Abstract: Systems and methods for 3D shape retrieval are described herein. An embodiment includes obtaining a query 3D model, determining a similarity between the query 3D model and one or more 3D models based on a plurality of features of the query 3D model and corresponding features of the one or more 3D models, retrieving one or more similar 3D models based on the determining step and ranking the one or more similar 3D models based on the similarity. The embodiment further includes computing a feature distance between the query 3D model and the one or more 3D models for each feature, from a first set of features, associated with the query 3D model and the one or more 3D models and evaluating a first composite distance function using each feature distance.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method provides for navigating into a three-dimensional scene. The method: displays a graphical tool having the shape of a parallelepiped represented in isometric projection; selects one side of the graphical tool; and displays the orthographic view associated to the selected side. Each of the parallelpiped's six sides is associated with an orthographic view of the scene, the three background sides being unfolded for them to be visible. The graphical tool is arranged so that all faces are accurately selectable by the user.

Abstract: An image-oriented electronic programming guide system is provided in which programming choices are represented as reduced video images of real-time programming displayed in individual image areas comprising one or more independent or geometric surfaces. The reduced video images may be snapshots captured from a standard video channel and updated at regular intervals or after detecting a scene change in the real-time programming. The most presentable snapshot may be further filtered to represent the real-time programming in the best manner. The reduced video images may also be thumbnail video streams selected from an enhanced preview channel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method and apparatus for describing elements within a virtual world to a user of the virtual world. An element may be identified based on a position of an avatar within the virtual world. The avatar is a representation of the user within the virtual world. A tag associated with the element is selected. The tag includes a description of the element. The element is described to the user based on the description.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing information on an object by using viewing frustums. The method includes the steps of: (a) specifying at least two viewing frustums whose vertexes are visual points of respective user terminals; and (b) calculating a degree of interest in the object by referring to the object commonly included in both a first viewing frustum whose vertex is a visual point of a first user terminal and a second one whose vertex is a visual point of a second user terminal.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for projecting an image onto a surface suitable for interaction with a user while avoiding user occlusion, and while correcting for distortion due to oblique projection. The displayed image moves to a suitable surface at a suitable size and orientation as a user moves around an environment, resulting in a user-following interface. Surfaces are selected in which the projected interface is not occluded by the user or other objects in the environment. Displayed images may be interactive, and moved into an interaction area on a suitable surface that is convenient for the user. The interaction area may or may not coincide with the display area. Adaptation of the projected interface is allowed so that the content of the display and the style of interaction widgets are modified based on distance from the user and orientation of the user with respect to a projected interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods of conducting a meeting between a plurality of people in a virtual environment are provided. A display associated with each of the plurality of people outputs a virtual conference room that includes an avatar associated with each of the plurality of people, and a virtual display that displays a 3-D model of a manufacturing facility. A selection of an object of the 3-D model is received and the virtual display displays information associated with the selected object of the 3-D model. The display associated with each of the plurality of people outputs the virtual conference room and the virtual display with the information associated with the selected object of the 3-D model.

Abstract: Signal strength and battery level are presented on a display associated with a mobile communications device. A scene is presented on the display, where the scene includes constituent items that collectively convey the battery level and the signal strength. Different states of the constituent items correspond to different states of the battery level and the signal strength. The constituent items together form a representation of a real-world situation.

Abstract: An interactive virtual method for manufacturing plant construction, planning, design, touring, and/or management, the method comprising: providing a user with a first interactive, virtual environment comprising facility information and equipment information; proposing a question; and navigating the environment to obtain answers to the proposed questions; wherein said method is a computer-based environment comprising a high visual aspect ratio and wherein said method does not employ computer-aided design.

Abstract: Methods and systems that improve the way media is played, sorted, modified, stored and cataloged on a portable media player are disclosed. One aspect relates to an image based browser that allows a user to navigate through and select images that are related to media items.

Abstract: A computerized display device re-orientates panoramic images in a limited field-of-view immersive viewing environment. The display device orientates to affect the field of view (FOV) of a corresponding virtual panoramic reality FOV. Upon executing a user command, the orientation within the immersive viewing environment is disassociated from the orientation of the device in the real world. The device tracks changes in orientation, and detects when the change in orientation exceeds a threshold, and if so, smoothly re-orientate the virtual panoramic reality orientation and FOV to correspond to device orientation and implied FOV.

