MotionVR is the name of a 3D imaging software application written by the programmer Jacob Uzon-Miller. The purpose of motionVR is to inexpensively and quickly create a photographic virtual tour of a real location. Another goal of the projects is to enable anybody with an internet connection to traverse photographed remote locations on a standard web page. The experience is similar to a first-person shooter video games, such as Counter-Strike and Quake. However, the software was written specifically for people who are not comfortable with technology. The main idea behind the software is to bypass difficult and expensive 3D modeling techniques, by using recent phenomena such as the widespread availability of high megapixel digital cameras and increasing PC processor power.
The first motionVR models were created in response to the increased bandwidth and wide availability of 360 degree imaging technologies introduced commercially in the late 1990s. Before the initial release of motionVR software, a real 3D model had to be created of a location in order to navigate through it.
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The MotionVR Technology Corporation has two patents pending for their version of the technology. They currently provide free software for the creation of motion virtual tours. There are several similar variations that allow an internet user to view 360 degrees in a single spot. The most popular technologies in use are QuickTime VR and PTViewer. These are used by the real-estate and tourism industry to allow website visitors to get a more intimate look at remote locations.
There are many companies producing the equipment and software to produce standard VR tours, including: QuickTime, iPix Corporation, and the open source PTViewer. Another notable example of MotionVR production using QuickTime is WorldInMotionVR.