Method for apparatus for recording and playback of multidimensional walkthrough narratives

Abstract

A method and apparatus for recording and playback of multidimensional walkthrough narratives. A three dimensional modeling language is used to automatically create a simple three-dimensional environment using pre-existing electronic documents. A first user, or author may navigate throughout the three-dimensional environment while at the same time recording the path taken and any accompanying audio. In one of two playback modes, a second user can be shown a “walkthrough” of the three-dimensional scene corresponding to the path taken by the author. In the other playback mode, a second user is free to navigate the three-dimensional world while the author's path is displayed.

1. A method comprising:
 generating a multidimensional representation of a plurality of electronic documents within a three-dimensional environment;  
 recording a narrative of the multidimensional representation; and  
 storing the multidimensional representation and the narrative to allow playback in at least one of a plurality of modes.  
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein generating a multidimensional representation of a plurality of electronic documents comprises:
 generating a first three-dimensional figure upon which a first of the plurality of electronic documents is superimposed; and  
 displaying the three-dimensional figure within the three-dimensional environment.  
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 generating a second three-dimensional figure upon which a second of the plurality of electronic documents is superimposed; and  
 displaying the second three-dimensional figure within the three-dimensional environment.  
 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein the first and second three-dimensional figures are displayed within the three-dimensional environment in an order representing their respective times of creation. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 3 , wherein the first and second three-dimensional figures are displayed within the three-dimensional environment at a fixed distance from each other. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 generating a third three-dimensional figure upon which a third of the plurality of electronic documents is superimposed; and  
 displaying the third three-dimensional figure within the three-dimensional environment.  
 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the third three-dimensional figure is displayed proximately to the first three-dimensional figure if the first three-dimensional figure and the third three-dimensional figure have electronic documents containing similar content displayed thereon, and
 the third three-dimensional figure is displayed proximately to the second three-dimensional figure if the second and third three-dimensional figures have electronic documents containing similar content displayed thereon.  
 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 6 , wherein the third three-dimensional figure is displayed proximate the first three-dimensional figure if the first and third three-dimensional figures have electronic documents of a similar media type displayed thereon, and
 the third three-dimensional figure is displayed proximate the second three-dimensional figure if the second and third three-dimensional figures have electronic documents of a similar media type displayed thereon.  
 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 2 , wherein generating a three-dimensional figure includes:
 representing the first of a plurality of electronic documents as a two-dimensional thumbnail image, and  
 utilizing a modeling language to convert the two-dimensional thumbnail image into the three-dimensional figure.  
 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the modeling language utilized is at least one of VRML and 3DML and X3d. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first three-dimensional figure is a cube having six sides. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 1 , wherein recording a narrative of the multidimensional representation further comprises:
 recording movements and audio of an author as the author navigates through the three-dimensional environment.  
 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the recorded movements of the author are displayed in the three-dimensional environment so as to visually indicate a path taken by the author. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of playback modes includes:
 a passive mode, wherein navigation by a user through the three-dimensional environment is restricted to the path taken by the author; and  
 an active mode, wherein the user is able to freely navigate through the three-dimensional environment.  
 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the recorded audio of the author is segmented into a plurality of audio segments and each of the plurality of audio segments is correlated to one of the plurality of electronic documents that is nearest the location of the author at a moment in time when the audio was recorded. 
     
     
       16. A method of representing a multidimensional electronic document comprising:
 generating a plurality of three-dimensional figures;  
 superimposing upon the three-dimensional figures a plurality of electronic documents;  
 generating a three-dimensional environment within which the plurality of three-dimensional figures are to be displayed;  
 displaying within the three-dimensional environment, the plurality of three-dimensional figures according to a placement scheme; and  
 playing a previously recorded narrative of the three-dimensional figures, wherein playback can occur in at least one of a plurality of modes.  
 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 16 , wherein the first three-dimensional figure approximates the shape of at least one of a cube, a sphere, a cylinder, and a rectangular prism. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 16 , wherein a placement scheme orders a first three-dimensional figure and corresponding electronic document and a second three-dimensional figure and corresponding electronic document according to content. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 16 , wherein a placement scheme orders a first three-dimensional figure and corresponding electronic document and a second three-dimensional figure and corresponding electronic document according to media type. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 16 , wherein a placement scheme orders a first three-dimensional figure and corresponding electronic document and a second three-dimensional figure and corresponding electronic document according to time of creation. 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 16 , wherein a placement scheme places a first three-dimensional figure at a predetermined distance from a second three-dimensional figure. 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 16 , wherein the three-dimensional environment is generated using a modeling language including at least one of VRML and 3DML and X3D. 
     
     
       23. An article of manufacture comprising a computer-readable medium having machine readable instructions stored thereon, wherein when the instructions are executed by a processor, the instructions cause the processor to:
 generate a multidimensional representation of a plurality of electronic documents within a three-dimensional environment;  
 record a narrative of the multidimensional representation; and  
 store the multidimensional representation and the narrative to allow a playback of a previously recorded narrative of the multidimensional representation, wherein the playback can occur in at least one of a plurality of modes.  
 
     
     
       24. The article of  claim 23  wherein the instructions that cause the processor to generate the multidimensional representation of the plurality of electronic documents comprises instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
 generate a first three-dimensional figure upon which a first of the plurality of electronic documents is superimposed; and  
 display the three-dimensional figure within the three-dimensional environment.  
 
     
     
       25. The article of  claim 24  further comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
 generate a second three-dimensional figure upon which a second of the plurality of electronic documents is superimposed; and  
 display the second three-dimensional figure within the three-dimensional environment.  
 
     
     
       26. The article of  claim 25  wherein the first and second three-dimensional figures are displayed within the three-dimensional environment in an order representing their respective times of creation. 
     
     
       27. The article of  claim 25  wherein the first and second three-dimensional figures are displayed within the three-dimensional environment at a fixed distance from each other. 
     
     
       28. The article of  claim 25  further comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
 generate a third three-dimensional figure upon which a third of the plurality of electronic documents is superimposed; and  
 display the third three-dimensional figure within the three-dimensional environment.  
 
