Abstract:
Systems and methods for enabling a visitor to access VR representations authored by different authors of locations in a virtual universe via a computer network are provided. A plurality of VR data sets may be stored. Each VR data set may define a VR representation of a location, as well as world wide web data and may be independently authored by a respective author different from the other authors. One or more VR data servers may be adapted to access and transmit the VR data sets, and each VR data set may be associated with a VR data server for access to the VR data set. A domain server may be adapted to access and transmit domain data comprising the location within the universe of each VR representation and the network address of the VR data server associated with the VR representation. Further, a client host may be adapted to communicate with the domain server to receive domain data representing the network address of the VR data server associated with a selected VR representation, the client host further adapted to communicate with that VR data server to access the VR data set defining the VR representation without leaving the virtual universe.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/786,553 filed Mar. 15, 2013 entitled, “Virtual Reality Enhanced Through Browser Connections,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to computer-generated virtual reality representations of locations. Specifically, the present invention relates to storing, organizing, and providing access to a number of virtual reality representations via a computer network where each on the representations also has real time web data associated with the selected representations. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Virtual reality (VR) models and simulates views from a location in virtual space. The visitor perceives the view from virtual space on a computer monitor or specialized display, and experiences “movement” by changing position or orientation within the virtual space. The visitor may even be “teleported” to different points in the virtual space. 
         [0006]    Although recognized as having substantial potential, virtual reality has remained limited because the virtual reality data representations are usually related to authors who have previously populated the virtual reality datasets and this data is old after its authored and very limited in terms of images, videos and the like. 
         [0007]    A virtual reality representation models a single volume, area, or point within virtual space. The representation may model physical space, such as a location or region on the Earth, or may model imaginary space in a video game. The visitor can move around in the virtual space, but is limited to remaining in that virtual space and the data authored by the author in the past. 
         [0008]    In particular, it would be desirable that the representations be annotated with up to date information and not be limited to legacy authored data. Given the vast amount of data on the world wide web, it would be desirable to have access to that vast data source when viewing a virtual reality pre authored database. 
         [0009]    Thus there is a need for adding world wide web data to virtual reality data sets. 
       SUMMARY OF THE CLAIMED INVENTION 
       [0010]    The invention is a network capable of connecting virtual reality representations together to form a virtual universe. The virtual reality representations can be in a simplified virtual reality format that requires no special computer programming or graphics skills to create. The virtual reality universe is connected to real time world wide web data. 
         [0011]    A network in accordance with the present invention includes a number of virtual reality representations, each virtual reality representation representing a location in a virtual universe and defined by VR data stored on the network at a network address, where the VR data also has the information necessary to connect to world wide web data associated with the location in the virtual universe. 
         [0012]    A database stores the network address and the location in the universe of each virtual reality representation. A database server provides access to the database. The database server generates a list of locations in response to a location query from a visitor, and provides the network address of the virtual reality representation of a selected location. 
         [0013]    The visitor connects to the network using a client host adapted to communicate with the domain server. The host receives data representing the network address of the VR data server associated with a selected VR representation. The host is also adapted to communicate with the VR data server to access the VR data set defining the VR representation. 
         [0014]    In using the network, the visitor is preferably presented with a map displaying locations in the virtual universe. Each location is associated with a virtual reality representation accessible through the network. The visitor selects a location on the map he or she desires to visit. The domain server receives the selected location and retrieves from the database the network location of the data server providing access to the selected virtual reality representation. The domain server transmits the network address of the data server to the host, and the host communicates with the data server to receive the VR data defining the virtual reality representation. The visitor may then select to view related world wide web data. Upon selection, the world wide web data strings for web data, news data and image data is obtained and populated in the window associated with the VR location map data. 
         [0015]    In one possible embodiment, the client host includes a monitor that displays the map and the virtual reality presentation as well as the world wide web data generated from the VR data. In other possible embodiments the virtual reality presentation can utilize specialized hardware separate from the map display. 
         [0016]    In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the network stores data representing paths in the virtual universe. A path is defined by at least two different locations in the universe. When the domain server receives a message from the host requesting virtual movement from a first location to a second location, the domain server communicates the network address of the data server associated with the second location to the host. The host then communicates with that data server and transitions from the first VR presentation to the VR presentation of the second location. The visitor perceives a substantially continuous movement along the path from the first location to the second location without leaving the virtual universe. 
         [0017]    Paths can be defined in different ways in alternative embodiments of the network. The domain server can store predefined path definitions by storing a list of the locations defining the path. Alternatively, the domain server stores a data record for each location in the universe. The data set records the adjacent locations in the universe to define a path from each location to adjacent locations. In other alternative embodiments the path is defined in response to system events and then made available to the visitor. 
         [0018]    The network preferably includes administrative software that enables new virtual reality representations to be added to the network. The virtual reality representations can be stored on existing data servers on the network, or stored on data servers that are themselves added to the network. The database is updated to reflect the new locations in the virtual universe and the network addresses of the data servers accessing the representations. 
