The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 25, 2000
Filed:
Jul. 03, 1997
Richard Edmond Berry, Georgetown, TX (US);
Scott Harlan Isensee, Georgetown, TX (US);
Shirley Lynn Martin, Austin, TX (US);
David John Roberts, Stockton, GB;
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
A system, method and computer program are provided for a virtual three-dimensional workspace with means for navigating the user's viewpoint into said workspace. Potentially interactive three-dimensional objects are positioned within the workspace. There is provided for each object an interaction sphere having a preselected radius. This interaction sphere is stored in association with its corresponding object. It remains a characteristic of the object so that when, during navigation, the user's viewpoint comes within the interaction sphere of a particular object, that object is rendered interactive. In addition, the object which is rendered interactive is usually highlighted in some manner so as to inform the user that he may functionally interact with the object.