Abstract: A system includes a gateway operative to couple the system to a user. The system further includes a first infolet coupled to the gateway, and operative to couple the system to a first virtual world application, a second infolet coupled to the gateway and to the first infolet, and operative to couple the system to a real world application. The system is operable to obtain first information requested by the user from the second infolet and send the first information to the virtual world application through the first infolet.

Abstract: A method provides a virtual presentation of a product and includes registering at least one registration code for at least one product on a website; after successful registration, viewing a virtual replica of the at least one product on the website, accessing at a least a subset of features on the website that allow user interaction with the virtual replica of the at least one product, and purchasing one or more virtual furnishings for at least one virtual room on the website, in which room said virtual replica is viewable.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to attaching an external virtual universe to an existing virtual universe. A method for enhancing a preexisting virtual universe (VU) in a computerized system may include providing an external virtual universe in a second computerized system, where the external virtual universe is configured so as to be attachable to the first, preexisting virtual universe. As a result, residents of virtual universes can create, run, and/or host their real estate, inventory items, and/or avatars (including all necessary geometries, textures, scripts, etc.) using their own computing devices, which may be inserted, attached, and detached from the VU grid.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for displaying a user interface on a display of a head worn computer can include displaying a first layer of information in the user interface on a display of the head worn computer. The method can further include receiving a directional input from body movement, eye tracking, or hand gestures. The method can additionally include highlighting an area of the user interface on the display with a second layer of information. The area can be located in the user interface based on the received directional input.

Abstract: The invention is a method of creating and using an avatar or virtual representation of a user. The avatar is portable and widgetized such that it may be accessed from at least two different webpages. Additionally, the avatar is customizable and is able to virtually shop in a virtual shopping environment. The virtual shopping environment presents items to purchase that are related to the personal information of the avatar's user.

Abstract: In a screen for displaying thumbnail images, a background image is displayed on an entire portion of a specific area, translucent lanes are displayed on the background, and thumbnail images are displayed on a lane located in the center of the screen. When a mouse pointer is put on a lane on the right side of the lane located in the center, a symbol image that is arranged on the right side of a symbol image corresponding to the thumbnail images on a place map screen, and a file name of the symbol image are displayed on the lane that is specified by the mouse pointer.

Abstract: A method and system for audio-visual navigation having communication dynamic memory architectures is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises providing the user with a user presence within a three dimensional space on a display. The spatial publishing object represented in the three dimensional space is selected via user presence. The spatial publishing object has a plurality of properties comprising auditory and visual fields associated with a media source. The spatial publishing object is manipulated using inputs received from a user, for example, changing a display property of the spatial publishing object, navigating the user presence with respect to the spatial publishing object within the three-dimensional space, or connecting the spatial publishing object to another spatial publishing object.

Abstract: An image-based 3D environment emulator incorporates a 3D engine. The background or decor of the 3D environment is created using a series of 2D images, and 3D objects are rendered by the 3D engine. The 2D image displayed on a 2D plane and the 3D objects are projected onto the same plane. The 2D image is visible behind the 3D objects and appears blended therewith. A 3D illusion is created and the user can interact with the 3D objects as he navigates throughout the environment. Navigation from image to image is calculated in real time. A viewing position of the 3D objects inside a 3D space created by the 3D engine is updated to reflect a new viewing position and/or viewing angle in accordance with navigation instructions received from a user. A new 2D image is provided and the projection of the 3D objects is updated accordingly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a virtual world server receives an update signal corresponding to an RFID tag. The virtual world server determines an RFID tag identifier, an RFID reader identifier, and an associated asset name from the update. The virtual world server looks up a virtual area associated with the RFID reader identifier. The virtual world server teleports a virtual asset associated with the RFID tag identifier to a virtual area in the virtual world. The virtual world server renders a model of the asset in a virtual world based on an avatar perspective.

