System for creating and viewing 3d environments using symbolic descriptors

Abstract

A computer-based system for designing and using three-dimensional environments over a bandwidth limited network such as the Internet. The system allows an environment to be specified as a series of two-dimensional grids of text characters. Each character occupies a single grid position and represents an object in the environment. Objects can be given characteristics such as texture maps, and associated images and sounds that are triggered by events such as a user approaching the object. An object or image can be a hyperlink so that, when clicked or moved upon, the user is transported to a new location. A basic set of objects and media (images and sounds) is provided so that a designer of an environment does not have to perform low-level three-dimensional modeling. Objects can behave differently when placed near one another. For example, walls fuse together to provide a longer wall. Ramps weld together to provide a single, longer, ramp having a slope that is shallower than the two or more ramps welded together. The environments are customizable by referring to block objects, texture maps, bitmap images, sound files, etc., that can be located anywhere on the Internet, including the user's computer. The system adapts to display differing levels of detail dependent on the performance ability of the user's computer platform.