         [0019]    In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the virtual universe is divided into public and private regions. Any author can add to the network a virtual reality representation of a location in the public region of the universe. Only authorized authors can add representations in private regions of the universe. 
         [0020]    In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the network is operated as a self-regulating virtual reality universe. The network preferably provides visitor access to a number of virtual reality representations, each authored by a different author. The domain server receives ratings from visitors to the quality of the virtual reality representations they visited, and assesses the quality of each virtual reality representation based on the ratings provided by the visitors. 
         [0021]    Action is then taken regarding a virtual reality based on the assessed quality of the virtual reality representation. The quality can be rated as a running average of visitor ratings. If the rating falls below a predetermined score, visitor access to the representation can be removed or the representation can be removed from the network. Preferably the action is taken automatically and without human intervention so that the network is self-regulating. 
         [0022]    To simplify creation of virtual reality representations, the VR data can be stored in a simplified file format that stores digital photographs taken from a specific geographic location. An author takes a number of photographs from the location with a digital camera. The photographs are preferably in JPG format but other “digital film” formats can be used. Each photograph preferably is taken in a different viewing direction, preferably viewing north, south, east, and west. The images are uploaded to the network along with geographical data (for example, latitude and longitude) that identifies where the photographs were taken. The domain server stores the images, the viewing direction associated with each image, and geographical data in a single data file on a data server. The domain server updates its database, associating the geographical location with a virtual location in the virtual universe. The virtual representation is now accessible to visitors, and the photographs are displayed when generating the virtual reality presentation of the virtual location. 
         [0023]    A virtual reality network in accordance with the present invention offers many advantages. A number of different virtual reality representations are made available to visitors through a single, centrally accessible domain server. The virtual reality representation also has data strings (for searching the world wide web) associated with the representation allowing the visitor to choose to see the associated world wide web data. The domain server enables visitors to experience virtual reality representations created by different authors, and to tour a virtual universe created by logically organizing and connecting the separate representations. 
         [0024]    Authors can easily add new virtual reality representations and data strings (for searching the world wide web) associated with the virtual reality representations for the network, enabling visitors to experience a virtual reality universe that grows richer and richer with time but also has up to date real time data. With the simplified VR file format, persons may share with others their travels to places around the world, or may easily create their own virtual universe for business or private use. 
         [0025]    Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent as the description proceeds, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying eight drawing sheets illustrating an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a virtual reality universe realized as a distributed location network in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view of a virtual reality representation record used in the network shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a virtual reality record used in the network shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a sequence diagram illustrating a visitor utilizing a client host communicating with the network shown in  FIG. 1  to view a location in the virtual universe; 
           [0030]      FIG. 4A  is a sequence diagram illustrating a visitor utilizing a client host communicating with the network shown in  FIG. 1  to view a location in the virtual universe specifically allowing access to the world wide web; 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  is a view of the client host display displaying a map of the universe and a virtual reality presentation of a location in the virtual universe; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5A  is a view of the client host display displaying a map of the universe and a virtual reality presentation of a location in the virtual universe and a presentation of the associated world wide web data; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is a sequence diagram similar to  FIG. 4  illustrating a visitor moving along a path in the virtual universe; 
           [0034]      FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  represent paths in the virtual universe extending between adjacent locations in the universe; 
           [0035]      FIGS. 8-10  illustrate other paths in the virtual universe; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 11  represents photographs that define a simplified virtual reality representation of a physical location modeled in the virtual universe. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]    Users or visitors may use any number of different electronic computing client devices, which can include, but is not limited to, general purpose computers, mobile phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computing devices (e.g., laptop, netbook, tablets), desktop computing devices, handheld computing device, or any other type of computing device capable of communicating over a communication network. Such devices are preferably configured to access data from other storage media, such as, but not limited to memory cards or disk drives as may be appropriate in the case of downloaded services. Such devices preferably include standard hardware computing components such as, but not limited to network and media interfaces, non-transitory computer-readable storage (memory), and processors for executing instructions that may be stored in memory. 
         [0038]      FIG. 1  illustrates a distributed location network  10  in accordance with the present invention. 
         [0039]    The network  10  enables a visitor to visit and explore a virtual universe.  FIG. 1  illustrates a map  12  of the virtual universe displayed on a visitor&#39;s computer monitor by a software program or virtual reality browser (VR browser)  14  running on a visitor&#39;s computer  16  connected as a network client. The universe can model a real or tangible space, such as the surface of the Earth, with the universe representing real or tangible locations in physical space. Alternatively, the universe can model an imaginary space, such as L. Frank Baum&#39;s Oz or a stick model of a protein molecule, with the universe representing imaginary locations in nonphysical space. 
