System and methods for effective virtual reality visitor interface

Abstract

A virtual reality network provides access to 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. The VR data can be in a simplified data format. 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. A visitor connects to the database server with a client host to visit the locations in the virtual universe.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 786,563 filed Mar. 15, 2013 entitled, “System and Methods for Effective Virtual Reality Visitor Interface,” and 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 a visitor interface and data structure that renders Virtual Reality Worlds that are more easily viewed by visitors.[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 b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The virtual reality network in this patent offers a way for people to experience different virtual realities created by different authors. The network has a central server that allows people to easily connect and tour the virtual world created by these different representations. This network encourages creativity and sharing, as people can easily add new virtual reality representations and others can share their travel experiences or create new virtual worlds for business or personal use.

Problems solved by technology

Although recognized as having substantial potential, virtual reality has remained limited mainly to computer games and expensive training simulations.

These factors have hindered broader adoption of virtual reality.

One limitation of Virtual Worlds, however, is that they don't easily allow the visitor to relate their “view of the worlds” to the Virtual World itself.

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