Abstract: A visualization system and method allow moving objects to be visualized in a GIS system as an interactive animation by moving an icon or 3D graphical model in an interactive virtual environment of the GIS. A line may also be drawn behind the icon/3D model representing the path traveled during a window of time. Additionally, the evolution of time-dependent data associated with the moving object may be encoded and visualized in the GIS.

Abstract: The present invention relates to navigating in a geographic information system. In an embodiment, a method tours geographic information in a geographic information system. A set of actions for a tour is received. Each action includes a tour time. A tour time of at least one of the actions is defined by a user. Each action in the set of actions is executed to tour geographic information in the geographic information system.

Abstract: A visualization system and method allow moving objects to be visualized in a GIS system as an interactive animation by moving an icon or 3D graphical model in an interactive virtual environment of the GIS. A line may also be drawn behind the icon/3D model representing the path traveled during a window of time. Additionally, the evolution of time-dependent data associated with the moving object may be encoded and visualized in the GIS.

Abstract: A visualization system and method allow moving objects to be visualized in a GIS system as an interactive animation by moving an icon or 3D graphical model in an interactive virtual environment of the GIS. A line may also be drawn behind the icon/3D model representing the path traveled during a window of time. Additionally, the evolution of time-dependent data associated with the moving object may be encoded and visualized in the GIS.

Abstract: The capability to render and navigate three-dimensional panoramic images in a virtual three-dimensional environment so as to create an immersive three-dimensional experience is provided. Such a capability can present a three-dimensional photographic experience of the real world that is seamlessly integrated with the virtual three-dimensional environment. Depth values associated with the panoramic images may be used to create three-dimensional geometry, which can be rendered as part of the virtual three-dimensional environment. Further, such a capability can enable a user to roam freely through the environment while providing a more natural free-form exploration of the environment than existing systems.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to navigating through a three dimensional environment on a mobile device using a single gesture. A first user input is received, indicating that two or more objects have touched a view of the mobile device. Two or more target locations on a surface of the three-dimensional environment corresponding to the two or more objects touching the view of the mobile device are determined. A second user input indicating that the two objects have performed a motion while touching the view of the mobile device is received. Camera parameters for the virtual camera, based on the received second user input, are determined. The virtual camera is moved within the three dimensional environment according to the determined camera parameters, such that the two or more target locations remain corresponding to the two or more objects touching the view of the mobile device. Moving the virtual camera may include zooming, rotating, tilting, and panning the virtual camera.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a method for synchronizing media playback across multiple computing devices on a network. Multiple display screens, each coupled to a computing device, can be arranged in a circular formation surrounding a user. For example, a special enclosure for the display screens may be constructed for this purpose. An immersive viewing experience is created for the user by synchronizing the views displayed on each screen. The multiple screens operate in unison to create a tiled view of a three-dimensional environment. This immersive experience can be referred to as a “Liquid Galaxy.” The experience is enhanced by allowing the user to view and navigate through such three-dimensional environments using an input device, such as, for example, a joystick or game controller.

Abstract: A capability for guided navigation in an interactive virtual three-dimensional environment is provided. Such a capability may enhance user experience by providing the feeling of free-form navigation to a user. It may be necessary to constrain the user to certain areas of good visual quality, and subtly guide the user towards viewpoints with better rendering results without disrupting the metaphor of freeform navigation. Additionally, such a capability may enable users to “drive” down a street, follow curving roads, and turn around intersections within the interactive virtual three-dimensional environment. Further, this capability may be applicable to image-based rendering techniques in addition to any three-dimensional graphics system that incorporates navigation based on road networks and/or paths.

Abstract: The capability to render and navigate three-dimensional panoramic images in a virtual three-dimensional environment so as to create an immersive three-dimensional experience is provided. Such a capability can present a three-dimensional photographic experience of the real world that is seamlessly integrated with the virtual three-dimensional environment. Depth values associated with the panoramic images may be used to create three-dimensional geometry, which can be rendered as part of the virtual three-dimensional environment. Further, such a capability can enable a user to roam freely through the environment while providing a more natural free-form exploration of the environment than existing systems.