         [0040]    The network  10  is preferably a local, proprietary network (e.g., an intranet) and/or is alternatively a part of a larger wide-area network (e.g., the cloud). The network  10  can be a local area network (LAN), which is communicatively coupled to a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet. The Internet is a broad network of interconnected computers and servers allowing for the transmission and exchange of Internet Protocol (IP) data between users connected through a network service provider. Examples of network service providers are the public switched telephone network, a cable service provider, a provider of digital subscriber line (DSL) services, or a satellite service provide. 
         [0041]    The visitor explores the universe by selecting and viewing virtual reality presentations of virtual locations or points  18  on the map  12 . Each point  18  represents a location in the universe that has at least one virtual reality representation available for a visitor to access and experience. A point  18  can model a point, area or volume in the virtual universe, and a visitor may be capable of moving about the area or volume if the virtual reality presentation enables it. 
         [0042]    The VR browser  14  retrieves the data for the virtual reality representations from virtual reality data servers (VR data servers)  20 . VR data servers  20  are connected to the browser  14  by network connections  22 . The network connections  22  may be through a Local Area Network (LAN) or a global network such as the Internet. VR data servers  20  may include any type of server or other computing device as is known in the art, including standard hardware computing components such as network and media interfaces, non-transitory computer-readable storage (memory), and processors for executing instructions or accessing information that may be stored in memory. The functionalities of multiple servers may be integrated into a single server. Any of the aforementioned servers (or an integrated server) may take on certain client-side, cache, or proxy server characteristics. These characteristics may depend on the particular network placement of the server or certain configurations of the server. 
         [0043]    Each VR data server  20  provides access to VR data  24  for a virtual reality representation of the selected point  18 . Data can be stored in conventional virtual reality file formats such as QUICKTIME, X3D, VRML, and the like, or can be stored as separate digital image files. VR data  24  can be stored on the VR data server  20  or stored on additional network data servers (not shown) distributed through the network  10 . 
         [0044]    The entire network  10 , including the network client  16  and the servers  20  and  26 , may also be hosted on a single computer if a distributed network is not required. 
         [0045]    A point  18  may have a number of different virtual reality representations served by a number of different VR data servers  20 . These representations may be stored in different file formats, may represent the point in different seasons of the year or in different historical eras, or may provide an alternative or augmented visitor interface or sensory experience. Of course, a particular data server  20  could serve a number of virtual reality representations of a point  18  or different points  18 . 
         [0046]    A domain server  26  hosts a universe database  30  for displaying the map  12  and the points  18  on the map  12 . The database  30  preferably includes graphic files, image files, and other data for generating and displaying the map  12 . The universe database  30  may also include the network addresses or network paths to the VR files associated with the virtual reality representations. 
         [0047]    The domain server  26  also maintains a network database  32  that stores information about each point  18  and the network addresses of the one or more VR data servers  20  that provide access to VR representations of the point  18 . 
         [0048]    The network database  32  holds a number of virtual reality representation records (VRR records)  34 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 2  illustrates a typical VRR record  34 . The VRR record  34  is a data structure that provides information enabling the VR browser  14  to locate the VR data server  20  providing access to a specific VR representation. A VRR record  34  includes the location of the point  18  and the network address of the VR data server  20  associated with the VR representation of the point  18 . 
         [0050]    The VRR record  34  preferably also includes metadata providing additional information about the point  18 , the associated VR data server  20 , and the virtual reality representation of the point  18 . Metadata can include the author, VR file format, or a description of the VR representation. Other metadata can include digital rights management (DRM) information, initial orientation or direction of the default opening view of the virtual reality representation, or the like. Other metadata can include WWW Web Data strings, WWW Images Data strings and WWW News Data strings. 
         [0051]    Each VR data server  20  maintains a local database  36  that records the location or locations of the VR data  24  accessed through the VR data server  20  (see  FIG. 1 ). The local database  36  holds a virtual reality record (VR record)  38  for each representation accessed through the VR data server  20 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 3  illustrates a typical VR record  38 . The VR record  38  is a data structure that includes the location of the point  18 , the location of the VR data  24  for the representation of the point, and metadata containing further information about the VR data  24 . For example, such metadata may include the author and digital rights management (DRM) information, VR data format, or descriptive information about the VR representation. Other metadata can include WWW Web Data strings, WWW Images Data strings and WWW News Data strings. 
         [0053]    The universe database  30 , the network database  32 , or a local database  36  can be realized as a single-file relational database, object database, or hierarchal XML database. Alternatively, a database  30 ,  32 ,  36  can be realized as a number of separate data files, wherein each data record is stored in a respective data file. The data file can be in structured text file format, XML format, or other conventional data format. The selection of database schema and format is based on conventional software engineering considerations, including the network architecture, the network load, and available software. 
         [0054]      FIG. 4  illustrates a first visitor session wherein a visitor  39  explores the virtual universe point-by-point. For clarity only one visitor is shown connected to the network  10 , but it should be understood that a number of visitors can simultaneously explore the universe. 
