U.S. patent application number 10/330181 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-21 for sending three-dimensional images over a network.
This patent application is currently assigned to Skyline Software Systems, Inc.. Invention is credited to Shor, Ofer, Yaron, Ronnie.
Application Number | 20030158786 10/330181 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27737157 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030158786 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yaron, Ronnie ; et
al. |
August 21, 2003 |
Sending three-dimensional images over a network
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.
Inventors: |
Yaron, Ronnie; (Raanana,
IL) ; Shor, Ofer; (Tel Aviv, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Duane Morris LLP
Suite 700
1667 K Street, N.W.
Washington
DC
20006
US
|
Assignee: |
Skyline Software Systems,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
27737157 |
Appl. No.: |
10/330181 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10330181 |
Dec 30, 2002 |
|
|
|
09494979 |
Jan 31, 2000 |
|
|
|
09494979 |
Jan 31, 2000 |
|
|
|
09258663 |
Feb 26, 1999 |
|
|
|
6496189 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/14.41 ;
705/14.46; 705/14.73; 705/26.61 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06T 2200/16 20130101;
G06Q 30/02 20130101; G06Q 30/0247 20130101; G06T 19/003 20130101;
G06Q 30/0277 20130101; G06T 3/4092 20130101; G06T 19/20 20130101;
G06Q 30/0623 20130101; G06F 40/169 20200101; G06Q 30/0643 20130101;
G06Q 30/0242 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/26 ;
705/14 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of obtaining a benefit for sending digital information
over a communication network, comprising: (A) providing at least
one first database that includes digital information representative
of three-dimensional images including photographic images, (B)
receiving requests over the communication network for at least some
of the digital information in the database, (C) sending the
requested digital information over the communication network, and
(D) receiving a benefit for sending the requested digital
information.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein step (A) further comprises
providing the digital information which is associated with at least
one of a plurality of travel courses stored in a second
database.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein step (D) comprises receiving the
benefit which includes monetary compensation.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein step (D) comprises receiving the
benefit which includes increased recognition of an entity that
performs steps (A), (B), and (C).
5. The method of claim 1 wherein step (D) comprises receiving the
benefit which includes monetary compensation derived from
advertising.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing at least one
second database that includes digital information representative of
a plurality of travel courses and each travel course is associated
with at least some of the digital information stored in the first
databases.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein step (C) further includes sending
software to convert the requested digital information into the
images.
8. The method of claim 6 wherein each of the travel courses
includes: land routes with indoor and outdoor travel themes; and
air routes with outdoor travel themes.
9. A system for providing three-dimensional images, comprising: A)
at least one first database comprising digital information
representing three-dimensional images including photographic
images; B) an input module configured to receive requests over a
communication network for at least some of the digital information
in the first database; and C) an output module configured to send
the requested digital information over the communication network,
wherein a benefit is received for sending the requested digital
information over the communication network.
10. The system of claim 9 further comprising at least one second
database that includes digital information representative of a
plurality of travel courses where each travel course is associated
with at least some of the digital information stored in the first
database
11. The system of claim 9 wherein the output module is further
configured to send software to convert the requested digital
information into the three-dimensional images.
12. The system of claim 9 wherein the digital information included
in the first database is associated with at least one of a
plurality of travel courses stored in a second database.
13. The system of claim 9 wherein the input module comprises a
software program running on a computer server.
14. The system of claim 9 wherein the output module comprises a
software program running on a computer server.
15. The system of claim 10 wherein each of the travel courses
includes: land routes with indoor and outdoor travel themes; and
air routes with outdoor travel themes.
16. A system for sending digital information over a communication
network, comprising: A) a database including digital information
representative of three-dimensional images including photographs;
B) a computer server in communication with the database and with
the communication network, the server comprising a) an input module
configured to receive requests over the communication network for
at least some of the digital information in the database, and b) an
output module configured to send the requested digital information
over the communication network; C) a client computer for allowing
an end user to send requests over the communication network for at
least some of the three-dimensional images and for allowing the end
user to receive the digital information representing the requested
three-dimensional images; and D) an e-commerce business for
receiving the end user's requests over the communication network
and redirecting the end user's requests to the computer server so
the computer server can send the digital information representing
the requested three-dimensional images to the end user's client
computer.
17. The system of claim 16 wherein an operator of the system
receives a benefit for sending the requested digital
information.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein the benefit includes monetary
compensation.
19. The system of claim 17 wherein the benefit includes increased
recognition of the operator.
20. The system of claim 17 wherein the benefit includes monetary
compensation derived from advertising.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED CASE
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to
and the benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/258,663,
filed Feb. 26, 1999, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated
herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to obtaining a
benefit for sending digital information over a communication
network.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,972, describes displaying to a pilot of
an aircraft a synthetic image of the ground terrain over which the
pilot is flying. U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,073 describes allowing a pilot
to preview a route either in flight or on the ground. The '073
patent also describes allowing the pilot to take over and try out
different flight strategies. The data volume required to display
flight routes in accordance with the above-mentioned patents is
very large. The '073 patent describes representing the terrain as
polygons in order to save computer storage space, but even so, the
amount of storage on most home computers allows only a limited area
and/or resolution level to be displayed. The '073 patent describes
using a CD-ROM to store the required data, but the delivery of the
CD-ROM to home users requires time and changes in the terrain (such
as seasonal changes) can require frequent updates of the data on
the CD-ROM.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] It is an object of some aspects of the present invention to
provide methods and apparatus for displaying on a remote computer
actual images of an area as seen from a viewpoint which is chosen
interactively.
