Abstract: A method of controlling a viewpoint of a user or a virtual object on a two-dimensional (2D) interactive display is provided. The method may convert a user input to at least 6 degrees of freedom (DOF) structured data according to a number of touch points, a movement direction thereof, and a rotation direction thereof. Any one of the virtual object and the viewpoint of the user may be determined as a manipulation target based on a location of the touch point.

Abstract: Methods and articles for processing information to display a plurality of items. In one aspect, the method includes outputting, by a processor, data indicative of presentation of at least some of the plurality of items in a first configuration such that the plurality of items appear to be arranged for movement relative a central point; receiving an input signal indicative of a input path; determining a projection of the input path onto a notional line that corresponds to a trajectory of at least one of the plurality of items as it appears to move; and outputting data indicative of presentation of at least some of the plurality of items in a second configuration in which the plurality of items appear to have moved relative to the central point, wherein the apparent movement of the plurality of items is based at least in part on the projection.

Abstract: Navigational data may be collected from experienced users and paths may be extracted from the navigational data. One or more points of interest may be identified in the navigational data and the points of interests may be merged into an interest region. The navigational data may be reviewed for interest paths between the interest regions. The collection of possible interest paths may be reviewed interest paths in view of statistical procedures and criteria to determine if the interest path is a preferred interest path. If the preferred interest path does not satisfy the predefined constraints, additional interest paths may be reviewed by substituting an additional interest path for the interest path and repeating the review the interest path analysis. If the preferred interest path satisfies predefined criteria, a walkthrough of the virtual world may be generated based on the preferred interest path.

Abstract: The current document is directed to methods and systems for accessing, searching, analyzing, and visualizing electronically stored information, including electronic documents. These methods and systems construct graph-like representations of information searches that can be visualized and manipulated in three dimensions. The three-dimensional rendering of search results allows for very large numbers of search results to be visualized conveniently using a graphical user interface displayed on an electronic display device. Methods and systems provide for three-dimensional manipulation of graph-like renderings of search results, visualization-assisted searching, and a large number of research tools for discovering and storing various types of links, connections, and relationships between electronically stored information entities.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus is connected via a network to both an MFP and a virtual-space management server that manages a virtual space that contains a virtual device that is created by virtualizing the MFP. The information processing apparatus includes a display control unit that displays map information on a display unit, wherein a device symbol that corresponds to the MFP is present in the map information at a position corresponding to the position of the MFP in the real world; a receiving unit that receives a selected device symbol in the map information; an output control unit that outputs image data to either a first data storage unit of the MFP that corresponds to the selected device symbol or to a second data storage unit for the virtual device that is created by virtualizing the MFP and corresponds to the selected device symbol.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method of controlling an image display thereof are disclosed. A display module for a mobile terminal as disclosed herein may include a display for displaying an image that includes one or more objects, a user input interface to receive an input to change the image between a 2D display and a 3D display, and a controller configured to change the displayed image between the 2D display and the 3D display based on the received input. The controller may control the display to sequentially display one or more intermediate images in order to gradually change an extent in which at least one of the one or more objects is perceived to protrude or recede into the display during the change in the displayed image.

Abstract: A digital map of a geographic area is displayed via a user interface, and a 3D representation of a multi-story building located in the geographic area is displayed on the digital map. The 3D representation includes multiple stacked floor maps corresponding to the floors of the multi-story building. In response to the detection of a pinch gesture that is applied to the 3D representation, a vertical distance between each floor map is expanded relative to the detected pinch gesture to reveal features of an internal map that corresponds to each floor map.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment planning are described. A treatment planning system provides a computer-simulated virtual environment including a virtual artifact that is a three-dimensional simulation of a patient anatomy, wherein the three-dimensional simulation is generated from one or more diagnostic images taken of the patient anatomy. The treatment planning system performs a treatment planning operation associated with the virtual artifact in response to a user interaction with the virtual environment.

