed on the model such that the position of the pivot point of the asset may coincide with the position of the identified contact point on the surface of the model, and such that the orientation of the asset normal may match the orientation of the identified surface normal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for integrating a three-dimensional asset with a three-dimensional model. Each asset can include a base surface and either a protrusion or a projection extending from the base. Once the asset is placed at a particular position with respect to the model, one or more vertices defining a periphery of the base surface can be projected onto an external surface of the model. Then, one or more portions of the asset can be deformed to provide a smooth transition between the external surface of the asset and the external surface of the model. In some cases, the asset can include a hole extending through the external surface of the model for defining a cavity. A secondary asset can be placed in the cavity such as, for example, an eyeball asset placed in an eye socket asset.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for making three-dimensional (3D) contents production possible in a mobile terminal are provided. More particularly, an apparatus and a method for allowing a general user to easily produce 3D contents by providing an edit tool for producing 3D contents in a mobile terminal are provided. The apparatus includes an object generator. When detecting an input for transforming the 3D object, the object generator determines a 3D object transform value depending on an input strength, and applies the transform value to the 3D object.

Abstract: Methods and a system for manipulating objects in a 3D virtual scene are disclosed. Two different mechanisms are used for a user interface, including a first hand and a second hand of a user. The first hand manipulates translational manipulation of the virtual object, such as displacement of the object in three orthogonal planes. The second hand manipulates rotational manipulation of the object. While the interface uses and recognizes different hands for manipulation of the object, it also uses three digits or fingers of different hands to control height, speed, translational and rotational movements.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions to receive from a media processor one or more scaling characteristics of a three-dimensional (3D) image, present a user interface (UI) for controlling a presentation of the 3D image at a presentation device communicatively coupled to the media processor, wherein the UI is adapted to the scaling characteristics of the 3D image, detect a manipulation of the UI, and transmit to the media processor instructions for adapting the presentation of the 3D image at the presentation device according to the detected manipulation of the UI. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for visualizing a view (1) of a scene (2) comprising a three- dimensional image and an object (3) is provided. View parameter establishing means (5) are arranged for establishing a first view parameter value based on a first object parameter value. View visualization means (6) are arranged for visualizing the view (1) of the image in accordance with the first view parameter value. Interaction means (7) are arranged for enabling a user (9) to indicate a point (12) in the view (1). Object parameter updating means (8) are arranged for updating the object parameter (11) based on the point (12) to obtain a second object parameter value. The view parameter establishing means (5) is arranged for updating the view parameter (10) based on the second object parameter value to obtain a second view parameter value.

Abstract: A system for enabling touch and feel over the internet provides a three-dimensional representation of a good being sold, that three-dimensional representation being viewable from a number of different directions. In one embodiment, the good being sold is in a package and the package is displayed from the number of different directions. Another embodiment has the good being a book, and the inside and outside covers of the book are displayed and specified pages of the book can be displayed. The user can read from either the label or the covers just as if the user were actually handling the good.

Abstract: A system for recording and displaying that an entity is a fan of at least one subject may include a graphical user interface including a graphical representation of a three-dimensional shape having at least a first face and a second face. The graphical representation of the three-dimensional shape may symbolize the entity or the subject in the system and the first face of the three-dimensional shape includes information corresponding to the entity or the subject. The system may further include a recording logic configured to receive information declaring that the entity or the subject is a fan. The system may further include a displaying logic configured to display on the graphical representation of the three-dimensional shape information corresponding to the entity or the subject.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method of displaying 3D images thereon are disclosed. A display module in a mobile terminal may include a touchscreen and a controller. The touchscreen may be configured to display a plurality of icons and to receive a touch input that sets a 3D display setting for at least one of the icons. The controller may be configured to set the 3D display setting according to a pattern of the touch input. The touch pattern may determine whether the displayed 3D image of the icon is perceived to project or recede into the touch screen and/or a magnitude of a projection or recession.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a dynamic user interface including a plurality of logical layers is presented. A user interface is provided via a heads-up display generator. Clusters including one or more concepts arranged proximal to each other such cluster to form a cluster spine is provided in a data layer. Controls to operate on a view of the cluster spines are provided in a control layer. Information about the clusters is provided in a concepts layer. A compass logically framing the cluster spines is provided in a heads-up display layer. A label to identify one such concept in one or more of the cluster spines appearing within the compass is generated. A plurality of slots positioned circumferentially around the compass is defined. Each label is assigned to the slot outside of the compass for the cluster spine having a closest angularity to the slot.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering Virtual Reality (VR) tour content and spatial navigation comprising the hyper-text transfer protocol (HTTP) through a dynamic web-based relational database that stores, manipulates, co-ordinates and classifies complex digital data sets over a common gateway interface for on request interactive exchange and search engine retrieval of hotspots. The dynamic online-based software generates and organizes dynamic VR tours through a secure intuitive back-end system allowing the administrator/licensee to maintain technical, quality and security control ensuring secure access for development, modification, management, and distribution of each VR tour. Each VR tour encompasses the interactive exchange of hotspots allowing visitors to interact with still or panoramic pictures and videos which are linked to graphical site information (e.g.