[0005] It is still another object of some aspects of the present
invention to provide methods and apparatus for displaying on a
client computer three-dimensional images stored in a remote server,
which are conveyed to the client via a network, preferably the
Internet.
[0006] It is still another object of some aspects of the present
invention to provide methods and apparatus for streaming data
required for rendering three-dimensional images on a remote
computer.
[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, a processor
simulates traveling along a selected route. At substantially any
viewpoint along the route, the processor displays the view seen
from the viewpoint in three-dimensional real-life images. A user
may select at substantially each point along the route the
direction of view and may change the direction dynamically.
Preferably, the user controls the speed of progress along the route
and may stop the progress and/or reverse direction along the
course.
[0008] Preferably, the user views the three-dimensional images
without having to store a large database of images on the user's
processor, and without requiring that the processor have an
unusually large memory capacity. Rather, the user connects to a
server, which stores all the required data, and the user's
processor downloads the data dynamically according to the data
required to display each specific scene. Preferably, the processor
connects to the server via a communication link, such as the
Internet. Preferably, the data is conveyed by a standard modem at
sufficient speed for relatively smooth display of the images.
[0009] Alternatively or additionally, the required data is
downloaded prior to the displaying of the scene, or the data is
retrieved from a CD or other memory or storage apparatus associated
with the processor.
[0010] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/939,948, which is
assigned to the assignee of the present application and is
incorporated herein by reference, describes a method of rendering
three-dimensional terrain images. The method allows fast rendering
of images by comparison with other methods known in the art. The
method of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/939,948 uses a
hierarchical database in which substantially each image is
described in a plurality of blocks at different resolution levels.
The blocks at lower resolution levels include less detail per unit
area, while the blocks of higher resolution levels include more
detail per unit area. The additional storage space required in
order to store the additional data required due to the hierarchical
structure is "paid back" in improved time performance of the
rendering.
[0011] There is further provided in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention, a method of displaying three dimensional
images, including establishing a communication link between a local
processor and a server, transferring data blocks describing
three-dimensional images over the communication link from the
server to the local processor; and rendering a three-dimensional
image at the local processor responsive to the data blocks.
[0012] There is further provided in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention, an apparatus for displaying three
dimensional images, including a processor, a communication link
between the processor and a server over which data blocks
describing terrain are transferred, and a display on which the
processor renders three-dimensional terrain images responsive to
the data blocks.
[0013] In general, the invention relates to obtaining a benefit 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 or increased recognition
of the sender, for example.
[0014] In one aspect, the invention relates to a method of
obtaining a benefit for sending digital information over a
communication network. The steps of this method comprise: (A)
providing at least one first database that includes digital
information representative of three-dimensional images including
photographic images, (B) receiving requests over the communication
network for at least some of the digital information in the
database, (C) sending the requested digital information over the
communication network, and (D) receiving a benefit for sending the
requested digital information.
[0015] In one embodiment, step (C) further comprises providing the
digital information which is associated with at least one of a
plurality of travel courses stored in a second database.
[0016] In some embodiments, the benefit includes monetary
compensation (possibly derived from advertising) and/or increased
recognition of an entity that performs steps (A), (B), and /or
(C).
[0017] In some embodiments, the method further comprises providing
at least one second database that includes digital information
representative of a plurality of travel courses and each travel
course is associated with at least some of the digital information
stored in the first databases.
[0018] In one embodiment, step (C) further includes sending
software to convert the requested digital information into the
images.
[0019] In another aspect, the invention features a system for
providing three-dimensional images. The system comprises at least
one first database comprising digital information representing
three-dimensional images including photographic images, an input
module configured to receive requests over a communication network
for at least some of the digital information in the first database,
and an output module configured to send the requested digital
information over the communication network. A benefit is received
for using the system to send the requested digital information over
the communication network using the system.
[0020] The system can further comprise at least one second database
that includes digital information representative of a plurality of
travel courses where each travel course is associated with at least
some of the digital information stored in the first database. The
output module can be configured to send software to convert the
requested digital information into the three-dimensional images.
The digital information included in the first database can be
associated with at least one of a plurality of travel courses
stored in a second database. The input module can comprise a
software program running on a computer server, and the output
module can comprise a software program running on a computer
server.
[0021] In still another aspect, the invention relates to a system
for sending digital information over a communication network. The
system comprises a first database including digital information
representative of three-dimensional images including photographs.
The system also comprises a computer server in communication with
the first and with the communication network and a client computer
for allowing an end user to send requests over the communication
network for at least some of the three-dimensional images and for
allowing the end user to receive the digital information
representing the requested three-dimensional images. The system
also comprises an e-commerce business for receiving the end user's
requests over the communication network and redirecting the end
user's requests to the computer server so the computer server can
send the digital information representing the requested
three-dimensional images to the end user's client computer. The
computer server comprises an input module configured to receive
requests over the communication network for at least some of the
digital information in the first database, and an output module
configured to send the requested digital information over the
communication network. An operator of the system receives a benefit
for sending the requested digital information.
[0022] In all aspects and embodiments of the invention the benefit
that is received for sending the requested digital information can
include monetary compensation and/or increased recognition of the
operator or other entity involved with sending the requested
digital information over the communication network.