         [0055]    The VR browser  14  retrieves the map data  30  from the domain server  26  and begins the visitor session by displaying the map  12  shown in  FIG. 1 . The map  12  displays the points  18 , and the visitor interface of the VR browser  14  enables the visitor  39  to select which point  18  and the representation of the selected point  18  he or she would like to experience. 
         [0056]    It should be understood that the universe database  30  may include or enable generation of a number of different maps representing different regions or sub-regions of the universe. The VR browser  14  may simultaneously or sequentially display different maps during a visitor session. For example, the visitor is initially presented with a “master map” or model of the entire universe. If the virtual universe is sufficiently extensive, the visitor interface of the VR browser  14  enables visitors to “drill down” and select more detailed maps or models of sub-regions (for example, maps representing a continent, a country, a city, and then a city block) to select a desired point  18 . 
         [0057]    Map  12  should therefore be understood to represent all possible maps the VR browser  14  may display as part of its visitor interface. Maps may be representations of one-dimensional, two-dimensional, three-dimensional, or n-dimensional space as is appropriate for the virtual universe such maps represent. 
         [0058]    The map  12  may also display additional information that assists the visitor in selecting a point or a VR representation of the point. For example, the map might indicate points of historical interest or the number and types of virtual reality representations available for each point. 
         [0059]    In the illustrated embodiment, the visitor selects a desired point  18   a  from the map  12  by clicking the mouse (see  FIG. 1 ). The browser  14  determines the location of the selected point  18   a  on the map and requests a list  40  of VRR records  34  associated with that point from the domain server  26  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0060]    The domain server  26  queries the network database  32  for the list of VRR records of points at or proximate to the selected point  18   a . The domain server  26  returns the VRR list  40  to the VR browser  14 . The VR browser  14  generates a list of available VR representations from the VRR list  40 , and displays the list for the selected point  18   a.    
         [0061]    The display list can include information from the metadata to assist the visitor in selecting a VR representation to experience. For example, the VR browser  14  might display an icon for each representation indicating some characteristic of the representation (such as season of the year, its VR file format, or quality moderation value (discussed in further detail below)). 
         [0062]    The visitor selects from the display list the desired virtual reality representation to experience. If there is only one representation associated with the selected point, the steps of displaying and selecting from the list can be eliminated. 
         [0063]    The VR browser  14  uses the VRR record  34  associated with the selected representation to look up the network address of the VR data server  20  providing access to the virtual representation. The VR browser  14  requests the VR record  38  for the selected representation from the VR data server  20 . The VR browser  14  uses the returned VR record  38  to fetch the VR data file  24  and initialize a virtual reality presentation that will be perceived and experienced by the visitor  39 . For example, the VR browser  14  could start one helper application to display a QUICKTIME presentation and another helper application to display a VRML presentation. 
         [0064]    In the illustrated embodiment, the VR browser  14  displays the map  12  in a first window and the virtual reality presentation in a second window (discussed in greater detail later). In other embodiments, virtual reality presentations could be displayed independently of the VR browser  14  through more specialized or augmented VR hardware, such as a headset. 
         [0065]    During the VR presentation, the VR browser  14  receives input from the visitor and communicates with the VR data server  20  to fetch the VR data  36 . The visitor can change the point of view and move about the presentation as permitted by the virtual reality representation being experienced. When the visitor ends the VR presentation, the window displaying the VR presentation closes or goes blank. The visitor  39  can then select a new point  18  or quit the application. 
         [0066]    In addition to exploring selected points  18 , the network  10  enables the visitor  39  to explore paths through the universe. See, for example, path  42  shown in  FIG. 5 . A path is defined as extending along a set of points or extending between start and end points in the universe. The network  10  supports multiple types of paths as will be described in further detail below. 
         [0067]    A visitor sequentially experiences virtual reality presentations of the points  18  on the path. The VR browser  14  automatically moves from displaying one VR presentation to the next in response to visitor input indicating movement along the path. This provides the visitor with the perception of walking through or being “immersed” in the universe. If the points  18  are sufficiently close together, the visitor will essentially perceive continuous or seamless movement through the virtual universe. 
         [0068]    Path  42  represents a pre-defined path. A pre-defined path is defined prior to the visitor session and may, for example, represent a virtual river, highway, or historical trail through the universe. Pre-defined paths are preferably defined in the universe database  30  and represented on the map  12  for selection by the visitor  39 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a second access of display data based upon accessing world wide web data associated with the selected location. The first visitor session wherein a visitor  39  explores the virtual universe point-by-point. For clarity only one visitor is shown connected to the network  10 , but it should be understood that a number of visitors can simultaneously explore the universe. 
         [0070]    The VR browser  14  retrieves the map data  30  from the domain server  26  and begins the visitor session by displaying the map  12  shown in  FIG. 1 . The map  12  displays the points  18 , and the visitor interface of the VR browser  14  enables the visitor  39  to select which point  18  and the representation of the selected point  18  he or she would like to experience. 