     
     
       29. The article of  claim 28  wherein the third three-dimensional figure is displayed proximately to the first three-dimensional figure if the first three-dimensional figure and the third three-dimensional figure have electronic documents containing similar content displayed thereon, and the third three-dimensional figure is displayed proximately to the second three-dimensional figure if the second and third three-dimensional figures have electronic documents containing similar content displayed thereon. 
     
     
       30. The article of  claim 28  wherein the third three-dimensional figure is displayed proximately to the first three-dimensional figure if the first three-dimensional figure and the third three-dimensional figure have electronic documents of similar media type displayed thereon, and the third three-dimensional figure is displayed proximately to the second three-dimensional figure if the second and third three-dimensional figures have electronic documents of similar media type displayed thereon. 
     
     
       31. The article of  claim 24  wherein the instructions that cause the processor to generate the three-dimensional figure comprises instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
 represent the first plurality of electronic documents as a two-dimensional thumbnail image; and  
 utilize a modeling language to convert the two-dimensional thumbnail image in the three-dimensional figure.  
 
     
     
       32. The article of  claim 31  wherein the modeling language utilized comprises at least one of VRML and 3DML and X3d. 
     
     
       33. The article of  claim 24  wherein the first three-dimensional figure is a cube having six sides. 
     
     
       34. The article of  claim 23  wherein the previously recorded narrative of the multidimensional representation comprises recorded movements and audio of an author as the author navigates through the three-dimensional environment. 
     
     
       35. The article of  claim 34  wherein the recorded movements of the author are displayed in the three-dimensional environment so as to visually indicate a path taken by the author. 
     
     
       36. The article of  claim 35  wherein the plurality of playback modes includes:
 a passive mode, wherein navigation by a user through a three-dimensional environment is restricted to the path taken by the author; and  
 an active mode, wherein the use is able to freely navigate through the three-dimensional environment.  
 
     
     
       37. The article of  claim 34  wherein the recorded audio of the author is segmented into a plurality of audio segments and each of the plurality of audio segments is correlated to one of the plurality of electronic documents that is nearest the location of the author at the moment in time when the audio was recorded. 
     
     
       38. An article of manufacture comprising a computer-readable medium having machine readable instructions stored thereon, wherein when the instructions are executed by a processor, the instructions cause the processor to:
 generate a plurality of three-dimensional figures;  
 superimpose upon the three-dimensional figures a plurality of electronic documents;  
 generate a three-dimensional environment within which the plurality of three-dimensional figures are to be displayed;  
 display within the three-dimensional environment, the plurality of three-dimensional figures according to a placement scheme; and  
 play a previously recorded narrative of the three-dimensional figures, wherein playback can occur in at least one or a plurality of modes.  
 
     
     
       39. The article of  claim 38  wherein the first three-dimensional figure approximates the shape of at least one of a cube, a sphere, a cylinder, and a rectangular prism. 
     
     
       40. The article of  claim 38  wherein a placement scheme orders a first three-dimensional figure and corresponding electronic document and a second three-dimensional figure and corresponding electronic document according to content. 
     
     
       41. The article of  claim 38  wherein a placement scheme orders a first three-dimensional figure and corresponding electronic document and a second three-dimensional figure and corresponding electronic document according to media type. 
     
     
       42. The article of  claim 38  wherein a placement scheme orders a first three-dimensional figure and corresponding electronic document and a second three-dimensional figure and corresponding electronic document according to time of creation. 
     
     
       43. The article of  claim 38  wherein a placement scheme places a first three-dimensional figure at a predetermined distance from a second three-dimensional figure. 
     
     
       44. The article of  claim 38  wherein the three-dimensional environment is generated using a modeling language including at least one of VMRL and 3DML and X3d. 
     
     
       45. A method, comprising:
   generating a multidimensional representation of a plurality of electronic documents in a three-dimensional ( 3 -D) environment;        recording a multimedia representation in which the electronic documents are presented according to a predetermined placement scheme within the  3 -D environment; and        storing the multimedia representation for playback according to the predetermined placement scheme within the  3 -D environment.     
     
     
       46. The method of  claim 45 , wherein generating a multidimensional representation of a plurality of electronic documents comprises:
   generating a first  3 -D figure upon which a first of the plurality of electronic documents is superimposed; and        displaying the first  3 -D figure within the  3 -D environment.     
     
     
       47. The method of  claim 46 , further comprising:
   generating a second  3 -D figure upon which a second of the plurality of electronic documents is superimposed; and        displaying the second  3 -D figure within the  3 -D environment.     
     
     
       48. The method of  claim 47 , wherein the first and second  3 -D figures are displayed within the  3 -D environment in an order representing their respective times of creation. 
     
     
       49. The method of  claim 47 , wherein the first and second  3 -D figures are displayed within the  3 -D environment at a predetermined distance from each other. 
     
     
       50. The method of  claim 47 , further comprising:
   generating a third  3 -D figure upon which a third of the plurality of electronic documents is superimposed; and        displaying the third  3 -D figure within the  3 -D environment.     
     
     
       51. The method of  claim 50 , wherein the third  3 -D figure is displayed proximately to the first  3 -D figure if the first  3 -D figure and the third  3 -D figure have electronic documents containing similar content displayed thereon, and wherein the third  3 -D figure is displayed proximately to the second  3 -D figure if the second and third  3 -D figures have electronic documents containing similar content displayed thereon. 
     
     
       52. The method of  claim 50 , wherein the third  3 -D figure is displayed proximate the first  3 -D figure if the first and third  3 -D figures have electronic documents of a similar media type displayed thereon, and wherein the third  3 -D figure is displayed proximate the second  3 -D figure if the second and third  3 -D figures have electronic documents of a similar media type displayed thereon. 
     
     
       53. The method of  claim 46 , wherein generating a  3 -D figure further comprises:
   representing the first of a plurality of electronic documents as a two-dimensional thumbnail image; and        utilizing a modeling language to convert the two-dimensional thumbnail image into the  3 -D figure.     
     
     
       54. The method of  claim 53 , wherein the modeling language utilized is at least one of a group consisting of VRML,  3 -DML, and X 3 -D. 
     