[0023] The present invention will be more fully understood from the
following detailed description, including
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for obtaining
compensation for sending information over a communication network
in accordance with the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the data
structure of images stored in a database on a pilot training
server, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for preparation
of a pilot training database, in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a flight
course database on a pilot training server, in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a processor
for viewing three-dimensional real-life terrain images, in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a viewpoint and a scene viewed
therefrom, useful in understanding a method of displaying the
selected route, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
present invention;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the actions of a cache
manager while the processor of FIG. 4 displays a selected route, in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of an image block from
the data structure of FIG. 2, along with its ancestors, useful in
understanding the flow chart of FIG. 8; and
[0032] FIGS. 9a and 9b are flow diagrams illustrating obtaining a
benefit for sending digital information over a communication
network, in accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION
[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system 300 for
obtaining compensation for sending information over a communication
network in accordance with the present invention. In FIG. 1, the
disclosed embodiment of the system 300 includes one or more
computer servers 26 (one server 26 is shown), a communication
network 306 such as the Internet or other computer network, at
least one image database 40, at least one course database 60, at
least one third-party electronic-commerce business or entity
(e-commerce business) 304, and at least one client computer 310.
Each client computer 310 typically will include at least a
processor 20, a visual display 22, and a communication network
interface 24. The e-commerce business 304 includes one or more
server computers for communication with the server(s) 26 and the
client computer(s) 310, generally via the network 306. The network
306 can include a variety of different and/or similar links
including wireless links.
[0034] Digital information representing real-life three-dimensional
images is stored in at least one of the image databases 40, and
digital information representing a travel course or route is stored
in at least one of the course databases 60. Real-life
three-dimensional images are created by taking two-dimensional
photographic images and, through the use of the rendering method
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/939,948 or other
software and/or rendering schemes/devices, rendering
three-dimensional images such that the images include the
photographic images. The computer server 26 is in communication
with the image database(s) 40, the course database(s) 60, and the
communication network 306. The client computer 310 is also in
communication with the communication network 306 via the
communication network interface 24. In one embodiment, the
communication network interface 24 is a standard 33,600 kilobyte
per second modem. Other modems, faster or slower, may also be used.
Additionally, other connections may be used for the communication
interface 24, such as ISDN connections or direct routers.
[0035] An end user uses the client computer 310 to request
real-life three-dimensional images which depict views of a user
defined virtual travel course or which depict views of preset
guided tour. The request is made by contacting an e-commerce
business 304 that is in communication with the communication
network 306. The e-commerce business 304 redirects the end user's
request to the computer server 26, typically in a way that is
transparent to the end user. In response to the end user's request,
the computer server 26 retrieves the digital information
representing the requested real-life three-dimensional images from
the image database 40 that depict views of the user defined virtual
travel course or which depict views of a preset guided tour. The
computer server 26 transmits the requested digital information to
the computer client 310 via the communication network 306. The
processor 20 in the computer client 310 receives the requested
digital information and reconstructs the real-life
three-dimensional images and displays them on the visual display
22.
[0036] Alternatively or additionally, the processor 20 communicates
with the computer server 26 through a direct communication line.
Further alternatively or additionally, the processor 20 receives a
storage disk 28, such as a CD, from those who supply the real-life
three-dimensional images or from any other distribution source.
[0037] The e-commerce business 304 is also in communication with
the computer server 26, either directly or via the communication
network 306. In response to the computer server 26 transmitting the
user requested digital information to the end user, the entity that
controls, operates, and/or owns the computer server 26 and/or the
data in the databases 40, 60 receives some benefit. The benefit may
include, but is not limited to, monetary compensation, and/or
increased recognition of the entity by the public or some group
(including increased traffic to the entity's website).
[0038] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the data structure of
images stored in an image database 40 residing on, or in
communication with the computer server 26, in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. Image database 40
comprises a plurality of image blocks 42, labeled 42A, 42B, etc.,
which contain data representing terrain in various areas as would
be perceived from different heights. Preferably, substantially all
of blocks 42 are of the same data size. Preferably, the size of the
blocks is determined according to the expected rate of transmission
of data via modem 24, so that a block 42 may be transmitted on the
average within a predetermined amount of time, for example, half a
second. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
blocks comprise 256.times.256 pixels, although the blocks may be of
any other suitable size. Preferably, the blocks are divided into
sub-blocks 43 of smaller sizes, such that processors which work
with slow modems may download small sub-blocks in case the entire
block is not required. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, each block 42 is divided into sixteen sub-blocks 43 of
64.times.64 pixels. Each pixel is preferably represented by a color
and an elevation attribute, as is known in the art. Blocks 42 are
preferably real-life images of terrain areas received from airborne
or satellite cameras.
[0039] Preferably, each sub-block 43 includes an attachment field
in which additional optional data objects associated with the area
covered by the sub-block are described. These objects preferably
include, but are not limited to, labels, annotations, lines and 3D
objects. Each object is preferably accompanied by coordinates which
state the position of the object within sub-block 43. Preferably,
the labels are stored in text format, the lines are stored as
vectors, and the 3D objects are stored as polygons, although any
suitable storage format may be used.
[0040] The objects may be used to represent existing structures
which are not viewed sufficiently well when shown as part of the
image. Alternatively or additionally, the structures may be used to
overlay virtual structures on the terrain. For example, it is
possible to add planned buildings to the terrain and thus see the
effect of the buildings on the view. Further alternatively or
additionally, the objects may be used to overlay map symbols and
other markings on the terrain. The markings are preferably overlaid
on the view at a constant size regardless of the resolution level
of the terrain displayed.