         [0071]    It should be understood that the universe database  30  may include or enable generation of a number of different maps representing different regions or sub-regions of the universe. The VR browser  14  may simultaneously or sequentially display different maps during a visitor session. For example, the visitor is initially presented with a “master map” or model of the entire universe. If the virtual universe is sufficiently extensive, the visitor interface of the VR browser  14  enables visitors to “drill down” and select more detailed maps or models of sub-regions (for example, maps representing a continent, a country, a city, and then a city block) to select a desired point  18 . 
         [0072]    Map  12  should therefore be understood to represent all possible maps the VR browser  14  may display as part of its visitor interface. Maps may be representations of one-dimensional, two-dimensional, three-dimensional, or n-dimensional space as is appropriate for the virtual universe such maps represent. 
         [0073]    The map  12  may also display additional information that assists the visitor in selecting a point or a VR representation of the point. For example, the map might indicate points of historical interest or the number and types of virtual reality representations available for each point. 
         [0074]    In the illustrated embodiment, the visitor selects a desired point  18   a  from the map  12  by clicking the mouse (see  FIG. 1 ). The browser  14  determines the location of the selected point  18   a  on the map and requests a list  40  of VRR records  34  associated with that point from the domain server  26  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0075]    The domain server  26  queries the network database  32  for the list of VRR records of points at or proximate to the selected point  18   a . The domain server  26  returns the VRR list  40  to the VR browser  14 . The VR browser  14  generates a list of available VR representations from the VRR list  40 , and displays the list for the selected point  18   a.    
         [0076]    The display list can include information from the metadata to assist the visitor in selecting a VR representation to experience. For example, the VR browser  14  might display an icon for each representation indicating some characteristic of the representation (such as season of the year, its VR file format, or quality moderation value (discussed in further detail below)). 
         [0077]    The visitor selects from the display list the desired virtual reality representation to experience. If there is only one representation associated with the selected point, the steps of displaying and selecting from the list can be eliminated. 
         [0078]    The VR browser  14  uses the VRR record  34  associated with the selected representation to look up the network address of the VR data server  20  providing access to the virtual representation. The VR browser  14  requests the VR record  38  for the selected representation from the VR data server  20 . The VR browser  14  uses the returned VR record  38  to fetch the VR data file  24  and initialize a virtual reality presentation that will be perceived and experienced by the visitor  39 . For example, the VR browser  14  could start one helper application to display a QUICKTIME presentation and another helper application to display a VRML presentation. 
         [0079]    In the illustrated embodiment, the VR browser  14  displays the map  12  in a first window and the virtual reality presentation in a second window (discussed in greater detail later). In other embodiments, virtual reality presentations could be displayed independently of the VR browser  14  through more specialized or augmented VR hardware, such as a headset. 
         [0080]    During the VR presentation, the VR browser  14  receives input from the visitor and communicates with the VR data server  20  to fetch the VR data  36  by selecting the WWW link representation. A request is made for the C=VR WWW data strings for the selected representation location. The datavase  36  is queried for the data strings. The database  36  returns the VR www Data strings. A search is then performed of the world wide web for web data, images and news data. The VR representation is initializes and the visual representation is populated with webm news and image data. 
         [0081]    It should be obvious that any other related web data can be associated with the VR representation. 
         [0082]    The visitor can change the point of view and move about the presentation as permitted by the virtual reality representation being experienced. When the visitor ends the VR presentation, the window displaying the VR presentation closes or goes blank. The visitor  39  can then select a new point  18  or quit the application. 
         [0083]    In addition to exploring selected points  18 , the network  10  enables the visitor  39  to explore paths through the universe. See, for example, path  42  shown in  FIG. 5 . A path is defined as extending along a set of points or extending between start and end points in the universe. The network  10  supports multiple types of paths as will be described in further detail below. 
         [0084]    A visitor sequentially experiences virtual reality presentations of the points  18  on the path. The VR browser  14  automatically moves from displaying one VR presentation to the next in response to visitor input indicating movement along the path. This provides the visitor with the perception of walking through or being “immersed” in the universe. If the points  18  are sufficiently close together, the visitor will essentially perceive continuous or seamless movement through the virtual universe. 
         [0085]    Path  42  represents a pre-defined path. A pre-defined path is defined prior to the visitor session and may, for example, represent a virtual river, highway, or historical trail through the universe. Pre-defined paths are preferably defined in the universe database  30  and represented on the map  12  for selection by the visitor  39 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 5  illustrates the VR browser  14  with a first display window  46  and a second display window  50 . Display window  46  displays the map  12 , the path  42 , and the points  18  along the path  42  as shown. The second window  50  displays the virtual reality presentation of the active, or currently visited, point  18   b.    