     
       55. The method of  claim 46 , wherein the first  3 -D figure is a cube having six sides. 
     
     
       56. The method of  claim 45 , wherein recording a multimedia representation further comprises recording navigation and audio of a creator as the creator navigates through the  3 -D environment. 
     
     
       57. The method of  claim 46 , wherein the recorded navigation of the creator visually indicates a path taken by the creator. 
     
     
       58. The method of  claim 57 , wherein the multimedia representation can be played back in a plurality of playback modes including
   a passive mode in which navigation by a user through the  3 -D environment is restricted to the path taken by the creator, and        an active mode in which the user is able to freely navigate through the  3 -D environment.     
     
     
       59. The method of  claim 56 , wherein the recorded audio of the creator is segmented into a plurality of audio segments and each of the plurality of audio segments is correlated to one of the plurality of electronic documents that is nearest the location of the creator at a moment in time when the audio was recorded. 
     
     
       60. A method, comprising:
   generating a plurality of three-dimensional ( 3 -D) objects;        superimposing upon the  3 -D objects a plurality of electronic documents;        generating a  3 -D environment within which the plurality of  3 -D objects are to be displayed;        displaying the plurality of  3 -D objects within the  3 -D environment according to a placement scheme; and        playing a previously recorded multimedia representation associated with at least a portion of the electronic documents superimposed on the  3 -D objects when the  3 -D objects are displayed according to the placement scheme, wherein playback can occur in one or more modes.     
     
     
       61. The method of  claim 60 , wherein at least one  3 -D object approximates the shape of at least one of a cube, a sphere, a cylinder, and a rectangular prism. 
     
     
       62. The method of  claim 60 , wherein the placement scheme orders a first  3 -D object and corresponding electronic document and a second  3 -D object and corresponding electronic document according to content. 
     
     
       63. The method of  claim 60 , wherein the placement scheme orders a first  3 -D object and corresponding electronic document and a second  3 -D object and corresponding electronic document according to media type. 
     
     
       64. The method of  claim 60 , wherein the placement scheme orders a first  3 -D object and corresponding electronic document and a second  3 -D object and corresponding electronic document according to time of creation. 
     
     
       65. The method of  claim 60 , wherein the placement scheme places a first  3 -D object at a predetermined distance from a second  3 -D object. 
     
     
       66. The method of  claim 60 , wherein the  3 -D environment is generated using a modeling language including at least one of VRML,  3 -DML, and X 3 -D. 
     
     
       67. A machine-readable medium having executable code to cause a machine to perform a method, the method comprising:
   generating a multidimensional representation of a plurality of electronic documents in a three-dimensional ( 3 -D) environment;        recording a multimedia representation in which the electronic documents are presented according to a predetermined placement scheme within the  3 -D environment; and        storing the multimedia representation for playback according to the predetermined placement scheme within the  3 -D environment.     
     
     
       68. The machine-readable medium of  claim 67 , wherein generating a multidimensional representation of a plurality of electronic documents comprises:
   generating a first  3 -D figure upon which a first of the plurality of electronic documents is superimposed; and        displaying the first  3 -D figure within the  3 -D environment.     
     
     
       69. The machine-readable medium of  claim 68 , wherein the method further comprises:
   generating a second  3 -D figure upon which a second of the plurality of electronic documents is superimposed; and        displaying the second  3 -D figure within the  3 -D environment.     
     
     
       70. The machine-readable medium of  claim 69 , wherein the first and second  3 -D figures are displayed within the  3 -D environment in an order representing their respective times of creation. 
     
     
       71. The machine-readable medium of  claim 69 , wherein the first and second  3 -D figures are displayed within the  3 -D environment at a predetermined distance from each other. 
     
     
       72. The machine-readable medium of  claim 69 , wherein the method further comprises:
   generating a third  3 -D figure upon which a third of the plurality of electronic documents is superimposed; and        displaying the third  3 -D figure within the  3 -D environment.     
     
     
       73. The machine-readable medium of  claim 72 , wherein the third  3 -D figure is displayed proximately to the first  3 -D figure if the first  3 -D figure and the third  3 -D figure have electronic documents containing similar content displayed thereon, and wherein the third  3 -D figure is displayed proximately to the second  3 -D figure if the second and third  3 -D figures have electronic documents containing similar content displayed thereon. 
     
     
       74. The machine-readable medium of  claim 72 , wherein the third  3 -D figure is displayed proximate the first  3 -D figure if the first and third  3 -D figures have electronic documents of a similar media type displayed thereon, and wherein the third  3 -D figure is displayed proximate the second  3 -D figure if the second and third  3 -D figures have electronic documents of a similar media type displayed thereon. 
     
     
       75. The machine-readable medium of  claim 68 , wherein generating a  3 -D figure further comprises:
   representing the first of a plurality of electronic documents as a two-dimensional thumbnail image; and        utilizing a modeling language to convert the two-dimensional thumbnail image into the  3 -D figure.     
     
     
       76. The machine-readable medium of  claim 75 , wherein the modeling language utilized is at least one of VRML,  3 -DML, and X 3 -D. 
     
     
       77. The machine-readable medium of  claim 68 , wherein the first  3 -D figure is a cube having six sides. 
     
     
       78. The machine-readable medium of  claim 67 , wherein recording a multimedia representation further comprises recording navigation and audio of a creator as the creator navigates through the  3 -D environment. 
     
     
       79. The machine-readable medium of  claim 68 , wherein the recorded navigation of the creator visually indicates a path taken by the creator in the  3 -D environment. 
     
     
       80. The machine-readable medium of  claim 79 , wherein the multimedia representation can be played back in a plurality of playback modes including
   a passive mode in which navigation by a user through the  3 -D environment is restricted to the path taken by the creator, and        an active mode in which the user is able to freely navigate through the  3 -D environment.     
     
     
       81. The machine-readable medium of  claim 78 , wherein the recorded audio of the creator is segmented into a plurality of audio segments and each of the plurality of audio segments is correlated to one of the plurality of electronic documents that is nearest the location of the creator at a moment in time when the audio was recorded. 
     