Abstract: A software application can capture product parameters and attributes in order to allow a non-expert user to create an accurate and complete furniture system layout in a design space. To enable accurate layouts, the software application can automatically apply all applicable components, connectors, rules, attributes, codes, and behaviors to each component/design element in the design space. The intelligent, object-oriented software can automatically recognize required changes effected by a user-driven change, and automatically resolve the layout design by constraining vertical placement of components or automatically generating interconnections between components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for reliably detecting motion control of mobile devices to navigate virtual tour applications. In one embodiment, a computerized hand-held mobile device is configured to telespot from a first virtual tour environment to a second virtual tour environment upon detection of an intentional user motion, such as a flick, using a motion sensor. Upon detection of a potentially telespotting motion that is greater than a threshold and a viewing field of the mobile device substantially overlapping with an annotated link of the virtual tour, the mobile device telespots from the first virtual tour environment of the virtual tour to the second virtual tour environment of the virtual tour.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of computer and network software, and more particularly it relates to a method and apparatus for promoting and facilitating interactions between users in virtual worlds. According to some aspects, the invention provides a way of allowing a user to easily identify other users that the user may want to connect with for any purpose. According to other aspects, the invention allows users to specify items, interests, friends, demographics and/or preferences, and the system automatically identifies other users who meet those criteria. The system can further provide mechanisms to alert and/or introduce users who share similar interests, demographics and/or meet other matching criteria, and allow them to interact with each other. According to still further aspects, the invention can automatically determine criteria for motivating and/or facilitating interactions between users.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for providing a virtual tour of a model property. In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises providing one or more interactive three dimensional viewing modes for viewing the model property. An interactive user control is provided for moving between the one or more interactive three dimensional interactive viewing modes, wherein, the transition between one or more interactive three dimensional viewing modes is continuous. The one or more interactive three dimensional viewing modes may include a floor plan view mode, and a three dimensional room view mode, with a seamless transition in between giving the viewer a sensation of zooming into or out of a selected room. In another embodiment, an interactive first person walk-through view mode is provided whereby a user can interact with one or more features in a room. The user is able to modify a design of one or more features in the model based upon preferences of the user.

Abstract: A content presentation device including a presentation screen production unit for producing display data related to a presentation screen on which images representative of a subset of contents among a plurality of contents together with a mutual relationship among the subset are shown, based on presentation data stored in a presentation data storage memory, the presentation storage memory storing plural kinds of presentation data based on any of which display data about the presentation screen is produced; and an instruction determination unit for determining whether a switching instruction for switching the presentation screen is input while the presentation screen is displayed, the switching instruction designating one of the contents represented by one of the images shown on the presentation screen, where the presentation screen production unit displaying an image representative of the one of the contents designated by the switching instruction at a predetermined position of the presentation screen.

Abstract: The present Invention provides a sign object presentation system which selects object data for a three-dimensional object, linking the object data with a plurality of sign data for a sign object, and selects proper sign data out of the plurality of sign data based on presentation information for the object data; and displays the three-dimensional object with the selected sign data located at a predetermined position of the three dimensional object.

Abstract: A decision assistance device provides a user the ability to access and obtain actionable intelligence or other information to make tactical and strategic decisions. The decision assistance device allows the user to obtain information for future, near-future, and/or real time scenarios. The device advantageously provides the information to the user in a manner that minimizes an amount of attention and interaction required by the user while still permitting the user to rapidly manipulate the device while moving down a desired decision path. The decision assistance device may take a physical or virtual form.

Abstract: Techniques for manipulating a three-dimensional scene displayed via a multi-touch display include receiving information associated with an end-user touching a multi-touch display at one or more screen locations, determining a hand movement based on the information associated with the end-user touching the multi-touch display, determining a command associated with the hand movement, and causing the three-dimensional to be manipulated based on the command and the one or more screen locations. The disclosed techniques advantageously provide more intuitive and user-friendly approaches for interacting with a 3D scene displayed on a computing device that includes a multi-touch display.

Abstract: In a content display device (1) of the present invention, a scrolling processing section (107) causes a scrolling movement of a currently-displayed shelf face (11) in a lengthwise direction to be displayed in a case where a second input operation instructing display of the currently-displayed shelf face (11) in a different position in the lengthwise direction is carried out via an input operation section (111). A rotation processing section (106) causes rotation of a bookshelf object (10) on a central axis of the bookshelf object (10) to be displayed in a case where a first input operation instructing display of a shelf face (11) different from the currently-displayed shelf face (11) is carried out via the input operation section (111).

Abstract: Disclosed is a device (1) for moving in virtual reality including a substantially rigid node (4) and an envelope (5) arranged so as to be capable of movement in all directions about the node (4), the envelope (5) defining with the node (4) a surface for the movement of a person (2), and the assembly defined by the node and the envelope bearing on an appropriate bearing element (6). The envelope can be mounted so as to slide against the node, or at least a portion of the node.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed for arranging display elements in a three-dimensional desktop environment. In one embodiment, each display element may include an attribute. A user request may be received to apply the positional effect to the display elements. The positional effect may be applied to the display elements based on the attribute, responsive to the user request.