         [0087]    When displaying a virtual reality presentation of a point  18 , the VR browser  14  preferably displays an icon  48  indicating the active point  18 . The illustrated icon  48  is an arrow that also indicates the approximate direction of the current line of view of the virtual reality presentation shown in the second window  50 . Icon  48  is shown indicating that point  18   b  is the active point and that the direction of the current line of view is west. 
         [0088]    Navigation widgets  52  associated with the first window  46  enable the visitor to move along the path  42  or to move to a different path (such as a second path  54 ). Navigation widgets  56  associated with the second window  50  enable the visitor to change the line of view of the VR presentation in the second window  50 . Widgets  52  and  56  can be combined into a single control if desired, and alternative known interface controls (including the mouse) or other interface widgets may replace or be used with the widgets  52 ,  56 . 
         [0089]    Widget  57  is a link to obtain world wide web data for the specific virtual reality location being viewed. 
         [0090]      FIG. 5A  illustrates the VR browser  14  with a first display window  46  and a second display window  50 . Display window  46  displays the map  12 , the path  42 , and the points  18  along the path  42  as shown. The second window  50  displays the virtual reality presentation of the active, or currently visited, point  18   b . It further shows Web data sub window  56 A with scroll bars  56 A 1  and zoom widget  56 A 2 . It further shows images data sub window  56 B with scroll bars  56 B 1  and zoom widget  56 B 2 . It further shows news data sub window  56 C with scroll bars  56 C 1  and zoom widget  56 C 2 . The Zoom widgets  56 A 2 ,  56 B 2  and  56 C 2  allow for the data in the sub windows to be maximized in the entire display window  50  for clearer viewing and then that window can be closed back to normal subwindow size. 
         [0091]    When displaying a virtual reality presentation of a point  18 , the VR browser  14  preferably displays an icon  48  indicating the active point  18 . The illustrated icon  48  is an arrow that also indicates the approximate direction of the current line of view of the virtual reality presentation shown in the second window  50 . Icon  48  is shown indicating that point  18   b  is the active point and that the direction of the current line of view is west. 
         [0092]    Navigation widgets  52  associated with the first window  46  enable the visitor to move along the path  42  or to move to a different path (such as a second path  54 ). Navigation widgets  56  associated with the second window  50  enable the visitor to change the line of view of the VR presentation in the second window  50 . Widgets  52  and  56  can be combined into a single control if desired, and alternative known interface controls (including the mouse) or other interface widgets may replace or be used with the widgets  52 ,  56 . 
         [0093]    Widget  57 A allows for return to  FIG. 4  eliminating the WWW data subwindows. 
         [0094]      FIG. 6  illustrates a second visitor session in which the visitor moves along and explores the path  42  (the database  36  and VR data  24  are omitted from the drawing). The VR browser  14  retrieves the map and path data from the universe database  30  and displays the map  12  as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0095]    The visitor selects the desired path  42 , and the VR browser  14  obtains the VRR record list  40  for the points  18  on the path  42  from the domain server  26 . For simplicity, it is assumed that each point  18  on the path  42  has only one virtual reality representation; so each VRR record  34  is associated with a single point  18  on the path  42 . 
         [0096]    The VR browser  14  uses the VRR record  34  associated with the path&#39;s starting point  18   c  to look up the network address of the appropriate VR data server  20  and retrieves the VR record  38  from that server  20 . The VR record data is used to initialize and display the virtual reality presentation of the first, or starting point  18   c  (see  FIG. 5 ). Widgets  56  control the line of view of the virtual reality presentation as described. 
         [0097]    Widgets  52  move the visitor to the next, or second point on the path  42 . The VR browser  14  uses the VRR record  34  associated with the next point to retrieve VR data for the next point. If the points  18  along the path  42  are sufficiently close, the transition from point to point appears to the visitor as a continuous movement along the path. 
         [0098]    In moving from the virtual reality representation of one point to another, the VR browser  14  may also maintain (as closely as possible) the same line of view to maintain the appearance of continuous movement. For example, if the visitor is looking south and moves to the next point, the initial line of view for the next point is also viewing south. In alternative embodiments, however, the VR browser  14  can initialize each virtual reality presentation with a pre-determined or default line of view. 
         [0099]    A second type of path preferably supported by the network  10  is a connection path. A connection path is a dynamic path generated from an active point  18  to adjacent points  18  during the visitor session.  FIG. 7   a  illustrates the map  12  displaying connection paths  58  extending between an active point  18   d  and adjacent points  18   e - 18   i . Connection paths  58  connect two adjacent or neighboring points  18 , enabling the visitor to pick and choose his or her own route through the universe. 
         [0100]    The connection paths  58  typically provide multiple routes between points. For example, the visitor can move from point  18   d  to point  18   h  directly, or can move first to point  18   g  and then to point  18   h .  FIG. 7   b  illustrates the connection paths  59  when the visitor reaches point  18   h . The paths  59  start from point  18   h  and end at points  18   d ,  18   g , and  18   i.    
