Patent ID: 6727924
Filing Date: 2004-04-27
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method of providing a user-computer interface a three-dimensional space characterized by x, y, and z space coordinates, using a display characterized by x and y display coordinates in a plane approximately orthogonal to the direction of the user's view into the display, and by z display coordinate approximately parallel to the direction of the users view into the display, wherein the three-dimensional space is moveable, translatable, or both relative to the x, y, and z display coordinates, comprising:a) displaying the space; b) displaying a control characterized by an x, y region of the display coordinates, and by a z display coordinate region that defines where the control can be accessed, wherein the x, y, and z regions are independent of motion and translation of the three-dimensional space relative to the display coordinates; c) determining if the user indicates a cursor positioned within the x, y region, and at a z coordinate within the z region, and if so then providing for interaction with the user according to the control and according to changes in the z coordinate of the cursor position, and if not then providing for three-dimensional interaction with the user according to the three-dimensional space.