[0041] Blocks 42 are preferably stored in the image database 40 in
a compressed form using any suitable compression method, such as
JPEG. Blocks 42 are classified in successive resolution levels 44
labeled 44A, 44B, etc., according to the height from which they
view the terrain and, therefore, the level of detail which they
include. A plurality of blocks 42A which belong to the lowest
resolution level 44A, labeled "level 1," cover the largest area per
block and therefore have the least detail per area unit. It is
noted that the size of the geographical area covered by blocks 42A
of "level 1" is dependent on the specific application of the image
database 40 and may be very diverse. For example, in some flight
applications, a single block 42A includes an image of the entire
Planet Earth, while in an atom-simulation application, which shows
the terrain of an atom, block 42A shows the entire atom. Blocks 42B
of the next level 44B, labeled "level 2," preferably cover a
quarter of the area of blocks 42A of "level 1". Thus, for
substantially each block 42A, there exist four blocks 42B which
cover the same area. In a similar manner, each successive level 44
comprises blocks 42 which cover a quarter of the area of the blocks
42 of the lower resolution level.
[0042] Four blocks 55 of a certain level 44C, which cover the same
area as a block 57 of the preceding level 44B, are referred to as
descendants of block 57. Conversely, block 57 is referred to herein
as the parent of blocks 55. The parent block 59 of block 57 is
referred to herein as an "ancestor" of blocks 55, and is said to be
of a lower resolution level than its descendants. It is noted that
in FIG. 2, the lower resolution levels appear higher on the
page.
[0043] Preferably, each block 42 in the image database 40 includes
pointers 52 to the four descendants of the block. If one or more of
the descendants does not exist, a null pointer 56 is preferably
used. Preferably, a header record 54 comprises an index to blocks
42A of "level 1" such that the processor 20 can easily find the
block 42A which covers a desired area.
[0044] The number of levels 44 is dependent on the images input to
the computer server 26 and may differ for different areas of
terrain. Thus, one block 42A may have descendants up to level 12,
for example, while another block 42A may have no descendants. It is
also noted that the number of descendants of each block 42 may have
a value different from four, for example nine, and may differ for
different levels 44.
[0045] Preferably, each block 42 is referenced using longitudinal
and latitudinal (x,y) coordinates of one of the points in the
block, such as the top right corner pixel, together with the
resolution level 44 of the block.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for preparation
of the image database 40, in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. Preferably, all the steps described in
FIG. 3 are performed automatically by a processor (referred to
herein as a Terra builder). The Terra Builder may prepare the
images online provided the images are supplied at a sufficient
rate. Alternatively or additionally, the Terra Builder operates
together with a human operator to achieve better accuracy in the
preparation of the image database 40.
[0047] Preferably, the Terra builder receives one or more images of
a terrain area covered by the database 40 (step 200). The images
are preferably received in a standard format, such as TIFF or
bitmap. The images preferably cover adjacent areas or are partially
overlapping. Some of the images may cover the same area at
different levels of resolution.
[0048] The processor cuts the image up into blocks 42 and assigns
these blocks temporarily to the highest resolution level (step
202). Blocks of lower levels of resolution are prepared by
eliminating data from the original blocks (step 204). Preferably,
the blocks of lower resolution levels are prepared by decimation,
for example, by eliminating odd (or even) rows and columns from the
higher level blocks. Further preferably, the blocks are filtered
using a low pass filter, most preferably before the decimation.
[0049] Thereafter, the blocks from different images are aligned
relative to each other, based on the coordinates of the images and
the meter-per-pixel resolution values of the images (step 206).
Preferably, the coordinates and meter-per-pixel values are received
together with the images. Alternatively, an operator determines and
inputs the coordinate correspondences and meter-per-pixel values by
viewing the images. Further alternatively or additionally, the
operator inputs the heights of the terrain for some or all of the
pixels.
[0050] Blocks 42 are then compressed, for example, using the JPEG
compression method (step 208). The operator may add labels, lines,
virtual structures and other objects, before or after the
compression (step 210). Alternatively or additionally, the
processor automatically derives such objects from the images. For
example, the processor may identify roads and/or runways in the
images and represent them as objects so that they appear more
clearly in substantially any resolution of display.
[0051] It is noted that although the hierarchical structure of the
image database 40 requires extra storage space, relative to a
non-hierarchical record of the terrain, the advantages of the
hierarchical structure justify the extra storage space required.
The use of the hierarchical structure allows faster rendering of
the images on the visual display 22 and allows fast download of
required images at low resolution levels. Optionally, in order to
reduce storage requirements, some of blocks 42 are stored only in
some of resolution levels 44, and when non-existent resolution
levels are required, computer server 26 generates the required
block from a descendant block of a higher resolution level.
[0052] Preferably, the user of the processor 20 on the client
computer 310 is able to add virtual structures and/or other objects
to the terrain described by database 40, while viewing the terrain.
Preferably, a file stored locally on the processor 20 stores
descriptions of the virtual structures added by the user of the
processor 20.
[0053] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example
of a course stored on a course database 60 residing on or in
communication with the computer server 26, in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the
course database 60 includes a catalog file 62, which lists all the
available routes stored in the course database 60. For each route,
the course database 60 preferably includes a list 64 of
three-coordinate points 66 which describe the route. The three
coordinates preferably represent longitudinal, latitudinal, and
height coordinates of the points along the course, as are known in
the art of terrain mapping. Preferably, list 64 also includes speed
settings 68, and/or other flight-relevant data.