         [0101]    The VRR record(s)  34  for each point  18  preferably includes a connection data set (see  FIG. 2 ) that lists adjacent points  18 . For example, the connection data set for point  18   d  (shown in  FIG. 7   a ) includes points  18   e - 18   i  and the direction to each point. This enables the VR browser  14  to display the connection paths  58  available to the visitor; the VR browser  14  can also iteratively retrieve the VRR records of adjacent points to display a network of available paths on the map  12 . The connection data set also allows the VR browser  14  to efficiently respond and display the next virtual reality presentation after receiving a visitor request to move in a given direction from active point  18   d.    
         [0102]    The domain server  26  generates the connection data set when a new point  18  is added to the network. The adjacent points  18  are retrieved from the universe database  30  to generate the connection data set for the new point  18 . 
         [0103]    The domain server  26  also modifies the connection data set of adjacent points  18  as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . The maps  12  in  FIGS. 8 and 9  are otherwise identical to the map  12  in  FIG. 7   a , but include a later-added point  18   j  or  18   k , respectively. In  FIG. 8 , point  18   j  is inserted between points  18   d  and  18   h . Point  18   j  is now adjacent to point  18   d  instead of point  18   h . The connection data set associated with point  18   d  is modified to remove point  18   h  and to insert point  18   j  for the connection path  58  extending between points  18   d  and  18   j . In  FIG. 9 , point  18   k  is an additional point adjacent to point  18   d . Point  18   k  is added to the data connection set associated with point  18   d  for the connection path  58  extending between points  18   d  and  18   k.    
         [0104]    A visitor can also preferably edit the connection data set for a point  18  to add or subtract connection paths extending from the point. The visitor can add a remote point  18  to the data set, creating a connection path to that remote point. A point can be removed from the data set, eliminating a connection path. The modified data set can be stored on the visitor&#39;s machine  16  for use only by the visitor&#39;s browser  14 , or the modifications can be saved in the network database  32  to be made available to all visitors. 
         [0105]    A third type of path supported by the network  10  is the event path. An event path is a dynamic path generated by the network in response to an event or visitor query. For example, the visitor  39  may request the path from his or her current location to another location in the universe. The VR browser  14  queries the universe database  30  and displays the points  18  along the path on the map  12 . 
         [0106]      FIG. 10  illustrates an event path  60  generated by an event. The domain server  26  maintains a list of active visitors on the network  10  and the current location of each visitor in the universe. The map  12  displays the positions of all the visitors  39  and the path to each visitor. For clarity only two active visitors  39   a ,  39   b  and one path  60  between them are shown in  FIG. 10 . Paths  60  are automatically updated as visitors move about in the universe and as visitors join and leave the network. 
         [0107]    A fourth type of path supported by the network is the visitor-defined path. Path  54  (see  FIG. 5 ) represents a visitor-defined path. The visitor defines the end points and the points  18  of the path  54 . The path can be created, for example, by inputting a list of the points  18  defining the path or by having the VR browser  14  maintain and store a history of the points  18  visited by the visitor in prior visits. 
         [0108]    The definition of the visitor-defined path  54  may be stored on the visitor&#39;s machine  16  for use only by the visitor  39 . Alternatively, the path definition is stored in the universe database  30  and made available to all network visitors. 
         [0109]    As described above, the domain server  26  provides a single point of access for the VR browser  14  to initiate a visitor session and display a map of available points  18  in the universe. This enables new points  18  to be added to the universe and new virtual reality representations of new or existing points  18  to be made available to all VR browsers  14  on the network  10  by updating the domain server databases  30  and  32 . 
         [0110]    An author creating a virtual reality representation for a new or existing point  18  stores the data on his or her own VR data server  20  and then connects the VR data server to the network  10 . The author remotely invokes an administrative program on the domain server  26  that adds the location to the universe database  30  and adds a new VRR  15  record  34  to the network database  32 . The new VRR record  34  includes the location of the new point  18  and the network address of the associated VR data server  20 . The VR browser  14  automatically generates an up-to-date map  12  when it retrieves the map data from the universe database  30 . 
         [0111]    If desired, the client machine  16  can cache VR data  34  as well as records from the databases  30 ,  32 , and  36  for improved performance. The VR browser  14  uses the local data cache to display the map and to retrieve VR data from the network  10 . However, the data cache should be refreshed regularly or at the visitor&#39;s command to prevent stale data. Alternatively, the database records can include a “Time to Live” field for automatic updating of the data caches. 
         [0112]    To facilitate creation of VR representations of points  18 , the universe is preferably divided into a public region and a private region. Authors are free to add virtual reality representations of any point in the public region. Only authorized authors can add virtual representations of private regions. 