     
       82. A data processing system, comprising:
   a processor; and        a memory coupled to the processor and having instructions stored therein, wherein the instructions, when executed from the memory, cause the processor to      generate a multidimensional representation of a plurality of electronic documents in a three-dimensional ( 3 -D)    environment,        record a multimedia representation in which the electronic documents are presented according to a predetermined placement scheme within the  3 -D environment, and        store the multimedia representation for playback according to the predetermined placement scheme within the  3 -D environment.       
     
     
       83. An apparatus, comprising:
   means for generating a multidimensional representation of a plurality of electronic documents in a three-dimensional ( 3 -D) environment;        means for recording a multimedia representation in which the electronic documents are presented according to a predetermined placement scheme within the  3 -D environment; and        means for storing the multimedia representation for playback according to the predetermined placement scheme within the  3 -D environment.     
     
     
       84. A machine-readable medium having executable code to cause a machine to perform a method, the method comprising:
   generating a plurality of three-dimensional ( 3 -D) objects;        superimposing upon the  3 -D objects a plurality of electronic documents;        generating a  3 -D environment within which the plurality of  3 -D objects are to be displayed;        displaying the plurality of  3 -D objects within the  3 -D environment according to a placement scheme; and        playing a previously recorded multimedia representation associated with at least a portion of the electronic documents superimposed on the  3 -D objects when the  3 -D objects are displayed according to the placement scheme, wherein playback can occur in one or more modes.     
     
     
       85. The machine-readable medium of  claim 84 , wherein at least one  3 -D object approximates the shape of at least one of a cube, a sphere, a cylinder, and a rectangular prism. 
     
     
       86. The machine-readable medium of  claim 84 , wherein the placement scheme orders a first  3 -D object and corresponding electronic document and a second  3 -D object and corresponding electronic document according to content. 
     
     
       87. The machine-readable medium of  claim 84 , wherein the placement scheme orders a first  3 -D object and corresponding electronic document and a second  3 -D object and corresponding electronic document according to media type. 
     
     
       88. The machine-readable medium of  claim 84 , wherein the placement scheme orders a first  3 -D object and corresponding electronic document and a second  3 -D object and corresponding electronic document according to time of creation. 
     
     
       89. The machine-readable medium of  claim 84 , wherein the placement scheme places a first  3 -D object at a predetermined distance from a second  3 -D object. 
     
     
       90. The machine-readable medium of  claim 84 , wherein the  3 -D environment is generated using a modeling language including at least one of VMRL,  3 -DML, and X 3 -D. 
     
     
       91. A data processing system, comprising:
   a processor; and        a memory coupled to the processor and having instructions stored therein, wherein the instructions, when executed from the memory, cause the processor to      generate a plurality of three-dimensional ( 3 -D) objects,        superimpose upon the  3 -D objects a plurality of electronic documents,        generate a  3 -D environment within which the plurality of  3 -D objects are to be displayed,        display the plurality of  3 -D objects within the  3 -D environment according to a placement scheme, and        play a previously recorded multimedia representation associated with at least a portion of the electronic documents superimposed on the  3 -D objects when the  3 -D objects are displayed according to the placement scheme, wherein playback can occur in one or more modes.       
     
     
       92. An apparatus, comprising:
   means for generating a plurality of three-dimensional ( 3 -D) objects;        means for superimposing upon the  3 -D objects a plurality of electronic documents;        means for generating a  3 -D environment within which the plurality of  3 -D objects are to be displayed,        means for displaying the plurality of  3 -D objects within the  3 -D environment according to a placement scheme; and        means for playing a previously recorded multimedia representation associated with at least a portion of the electronic documents superimposed on the  3 -D objects when the  3 -D objects are displayed according to the placement scheme, wherein playback can occur in one or more modes.     
     
     
       93. A method, comprising:
   generating a plurality of  3 -D objects for placement according to a predetermined placement scheme in a  3 -D environment, at least one of the  3 -D objects having at least one electronic document superimposed thereon; and        storing the generated  3 -D objects for playback subsequently according to the predetermined placement scheme within the  3 -D environment.     
     
     
       94. The method of  claim 93 , wherein the at least one electronic document comprises a digital photography. 
     
     
       95. The method of  claim 93 , wherein the at least one electronic document comprises an image. 
     
     
       96. The method of  claim 93 , further comprising associating an image with the at least one electronic document. 
     
     
       97. The method of  claim 96 , wherein the image comprises a digital photograph. 
     
     
       98. The method of  claim 96 , further comprising associating an audio clip with the at least one electronic document. 
     
     
       99. The method of  claim 98 , wherein the audio clip comprises a variable length narration. 
     
     
       100. The method of  claim 96 , further comprising associating a video clip with the at least one electronic document. 
     
     
       101. The method of  claim 93 , further comprising generating the plurality of  3 -D objects by dragging and dropping the at least one electronic document on the at least one  3 -D object. 
     
     
       102. The method of  claim 93 , further comprising navigating to one or more of the  3 -D objects within the  3 -D environment in response to an input received from a user. 
     
     
       103. The method of  claim 101 , wherein navigating to one or more of the  3 -D objects follows a path through the  3 -D environment based on the predetermined placement scheme of the  3 -D objects. 
     
     
       104. The method of  claim 101 , wherein navigating to one or more of the  3 -D objects is performed according to user input. 
     
     
       105. The method of  claim 103 , further comprising rearranging configuration of at least one  3 -D object while navigating within the  3 -D environment. 
     
     
       106. The method of  claim 105 , wherein the predetermined placement scheme is based on a navigation of the  3 -D objects within the  3 -D environment. 
     
     
       107. The method of  claim 106 , further comprising displaying a representation of the navigation in a separate display area while navigating the one or more  3 -D objects are being navigated. 
     
     
       108. The method of  claim 107 , wherein the navigation and the one or more  3 -D objects being navigated are displayed in different resolutions. 
     
     
       109. The method of  claim 101 , wherein navigating to the plurality of  3 -D objects comprises displaying one or more of the  3 -D objects within the  3 -D environment at a first resolution at one time and gradually transitioning to a second resolution a second time later than the first time. 
     
     
       110. The method of  claim 109 , wherein the second resolution is higher than the first resolution when approaching the one or more of the  3 -D objects during navigation. 
     