Abstract: An approach is provided for presenting a global view of content. A content mapping platform determines a viewing location of a device with respect to a user interface, wherein the user interface depicts a three-dimensional object in which a surface closest to the viewing location is transparent to show, at least in part, an opposite surface of the three-dimensional object. Further, the content mapping platform then determines at least one target location associated with at least one content item. Furthermore, the content mapping platform causes, at least in part, a rendering of the at least one content item on the opposite surface of the three-dimensional object based, at least in part, on the at least one target location.

Abstract: A method for initiating a user-selected operation on a computer system includes sensing a user contacting the user interface device at a first position with one finger of a user, determining whether the one finger is a first finger of the user or is a second finger of the user, wherein when the one finger is the first finger, the method includes determining a first operation to be performed in response to the first finger, and performing the first operation on the computer system, and wherein when the one finger is the second finger, the method includes determining a second operation to be performed in response to the second finger, and performing the second operation on the computer system.

Abstract: A user-centric method and system to identify user-made gestures to control a remote device images the user using a three-dimensional image system, and defines at least one user-centric three-dimensional detection zone dynamically sized appropriately for the user, who is free to move about. Images made within the detection zone are compared to a library of stored gestures, and the thus identified gesture is mapped to an appropriate control command signal coupleable to the remote device. The method and system also provides of a first user to hand off control of the remote device to a second user.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for integrated content presentation via cells arranged geometrically in a cellular environment. Users can navigate various orientations and zoom states of the cellular environment to access information via different applications, different media types, different visual representations and from different underlying content sources. The information can be organized according to various logical relationships. Upon receiving an indication of a zoom state associated with a cell or a group of cells arranged in the cellular environment, a content reference at that zoom state is retrieved. Further, the content reference is resolved to retrieve and output content, including a visual representation associated with the zoom state.

Abstract: A user control is provided for use with a multidimensional dataset that allows a user to graphically set the bounds for one or more of the dimensions of data selected from the dataset. The graphical user control includes a wireframe cube representing the extent of data in the dataset and a selector box within the data cube. A user can indicate a selected perspective and orientation of the data by selecting a portion of an edge of the selector box, and a visual indication of the selected perspective and orientation is provided. The user further can select a desired portion of the data by changing a size and/or a position of the selector box within the data cube. The graphical user control further includes a visual indicator representing the fourth dimension of the dataset which allows the user to identify and select a further subset of the data defined by the selector box.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of computer and network software, and more particularly it relates to a method and apparatus for promoting and facilitating interactions between users in virtual worlds. According to some aspects, the invention provides a way of allowing a user to easily identify other users that the user may want to connect with for any purpose. According to other aspects, the invention allows users to specify items, interests, friends, demographics and/or preferences, and the system automatically identifies other users who meet those criteria. The system can further provide mechanisms to alert and/or introduce users who share similar interests, demographics and/or meet other matching criteria, and allow them to interact with each other. According to still further aspects, the invention can automatically determine criteria for motivating and/or facilitating interactions between users.

Abstract: An apparatus includes means for associating a first editing effect with a first editing direction; means for associating a second editing effect with a second editing direction; means for receiving an editing input indicating an input direction and an input length; means for determining an editing degree according to a corresponding length of said input length in an editing direction by extracting a component corresponding to the input in the editing direction; and means for applying said associated editing effect in a degree according to the editing degree to an image.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for displaying first media content item with a second media content item inserted within the display of the first media content item. In particular, the second media content item can be displayed with the first media content item when location information associated with the second media content item describes a location with a capture zone of the first media content item.