Abstract: In order to provide a method for the three-dimensional representation of a digital roadmap, which makes greater use of areas near the horizon of the visual representation and provides the user with supplementary information, a provision is made to draw in these areas navigation or orientation-related information as image elements.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment relates to a method of controlling a three-dimensional user interface, which controls a three-dimensional user interface to follow a user's motion, and a mobile terminal using the same. The method comprising: displaying a plurality of three-dimensional menu icons; sensing movement of a user; and rotating at least one of the plurality of three-dimensional menu icons according to the sensed movement such that at least one reference face of the at least one of the plurality of three-dimensional menu icons follows the user's movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple-dimension-data-organization method. More specifically, this method uses an n-dimensional cube (M-cube) in which each face displays the data on a 2-D planar surface and in which the x and y axes may be changed in accordance with the user's request. More specifically still, the data to be viewed may be easily changed by the user by means of a simple rotation command using a touch-sensitive interface.

Abstract: A system for centrally managing credential information of a user and a virtual object of a user across a plurality of virtual world (or corresponding virtual world servers) is disclosed. The system includes an identity service module for managing an authentication request (e.g., verifying credential information of a user) from a user and an inventory service module for managing virtual properties of a user. Furthermore, a method for logging in a virtual world by using the system is disclosed. A method for teleporting a virtual property from a virtual world to another virtual world by using the system is disclosed. A method for logging out from a virtual world by using the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A user can visually and instinctively understand an operation to be executed, and a corresponding operation screen or input screen is easily displayed and operated.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for integrated content presentation via cells arranged geometrically in a cellular environment. Users can navigate various orientations and zoom states of the cellular environment to access information via different applications, different media types, different visual representations and from different underlying content sources. The information can be organized according to various logical relationships. Upon receiving an indication of a zoom state associated with a cell or a group of cells arranged in the cellular environment, a content reference at that zoom state is retrieved. Further, the content reference is resolved to retrieve and output content, including a visual representation associated with the zoom state.

Abstract: In various embodiments, virtual universe regions are dynamically generated within a virtual universe based on user requests. Dynamic generation allows virtual universe users or “residents” to create virtual universe regions that are tailored to their desired specifications. Additionally, in some implementations, virtual universe users may have the option to instantly discard or retain a created region after evaluation based on whether the region meets the user's expectations. Furthermore, dynamic generation of regions may increase user satisfaction and provide additional means for revenue generation for the virtual universe administrator and for virtual universe businesses and entrepreneurs.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a dynamic user interface for a dense three-dimensional scene with a plurality of compasses is presented. Clusters of semantically scored documents are placed in a three-dimensional scene and arranged as a cluster spine. Each cluster spine is projected into a two-dimensional display. A compass and another compass are provided via a heads-up display generator to logically frame at least one of the cluster spines within the two-dimensional display. A label is generated to identify each concept in one or more cluster spines appearing with the compass and the another compass, respectively. Slots are defined in the two-dimensional display and positioned circumferentially around the compass and the another compass. Each label is assigned to the slot outside of the compass or the another compass for the cluster spine having a closest angularity to the respective slot.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a view of a virtual space to a user in a banner ad of a webpage. This enables an advertiser to provide content that is not merely static or scripted, but instead enabled provision of content through a web ad that represents activity within a virtual space (e.g., interactions of other users with the virtual space, content that changes based on current or recent events, etc.) in real time (or near real time). The provision of a virtual space in a web ad may be more effective than conventional web ad content.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for visualizing content of one or more websites are provided. An amount of available content contained by at least one website is determined. A three-dimensional object is displayed having a surface. Each location of the surface of the three-dimensional object corresponds to a portion of the determined amount of available content contained by the website(s). A user is enabled to select a location of the surface of the three-dimensional object. The selected location is mapped to the corresponding portion of the determined amount of available content contained by the website(s). Content of the website(s) corresponding to the selected location, such as a web page, video, audio, an RSS feed, etc., can be accessed by selection of the location. Interaction of the user with the website(s) can be tracked, and the resulting tracking information can be displayed on the three-dimensional object.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, presenting a plurality of unassociated media programs from a single presentation device having overlapping presentation periods, receiving information from a viewing apparatus to adjust an intensity of emitted light associated with one of the unassociated media programs, and adjusting the intensity of the emitted light in a manner that is detectable by the viewing apparatus supplying the information. Other embodiments are disclosed and contemplated.

