Method and system for classifying user objects in a three-dimensional (3D) environment on a display in a computer system

• US 6,111,581 A
• Filed: 01/27/1997
• Issued: 08/29/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 01/27/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Activision Publishing Incorporated (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Isensee, Scott Harlan, Roberts, David John, Berry, Richard Edmond
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen, Phu K.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Vo, Cliff N.
• Application Number:
  US08/789,343
• Time in Patent Office: 1,310 Days
• Field of Search: 345/418, 345/419, 345/420, 345/440
• US Class Current: 345/419
• CPC Class Codes: G06T 17/00 Three dimensional [3D] modelling, e.g. data description of 3D objects

Abstract

A method and system for classifying user objects in a three-dimensional environment on a display of a computer system is disclosed. The method and system comprises providing a set of standardized classes of user objects and defining the standardized classes based upon a users needs. The method and system is directed toward a classification for objects relevant to the tasks of organizing the 3D environment, navigating through the 3D environment, and performing useful work in the 3D user environment in a computer system classification. The distinction between classes of objects in the classification is based on user needs and is reflected in the properties and behaviors of objects as perceived by the users.

Claims

1. A method for classifying objects in a three-dimensional environment on a display of a computer system;

the method comprises the steps of;

providing a set of standardized classes of objects; and

defining the standardized classes based upon a user specification, the user specification based upon the properties and behavior of the objects as perceived by the user.

2. The method of claim 1 in which the set of standardized classes comprises environmental objects and behavioral objects as a first class of objects.

3. The method of claim 2 in which the behavioral objects further includes a subclass which includes decorative objects and task supportive objects.

4. The method of claim 3 in which the task supportive objects further include a subclass which includes task objects and tool objects.

5. The method of claim 4 in which the tool objects further include a subclass which includes device objects and pointer based objects.

6. A system for classifying objects in a three-dimensional environment on a display of a computer system, the system comprising:

means for providing a set of standardized classes of objects; and

means for defining the standardized classes based upon a user specification, the user specification based upon the properties and behavior of the objects as perceived by the user.

7. The system of claim 6 in which the set of standardized classes comprises environmental objects and behavioral objects as a first class of objects.

8. The system of claim 7 in which the behavioral objects further includes a subclass which includes decorative objects and task supportive objects.

9. The system of claim 8 in which the task supportive objects further include a subclass which includes task objects and tool objects.

10. The system of claim 9 in which the tool objects further include a subclass which includes device objects and pointer based objects.