Abstract: A method for automatically assigning multimedia features to map views selected "on the fly" in a computer-based multimedia atlas program. The atlas program allows a user to pan and zoom over the globe so that the map views selected by the user are not necessarily the best-view map of any particular map entity. The multimedia atlas program assigns a "place context" to a selected map view, which identifies and serves as the title of the map. The place context is a particular map entity that has an associated set of multimedia features, such as videos, music, pictures, etc. Control items associated with the multimedia features for the place context are then displayed for selection by the user. A "parent context," which identifies a larger map that the selected map view is a part of, is also assigned to the selected map view. The user may select a parent context control item to cause the control items for selecting the multimedia features for the parent context to be displayed for selection by the user.

Abstract: A method and system for rendering a two-dimensional image of a three-dimensional surface in real time directly from surface-feature data stored in computer-readable format. A two-dimensional screen display may therefore be rendered "on the fly" for any view point, altitude, and orientation in three-dimensional space. Changing the view point enables panning, changing the altitude allows zooming, and changing the orientation allows spinning of the image. Successive two-dimensional renderings from an initial field of view are rendered to present a sequence of screen displays that effectively pan, zoom, or spin the image of the three-dimensional surface. The rendering methods are sufficiently fast when implemented on preferred personal computer systems so as to enable panning, zooming, and spinning at a satisfactory rate in response to user commands. To the user, the surface features appears to pan, zoom, or spin in real time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating solids of different relative weights by exposing the generally horizontally flowing solids to a fluid separating current flowing in a generally upward direction to buoy up the lighter solids while permitting the heavier solids to sink. The separating current is established by means of a hydrostatic pressure differential between two communicating fluid zones having different fluid levels.

Abstract: The "bellies" of mollusk such as clams are removed from the remainder of the clam meat by introducing one whole clam body at a time into a fluid shearing zone where a separately introduced high velocity stream of fluid serves to shear the belly from the clam meat. Apparatus for carrying out this method is also disclosed.