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User Interface for Controlling Three-Dimensional Animation of an Object

  • US 20110173554A1
  • Filed: 03/21/2011
  • Published: 07/14/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/16/2004
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for animating an object according to a speed with which the object moves and a direction in which the object moves, the method comprising:

  • displaying a user interface comprising;

    a control area comprising an ellipse and a slider;

    a representation of a three-dimensional vector having a variable orientation that specifies the direction, wherein the vector representation is located mostly within the ellipse;

    a first user-manipulable control element that comprises a virtual trackball, wherein the first user-manipulable control element is located within the ellipse; and

    a second user-manipulable control element that specifies the speed, wherein the second user-manipulable control element is located along the slider;

    receiving input via the first user-manipulable control element, the input comprising mousing down within the virtual trackball and spinning the virtual trackball to change the orientation of the vector representation;

    receiving input via the second user-manipulable control element, the input comprising dragging the second user-manipulable control element to set the speed; and

    animating the object based on the received input.

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