Patent ID: 6848082
Filing Date: 2005-01-25
Classification: G06T

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for providing a viewport for navigating a three-dimensional space represented in a computer-implemented graphics system, comprising: (a) associating a non-rectangular clipping entity with a two-dimensional viewport of a model maintained within the three-dimensional space represented in the computer-implemented graphics system; (b) displaying the two-dimensional viewport of the model on a display device connected to the computer-implemented graphics system, wherein any portions of the model outside the two-dimensional viewport's boundaries are clipped by the clipping entity so that the portions are not displayed on the display device; and (c) detecting changes in the clipping entity and modifying the two-dimensional viewport's boundaries in accordance with the detected changes, so that any portions of the model outside the modified two-dimensional viewport's boundaries are clipped by the clipping entity so that the portions are not displayed on the display device.