[0054] The routes in the course database 60 preferably include
routes terminating in landings at various airports. Using these
routes, pilots may become familiar with airports to which they are
scheduled to fly. Alternatively or additionally, the course
database 60 includes routes of flight through difficult access
areas, such as deep canyons in which helicopters need to fly.
Further alternatively or additionally, the course database 60 may
include routes for training military pilots in approaching a
required target. Further alternatively or additionally, the course
database 60 may include land routes through buildings, town,
cities, and/or countries
[0055] It is noted that other scenarios may be included in the
course database 60, such as online images from an area of interest.
For example, a route may be used to display a car race, and the
points 66 describing the route may be received online using a GPS
from one of the cars in the race. The cars are preferably
superimposed on the images, using methods known in the art. A user
watching the race on a home computer may select any viewpoint of
interest and is not limited to pre-chosen viewpoints selected by
others. The user requested real-life three-dimensional images
received by the client computer 310 arrive in the form of a stream
of digital data. In order for the images to be viewable on the
visual display 22, they must be reconstructed from the stream of
digital data by the processor 20 on the client computer 310.
[0056] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the processor 20 on
the client computer 310, in accordance with a preferred embodiment
of the present invention. The blocks are preferably realized as
software processes running on a general-purpose microcomputer,
although dedicated hardware realizations are also possible.
Preferably, the processor 20 comprises a navigator 70, which keeps
track of a viewpoint of a virtual viewer. The viewpoint preferably
follows a predetermined course which a user of processor 20 is
supposed to follow. Preferably, the course is received from course
database 60.
[0057] Preferably, the navigator 70 sets a default view direction
of the viewpoint in the direction of movement along the course.
Alternatively, the default view direction is set directly down
towards the terrain. The user may change the view direction of the
viewpoint without moving out of the course. Therefore, there is no
compulsory correlation between the flight direction and the view
direction. Preferably, the user may change the speed of motion
along the course. Further preferably, the user may move the
viewpoint out of the course in order to view the area around the
predetermined course, or to try to find a better course.
Preferably, the user controls the direction, speed, altitude and/or
any other parameter of the viewpoint. Specifically, the user may
freeze the viewpoint in order to have a better look at the view
from a certain point or angle.
[0058] The processor 20 preferably further comprises a renderer 72,
which calculates the view from the viewpoint and continuously
renders the view on the visual display 22. The renderer 72
determines the coordinates of the pixels it needs in order to
render the view and requests the descriptions of these pixels from
a cache manager 74. Preferably, the renderer 72 determines which
blocks 42 and/or sub-blocks 43 include the required pixels.
Alternatively, the cache manager 74 determines the identity of the
required blocks 42 and/or sub-blocks 43. Along with each required
pixel, block 42, or sub-block 43, renderer 72 preferably states the
resolution level 44 at which the block is required. The resolution
level is preferably determined based on the distance between the
viewpoint and the desired pixel or block 42. Further preferably,
the resolution level is also dependent on the number of pixels in
the image displayed on the visual display 22. Preferably, the
resolution levels are chosen so that an approximate 1:1 ratio is
achieved between the number of displayed pixels and the number of
data pixels. Preferably, the renderer 72 also overlays the objects
associated with the rendered sub-blocks 43.
[0059] Preferably, cache manager 74 manages a group of blocks 42
and/or sub-blocks 43 in a cache memory 32 of the processor 20, for
example in the main memory of the processor 20, in accordance with
a method described hereinbelow. Alternatively or additionally, the
cache memory 32 is defined in a local hard disk associated with the
processor 20. Thus, even if the processor 20 is shut down, the
renderer can immediately resume operation when the processor 20 is
turned on again, at the point it left off, without downloading the
data again from the computer server 26. Further alternatively or
additionally, the processor 20 determines areas which are most
commonly visited by the user of the processor 20, and blocks 42
from these areas are permanently stored in the local hard disk of
the client computer 310. One such preferred application involves
positioning the processor 20 within a ground vehicle in order to
view the surroundings of the vehicle. Since the vehicle is usually
located in the same area, the required download time may be reduced
substantially.
[0060] It is noted that the term cache memory is used herein
generally to refer to any relatively small memory which can be
accessed rapidly by the processor 20 and is used to save data which
is most likely to be used by the processor 20.
[0061] The cache manager 74 downloads from the computer server 26
the blocks 42 and/or sub-blocks 43 required by renderer 72, if they
are not already stored in cache memory 32, and meanwhile provides
replacement blocks from the cache memory. Preferably, the cache
manager 74 references blocks 42 on the computer server 26 by
providing pointers to the required blocks. The cache manager 74 has
the pointers for the lowest resolution level blocks 42A from header
record 54. The pointer to a desired block 42 of any other level 44
is preferably taken from the parent block of the desired block, as
described above. Therefore, as described hereinbelow, the cache
manager 74 preferably always requests that the computer server 26
send a block 42 after the cache manager has received its parent
block.
[0062] As previously stated, after the end user requests a
real-life three-dimensional image from an e-commerce business 304
via the client computer 310, the request is redirected by the
e-commerce business 304 to the computer server 26. Preferably, the
processor 20 on the client computer 310 establishes one or more
communication connections 76 with the computer server 26 through
which blocks 42 are sent to the processor 20. Connections 76 are
preferably standard TCP connections as are known in the art,
although any other protocol may be used to form the connection.
