Abstract: A method and system for creating a transition between a first scene and a second scene on a computer system display, simulating motion. The method includes determining a transformation that maps the first scene into the second scene. Motion between the scenes is simulated by displaying transitional images that include a transitional scene based on a transitional object in the first scene and in the second scene. The rendering of the transitional object evolves according to specified transitional parameters as the transitional images are displayed. A viewer receives a sense of the connectedness of the scenes from the transitional images. Virtual tours of broad areas, such as cityscapes, can be created using inter-scene transitions among a complex network of pairs of scenes.

Abstract: A method for authoring and displaying a virtual tour of a three-dimensional space which employs transitional effects simulating motion. An authoring tool is provided for interactively defining a series of locations in the space for which two-dimensional images, e.g., panoramas, photographs, etc., are available. A user identifies one or more view directions for a first-person perspective viewer for each location. For pairs of locations in the series, transitional effects are identified to simulate smooth motion between the pair of locations. The authoring tool stores data corresponding to the locations, view directions and transitional effects for playback on a display. When the stored data is accessed, a virtual tour of the space is created that includes transitional effects simulating motion between locations. The virtual tour created can allow a viewer to experience the three-dimensional space in a realistic manner.

Abstract: A method for authoring and displaying a virtual tour of a three-dimensional space which employs transitional effects simulating motion. An authoring tool is provided for interactively defining a series of locations in the space for which two-dimensional images, e.g., panoramas, photographs, etc., are available. A user identifies one or more view directions for a first-person perspective viewer for each location. For pairs of locations in the series, transitional effects are identified to simulate smooth motion between the pair of locations. The authoring tool stores data corresponding to the locations, view directions and transitional effects for playback on a display. When the stored data is accessed, a virtual tour of the space is created that includes transitional effects simulating motion between locations. The virtual tour created can allow a viewer to experience the three-dimensional space in a realistic manner.

Abstract: A set of sequential images are accessed. Measures of background stability across a set of images are determined, and the set of images is stabilized based on the determined measures. The images are cropped and stored in sequential order. A first image from the set of cropped images is displayed, and data indicating a change in orientation is received. Responsive to a determination that the change in orientation is associated with forward progress, an image after the first image in the set of sequential images is displayed. Responsive to a determination that the change in orientation is associated with backward progress, an image before the first image in the set of sequential images is displayed. The set of images can include a selected face of an individual and can be ordered chronologically, allowing a user to view older and younger images of the individual when navigating the set of images.

Abstract: A set of sequential images are accessed. Measures of background stability across a set of images are determined, and the set of images is stabilized based on the determined measures. The images are cropped and stored in sequential order. A first image from the set of cropped images is displayed, and data indicating a change in orientation is received. Responsive to a determination that the change in orientation is associated with forward progress, an image after the first image in the set of sequential images is displayed. Responsive to a determination that the change in orientation is associated with backward progress, an image before the first image in the set of sequential images is displayed. The set of images can include a selected face of an individual and can be ordered chronologically, allowing a user to view older and younger images of the individual when navigating the set of images.

Abstract: A method and system for creating a transition between a first scene and a second scene on a computer system display, simulating motion. The method includes determining a transformation that maps the first scene into the second scene. Motion between the scenes is simulated by displaying transitional images that include a transitional scene based on a transitional object in the first scene and in the second scene. The rendering of the transitional object evolves according to specified transitional parameters as the transitional images are displayed. A viewer receives a sense of the connectedness of the scenes from the transitional images. Virtual tours of broad areas, such as cityscapes, can be created using inter-scene transitions among a complex network of pairs of scenes.

Abstract: Three-dimensional models are created from one or more image panoramas. One or more image panoramas representing a visual scene and having one or more objects is received. A directional vector for each image panorama is determined, the directional vector indicating an orientation of the visual scene with respect to a reference coordinate system. The image panoramas are transformed such that the directional vectors are aligned relative to the reference coordinate system. The transformed image panoramas are aligned to each other. A three dimensional model of the visual scene is created using the reference coordinate system, the model comprising depth information describing the one or more objects contained in the scene.

