Abstract: Technologies, systems, and methods for exploring a virtual space without cluttering or obscuring a field of view of the virtual space with overlaid names, labels, symbols, markers, and the like. Instead, a user may select objects of interest presented in a context bar to locate them in the field of view. Further, the user can make use of various forms of selection to zoom in on objects or points in the field of view and access information regarding the virtual space and objects without adding persistent clutter to the field of view.

Abstract: Technologies, systems, and methods for exploring a virtual space without cluttering or obscuring a field of view of the virtual space with overlaid names, labels, symbols, markers, and the like. Instead, a user may select objects of interest presented in a context bar to locate them in the field of view. Further, the user can make use of various forms of selection to zoom in on objects or points in the field of view and access information regarding the virtual space and objects without adding persistent clutter to the field of view.

Abstract: Indicators operable to preview or show the position and relative zoom level of a field of view within a virtual space. Virtual space exploration took typically make use of a field of view for limiting a user's view of the virtual space and zooming in on a portion of the virtual space. A spherical indicator is provided to show the current position of the field of view within the virtual space, as well as provide an indication of level of zoom. A local field of view indication is also provided to show the current position of the field of view, as well as provide an indication of level of zoom, with respect to a nearby object within the virtual space. Such indicators may be useful in exploring outer space as well as landscapes and any other spaces.

Abstract: Indicators operable to preview or show the position and relative zoom level of a field of view within a virtual space. Virtual space exploration tools typically make use of a field of view for limiting a user's view of the virtual space and zooming in on a portion of the virtual space. A spherical indicator is provided to show the current position of the field of view within the virtual space, as well as provide an indication of level of zoom. A local field of view indication is also provided to show the current position of the field of view, as well as provide an indication of level of zoom, with respect to a nearby object within the virtual space. Such indicators may be useful in exploring outer space as well as landscapes and any other spaces.

Abstract: Technologies, architectures, and systems suitable for exploring virtual spaces, objects within the virtual spaces, and information and data related to the virtual spaces and objects. Example virtual spaces include representations of real spaces such as outer space, geographic spaces such as landscaped and the like, atomic and sub-atomic spaces, and the like, and any other real space, as well as any imaginary spaces and any combination of the foregoing. Also provided are example technologies for managing collections of linked narratives related to the virtual spaces and collections of related objects and information and data related to the objects and virtual spaces. Further provided are technologies for linking virtual spaces, linked narratives, objects, and information and data regarding such, and for aiding a user in browsing and navigating between such.

Abstract: Technologies, systems, and methods for exploring a virtual space without cluttering or obscuring a field of view of the virtual space with overlaid names, labels, symbols, markers, and the like. Instead, a user may select objects of interest presented in a context bar to locate them in the field of view. Further, the user can make use of various forms of selection to zoom in on objects or points in the field of view and access information regarding the virtual space and objects without adding persistent clutter to the field of view.

Abstract: Indicators operable to preview or show the position and relative zoom level of a field of view within a virtual space. Virtual space exploration tools typically make use of a field of view for limiting a user's view of the virtual space and zooming in on a portion of the virtual space. A spherical indicator is provided to show the current position of the field of view within the virtual space, as well as provide an indication of level of zoom. A local field of view indication is also provided to show the current position of the field of view, as well as provide an indication of level of zoom, with respect to a nearby object within the virtual space. Such indicators may be useful in exploring outer space as well as landscapes and any other spaces.

Abstract: Data elements stored in a computing system and associated with a physical object are reassociated with the same or another physical object. An identifying characteristic presented by the physical object, such as a reflective pattern applied to the object, is detected when the object is positioned adjacent to the interactive display surface. Images or other files associated with the identifying characteristic are accessed and displayed on the interactive display surface. A gesture by a user adjacent to the interactive display surface is detected to reassociate a selected representation. For example, the user can change where the selected element fits in a sequence of data elements, or reassociate the selected element with a second object placed on the interactive display surface. In a networked environment, the reassociated element can be stored on a server and subsequently accessed from a different interactive surface via the network using the second physical object.

Abstract: Data elements stored in a computing system and associated with a physical object are reassociated with the same or another physical object. An identifying characteristic presented by the physical object, such as a reflective pattern applied to the object, is detected when the object is positioned adjacent to the interactive display surface. Images or other files associated with the identifying characteristic are accessed and displayed on the interactive display surface. A gesture by a user adjacent to the interactive display surface is detected to reassociate a selected representation. For example, the user can change where the selected element fits in a sequence of data elements, or reassociate the selected element with a second object placed on the interactive display surface. In a networked environment, the reassociated element can be stored on a server and subsequently accessed from a different interactive surface via the network using the second physical object.

Abstract: Data elements stored in a computing system and associated with a physical object are reassociated with the same or another physical object. An identifying characteristic presented by the physical object, such as a reflective pattern applied to the object, is detected when the object is positioned adjacent to the interactive display surface. Images or other files associated with the identifying characteristic are accessed and displayed on the interactive display surface. A gesture by a user adjacent to the interactive display surface is detected to reassociate a selected representation. For example, the user can change where the selected element fits in a sequence of data elements, or reassociate the selected element with a second object placed on the interactive display surface. In a networked environment, the reassociated element can be stored on a server and subsequently accessed from a different interactive surface via the network using the second physical object.

Abstract: An object placed on a display surface conveys an image appearing on the display surface to a surface of the object. The object can include one or more optical elements such as a lens, or may include a plurality of fused fiber optics or collimated light tubes to convey the image appearing under the object to a different surface. The image can thus be made to appear on a side of the object, or on an intermediate surface within the object, or on a top surface of the object. In addition, on an interactive display device, the user is enabled to interact with the image and the object, for example, by using a gesture to move the image about on the display surface so that it is moved toward and under the object and thereafter appears on the surface of the object.

Abstract: A display table contains a projector that can either project an image onto a display surface of the display table or onto an external surface that is separate from the display table. A user can change the path of the light from the projector from the display surface to the external surface, either by rotating the projector to an appropriate position, or by moving a mirror into the path of light from the projector. A video camera included in the display table also has dual functionality and can selectively be used either to image objects on or above the display surface, or objects that are not adjacent to the display surface. A panel in the housing of the table is opened, and either the video camera is pivoted or a mirror is moved into its light path. Imaging a user with the video camera is useful for video conferencing.