         [0113]    To illustrate the concept of public and private regions in more concrete terms, the map  12  is a virtual representation of the Gettysburg National Military Park  62  and the adjacent borough of Gettysburg, Pa.  64 . See  FIG. 1 ; the borough of Gettysburg is represented schematically as a circular area. The Military Park  62  is a public region of the universe and the borough of Gettysburg  64  is a private region of the universe. 
         [0114]    Tourists or Civil War buffs can author a virtual reality representation for a new point  18  in the Military Park  62  or author an additional virtual reality representation for an existing point  18 . The author can provide visitor access to the representation through a publicly or privately available VR data server  20 . The author updates the domain server databases  30 ,  32  through the administrative software as previously described and updates the local database  36  and stores the VR data  24  on the data server  20 . The new point and its representation are now available to all visitors. 
         [0115]    Over time, the number of points in the universe having virtual reality representations increases and the number of representations for a given point increases. This enables visitors to select points and view presentations that provide them with a rich and varied virtual visit to the virtual Military Park  62 . 
         [0116]    To further encourage the creation and selection of high-quality virtual presentations, each representation of a public point  18  is preferably assigned a quality moderation value. A quality moderation value represents the quality of the representation and assists visitors in selecting which representations to view. The quality moderation value is preferably stored in the representation&#39;s VRR record  34  (see  FIG. 2 ) and is displayed on the map  12 . 
         [0117]    For example, a representation can be assigned a quality moderation value between 0 and 10, where 0 represents a low quality representation and 10 represents a high quality representation. A visitor can rate the quality of the representation after  16  experiencing the virtual reality presentation. A running average of visitors&#39; ratings is stored as the representation&#39;s quality moderation value. This mechanism enables the network  10  to be self-moderating in that representations whose quality falls below a minimum value can be automatically removed from the network or not listed for selection. 
         [0118]    Virtual reality representations of points within Gettysburg borough  64 , however, are limited to authorized authors. Examples of such authors may include owners of commercial establishments who wish to control the content of the virtual reality representation of their store or business. A private representation may be hosted on a VR data server  20  whose access is controlled by the author and may or may not be assigned a quality moderation value. 
         [0119]    Virtual reality representations of public points are preferably created in a simple, standardized format to encourage those without technical or computer expertise to contribute virtual reality representations to the network  10 . 
         [0120]      FIG. 11  illustrates a preferred, simplified virtual reality format. Four images  66  are taken with a digital camera from a point, each photograph having a line of view facing north, south, east, and west, respectively. The administrative program uploads the four image files and presents an on-line form requesting the location of the point and associated metadata. The administrative program stores the image files as VR data  24  on a VR data server  20 , updates the universe database  30 , adds the appropriate VRR record to the network database  32 , and adds the appropriate VR record to the local database  36 . 
         [0121]    Because the illustrated public region  62  represents an area of the Earth, the latitude and longitude of the corresponding physical location of an actual point on the Earth&#39;s surface provides a convenient way of identifying the location of a point  18  on the map  12 . The administrative program requests the latitude and longitude of the point, which can be obtained, for example, by a GPS reading when the digital photographs are taken. 
         [0122]    It is understood that other kinds of metadata, data fields, data keys, or data formats can be used for or stored in the databases  30 ,  32 , and  36  and that other VR data  24  can be stored in other file formats. The data can be distributed on other servers on the network  10 . But the VR browser  14  preferably accesses the network  10  initially through the single domain server  26  regardless of how the data itself is distributed throughout the network  10 . 
         [0123]    It is contemplated that embodiments of the virtual reality network  10  will be customized for particular industries or visitors. For example, a real estate network would host virtual reality representations of houses available for sale. The seller&#39;s real estate agent takes photographs of each room in a house and uploads them to the real estate network, along with the floor plan and other metadata. A buyer&#39;s real estate agent selects the house to visit, and the VR browser displays the floor plan and the paths through the house. The visitor moves along the paths in the house, in effect taking a virtual reality tour through each room in the house. 
         [0124]    The present invention may be implemented in an application that may be operable using a variety of devices. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media refer to any medium or media that participate in providing instructions to a central processing unit (CPU) for execution. Such media can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile and volatile media such as optical or magnetic disks and dynamic memory, respectively. Common forms of non-transitory computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM disk, digital video disk (DVD), any other optical medium, RAM, PROM, EPROM, a FLASHEPROM, and any other memory chip or cartridge. 
         [0125]    Various forms of transmission media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a CPU for execution. A bus carries the data to system RAM, from which a CPU retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by system RAM can optionally be stored on a fixed disk either before or after execution by a CPU. Various forms of storage may likewise be implemented as well as the necessary network interfaces and network topologies to implement the same. 
         [0126]    While we have illustrated and described preferred embodiments of our invention, it is understood that this is capable of modification, and we therefore do not wish to be limited to the precise details set forth, but desire to avail ourselves of such changes and alterations as fall within the purview of the following claims.