Abstract: A preferred method for sharing user-generated virtual and augmented reality scenes can include receiving at a server a virtual and/or augmented reality (VAR) scene generated by a user mobile device. Preferably, the VAR scene includes visual data and orientation data, which includes a real orientation of the user mobile device relative to a projection matrix. The preferred method can also include compositing the visual data and the orientation data into a viewable VAR scene; locally storing the viewable VAR scene at the server; and in response to a request received at the server, distributing the processed VAR scene to a viewer mobile device.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a method for transitioning a user interface between viewing modes. The method of the preferred embodiment can include detecting an orientation of a mobile terminal including a user interface disposed on a first side of the mobile terminal, wherein the orientation of the mobile terminal includes an imaginary vector originating at a second side of the mobile terminal and projecting in a direction substantially opposite the first side of the mobile terminal. The method of the preferred embodiment can also include transitioning between at least two viewing modes in response to the imaginary vector intersecting an imaginary sphere disposed about the mobile terminal at a first latitudinal point having a predetermined relationship to a critical latitude of the sphere.

Abstract: A preferred method for viewing embedded media in a virtual and augmented reality (VAR) scene can include at a viewer device, defining a real orientation of the viewer device relative to a projection matrix; and orienting a VAR scene on the viewer device in response to the real orientation in block, in which the VAR scene includes one or both of visual data and orientation data. The preferred method can further include selecting a media file in the VAR scene, wherein the media file is selected at a media location correlated at least to the real orientation of the viewer device; and activating the media file in the VAR scene at the media location. The preferred method and variations thereof functions to allow a viewer to interact with media that is embedded, tagged, linked, and/or associated with a VAR scene viewable on the viewer device.

Abstract: A method of presenting a scene to a user according to a preferred embodiment includes determining a real orientation of a device relative to a projection matrix and determining a user orientation of the device relative to a nodal point. The method of the preferred embodiment can further include orienting a scene displayable on the device to the user in response to the real orientation and the user orientation; and displaying the scene on the device. The method of the preferred embodiment can be performed by an apparatus and/or embodied in computer program product including machine-readable code.

Abstract: A method of presenting a scene to a user according to a preferred embodiment includes determining a real orientation of a device relative to a projection matrix and determining a user orientation of the device relative to a nodal point. The method of the preferred embodiment can further include orienting a scene displayable on the device to the user in response to the real orientation and the user orientation; and displaying the scene on the device. Variations of the method can include a three-dimensional aspect of the scene with which the user can interact through manipulation of the real orientation and/or the user orientation of the device. The method of the preferred embodiment can be performed by an apparatus and/or embodied in computer program product including machine-readable code.

Abstract: A preferred method of acquiring virtual or augmented reality (VAR) scenes can include at a plurality of locations of interest, providing one or more users with a predetermined pattern for image acquisition with an image capture device and for each of the one or more users, in response to a user input, acquiring at least one image at the location of interest. The method of the preferred embodiment can also include for each of the one or more users, in response to the acquisition of at least one image, providing the user with feedback to ensure a complete acquisition of the virtual or augmented reality scene; and receiving at a remote database, from each of the one or more users, one or more VAR scenes. One variation of the method of the preferred embodiment can include providing game mechanics to promote proper image acquisition and promote competition between users.

Abstract: A preferred method for sharing user-generated virtual and augmented reality scenes can include receiving at a server a virtual and/or augmented reality (VAR) scene generated by a user mobile device. Preferably, the VAR scene includes visual data and orientation data, which includes a real orientation of the user mobile device relative to a projection matrix. The preferred method can also include compositing the visual data and the orientation data into a viewable VAR scene; locally storing the viewable VAR scene at the server; and in response to a request received at the server, distributing the processed VAR scene to a viewer mobile device.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a method for transitioning a user interface between viewing modes. The method of the preferred embodiment can include detecting an orientation of a mobile terminal including a user interface disposed on a first side of the mobile terminal, wherein the orientation of the mobile terminal includes an imaginary vector originating at a second side of the mobile terminal and projecting in a direction substantially opposite the first side of the mobile terminal. The method of the preferred embodiment can also include transitioning between at least two viewing modes in response to the imaginary vector intersecting an imaginary sphere disposed about the mobile terminal at a first latitudinal point having a predetermined relationship to a critical latitude of the sphere.

Abstract: A preferred method for dynamically displaying virtual and augmented reality scenes can include determining input parameters, calculating virtual photometric parameters, and rendering a VAR scene with a set of simulated photometric parameters.

Abstract: One variation of a method for dynamically displaying multiple virtual and augmented reality scenes on a single display includes determining a set of global transform parameters from a combination of user-defined inputs, user-measured inputs, and device orientation and position derived from sensor inputs; calculating a projection from a configurable function of the global transform parameters, context provided by the user and context specific to a virtual and augmented reality scene; rendering a virtual and augmented reality scene with the calculated projection on a subframe of the display; and repeating the previous two steps to render additional virtual and augmented reality scenes.

Abstract: A method of presenting a scene to a user according to a preferred embodiment includes determining a real orientation of a device relative to a projection matrix and determining a user orientation of the device relative to a nodal point. The method of the preferred embodiment can further include orienting a scene displayable on the device to the user in response to the real orientation and the user orientation; and displaying the scene on the device. Variations of the method can include a three-dimensional aspect of the scene with which the user can interact through manipulation of the real orientation and/or the user orientation of the device. The method of the preferred embodiment can be performed by an apparatus and/or embodied in computer program product including machine-readable code.