Abstract: The capability to render and navigate three-dimensional panoramic images in a virtual three-dimensional environment so as to create an immersive three-dimensional experience is provided. Such a capability can present a three-dimensional photographic experience of the real world that is seamlessly integrated with the virtual three-dimensional environment. Depth values associated with the panoramic images may be used to create three-dimensional geometry, which can be rendered as part of the virtual three-dimensional environment. Further, such a capability can enable a user to roam freely through the environment while providing a more natural free-form exploration of the environment than existing systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to panning a virtual camera in a three dimensional environment. In an embodiment of the present invention, a computer-implemented method pans a virtual camera in a three dimensional environment. In the method embodiment, a first point is determined on a three dimensional model in the three dimensional environment. According to the first point, the three dimensional model, and a position of a virtual camera in the three dimensional environment, a virtual surface is determined. A second point is determined on the virtual surface. Finally, a location of the three dimensional model is changed according to the first point and the second point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to navigating in a geographic information system. In an embodiment, a method tours geographic information in a geographic information system. A set of actions for a tour is received. Each action includes a tour time. A tour time of at least one of the actions is defined by a user. Each action in the set of actions is executed to tour geographic information in the geographic information system.

Abstract: The capability to render and navigate three-dimensional panoramic images in a virtual three-dimensional environment so as to create an immersive three-dimensional experience is provided. Such a capability can present a three-dimensional photographic experience of the real world that is seamlessly integrated with the virtual three-dimensional environment. Depth values associated with the panoramic images may be used to create three-dimensional geometry, which can be rendered as part of the virtual three-dimensional environment. Further, such a capability can enable a user to roam freely through the environment while providing a more natural free-form exploration of the environment than existing systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to navigating in a geographic information system. In an embodiment, a method tours geographic information in a geographic information system. A set of actions for a tour is received. Each action includes a tour time. A tour time of at least one of the actions is defined by a user. Each action in the set of actions is executed to tour geographic information in the geographic information system.

Abstract: A capability for guided navigation in an interactive virtual three-dimensional environment is provided. Such a capability may enhance user experience by providing the feeling of free-form navigation to a user. It may be necessary to constrain the user to certain areas of good visual quality, and subtly guide the user towards viewpoints with better rendering results without disrupting the metaphor of freeform navigation. Additionally, such a capability may enable users to “drive” down a street, follow curving roads, and turn around intersections within the interactive virtual three-dimensional environment. Further, this capability may be applicable to image-based rendering techniques in addition to any three-dimensional graphics system that incorporates navigation based on road networks and/or paths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to navigating in a geographic information system. In an embodiment, a method tours geographic information in a geographic information system. A set of actions for a tour is received. Each action includes a tour time. A tour time of at least one of the actions is defined by a user. Each action in the set of actions is executed to tour geographic information in the geographic information system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to panning a virtual camera in a three dimensional environment. In an embodiment of the present invention, a computer-implemented method pans a virtual camera in a three dimensional environment. In the method embodiment, a first point is determined on a three dimensional model in the three dimensional environment. According to the first point, the three dimensional model, and a position of a virtual camera in the three dimensional environment, a virtual surface is determined. A second point is determined on the virtual surface. Finally, a location of the three dimensional model is changed according to the first point and the second point.

Abstract: This invention relates to navigating in a three dimensional environment. In an embodiment, a target in the three dimensional environment is selected when a virtual camera is at a first location. A distance between the virtual camera and the target is determined. The distance is reduced, and a tilt is determined as a function of the reduced distance. A second location of the virtual camera is determined according to the tilt, the reduced distance, and the position of the target. Finally, the camera is oriented to face the target. In an example, the process repeats until the virtual camera is oriented parallel to the ground, and the distance is close to the target. In another example, the position of the target moves.