Preferably, when connections 76 are not in use bringing blocks 42
required by the renderer 72, the cache manager 74 downloads blocks
in the area of the viewpoint to fill cache memory 32. Preferably,
the cache manager 74 attempts to fill cache memory 32 with a
sufficient number of blocks, such that for any view direction of
the current viewpoint, all blocks 42 required by the renderer 72
are stored in cache memory 32. Preferably, the cache manager 74
stores in cache memory 32 the same number of blocks 42 in each
resolution level 44. Preferably, cache memory 32 stores, for each
resolution level 44, between 9 and 36 blocks, which are most
preferably organized in a square centered directly below the
location of the viewpoint. In a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, cache memory 32 stores sixteen blocks 42 organized in a
square for each resolution level 44. Blocks 42 are preferably
chosen such that the viewpoint is closest to the center of the
square, most preferably, as described in the above-mentioned U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 08/939,948.
[0063] Preferably, blocks 42 are stored in cache memory 32 in the
compressed form in which they are received from the computer server
26. Further preferably, the cache manager 74 decompresses the
blocks before they are provided to the renderer 72. Preferably, the
cache manager 74 manages, in addition to cache memory 32, an open
cache memory 34 in which blocks 42 and/or sub-blocks 43 which were
decompressed are stored. Preferably, open cache memory 34 is of a
size determined according to the amount of available empty storage
space on the memory associated with the processor 20 and/or the
size of the image rendered on the visual display 22. Preferably,
the user of the processor 20 may adjust the size of open cache
memory 34 in order to achieve maximal rendering speed by saving the
time required for decompression. In a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, open cache memory 34 has a default size
sufficient to store a few hundred decompressed sub-blocks 43.
[0064] Preferably, when open cache memory 34 is full, a least
recently used (LRU) method is used to determine which sub-block 43
is to be discarded to make room for a new sub-block. A preferred
LRU method is described in the above-mentioned 08/939,948 patent
application. Alternatively or additionally, any other suitable
method of memory management may be used to manage cache memory 32
and/or open cache memory 34.
[0065] The renderer 72 uses blocks 42 from cache manager 74 to
render the required view on display 22. Preferably, when the cache
manager 74 provides a block 42 of a lower resolution level than
that requested by the renderer 72, the renderer 72 uses the
provided block to interpolate a higher resolution-level block.
Preferably, the higher resolution-level block is interpolated using
any method known in the art, such as bilinear, fractal, or texture
blending.
[0066] When the cache manager 74 finishes downloading an additional
block of a higher resolution level from the computer server 26, the
block is provided to the renderer 72, which updates the rendered
view accordingly. Preferably, when the viewpoint is in motion, the
renderer 72 updates the view at least ten times per second so that
the user has a perception of constant movement, although other
rates of update may also be used. Preferably, the renderer 72
renders the view each time from scratch without using
previously-rendered views.
[0067] Preferably, the renderer 72 is as described in the above
mentioned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/939,948.
Alternatively or additionally, the renderer 72 may operate in
accordance with any other method known in the art. The renderer 72
is preferably implemented entirely in software. Alternatively, the
renderer 72 includes a dedicated hardware processor, such as a 3D
graphic accelerator, along with a software package running on
general purpose processor 20 which provides blocks 42 to the
dedicated hardware processor.
[0068] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a viewpoint 80 and a scene 82
viewed therefrom, used to explain the operation of the renderer 72,
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Scene 82 includes areas 84 close to viewpoint 80, for example 1
kilometer from the viewpoint. Other areas 86 of scene 82 are far
away from viewpoint 80, for example, 50-100 kilometers away. Still
other areas 85 of scene 82 may be at other distances from viewpoint
80. In order to build a real life image of the view from viewpoint
80, the renderer 72 needs blocks 42 from a high resolution level 44
of area 84, such that a group of buildings 88 in area 84 are seen
in the image as they would be seen from 1 kilometer away. However,
for area 86, the renderer 72 needs only a low resolution level
block 42 since a group of buildings 90 in area 86 would not be seen
from viewpoint 80.
[0069] Preferably, the renderer 72 determines the exact blocks
needed and calls for them using their (x,y) coordinates and their
resolution level 44. Alternatively or additionally, the renderer 72
specifies, for each resolution level 44, the coordinates of the
boundaries of the necessary areas, and the cache manager 74
determines the identities of the required blocks 42. Preferably,
when only a small part of a block 42 is required, the cache manager
74 orders only the required sub-blocks 43 in order to save
transmission time. On the average, rendering a view image requires
between about 20 and 200 sub-blocks 43 of various resolution levels
44.
[0070] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the actions of the cache
manager 74 in displaying a selected route by the processor 20, in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
After downloading the first batch of level 1 blocks, as indicated
in block 102, the cache manager 74 moves into a wait state, as
indicated by block 100.
[0071] Reference is also made to FIG. 8, which is a schematic
illustration of a block 150 (corresponding either to one of blocks
42 or one of sub-blocks 43) requested by the renderer 72, and
ancestors 152, 154 and 158 of the requested block. When a request
for block 150, identified as "x," and having resolution level N. is
received from the renderer 72, the cache manager 74 determines, as
indicated in block 104 (FIG. 7), the level j of the highest
resolution-level ancestor of block x stored in cache memory 32. If
the block 42 itself is stored in cache memory 32 (i.e., j=N), the
block is provided to renderer 72. Otherwise, the highest resolution
level ancestor 152 of block x which is stored in cache memory 32 is
provided to the renderer 72, as indicated in block 106. As
described hereinbelow, the cache manager 74 downloads the rest of
the ancestors 158 of block x from the computer server 26 in order
of increasing resolution levels, as indicated by an arrow 156 in
FIG. 8. As the blocks are received from the computer server 26,
they are supplied to the renderer 72 so that the user sees an image
whose resolution increases with time.