     
       111. The method of  claim 109 , wherein at least one of the  3 -D objects is displayed larger when in the second resolution than in the first resolution when approaching the one or more of the  3 -D objects. 
     
     
       112. The method of  claim 109 , wherein the second resolution is lower than the first resolution when moving away from the at least a portion of the  3 -D objects. 
     
     
       113. The method of  claim 109 , wherein at least one of the  3 -D objects in the second resolution is displayed smaller than in the first resolution when navigating away from the at least a portion of the  3 -D objects. 
     
     
       114. The method of  claim 109 , wherein navigating to the one or more of the  3 -D objects comprises removing at least one  3 -D object from display while navigating when the at least one  3 -D object is out side of a predetermined proximity of a location in the  3 -D environment being displayed. 
     
     
       115. The method of  claim 102 , wherein navigating to the one or more  3 -D objects comprises playing multimedia content associated with the at least one electronic document when navigating within a predetermined proximity of the respective  3 -D object. 
     
     
       116. The method of  claim 115 , wherein the multimedia content comprises an audio clip. 
     
     
       117. The method of  claim 116 , further comprising:
   increasing volume of the audio clip when approaching the predetermined proximity of the respective  3 -D object; and        decreasing the volume of the audio clip when moving away from the predetermined proximity of the respective  3 -D object.     
     
     
       118. The method of  claim 115 , further comprising locating the audio clip based on using stereo effects corresponding to a position of at least one  3 -D object within the  3 -D environment. 
     
     
       119. The method of  claim 115 , wherein the multimedia content comprises a video clip. 
     
     
       120. The method of  claim 119 , further comprising:
   increasing resolution of the video clip when approaching the predetermined proximity of the respective  3 -D object; and        decreasing the resolution of the video clip when navigating away from the predetermined proximity of the respective  3 -D object.     
     
     
       121. The method of  claim 115 , wherein the multimedia content includes a description of at least a portion of content of the electronic document. 
     
     
       122. The method of  claim 102 , further comprising displaying an indicator indicating progress through the  3 -D environment while navigating within the  3 -D environment. 
     
     
       123. The method of  claim 112 , wherein the indicator comprises a first user adjustable gauge indicating a current progress of the navigation. 
     
     
       124. The method of  claim 123 , wherein the first user adjustable gauge indicates progress of a navigation according to a path created by a creator of the recorded  3 -D objects, and further comprises a second user adjustable gauge to indicate progress of a current navigation according to a user defined path other than the path created by the creator. 
     
     
       125. The method of  claim 124 , wherein the first and second user adjustable gauges are displayed in different resolutions. 
     
     
       126. The method of  claim 125 , wherein the first and second user adjustable gauges are displayed in different colors. 
     
     
       127. The method of  claim 123 , further comprising in response to an adjustment via the first user adjustable gauge, displaying one or more of the  3 -D objects associated with the adjusted position of the first user adjustable gauge within the  3 -D environment. 
     
     
       128. The method of  claim 93 , wherein recording the plurality of  3 -D objects comprises recording a path within the  3 -D environment generated by virtual movements of a user while navigating within the  3 -D environment containing the  3 -D objects. 
     
     
       129. The method of  claim 128 , wherein recording the plurality of  3 -D objects further comprises recording an audio clip of an individual substantially concurrently with recording the path, and wherein the audio clip is associated at least one  3 -D object. 
     
     
       130. The method of  claim 93 , further comprising navigating through the  3 -D environment while recording the plurality of  3 -D objects, and recording positions within the  3 -D environment while navigating through the  3 -D environment. 
     
     
       131. The method of  claim 93 , further comprising displaying at least one electronic document in a separate display area overlaying the  3 -D environment, the displayed electronic document having a higher resolution than the corresponding electronic document superimposed on a  3 -D object. 
     
     
       132. The method of  claim 93 , further comprising displaying a source of at least one electronic document in a separate display area overlaying the  3 -D environment. 
     
     
       133. A machine-readable medium having executable code to cause a machine to perform a method, the method comprising:
   generating a plurality of  3 -D objects for placement according to a predetermined placement scheme in a  3 -D environment, at least one of the  3 -D objects having at least one electronic document superimposed thereon; and        storing the generated  3 -D objects for playback subsequently according to the predetermined placement scheme within the  3 -D environment.     
     
     
       134. A data processing system, comprising:
   a processor; and        a memory coupled to the processor and having instructions stored therein, wherein the instructions, when executed from the memory, cause the processor to      generate a plurality of  3 -D objects for placement according to a predetermined placement scheme in a  3 -D environment, at least one of the  3 -D objects having at least one electronic document superimposed thereon, and        store the generated  3 -D objects for playback subsequently according to the predetermined placement scheme within the  3 -D environment.       
     
     
       135. An apparatus, comprising:
   means for generating a plurality of  3 -D objects for placement according to a predetermined placement scheme in a  3 -D environment, at least one of the  3 -D objects having at least one electronic document superimposed thereon; and        means for storing the generated  3 -D objects for playback subsequently according to the predetermined placement scheme within the  3 -D environment.     
     
     
       136. A method, comprising:
   in response to an input received from a user, accessing a plurality of three-dimensional ( 3 -D) objects, at least one of the  3 -D objects having at least one electronic document superimposed thereon, the plurality of  3 -D objects being previously placed in a  3 -D environment according to a predetermined placement scheme; and        activating a presentation of the plurality of  3 -D objects in the  3 -D environment according to the predetermined placement scheme.     
     
     
       137. The method of  claim 136 , wherein the at least one electronic document comprises a digital photography. 
     
     
       138. The method of  claim 136 , wherein the at least one electronic document comprises an image. 
     
     
       139. The method of  claim 136 , further comprising associating an image with the least one electronic document. 
     
     
       140. The method of  claim 139 , wherein the image comprises a digital photograph. 
     
     
       141. The method of  claim 139 , further comprising associating an audio clip with the least one electronic document. 
     
     
       142. The method of  claim 139 , further comprising associating a video clip with the least one electronic document. 
     
     
       143. The method of  claim 136 , wherein the plurality of  3 -D objects was recorded by dragging and dropping the at least one electronic document on the at least one  3 -D object. 
     
