Patent ID: 7167189

Claim:
An apparatus for generating image data in a computer system, comprising: (a) a computer system having a memory, a display, and a user input means; (b) one or more computer programs, performed by the computer, for: (i) defining first image data as a first layer, wherein the first layer has respective co-ordinates within a three-dimensional volume configured with a reference co-ordinate system; (ii) positioning second image data relative to said first image data within said volume by generating a reference pose layer as a guide and configuring the co-ordinates thereof as a second reference co-ordinate system within said volume, wherein the reference pose layer is displayed pursuant to an activation of a guide tool by a user; (iii) positioning said reference pose layer relative to said first layer for use as a guide for positioning said second image data; and (iv) upon selecting said second image data, defining said second image data as said second layer having respective co-ordinates within said three-dimensional volume configured with said second reference co-ordinate system based on the reference pose layer.