[0072] Thus, if viewpoint 80 is not changed, or is changed
relatively slowly, the resolution level of the images displayed by
the renderer 72 is slowly increased until the maximal desired
resolution is reached. Naturally, if the image database 40 does not
include blocks at a desired level of resolution for a certain area,
the last block supplied is of the highest existing level of
resolution for that certain area.
[0073] If no ancestor of block x is found in memory 32 (an
eventuality not shown in the figure), the level 1 ancestor 154 of
the block is ordered from the computer server 26, based on the
pointer to the level 1 ancestor block in header record 54. While
waiting for the ordered block, renderer 72 preferably renders a
blank block to the display. Alternatively, renderer 72 waits until
level 1 ancestor 154 is received. However, it is noted that such
cases are very rare, since blocks 42A of level 1 cover very large
areas, and usually, blocks 42A adjacent to the block in use are
also downloaded and stored in cache memory 32.
[0074] If block x itself was not found in memory 32, the cache
manager 74 adds to a download queue the block x and all its
ancestors 158 of resolution levels higher than level j, as
indicated by block 108. If all TCP connections 76 available to
processor 20 are in use, the cache manager 74 returns to wait state
100 until one of connections 76 is available. If one of connections
76 is available the newly added blocks to the queue are immediately
ordered. Preferably, the cache manager 74 proceeds to send a
download order to the computer server 26 for the lowest
resolution-level block in the download queue, as indicated by
blocks 112, 114, 116 and 118. Alternatively or additionally, the
download queue is managed by the computer server 26.
[0075] Preferably, if more than one block of the lowest resolution
level is in the queue, the last entered block is downloaded (so
long as the block is still within range, as described hereinbelow).
The downloaded block is thereafter removed from the queue, either
when the download order is sent as indicated in block 120, or when
the block has been completely received. The cache manager 74
preferably moves back to wait state 100 to wait for the completion
of the downloading of the block.
[0076] Preferably, before a download order for block x is sent to
the computer server 26, the cache manager 74 checks whether the
block is still needed, as indicated by block 116. Most preferably,
the cache manager 74 checks whether the block is within a range of
the current viewpoint such that it would meet the criteria for the
cache manager 74 to order it for download to cache memory 32. If
block x is not within the range of the current viewpoint, the block
is not useful for the renderer 72 and is therefore not downloaded.
This situation may occur when the viewpoint has changed
substantially since block x was put into the download queue.
Alternatively or additionally, the cache manager 74 scans the
download queue periodically for block orders which are not
currently useful and must be erased from the queue.
[0077] When one of TCP connections 76 notifies the cache manager 74
that the transfer of a block Y has been completed, the cache
manager 74 checks whether the block is currently needed by the
renderer 72, as indicated by block 122. Preferably, the cache
manager 74 queries the renderer 72 regarding each received block as
to whether the renderer 72 currently needs the block. Alternatively
or additionally, the cache manager 74 maintains a list of blocks
for which download orders were sent, and therefore are needed by
the renderer 72. Preferably, the renderer 72 notifies the cache
manager 74 of blocks it requested and did not receive and which it
does not need any more. Alternatively, each order from the renderer
72 to the cache manager 74 includes all the blocks it needs, and
any blocks not in the order are not needed.
[0078] If renderer 72 needs the downloaded block (i.e., it was not
ordered solely to fill cache memory 32, as described hereinbelow),
it is passed to the renderer 72, as indicated by block 124.
Preferably, all the received blocks are stored in cache memory 32
for later use, as indicated by block 126. If cache memory 32 is
full, a block beyond the predetermined range from the current
viewpoint is discarded, as indicated by block 128. Preferably, the
discarded block is the least recently used block which is beyond
the predetermined range. Alternatively, the discarded block is
chosen from the highest resolution level for which there are blocks
beyond the predetermined range.
[0079] After downloading of a block has been completed, one of
connections 76 is necessarily not in use. If the download queue is
not empty, a block from the queue is downloaded as described
hereinabove and indicated in blocks 112, 114, 116 and 118. However,
if the queue is empty, the cache manager 74 fills cache memory 32
with the blocks within the range of the current viewpoint, so that,
for any direction of view from the current viewpoint, there is no
need to download further blocks from the computer server 26.
[0080] Preferably, the next block downloaded for filling cache
memory 32 is from the lowest resolution level for which all the
blocks in the range of the viewpoint are not already in the cache
memory, as indicated in block 130. Further preferably, the cache
manager 74 first downloads the eight blocks surrounding the block
which is directly below the current viewpoint. Alternatively or
additionally, the blocks are ordered according to the current view
direction of the viewpoint.
[0081] FIGS. 9a and 9b are flow diagrams illustrating a method for
obtaining a benefit for sending information over a communication
network, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the end user first uses the client
computer 310 containing the processor 20 to connect to the
communication network 306 via the communication network interface
24 (step 400). After this connection is established, the end user
establishes communication with an e-commerce business 304 that is
also in communication with the communication network 306 (step
402). The connection with the e-commerce business 304 can be
established through the use of a communication network browser
program that is executed by the processor 20 on the client computer
310. Examples of satisfactory communication network browser
programs include, but are not limited to, Netscape Navigator and
Internet Explorer.
