Abstract: Computing devices for authoring content in computer-based 3D environments are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a computing device is configured to provide, on a display, a user interface of a 3D authoring application having a 3D working area with a predefined shape and size. The computing device is also configured to, in response to receiving a user input selecting a 3D component, retrieve one or more files of the 3D component containing data that is pre-processed according to the predefined shape and size of the 3D working area. Based on the retrieved data of the 3D component, the computing device can produce (i) a graphical representation of one or more objects or (ii) a sound in the 3D working area without modifying, outside of the 3D authoring application, underlying data of the one or more objects or sound.

Abstract: Computing devices for content library projection in computer-based 3D environments are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a computing device is configured to provide, on a display, a user interface containing a work area having a template of a 3D environment and a gallery containing models of two-dimensional (2D) or 3D content items. The computing device can then detect, via the user interface, a user input selecting the content library to be inserted as an object into the template of the 3D environment. In response to detecting the user input, the computing device can render and surface on the display, graphical representations of the 2D or 3D content items corresponding to the models in the selected content library along a circle having a center spaced apart from a default position of a viewer of the 3D environment by a preset distance.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program, for providing the virtual object in the virtual or semi-virtual environment, based on a characteristic associated with the user. In one example embodiment, the system comprises at least one computer processor, and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one computer processor, perform a set of operations comprising determining the characteristic associated with the user in the virtual or semi-virtual environment with respect to a predetermined reference location in the environment, and providing a virtual object based on the characteristic.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to three-dimensional (3D) environment authoring and generation. In an example, a 3D environment may be authored using one or more models, wherein two-dimensional (2D) representations of the models may be manipulated using an authoring application. Models may comprise anchor points, which may be used to stitch the models together when rendering the 3D environment. In another example, a model may comprise one or more content points, which may be used to position content within the 3D environment. An environment data file may be generated based on the one or more models and content associated with content points, thereby creating a file that may be distributed to other computing devices. A viewer application may be used to generate the 3D environment based on the environment data file. Accordingly, the viewer application may stitch the models and populate the 3D environment with content.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a view of a virtual camera in a virtual world. A view of user viewing a virtual world may be controlled or changed while accounting for a user's head position. For example, a virtual camera may be wrapped in a container such that rotation of the container causes rotation of the virtual camera relative to a global coordinate system. Based on a position of a head-mounted display, an initial virtual camera rotation angle relative to a global coordinate system of the virtual world may be identified. An indication to change to view to particular direction may be received. A desired rotation angle relative to the global coordinate system for a view to correspond to the particular direction is then determined. The container is then rotated by a rotation value based at least on both the desired rotation angle and the initial virtual camera rotation angle.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to three-dimensional (3D) environment authoring and generation. In an example, a 3D environment may be authored using one or more models, wherein two-dimensional (2D) representations of the models may be manipulated using an authoring application. Models may comprise anchor points, which may be used to stitch the models together when rendering the 3D environment. In another example, a model may comprise one or more content points, which may be used to position content within the 3D environment. An environment data file may be generated based on the one or more models and content associated with content points, thereby creating a file that may be distributed to other computing devices. A viewer application may be used to generate the 3D environment based on the environment data file. Accordingly, the viewer application may stitch the models and populate the 3D environment with content.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program, for providing the virtual object in the virtual or semi-virtual environment, based on a characteristic associated with the user. In one example embodiment, the system comprises at least one computer processor, and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one computer processor, perform a set of operations comprising determining the characteristic associated with the user in the virtual or semi-virtual environment with respect to a predetermined reference location in the environment, and providing a virtual object based on the characteristic.