Abstract: A representation of a user's personality may be provided within one or more virtual environments. The personality of the user may be determined based on interactions within the one or more virtual environments. As such, the personality of the user may be determined organically without relying on declared information. A visible representation of the personality of the user may be provided to the user and/or other users within the one or more virtual environments.

Abstract: A digital apparatus that provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for producing contents is provided. The digital apparatus may provide multiple screens, for example, a first GUI screen, a second GUI screen, and a third GUI screen. The first GUI screen may be used for setting at least one background item as contents. The second GUI screen may be used for setting at least one 3D avatar item as contents. The third GUI screen may be used for setting at least one scenario item as contents. The digital apparatus may produce the contents by combining the items set as contents on the first through the third GUI screens, respectively, based on a user set signal.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for visualizing virtual objects on a mobile device. A computing device is in communication with the mobile device. The computing device generates a 3D virtual world of one or more virtual objects corresponding to one or more physical objects in a real world. The computing device then associates information with the one or more virtual objects and generates one or more static images based on the 3D virtual world. The mobile device receives the one or more static images and the associated information associated from the computing device, and then displays the one or more static images.

Abstract: A three-dimensional vehicle scene including an image can be rendered within an interactive user interface. The image can be generated from a model and can be rotatable by user selections of user selectable rotation controls. Vehicle panels can be shown and hidden within the interactive user interface responsive to positionings of an interface pointer. While one of the vehicle panels is shown, user-configurable damage fields can be included in the user interface to describe damage to the vehicle. Input of the damage fields can be used to indicate damage for insurance claim purposes and can be used to update damage indicia on the interface. Damage indicia can be overlaid on top of the image. A damaged vehicle can be shown in the interface by combining (in real-time and at runtime) the image of the undamaged vehicle and the damage indicia, which overlay the image.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-usable medium are disclosed for managing the spatial coordinates and visual attributes of objects within a user interface (UI). A Web UI ruler is executed within a UI comprising a plurality of objects. A first object and second object are selected. The Web UI Ruler then collects the spatial coordinate and visual attribute values for the first and second object and their relationship values are determined. The spatial coordinate and visual attribute values for the first and second objects, along with their corresponding relationship values, are modified and the modifications are applied to the target objects. The values are then stored in the Web UI ruler. These values can then be subsequently applied to one or more target objects. Alternatively, the stored values are exported as a cascading style sheet (CSS) class, which can then likewise be subsequently applied to one or more target objects.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer readable media are disclosed for a gesture recognizer system architecture. A recognizer engine is provided, which receives user motion data and provides that data to a plurality of filters. A filter corresponds to a gesture, that may then be tuned by an application receiving information from the gesture recognizer so that the specific parameters of the gesture—such as an arm acceleration for a throwing gesture—may be set on a per-application level, or multiple times within a single application. Each filter may output to an application using it a confidence level that the corresponding gesture occurred, as well as further details about the user motion data.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system of character expression in a geo-spatial environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a community network of user profiles, each user profile associated with a specific geographic location, associating a first user with a first user profile, providing a first character expression associated with the first user profile, generating a first display view to include a three-dimensional map view embodied by the community network, the first character expression, and the first user profile represented at a location in the three-dimensional map view associated with the specific geographic location of the first user profile, and simultaneously representing other user profiles adjacent to the first user profile in the three-dimensional map view. The method may also include providing elements as a part of a commerce transaction and enabling the commerce transaction via a user profile.