Patent ID: 6366285
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method of selecting a virtual object by proximity in a virtual world and maintaining an interactive relationship with the virtual object, the method comprising the steps of:defining two logical proximity ranges for the virtual object, wherein a first of the logical proximity ranges is an inner logical proximity range and a second of the logical proximity ranges is an outer logical proximity range, the inner logical proximity range being located at a first distance from the virtual object and corresponding to selection of the virtual object while the outer logical proximity range is located at a second distance from the virtual object and corresponds to de-selection of the virtual object, the second distance being further away from the virtual object than the first distance; registering an inner logical proximity sensor at the inner logical proximity range; registering an outer logical proximity sensor at the outer logical proximity range; and using the inner logical proximity range and the outer logical proximity range in concert to manage activation of the virtual object, further comprising the steps of: generating a selection event when inner logical proximity sensor is triggered by an avatar navigating in the virtual world; activating the virtual object when the selection event is generated and the virtual object is not in a selected state; generating a de-selection event when the outer logical sensor is triggered by the avatar navigating in the virtual world; and de-activating the virtual object when the de-selection event is generated and the virtual object is not in an un-selected state.