Patent ID: 6819344
Filing Date: 2004-11-16
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
A system to facilitate visualization of data having at least one substantially unbounded dimension, comprising:at least one storage system operative to store the data; and a graphic engine operative to access the stored data and characterize the stored data as a three-dimensional graphical representation, the graphical representation including an elongated generally helical path, the helical path having a plurality of segments corresponding to different aspects of the substantially unbounded dimension of the stored data, the substantially unbounded dimension corresponding to time, the helical path having associated periodic intervals with which the stored data is associated, wherein the periodic intervals extend between ends of the helical path and the helical path tapers as a three-dimensional spiral near at least one of the ends of the helical path to substantially constitute a conical envelope, and the stored data comprises programming data indicative of at least one of audio and visual programming and the graphical representation forms part of an interactive electronic program guide operative to visualize the programming data.