     
       144. The method of  claim 136 , further comprising navigating to one or more of the  3 -D objects within the  3 -D environment in response to an input received from a user. 
     
     
       145. The method of  claim 144 , wherein navigating one or more  3 -D objects is performed according to the predetermined placement scheme of the  3 -D objects within the  3 -D environment. 
     
     
       146. The method of  claim 144 , wherein navigating one or more  3 -D objects is performed according to a manner specified by the user. 
     
     
       147. The method of  claim 144 , wherein navigating one or more  3 -D objects comprises displaying one or more  3 -D objects through a gradual transition from a first resolution to a second resolution within the  3 -D environment. 
     
     
       148. The method of  claim 147 , wherein the second resolution is higher than the first resolution when approaching the one or more  3 -D objects. 
     
     
       149. The method of  claim 147 , wherein at least one of the  3 -D objects is displayed larger when in the second resolution than in the first resolution when approaching the one or more  3 -D objects. 
     
     
       150. The method of  claim 147 , wherein the second resolution is lower than the first resolution when moving away from the one or more  3 -D objects. 
     
     
       151. The method of  claim 147 , wherein at least one of the  3 -D objects is displayed smaller when in the second resolution than in the first resolution when moving away from the one or more  3 -D objects. 
     
     
       152. The method of  claim 147 , wherein navigating the one or more  3 -D objects comprises removing at least one  3 -D object from display when a point in time of the navigation is out side of a predetermined proximity of the respective  3 -D object. 
     
     
       153. The method of  claim 144 , wherein navigating the plurality of  3 -D objects comprises playing a multimedia content associated with the at least one electronic document when a point in time of the navigation is within a predetermined proximity of the respective  3 -D object. 
     
     
       154. The method of  claim 153 , wherein the multimedia content comprises an audio clip. 
     
     
       155. The method of  claim 154 , further comprising:
   increasing a volume of the audio clip when approaching a proximity of the respective  3 -D object; and        decreasing the volume of the audio clip when moving away from the proximity of the respective  3 -D object.     
     
     
       156. The method of  claim 153 , wherein the multimedia content comprises a video clip. 
     
     
       157. The method of  claim 156 , further comprising:
   increasing a resolution of the video clip when approaching a proximity of the respective  3 -D object; and        decreasing the resolution of the video clip when moving away from the proximity of the respective  3 -D object.     
     
     
       158. The method of  claim 153 , wherein the multimedia content describes at least a portion of content of the electronic document. 
     
     
       159. The method of  claim 144 , further comprising displaying an indicator indicating a progress of the navigation while the navigation is being performed within the  3 -D environment. 
     
     
       160. The method of  claim 159 , wherein the indicator comprises a first user adjustable gauge indicating a current progress of the navigation. 
     
     
       161. The method of  claim 160 , further comprising in response to a user adjustment via the user adjustable gauge, displaying one or more of the  3 -D objects associated with the adjusted position of the user adjustable gauge within the  3 -D environment. 
     
     
       162. The method of  claim 141 , wherein the audio clip comprises a variable length narration. 
     
     
       163. The method of  claim 160 , wherein the first user adjustable gauge indicates progress of a navigation according to a path created by a creator of the recorded  3 -D objects, and further comprises a second user adjustable gauge to indicate progress of a current navigation according to a user defined path other than the path created by the creator. 
     
     
       164. The method of  claim 163 , wherein the first and second user adjustable gauges are displayed in different resolutions. 
     
     
       165. The method of  claim 164 , wherein the first and second user adjustable gauges are displayed in different colors. 
     
     
       166. The method of  claim 136 , wherein each of the plurality of  3 -D objects was placed previously according to a path generated by virtual movements within the  3 -D environment while navigating within the  3 -D environment containing the  3 -D objects. 
     
     
       167. The method of  claim 166 , wherein the representation of the plurality of  3 -D objects includes an audio clip associated with at least one  3 -D object recorded substantially concurrently with recording the plurality of  3 -D objects. 
     
     
       168. The method of  claim 136 , further comprising navigating to the  3 -D objects while recording positions within the  3 -D environment as a part of recording the plurality of  3 -D objects. 
     
     
       169. The method of  claim 136 , further comprising displaying at least one electronic document in a separate display area overlaying the  3 -D environment, the displayed electronic document having a higher resolution than the corresponding electronic document superimposed on a  3 -D object. 
     
     
       170. The method of  claim 136 , further comprising displaying a source of at least one electronic document in a separate display area overlaying the  3 -D environment. 
     
     
       171. The method of  claim 146 , wherein the predetermined placement scheme is created based on a path navigated by a creator of the  3 -D objects within the  3 -D environment. 
     
     
       172. The method of  claim 171 , further comprising displaying the path navigated by the creator in a separate display area while navigating the one or more  3 -D objects is performed according to a path specified by the user. 
     
     
       173. The method of  claim 172 , wherein the paths of the creator and the user are displayed in different resolutions. 
     
     
       174. The method of  claim 154 , further comprising locating the audio clip based on using stereo effects corresponding to a position of at least one  3 -D object within the  3 -D environment. 
     
     
       175. The method of  claim 146 , further comprising rearranging configuration of at least one  3 -D object while navigating within the  3 -D environment. 
     
     
       176. A machine-readable medium having executable code to cause a machine to perform a method, the method comprising:
   in response to an input received from a user, accessing a plurality of three-dimensional ( 3 -D) objects, at least one of the  3 -D objects having at least one electronic document superimposed thereon, the plurality of  3 -D objects being previously placed in a  3 -D environment according to a predetermined placement scheme; and        activating a presentation of the plurality of  3 -D objects in the  3 -D environment according to the predetermined placement scheme.     
     
     
       177. A data processing system, comprising:
   a processor; and        a memory coupled to the processor and having instructions stored therein, wherein the instructions, when executed from the memory, cause the processor to      in response to an input received from a user, access a plurality of three-dimensional ( 3 -D) objects, at least one of the  3 -D objects having at least one electronic document superimposed thereon, the plurality of  3 -D objects being previously placed in a  3 -D environment according to a predetermined placement scheme, and        activate a presentation of the plurality of  3 -D objects in the  3 -D environment according to the predetermined placement scheme.       
     