Abstract: A system for interactive media skimming and search on a device comprises a scene manager building a model of a 3D scene of a multimedia segment of the media visible on a screen of the device, facets of scene objects in the 3D scene are used to dynamically convey visual imagery as a texture from a multimedia source and maintaining a logical navigable relationship between the scene objects, the object facets and the multimedia segments, and further comprising an interaction manager, a user manager securely storing user information and preferences, a playback component initiating rough or high definition playback, a texturizer creating a 2D texture artifact from a set of the multimedia segments in the media for a 3D facet, a transformer transforming and modifying pixels, a cache and scene heuristics maintaining a set of 3D scenes comprising objects, object facets, a virtual camera, and positions of the objects.

Abstract: Techniques for managing virtual ports are disclosed herein. Each such virtual port may have different associated features such as, for example, privileges, rights or options. When one or more users are in a capture scene of a gesture based system, the system may associate virtual ports with the users and maintain the virtual ports. Also provided are techniques for disassociating virtual ports with users or swapping virtual ports between two or more users.

Abstract: An exemplary method for navigating a virtual camera in a three dimensional environment includes determining a point at an off-center location of a viewport of the virtual camera. The point corresponds to a user selection, and the virtual camera defines a field of view to view content of the three dimensional environment. The method also includes rotating the virtual camera toward the off-center location such that the point is located at a center location of the viewport. The method further includes zooming the virtual camera toward the point located at the center location of the viewport. The method also includes after the zooming the virtual camera, re-rotating the virtual camera such that the point is located at the off-center location of the viewport. The method further includes after the re-rotating, rendering the content from a projection of the viewport.

Abstract: Communicating information through a user platform by representing, on a user platform visual display, spatial publishing objects as entities static locations within a three-dimensional spatial publishing object space. Each spatial publishing object associated with information, and each presenting a subset of the associated information. Establishing a user presence at a location within the spatial publishing object space. The user presence, in conjunction with a user point-of-view, being navigable by the user in at least a two-dimensional sub-space of the spatial publishing object space.

Abstract: A software program for use in designing interior and exterior spaces receives user input that is associated with one or more attributes. Subsequent user input, having other attributes, is resolved in light of the first input attributes to create a real-world depiction of design choices in real-time. For example, design choices that conflict with prior design choices are resolved (or modified as necessary) to ensure that each of the prior and present user input choices are represented in an appropriate way. The resolution by the design software is also used to create an accurate parts (and/or price) list so that when the user has completed the design of an exterior or interior space, the design can be submitted directly as an order to be fulfilled. Generally, continual resolution ensures that the user's design intent is captured in an accurate and efficient way in a user interface.

Abstract: A graphical user interface has a back surface disposed from viewing surface to define a depth, and one or more one or more side surfaces extend from the back surface to the viewing surface. An icon receptacle is disposed on one or more of the side surfaces, and one or more icons are disposed within the icon receptacle. The one or more icons correspond to one or more desktop items.

Abstract: A medical image display device provided with storage means for storing a sliced image of an object to be examined obtained by a medical image diagnostic apparatus, extraction means for extracting a center line passing through the region of a hollow organ of the object and the center thereof from the sliced image stored by the storage means, and 3-dimensional image generation means for generating a virtual 3-dimensional image of the inner wall of the hollow organ seen from a viewpoint while sequentially moving the viewpoint from one end to the other end of the center line is provided, with means for changing the direction in which the virtual 3-dimensional image seen from the viewpoint is generated to the direction of bending curvature of the hollow organ according to the bending curvature thereof.

Abstract: A three-dimensional data set is accessed. A two-dimensional plane is defined that intersects a space defined by the three-dimensional data set. The two-dimensional plane defines a two-dimensional data set within the three-dimensional data set and divides the three-dimensional data set into first and second subsets. A three-dimensional view based on the three-dimensional data set is rendered on such that at least a portion of the first subset of the three-dimensional data set is removed and at least a portion of the two-dimensional data set is displayed. A two-dimensional view of a first subset of the two-dimensional data set also is rendered. Controls are provided that enable visual navigation through the three-dimensional data set by engaging points on the multi-touch display device that correspond to either the three-dimensional view based on the three-dimensional data set and/or the two-dimensional view of the first subset of the two-dimensional data set.

