Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting objects in a virtual world through the use of inner and outer selection ranges. Inner selection ranges define the distance from an object an avatar must be to trigger a selection event to initiate interaction with the object. Outer selection ranges define the distance from an object an avatar may travel before triggering a de-selection event to the object which terminates interaction with the object. The method and apparatus is defined for implementation in virtual objects or virtual world frameworks.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products are provided which transport a user in a virtual reality environment from a first location to a second location by providing a transportation vehicle that receives the user at the first location, receiving a destination signal from the user which indicates the second location as a destination, transporting the user in the transportation vehicle to the second location independent of any user input, and providing customized information to the user when the user is in the transportation vehicle. The transportation may be inter-world or intra-world. The customized information can take any number of forms such as dynamic visual scenery, audio messages, static visual graphics, video images, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A system, method, or computer program product for navigating an object in a virtual reality world in accordance with the present invention provides for receiving a pivot control signal from a user via a graphic user interface (GUI) control, and pivoting the object in response to the pivot control signal. The GUI control preferably comprises a compass control configured for receiving the pivot control signals from a user through a point and click device such as a mouse. By clicking on the compass control interface, the user can cause the object, such as an avatar, to rotate a relative number of degrees from its original direction substantially instantaneously, or alternatively, the user may depress a mouse button and drag the pointer about the compass control so as to cause the object to turn under essentially real time control of the user while displaying a view of the object during the pivot.

Abstract: A method of interacting with one or more objects in a virtual reality (VR) space. A user input establishes a pointing mode, whereupon a visual indicator, such as a pointer, is displayed on the user's viewing device, and the visual indicator is moved on the viewing device to refer to an object in the VR space, in response to actuation of a pointing device such as a mouse, joystick or pen. An image of the user's avatar may also be displayed in the VR space, and the avatar may have an appendage or pointing appliance to point to a target in the 3-D space. A user can point in this manner with high precision, as well as draw illustrations, etc. Other users (viewers) of the same VR space can see the first user's avatar pointing to the target. Another viewer's display can be dynamically adjusted to present an appropriate perspective of the VR space to show the target.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for encasing one or more virtual objects in a container for delivery in a virtual world. The container can be opened by automatic time-out, simple manual opening or security-enforced manual opening. The container can hide all or part of the virtual objects, filter events to or from the objects, present advertising information, group multiple objects and enforce access security checkpoints.

Abstract: A technique for providing enhanced intuitive navigation in a virtual world. User selectable hot spots are provided within a virtual world that users may select to automatically be moved to predetermined move-to coordinates within the virtual world. The user may be transported directly to the move-to coordinates or the user may have its motion controlled by the virtual world to in essence walk the user to the move-to coordinates within the virtual world. The selectable hot spot may become inactive following selection of the hot spot by a user until the user moves off of the move-to coordinates, or a plurality of move-to coordinates may be provided such that the hot spot remains active until all of the move-to coordinates are occupied by users. Additionally, the hot spot may be visually enhanced to make it easier to be seen and selected when the user is more than a predetermined distance from the hot spot within the virtual world.

Abstract: A method and apparatus wherein a user interacts with an intelligent virtual object, or avatar, wherein the user is able to program a personality into the intelligent virtual object. The programmed personality allows the intelligent virtual object to react to stimuli without the need to communicate each stimuli to the user. This optimizes the flow of traffic over the transmission medium.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the expression of emotion on a graphical representation of a face on a computer system. The system allows the user to indicate the intensity of the emotion to be displayed using a two dimensional plane. Each point on the plane representing a different variation of the direction and intensity of the Control and Affiliation emotions. When the user chooses the point on the plane to represent the emotion, the eyes, eyebrows and mouth of the graphical face are manipulated to represent the indicated emotion.