Appeal No. 2004-0508
Application No. 09/464,557
The disclosed invention relates to a computer-implemented
graphics system which provides visual clues for navigating a
three-dimensional space. A cursor is moved through a two-
dimensional viewport of the three-dimensional space which is
displayed on a monitor. The graphics system determines the
position of the cursor and generates a visual representation of
the cursor using human recognizable metaphors to indicate the
cursor position within the three-dimensional space relative to
the two-dimensional viewport.
Claim 4 is illustrative of the invention and reads as
follows:
4. A computer-implemented method for providing visual clues
for navigating a three-dimensional space represented in a
computer-implemented graphics system, comprising:
(a) displaying a two-dimensional viewport of the three-
dimensional pace on a monitor attached to the computer;
(b) moving a cursor through the two-dimensional viewport of
the three-dimensional space according to a position of an input
device attached to the computer;
(c) determining a position of the cursor within the three-
dimensional space relative to the two-dimensional viewport; and
(d) generating a visual representation of the cursor to
indicate the position of the cursor within the three-dimensional
space relative to the two-dimensional viewport, wherein the
generating step comprises varying a reflectivity of the cursor to
indicate the position of the cursor within the three-dimensional
space relative to the two-dimensional viewport.
2
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