Abstract: An image display system includes user configurable viewports for the review and analysis of image data. The user configurable viewports include a review viewport and an analysis viewport. The review viewport displays in a review mode, a plurality of image views of the image data. The analysis viewport displays in an analysis mode, a plurality of image views of the image data. The review viewport and the analysis viewport may be configured for simultaneous display of related image data.

Abstract: A user is enabled to interact with a virtual world environment using an instant messenger application by enabling a user to enter the virtual world environment using the instant messenger application that includes an instant messaging (IM) user interface, generating and managing an avatar to represent the user in the virtual world environment, monitoring a sub-portion of the virtual world environment corresponding to a current location of the user in the virtual world environment, determining descriptions of activities taking place in the sub-portion of the virtual world environment based on the monitoring, and providing the user with the determined descriptions of activities taking place in the sub-portion of the virtual world environment via the IM user interface.

Abstract: A visualization system for providing a preview of data obtained in a borehole and available for selection includes a processor configured to process the data based on user input and instructions and provide output for display on a display device; a computer-readable medium configured to store the instructions, the instructions including commands to output values of two or more types of parameters at two or more depth values for display; and a user interface configured to facilitate selection of one or more of the two or more types of parameters for further visualization and processing.

Abstract: A controller receives an identifier of a detected interaction by a user within another world, separate from a virtual world environment accessible by the user, from a device that detects and reports user interactions within the other world. The controller identifies at least one trigger tag name assigned to the identifier of the detected interaction from among separate detectable user interactions in a trigger tag database. The controller identifies at least one asset class from among asset classes specified with the trigger tag name within a particular trigger asset coupling in a trigger asset coupling database. The controller accesses at least one asset assigned to the at least one asset class in an asset class database. The controller renders the at least one asset within the virtual world environment in a virtual location within the virtual world triggered by the particular trigger asset coupling.

Abstract: A displayed navigational cube configured to be navigated for use by a service provider to enable the service provider to select at least one vendor for meeting requirements of the service provider for deploying a selected service in a service delivery environment. The displayed navigational cube includes mutually orthogonal axes of a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis. Subservices of the selected service, vendors, and requirements are respectively represented on the first, second, and third axis to define elements at each unique combination of subservice, vendor, and requirement. Each element is transparent or non-transparent such that the navigational cube includes transparent elements and non-transparent elements. Each transparent element denotes an indication that the vendor is unable to meet each requirement for implementing each subservice. Each non-transparent element denotes an indication that the vendor is able to meet each requirement for implementing each subservice.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus includes: a basic frame generating unit for generating a basic frame two-dimensionally configured based on a search item axis and a search result display axis; a three-dimensional (3-D) search result listing image generating unit for generating a 3-D search result listing image in which a plurality of search result cards show as if they are stereoscopically arranged in a domino-like configuration along the search item axis and the search result display axis of the basic frame, the search result cards having titles of search results thereon; and a control unit for outputting the 3-D search result listing image to a predetermined display unit with a predetermined display angle, thereby displaying the 3-D search result listing image at the display angle.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a user-adjustable display of clusters and text is provided. A two-dimensional display of cluster spines is provided. The cluster spines each include clusters of documents proximately aligned. A compass is provided within the display and positioned over one or more clusters of at least one cluster spine based on instructions from a user. The display of the clusters positioned within the compass is altered. Spine labels are positioned circumferentially around the compass. Each spine label represents a concept associated with one of the cluster spines positioned within the compass.

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: An invention for prioritized rendering of objects in a virtual universe is provided. In one embodiment, there is a prioritization tool including a value component configured to assign a value to each of a set of items within an inventory of an avatar. A priority component is configured to compare a set of objects in the virtual universe to the value assigned to each of the set of items within the inventory of the avatar to determine a priority of each of the set of objects in the virtual universe. A rendering component is configured to render the set of objects in the virtual universe based on the priority of each of the set of objects in the virtual universe.