[0082] After the connection with an e-commerce business 304 is
established, the end user either makes a request for real-life
three-dimensional images that depict views of a user defined
virtual travel course (step 404) or the user makes a request for
real-life three-dimensional images that depict views of a preset
guided tour (step 420). If the end user's request is for the
real-life three-dimensional images that depict views of a user
defined travel course, the request is redirected by the e-commerce
business 304 to the computer server 26 (step 406). When the
e-commerce business 304 redirects the user's request, it sends
digital information representing the user defined travel course and
overlay data to the computer server 26. The overlay data can
include, but is not limited to, digital information representing
things such as labels, three-dimensional objects, and billboards.
This overlay data can be inserted into the views along the user
defined travel course. The user defined travel course information
and the overlay data, once received by the computer server 26, are
converted by the computer server 26 into a format that is
compatible with the navigator 70 running on the client computer
310.
[0083] Upon redirection, the processor 20 on the client computer
310 established communication with the computer server 26 (step
408). Preferably, if the processor 20 is accessing the computer
server 26 for the first time, the computer server 26 sends the
processor 20 a software package which includes the navigator 70,
the renderer 72 and the cache manager 74 (step 410). The software
package can be in the form of an ActiveX plug-in sent to the
communication network browser running on the processor 20.
Alternatively or additionally, the user of the processor 20 may
receive the software package on a compact disk (CD) or on any other
storage media. Preferably, the software package is stored on the
client computer 310 so that the package need be sent only once.
[0084] Thereafter, the computer server 26 sends the user defined
virtual travel course information and overlay data to the navigator
70, preferably using one or more of TCP connections 76 (step
412).
[0085] Alternatively, if the end user's request is for a preset
virtual guided tour from the e-commerce business 304 (step 420),
the e-commerce business determines if the proper software
(navigator 70, renderer 72 and cache manager 74) is running on the
processor 20 (step 422). If this software is not present on
processor 20 the e-commerce business 304 redirects the client
computer 310 to the server 26 to download the software (step 424).
If the software is already present on processor 20 or after the
software is downloaded to processor 20, the e-commerce business
sends the properly formatted preset virtual guided tour course
information and overlay data directly to the client computer 310
(step 426). In a preset virtual guided tour, the user has the
option of following the downloaded preset tour course or navigating
freely along any alternate user defined travel course.
[0086] After the user defined travel course information or the
virtual guided tour information is received by the processor 20,
the navigator 70 begins to run on the downloaded course.
Concurrently, the cache manager 74 is ordered to download one or
more, preferably four, level 1 blocks 42A surrounding the starting
point of the route from the image database 40 that is in
communication with the computer server 26 (step 414). Thus, the
cache manager 74 will have in local cache memory 32 images of a
very large area surrounding the starting point. The cache manager
74 can therefore provide to the renderer 72 images which cover
substantially any area, even if only at a low resolution level
initially. The renderer 72 then reconstructs the images and sends
them to the visual display 22 (step 416). Alternatively or
additionally, the user may choose to begin a tour at a specific
location, without referring to a specific route.
[0087] The user is able to decide whether to display some or all of
the objects associated with the database. Thus, the user may
request to view only the images without any of the objects, or to
see only objects which represent existing structures. The user is
able to request to view the images with or without labels. Thus, on
a first visit to a new area, the user may view the area with labels
which allow easy acquaintance with the area, while at a second
visit, the user may omit the labels in order to test whether he/she
has properly memorized the important labeled landmarks. Preferably,
the user is able to switch between viewing the terrain with and
without the objects, so that, for example, the user may easily
compare the view of a desired area with and without a group of
planned structures.
[0088] In response to the computer server 26 transmitting the
digital information representing real-life three-dimensional images
to an end user, the entity that controls, operates, and/or owns the
server 26 and/or the data in the databases 40, 60 receives some
benefit (step 418). The benefit can include, but is not limited to,
monetary compensation and/or increased recognition of the entity by
the public or some group (including increased "traffic" or "hits"
to the entity's web site). The monetary compensation can be
provided to the entity by the e-commerce business 304 or by some
other company such as an advertiser associated with the entity, in
that the entity includes the advertiser's advertisements within the
images sent by the entity to the end user.
[0089] Alternatively, an end user can connect to the computer
server 26 to request real-life three-dimensional image depicting
views of preset virtual guided tours. The end user uses the client
computer 310 to establish a connection with the computer server 26.
The computer server 26 sends the catalog 62 and/or the header
record 54 to the processor 20. The end user of the processor 20
chooses a desired route from the catalog 62, and the navigator 70
downloads the route from the course database 60 that is in
communication with the computer server 26. The navigator 70 then
begins to run on the downloaded course as describe hereinabove.
[0090] It will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments
relate to displaying three dimensional real-life images. A variety
of embodiments and uses are within the scope of the invention
including, but are not limited to, displaying of terrain for
purposes of real estate trading, travel, education and amusement
uses, in which the terrain may be shown at various levels of
detail. Furthermore, the terrain is not limited to the Earth or
parts thereof, and may cover other planets (real or virtual) and/or
3D views of surfaces of real or imaginary objects, such as views
showing the atomic structure of a material, and the like. In
addition, the data streaming methods of the present invention may
be used to convey large databases of data which are to be displayed
graphically, such as in graphic displays of stock values. It also
will be appreciated that the embodiments described above are cited
by way of example, and the full scope of the invention is limited
only by the claims.
* * * * *