Abstract: A payment authorization system includes an account database associating a first user device and a payment account. A system provider device in the payment authorization system is coupled to a network and the account database. The system provider device is operable to receive a payment request from a second user device over the network to make a payment using the payment account. In response to receiving the payment request, the system provider device sends an authorization request to the first user device over the network. In response to receiving an authorization from the first user device over the network, the system provider device sends an instruction over the network to make a payment according to the payment request. The first user device may designate the second user device for using the payment account such that a temporary security code is sent to the second user device over the network.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for facilitating purchases by one person for another person. A user can take advantage of one or more social networks to facilitate purchases by proxy shoppers for the user. For example, the user can designate what products can be purchased by a proxy shopper and what stores can be used by the proxy shopper to make the purchases. The products can be listed in a registry on the user's social network. When the proxy shopper is in a designated store, the proxy shopper can purchase a designated products for the user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for facilitating payment by one person for products purchased by another person. For example, payment can be authorized, such a by a payment provider, when the purchaser is authorized to make the purchase, the product purchased is authorized for purchase, and the store at which the product was purchased is authorized for such purchasing by the other person.

Abstract: The invention provides tools and techniques for clone brushing pixels in an image while accounting for inconsistencies in apparent depth and orientation within the image. The techniques do not require any depth information to be present in the image, and the data structure of the image is preserved. The techniques allow for color compensation between source and destination regions. A snapping technique is also provided to facilitate increased accuracy in selecting source and destination positions.

Abstract: The invention provides tools and techniques for clone brushing pixels in an image while accounting for inconsistencies in apparent depth and orientation within the image. The techniques do not require any depth information to be present in the image, and the data structure of the image is preserved. The techniques allow for color compensation between source and destination regions. A snapping technique is also provided to facilitate increased accuracy in selecting source and destination positions.

Abstract: The invention provides tools and techniques for clone brushing pixels in an image while accounting for inconsistencies in apparent depth and orientation within the image. The techniques do not require any depth information to be present in the image, and the data structure of the image is preserved. The techniques allow for color compensation between source and destination regions. A snapping technique is also provided to facilitate increased accuracy in selecting source and destination positions.

Abstract: The invention provides tools and techniques for clone brushing pixels in an image while accounting for inconsistencies in apparent depth and orientation within the image. The techniques do not require any depth information to be present in the image, and the data structure of the image is preserved. The techniques allow for color compensation between source and destination regions. A snapping technique is also provided to facilitate increased accuracy in selecting source and destination positions.

Abstract: The invention provides tools and techniques for clone brushing pixels in an image while accounting for inconsistencies in apparent depth and orientation within the image. The techniques do not require any depth information to be present in the image, and the data structure of the image is preserved. The techniques allow for color compensation between source and destination regions. A snapping technique is also provided to facilitate increased accuracy in selecting source and destination positions.

Abstract: A method for authoring and displaying a virtual tour of a three-dimensional space which employs transitional effects simulating motion. An authoring tool is provided for interactively defining a series of locations in the space for which two-dimensional images, e.g., panoramas, photographs, etc., are available. A user identifies one or more view directions for a first-person perspective viewer for each location. For pairs of locations in the series, transitional effects are identified to simulate smooth motion between the pair of locations. The authoring tool stores data corresponding to the locations, view directions and transitional effects for playback on a display. When the stored data is accessed, a virtual tour of the space is created that includes transitional effects simulating motion between locations. The virtual tour created can allow a viewer to experience the three-dimensional space in a realistic manner.

Abstract: The invention provides tools and techniques for clone brushing pixels in an image while accounting for inconsistencies in apparent depth and orientation within the image. The techniques do not require any depth information to be present in the image, and the data structure of the image is preserved. The techniques allow for color compensation between source and destination regions. A snapping technique is also provided to facilitate increased accuracy in selecting source and destination positions.

Abstract: The invention provides a variety of tools and techniques for adding depth information to photographic images, and for editing and manipulating images that include depth information. The tools for working with such images include tools for “painting” in a depth channel, for using geometric primitives and other three-dimensional shapes to define depth in a two-dimensional image, and tools for “clone brushing” portions of an image with depth information while taking the depth information and lighting into account when copying from one portion of the image to another. The tools also include relighting tools that separate illumination information from texture information.

Abstract: The invention provides tools and techniques for clone brushing pixels in an image while accounting for inconsistencies in apparent depth and orientation within the image. The techniques do not require any depth information to be present in the image, and the data structure of the image is preserved. The techniques allow for color compensation between source and destination regions. A snapping technique is also provided to facilitate increased accuracy in selecting source and destination positions.

Abstract: Three-dimensional models are created from one or more image panoramas. One or more image panoramas representing a visual scene and having one or more objects is received. A directional vector for each image panorama is determined, the directional vector indicating an orientation of the visual scene with respect to a reference coordinate system. The image panoramas are transformed such that the directional vectors are aligned relative to the reference coordinate system. The transformed image panoramas are aligned to each other. A three dimensional model of the visual scene is created using the reference coordinate system, the model comprising depth information describing the one or more objects contained in the scene.