Abstract: A multi-user virtual reality universe (VRU) process receives input from multiple remote clients to manipulate avatars through a modeled 3-D environment. A VRU host models movement of avatars in the VRU environment in response to client input, which each user providing input for control of a corresponding avatar. The modeled VRU data is provided by the host to client workstations for display of a simulated environment visible to all participants. The host maintains personalized data for selected modeled objects or areas that is personalized for specific users in response to client input. The host includes personalized data in modeling the VRU environment. The host may segregate VRU data provided to different clients participating in the same VRU environment according to limit personalized data to authorized users, while all users receive common data.

Abstract: To effectively arouse a user's interest in new content and service, or content and service not used on a daily basis. Images of a plurality of display elements associated with respective content sets and/or service are shown; one or more display elements are selected, based on a designated position designated by a user; and content and/or a service associated with the selected display element is presented. In the above, presentation of the content and/or service is made in a different manner according to information about the provider thereof or the user.

Abstract: A method whereby dynamic, interactive, two or more dimensional media can be assembled and delivered where the need for pre-packaged binary content files and pre-compiled content is eliminated by using a markup language, a standard URI to identify local and/or remote media resources within a markup text, a standard protocol to retrieve the resource, a parser to load resources from the native format and a markup language to define behavior and where dynamic, interactive, n-dimensional media is achieved by using a markup language, connecting or embedding content into a local or remote data source, dragging-and-dropping markup text into a content provider application, updating content using a form, establishing a two-way connection between content and one or more data sources such that changing to the data source(s) and seeing the results propagate to the scene changing the content and seeing the results propagate to the data source(s) and using a markup language to issue commands, configure interaction, and crea

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for providing an end user with a multiscale three-dimensional (3D) navigation experience in design software application programs. An adaptive multiscale 3D navigation system allows an end user to transition between a planetary scale down to an individual building scale. The end user may navigate within the building, inspecting object details within the building. The size of the environment is sensed automatically, and the viewing and travel parameters are adjusted accordingly to provide the end user with a seamless navigation experience. A consistent navigation experience is supported at various scales, and real-time collision detection is provided. Scale computation for 3D scenes and collision detection may be based on a generated depth cubemap of the environment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method and apparatus for describing elements within a virtual world to a user of the virtual world. An element may be identified based on a position of an avatar within the virtual world. The avatar is a representation of the user within the virtual world. A tag associated with the element is selected. The tag includes a description of the element. The element is described to the user based on the description.

Abstract: In some example embodiments, a method includes defining a tracking area for a first avatar in an online immersive environment, wherein the tracking area encompasses the first avatar and some defined area beyond the first avatar. The first avatar represents a first person who is a guardian of a second person in the real world and external to the online immersive environment. A second avatar represents the second person in the online immersive environment. The method includes tracking a path through the online immersive environment of the tracking area for the first avatar. The method includes marking a region in the online immersive environment as a safe zone for the second avatar, after the path of the tracking area for the first avatar has traversed the region. The method includes authorizing access to the region marked as the safe zone for the second avatar in the online immersive environment.

Abstract: In a method and user interface for the presentation of multiple image data sets within the scope of a comparative evaluation, a determination is made of at least three organization parameters that describe a sorting of images within an image data set and/or across image data sets, at least one organization parameter is associated with at least one dimension of a three-dimensional matrix, which one dimension is associated with a spatial direction, the images of the image data sets are arranged in the three-dimensional matrix according to the sorting, using the organization parameters and the dimensions, and at least a portion of the images is shown on a presentation device according to their arrangement in the three-dimensional matrix and the spatial directions.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for detecting a viewing apparatus, and causing a presentation device to present a media program in a time division multiplexed (TDM) scheme or a space division multiplexing (SDM) scheme responsive to said detection, wherein the viewing apparatus is configured to the TDM or SDM schemes to enable viewing of the media program. Other embodiments are disclosed and contemplated.