Abstract: Method, system, and software for performing independent operations with and upon N-Dimensional spatial and temporal objects displayed in virtual and real visualization systems. The technique applies user selected points or regions of interest in the visualization system to identify corresponding points or regions on transparent focus objects which describe the visualized objects, and which intersect the user's topological line of sight. The resulting set of points or regions are then used to extract information from the focus objects, which provide additional information on object content or location of related file systems. The transparent interface provides intrinsic operations which can be applied directly to the focus objects, or coupling mechanisms to external user applications, to process, manipulate or transform focus objects in either the transparent interface or the visualization system.

Abstract: The processing burden of rendering incident to a full teleportation operation in a virtual universe is avoided while contact with particular teleport destinations is promoted by provision of a partial teleportation facility such as a virtual kiosk as an object within a virtual universe (which may be sponsored or owned by users wishing to promote particular teleportation destinations) at which an avatar can view previously rendered images of portions of one or more teleportation destinations. Limited interaction and simulated travel within the teleportation destination can be achieved through image manipulation and updates rather than rendering. An avatar image can be displayed in connection with both the object and the teleport destination with, preferably control of only one avatar image while the other is displayed using a low resolution image.

Abstract: This invention provides a computerized system's graphical user interface to display two-dimensional content based on a depth navigation allowing the user to navigate inward and outward through modules of content without horizontal or vertical scrolling. Display of said content follows specific arrangements or virtual projections onto animated three -or more- dimensional objects to maintain the navigation paradigm and circumvent horizontal and vertical scrolling.

Abstract: A portable electronics device for displaying a graphical user interface (“GUI”) element on a screen of the device includes a screen, a user input device, a GUI element, and a port for receiving audio headgear. Content is displayed on a screen of the device, the content being associated with a function of the device. Upon receiving user input, the GUI element is displayed on the screen by overlaying the GUI element above the content. The GUI element graphically represents one or more menu selection items, permitting the user of the device to select a menu selection item without navigating out of the function of the device prior to selecting the menu selection item.

Abstract: Predetermined travel locuss are set in a three-dimensional virtual space. Menu panels displaying menu items are arranged along the travel locuss assuming a display position set as a local origin so that the normal to each LCD panel will face a virtual camera. The transparency of a menu panel is raised in accordance with its distance to the virtual camera. A scroll operation moves menu panels along the travel locuss connecting display positions P until a selected specific menu panel reaches the display position P0. A display screen is drawn with the virtual camera and menu panels are three-dimensionally displayed in rolls. By sliding a stylus pen on the LCD panel, the menu screen displayed on the LCD panel scrolls at a velocity corresponding to the drag velocity. When the stylus pen is released from the LCD panel, an application program corresponding to the menu display entity (crosshatched) is activated.

Abstract: Predictive, multi-layer caching architectures may be used to predict which elements a user is most likely to navigate to within a collection of elements associated with a predefined layout and, in response, to increase the accessibility of these elements to a client device of the user. For instance, the techniques may utilize a predictive, multi-layer caching architecture for storing these predicted elements to decrease the latency to render these images if the user navigates within the collection of elements in the predicted manner. The collection of elements may comprise images (e.g., a 3D model, a map, etc.), video files, audio files, text files, or any other type of file that is consumable on a client device.

Abstract: A computer facilitates multiple parameters data analysis by special visualization and navigation methods. Data to be analyzed is loaded from an external source the computer displays the data in response to user input using a variety of methods including data tables, slices of data spaces, hierarchically navigated data spaces, dynamic slice tables, filters, sorting, color-mapping, numerical operations, and other methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing information during content breakpoints in a virtual universe. The system comprises a placement engine configured to detect a content breakpoint within a virtual universe, which is defined as at least one of a login process, a logoff process, a teleportation, a wait state, and during any point where a user changes information streams in the virtual universe. The system also comprises an insertion resolution engine configured to create a list of prioritized information to present to a user within the virtual universe and an information definition engine configured to present the prioritized information to the user of the virtual universe during the content breakpoint.