     
       178. An apparatus, comprising:
   in response to an input received from a user, means for accessing a plurality of three-dimensional ( 3 -D) objects, at least one of the  3 -D objects having at least one electronic document superimposed thereon, the plurality of  3 -D objects being previously placed in a  3 -D environment according to a predetermined placement scheme; and        means for activating a presentation of the plurality of  3 -D objects in the  3 -D environment according to the predetermined placement scheme.     
     
     
       179. A method, comprising:
   generating a plurality of three-dimensional ( 3 -D) objects, at least one  3 -D object having at least one digital photograph superimposed thereon;        arranging the plurality of  3 -D objects according to a placement scheme specified by a user, the arranged  3 -D objects forming a  3 -D environment; and        recording a  3 -D path based on locations of the plurality of  3 -D objects arranged according to the placement scheme within the  3 -D environment, wherein the plurality of  3 -D objects can be played back by navigating the recorded  3 -D path subsequently.     
     
     
       180. A method, comprising:
   reconstructing a  3 -D path previously recorded based on locations of a plurality of  3 -D objects arranged according to a placement scheme to form a  3 -D environment, at least one  3 -D object having at least one digital photograph superimposed thereon; and        in response to an input from a user, navigating the reconstructed  3 -D path by presenting at least a portion of the  3 -D objects according to the placement scheme within the  3 -D environment.     
     
     
       181. A method, comprising:
   in response to an input received from a user, accessing a plurality of three-dimensional ( 3 -D) objects previously stored in a  3 -D environment, at least one of the  3 -D objects having at least one electronic document superimposed thereon; and        activating a presentation of the plurality of  3 -D objects in the  3 -D environment, including displaying a progress gauge indicating current progress of the presentation and displaying a graphical representation identifying the creator within proximity of the progress gauge.     
     
     
       182. A method, comprising:
   in response to an input received from a user, accessing a plurality of three-dimensional ( 3 -D) objects, at least one of the  3 -D objects having at least one electronic document superimposed thereon, the plurality of  3 -D objects being previously recorded by a creator in a  3 -D environment; and        activating a presentation of the plurality of  3 -D objects in the  3 -D environment, including displaying a first progress gauge indicating a progress of the presentation and displaying a second progress gauge indicating a current progress of the presentation according to a manner decided by the user, wherein the first and second progress gauges are displayed in different resolutions.     
     
     
       183. A method, comprising:
   generating a plurality of three-dimensional ( 3 -D) objects, at least one of the  3 -D objects having at least one electronic document superimposed thereon; and        storing the one or more  3 -D objects for playback subsequently according to a stored path through which a user navigates one or more of the plurality of  3 -D objects within the  3 -D environment.     
     
     
       184. A machine-readable medium having executable code to cause a machine to perform a method, the method comprising:
   generating a plurality of three-dimensional ( 3 -D) objects, at least one of the  3 -D objects having at least one electronic document superimposed thereon; and        storing the one or more  3 -D objects for playback subsequently according to the a path through which a user navigates one or more of the plurality of  3 -D objects within the  3 -D environment.     
     
     
       185. A data processing system, comprising:
   a processor; and        a memory coupled to the processor and having instructions stored therein, wherein the instructions, when executed from the memory, cause the processor to      generate a plurality of three-dimensional ( 3 -D) objects, at least one of the  3 -D objects having at least one electronic document superimposed thereon, and        store the one or more  3 -D objects for playback subsequently according to a stored path through which a user navigates one or more of the plurality of  3 -D objects within the  3 -D environment.       
     
     
       186. An apparatus, comprising:
   means for generating a plurality of three-dimensional ( 3 -D) objects, at least one of the  3 -D objects having at least one electronic document superimposed thereon; and        means for storing the one or more  3 -D objects for playback subsequently according to the stored path through which a user navigates one or more of the plurality of  3 -D objects within the  3 -D environment.     
     
     
       187. A method, comprising:
   recording virtual movements of a user while navigating one or more of a plurality of  3 -D objects within the  3 -D environment, at least one of the  3 -D objects having at least one electronic document superimposed thereon; and        storing the one or more  3 -D objects for playback according to the recorded virtual movements of the user within the  3 -D environment.     
     
     
       188. The method of  claim 187 , wherein the at least one electronic document comprises a digital photography. 
     
     
       189. The method of  claim 187 , wherein the at least one electronic document comprises an image. 
     
     
       190. A method, comprising:
   in response to an input received from a user, accessing a plurality of three-dimensional ( 3 -D) objects, at least one of the  3 -D objects having at least one electronic document superimposed thereon, the plurality of  3 -D objects being previously recorded for playback in a  3 -D environment according to a first navigation specified by a first user; and        activating a presentation of the plurality of  3 -D objects in the  3 -D environment to which the plurality of  3 -D objects are navigated according to a second navigation while displaying the first navigation.     
     
     
       191. A method, comprising:
   generating a first three-dimensional ( 3 -D) figure within a  3 -D environment upon which a first electronic document is superimposed;        generating a second three-dimensional ( 3 -D) figure within the  3 -D environment upon which a second electronic document is superimposed;        generating the first and second  3 -D figures within the  3 -D environment at a predetermined distance from each other; and        storing the generated first and second  3 -D figures for playback subsequently in one or more playback modes.     
     
     
       192. A machine-readable medium having executable code to cause a machine to perform a method, the method comprising:
   generating a first three-dimensional ( 3 -D) figure within a  3 -D environment upon which a first electronic document is superimposed;        generating a second three-dimensional ( 3 -D) figure within the  3 -D environment upon which a second electronic document is superimposed;        generating the first and second  3 -D figures within the  3 -D environment at a predetermined distance from each other; and        storing the generated first and second  3 -D figures for playback subsequently in one or more playback modes.     
     
     
       193. A data processing system, comprising:
   a processor; and        a memory coupled to the processor and having instructions stored therein, wherein the instructions, when executed from the memory, cause the processor to      generate a first three-dimensional ( 3 -D) figure within a  3 -D environment upon which a first electronic document is superimposed,        generate a second three-dimensional ( 3 -D) figure within the  3 -D environment upon which a second electronic document is superimposed,      generate the first and second  3 -D figures within the  3 -D environment at a predetermined distance from each other, and    store the generated first and second  3 -D figures for playback subsequently in one or more playback modes.     
     