Abstract: Exemplary user interface enhancements for media content access systems and methods are described herein. An exemplary method includes a media content access system launching a graphical user interface for display, the graphical user interface initially including a graphical representation of a channel guide comprising a grid matrix of channel icons representing a plurality of media content channels through which media content is accessible by the media content access system and a graphical representation of an advertisement displayed together with the channel guide in the graphical user interface, detecting a user navigation event within the channel guide displayed in the graphical user interface, and replacing, in response to the user navigation event, the graphical representation of the advertisement with a graphical representation of content specific to a media content channel within the plurality of media content channels. Corresponding user interfaces, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for navigating images spatially referenced to a plurality of location coordinates from at least one coordinate location within a computed space provides travel with a non-linear itinerary. Specifically, serial navigation of a plurality of geographic images spatially referenced to location coordinates of a geo-planar space from a selected coordinate location within each prior geographic image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to panning a virtual camera in a three dimensional environment. In an embodiment of the present invention, a computer-implemented method pans a virtual camera in a three dimensional environment. In the method embodiment, a first point is determined on a three dimensional model in the three dimensional environment. According to the first point, the three dimensional model, and a position of a virtual camera in the three dimensional environment, a virtual surface is determined. A second point is determined on the virtual surface. Finally, a location of the three dimensional model is changed according to the first point and the second point.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a view of a virtual space to a user in a banner ad of a webpage. This enables an advertiser to provide content that is not merely static or scripted, but instead enabled provision of content through a web ad that represents activity within a virtual space (e.g., interactions of other users with the virtual space, content that changes based on current or recent events, etc.) in real time (or near real time). The provision of a virtual space in a web ad may be more effective than conventional web ad content.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and computer program products are provided for displaying search results and other points of interest located on multiple floors or levels in a multi-level map. A method may include receiving an input indicating a search criteria. Further, the method may include determining at least one search result position related to the search criteria, and determining a relationship between the at least one search result position and a multi-level map. In addition, the method may further comprise causing, based at least in part on the relationship, a level of the map and the at least one search result position to be displayed as a search result position indicator, wherein the displayed search result position indicator may be presented in a different manners based at least in part on what level the search result position is located. Corresponding apparatuses and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: 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 3D 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.

Abstract: A user is provided with an interactive three-dimensional visual environment with which the user can virtually experience a retail setting in association with a promotional campaign. The virtual experience includes a plurality of dynamically-loaded promotional assets which include virtual representations of retail products offered for sale or promotional materials related to the retail products. Promotional assets may be developed in accordance with a promotional theme, and several promotional themes may be developed as part of a product's promotional campaign. To facilitate the visualization of different promotional themes, the user is able to selectively interchange promotional assets in the three-dimensional visual environment to virtually experience the retail setting under each promotional theme and to compare the virtual promotional experiences.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product provide the ability to display representative properties of a three-dimensional scene view. A 3D scene and a 3D representation of a coordinate system of the 3D scene are displayed. Different faces of the 3D representation represent and correspond to different viewpoints of the 3D scene. Different statistics for features of the 3D scene are reflected on the different faces of the 3D representation based on the viewpoint corresponding to each face. Manipulation of the 3D representation identifies and selects a different viewpoint of the 3D scene which is then reoriented accordingly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for 3D shape retrieval are described herein. An embodiment includes obtaining a query 3D model, determining a similarity between the query 3D model and one or more 3D models based on a plurality of features of the query 3D model and corresponding features of the one or more 3D models, retrieving one or more similar 3D models based on the determining step and ranking the one or more similar 3D models based on the similarity. The embodiment further includes computing a feature distance between the query 3D model and the one or more 3D models for each feature, from a first set of features, associated with the query 3D model and the one or more 3D models and evaluating a first composite distance function using each feature distance.