Abstract: A system and method for combining multiple video bit streams on a server using low latency encoding and stream them to a user based on user input over the network. Each frame of the resulting single video stream can include anything from a single video window at full size to multiple video windows at a variety of sizes. This allows apparently instantaneous video switching by the user without the buffering start-up delay normally suffered by a user when a new video stream is selected. User browsing can be done by scrolling through smaller scale thumbnail videos and zooming of one or more of the videos. The user can also browse video based on geospatial context.

Abstract: A benefit is obtained for sending digital information over a network. The digital information is representative of three-dimensional images which include photographic images. The receiving computer renders the images from the received digital information, and a viewer at the receiving computer can interactively choose a viewpoint or perspective to view the images on a display of the receiving computer. The benefit to the sender can be monetary compensation and/or increased recognition of the sender, for example.

Abstract: A benefit is obtained for sending digital information over a network. The digital information is representative of three-dimensional images which include photographic images. The receiving computer renders the images from the received digital information, and a viewer at the receiving computer can interactively choose a viewpoint or perspective to view the images on a display of the receiving computer. The benefit to the sender can be monetary compensation and/or increased recognition of the sender, for example.

Abstract: A benefit is obtained for sending digital information over a network. The digital information is representative of three-dimensional images which include photographic images. The receiving computer renders the images from the received digital information, and a viewer at the receiving computer can interactively choose a viewpoint or perspective to view the images on a display of the receiving computer. The benefit to the sender can be monetary compensation and/or increased recognition of the sender, for example.

Abstract: A system and method for combining multiple video bit streams on a server using low latency encoding and stream them to a user based on user input over the network. Each frame of the resulting single video stream can include anything from a single video window at full size to multiple video windows at a variety of sizes. This allows apparently instantaneous video switching by the user without the buffering start-up delay normally suffered by a user when a new video stream is selected. User browsing can be done by scrolling through smaller scale thumbnail videos and zooming of one or more of the videos. The user can also browse video based on geospatial context.

Abstract: A benefit is obtained for sending digital information over a network. The digital information is representative of three-dimensional images which include photographic images. The receiving computer renders the images from the received digital information, and a viewer at the receiving computer can interactively choose a viewpoint or perspective to view the images on a display of the receiving computer. The benefit to the sender can be monetary compensation and/or increased recognition of the sender, for example.

Abstract: A benefit is obtained for sending digital information over a network. The digital information is representative of three-dimensional images which include photographic images. The receiving computer renders the images from the received digital information, and a viewer at the receiving computer can interactively choose a viewpoint or perspective to view the images on a display of the receiving computer. The benefit to the sender can be monetary compensation and/or increased recognition of the sender, for example.

Abstract: A benefit is obtained for sending digital information over a network. The digital information is representative of three-dimensional images which include photographic images. The receiving computer renders the images from the received digital information, and a viewer at the receiving computer can interactively choose a viewpoint or perspective to view the images on a display of the receiving computer. The benefit to the sender can be monetary compensation and/or increased recognition of the sender, for example.

Abstract: A benefit is obtained for sending digital information over a network. The digital information is representative of three-dimensional images which include photographic images. The receiving computer renders the images from the received digital information, and a viewer at the receiving computer can interactively choose a viewpoint or perspective to view the images on a display of the receiving computer. The benefit to the sender can be monetary compensation and/or increased recognition of the sender, for example.

Abstract: A benefit is obtained for sending digital information over a network. The digital information is representative of three-dimensional images which include photographic images. The receiving computer renders the images from the received digital information, and a viewer at the receiving computer can interactively choose a viewpoint or perspective to view the images on a display of the receiving computer. The benefit to the sender can be monetary compensation and/or increased recognition of the sender, for example.

Abstract: A method for rendering a three-dimensional terrain, the method including providing at least one previous display pixel having a previous ray from a point of view through the at least one previous display pixel to a previous terrain unit intersecting an axis of the previous ray, the previous ray having a length, and computing a subsequent ray from the point of view through a subsequent display pixel, whereby the subsequent ray has a length equal to the length of the previous ray.

Abstract: A benefit is obtained for sending digital information over a network. The digital information is representative of three-dimensional images which include photographic images. The receiving computer renders the images from the received digital information, and a viewer at the receiving computer can interactively choose a viewpoint or perspective to view the images on a display of the receiving computer. The benefit to the sender can be monetary compensation and/or increased recognition of the sender, for example.

Abstract: A method of providing data blocks describing three-dimensional terrain to a renderer. The data blocks belong to a hierarchical structure which includes blocks at a plurality of different resolution levels. The method includes receiving from the renderer one or more coordinates in the terrain along with indication of a respective resolution level, providing the renderer with a first data block which includes data corresponding to the one or more coordinates, from a local memory, and downloading from a remote server one or more additional data blocks which include data corresponding to the one or more coordinates if the provided block from the local memory is not at the indicated resolution level.

Abstract: A method for rendering a three-dimensional terrain, the method including providing at least one previous display pixel having a previous ray from a point of view through the at least one previous display pixel to a previous terrain unit intersecting an axis of the previous ray, the previous ray having a length, and computing a subsequent ray from the point of view through a subsequent display pixel, whereby the subsequent ray has a length equal to the length of the previous ray.

Abstract: A method for rendering a three-dimensional terrain, the method including providing at least one previous display pixel having a previous ray from a point of view through the at least one previous display pixel to a previous terrain unit intersecting an axis of the previous ray, the previous ray having a length, and computing a subsequent ray from the point of view through a subsequent display pixel, whereby the subsequent ray has a length equal to the length of the previous ray.