     
       194. An apparatus, comprising:
   means for generating a first three-dimensional ( 3 -D) figure within a  3 -D environment upon which a first electronic document is superimposed;        means for generating a second three-dimensional ( 3 -D) figure within the  3 -D environment upon which a second electronic document is superimposed;        means for generating the first and second  3 -D figures within the  3 -D environment at a predetermined distance from each other; and        means for storing the generated first and second  3 -D figures for playback subsequently in one or more playback modes.     
     
     
       195. A method, comprising:
 generating a first three-dimensional ( 3 -D) figure within a  3 -D environment upon which a first electronic document is superimposed;    generating a second three-dimensional ( 3 -D) figure within the  3 -D environment upon which a second electronic document is superimposed;      displaying the first and second  3 -D figures within the  3 -D environment according to a user configurable configuration, wherein at least one of the first and second  3 -D figures includes a cube having six sides;        recording the displayed first and second  3 -D figures within the  3 -D environment; and        storing the recorded first and second  3 -D figures for playback subsequently in one or more playback modes.     
     
     
       196. A method, comprising:
   storing an electronic document and one or more statements, the one or more statements associated with a predetermined area of the electronic document; and        displaying the electronic document and a representation of the one or more statements graphically linking with the predetermined area of the electronic document, the representation of the one or more statements identifying a creator of the one or more statements.     
     
     
       197. The method of  claim 196 , wherein the one or more statements comprise one or more audio clips. 
     
     
       198. The method of  claim 196 , wherein the one or more statements comprise one or more video clips. 
     
     
       199. The method of  claim 196 , wherein the representation of the one or more statements is displayed in a color associated with the creator. 
     
     
       200. The method of  claim 196 , wherein the representation of the one or more statements includes a graphical representation identifying the creator. 
     
     
       201. The method of  claim 196 , wherein the representation of the one or more statements includes a reference marker referencing the predetermined area of the electronic document. 
     
     
       202. The method of  claim 196 , wherein the one or more statements are stored and displayed, and wherein an adjacency relationship between the one or more statements is displayed. 
     
     
       203. The method of  claim 196 , wherein one or more files associated with the electronic document and the one or more statements are stored in a form capable of being transmitted via an email to another user. 
     
     
       204. The method of  claim 196 , wherein the electronic document and the one or more statements are stored separately. 
     
     
       205. The method of  claim 196 , wherein one or more files associated with the electronic document and the one or more statements are stored such that another user can access the one or more files through a Web interface. 
     
     
       206. The method of  claim 205 , wherein the access to the one or more files by another user is controlled by the creator. 
     
     
       207. The method of  claim 196 , wherein one or more files associated with the electronic document and the one or more statements are stored in a Web server. 
     
     
       208. The method of  claim 196 , wherein another user other than the creator can record another statement to be added to the electronic document and the one or more statements. 
     
     
       209. A machine-readable medium having executable code to cause a machine to perform a method, the method comprising:
   storing an electronic document and one or more statements, the one or more statements associated with a predetermined area of the electronic document; and        displaying the electronic document and a representation of the one or more statements graphically linking with the predetermined area of the electronic document, the representation of the one or more statements identifying a creator of the one or more statements.     
     
     
       210. A data processing system, comprising:
   a processor; and        a memory coupled to the processor and having instructions stored therein, wherein the instructions, when executed from the memory, cause the processor to      store an electronic document and one or more statements, the one or more statements associated with a predetermined area of the electronic document, and        display the electronic document and a representation of the one or more statements graphically linking with the predetermined area of the electronic document, the representation of the one or more statements identifying a creator of the one or more statements.       
     
     
       211. An apparatus, comprising:
   means for storing an electronic document and one or more statements, the one or more statements associated with a predetermined area of the electronic document; and        means for displaying the electronic document and a representation of the one or more statements graphically linking with the predetermined area of the electronic document, the representation of the one or more statements identifying a creator of the one or more statements.     
     
     
       212. A method, comprising:
   storing an electronic document and one or more statements, the one or more statements associated with a predetermined area of the electronic document; and        displaying the electronic document and a representation of the one or more statements, the representation of the one or more statements identifying a creator of the one or more statements, wherein the user manipulable journal is accessible by another user via a Web interface.     
     
     
       213. A machine-readable medium having executable code to cause a machine to perform a method, the method comprising:
   storing an electronic document and one or more statements, the one or more statements associated with a predetermined area of the electronic document; and        displaying the electronic document and a representation of the one or more statements, the representation of the one or more statements identifying a creator of the one or more statements, wherein the user manipulable journal is accessible by another user via a Web interface.     
     
     
       214. A data processing system, comprising:
   a processor; and        a memory coupled to the processor and having instructions stored therein, wherein the instructions, when executed from the memory, cause the processor to      store an electronic document and one or more statements, the one or more statements associated with a predetermined area of the electronic document, and        display the electronic document and a representation of the one or more statements, the representation of the one or more statements identifying a creator of the one or more statements, wherein the user manipulable journal is accessible by another user via a Web interface.       
     
     
       215. An apparatus, comprising:
   means for storing an electronic document and one or more statements, the one or more statements associated with a predetermined area of the electronic document; and        means for displaying the electronic document and a representation of the one or more statements, the representation of the one or more statements identifying a creator of the one or more statements, wherein the user manipulable journal is accessible by another user via a Web interface.     
     
     
       216. A method, comprising:
   storing an electronic document and one or more statements, the one or more statements associated with a predetermined area of the electronic document;        segmenting the electronic document and the one or more statements into a plurality of segments, at least one segment including at least one statement; and        selectively displaying a representation of the at least one statement within the at least one segment according to an user input.     
     
     
       217. The method of  claim 215 , wherein segmenting the electronic document and the one or more statements is performed based on at least one of a creator and time of creation of the one or more statements. 
     
     
       218. The method of  claim 215 , further comprising sending one or more files associated with the segmented electronic document and the one or more statements from a user to another user, wherein the one or more statements are generated by different users.