Patent ID: 6084589
Filing Date: 2000-07-04
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
An information retrieval apparatus for retrieving, after an anchor is specified, linked information corresponding to a relevant anchor, comprising:a plurality of types of application program execution units for generating an information display image according to various input information;a linked information storage unit for storing said linked information to become said input information of one of said application program execution units;a linked data storage unit for storing linked data that maps said anchor with said linked information;a viewpoint manipulation unit for manipulating a viewpoint vector in a virtual three dimensional space constructed in a relevant apparatus;a three dimensional space generator unit for generating a three dimensional image, which is an image in said virtual three dimensional space based on said viewpoint vector, rendering a three dimensional perspective;an anchor determining unit for specifying on said three dimensional image said anchor defined by a virtual object within said virtual three dimensional space;a retrieval unit for retrieving, based on said linked data, said linked information corresponding to specified said anchor, and supplying the retrieved linked information to said application program execution unit corresponding to the relevant linked information; andan image display unit for displaying said information display image, generated from said application program execution unit, on said three dimensional image.