Abstract: A television Widget movement method involves providing access to a plurality of Widget programs to a television Widget host processor; receiving a dedicated command from a remote controller that activates the plurality of Widget programs, wherein the Widget programs, when in a Display mode, display Widget representations on a display; receiving a command from the remote controller that establishes one of the plurality of displayed Widget programs as the Widget program that is currently in focus; and receiving a command from the remote controller that places the Widget program that is currently in focus in a Move Mode, wherein the Widget representation can be moved about the display while in Move Mode. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a method and computer-based system for configuring, monitoring and/or operating a graphical user interface in two or three dimensions. In particular it is concerned with a graphical user interface used for controlling, monitoring and/or operating equipment in a control system of an industrial process or an installation for oil and gas or for an installation for electrical power generating, transmission and/or distribution.

Abstract: A system that transitions from freeform camera motion to surface following motion as a surface of an object is approached by clipping the vectors for closest point and look-at point. When the surface is reached and while following the surface the user can designate an up model that sets an up vector to conform the view to a users expectations while the system operates using a local up vector for computations. A restricted surface field of view along with an obstacle field of view can be used by the system to allow the view to traverse cavities and maintain a specified surface following distance from an obstacle, from a wall and from a floor.

Abstract: A menu displaying method for displaying a menu containing a plurality of menu items on a display screen comprises a menu item arrangement step of arranging the menu items in a prescribed three-dimensional virtual body to squarely face the display screen so that each menu item will have at least a viewable part that is not screened by other menu items in front of the menu item and a menu item moving step of moving the menu items arranged in the menu item arrangement step according to a prescribed user operation while keeping the menu items squarely facing the display screen. By the menu displaying method, a large number of menu items can be displayed on a screen while minimizing deterioration of viewability of the menu items.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering Virtual Reality (VR) tour content and spatial navigation comprising the hyper-text transfer protocol (HTTP) through a dynamic web-based relational database that stores, manipulates, co-ordinates and classifies complex digital data sets over a common gateway interface for on request interactive exchange and search engine retrieval of hotspots. The dynamic online-based software generates and organizes dynamic VR tours through a secure intuitive back-end system allowing the administrator/licensee to maintain technical, quality and security control ensuring secure access for development, modification, management, and distribution of each VR tour. Each VR tour encompasses the interactive exchange of hotspots allowing visitors to interact with still or panoramic pictures and videos which are linked to graphical site information (e.g.

Abstract: A gaze-based three-dimensional (3D) interaction system and method, as well as a 3D gaze tracking system and method, are disclosed. The gaze direction is determined by using the image of one eye of the operator who gazes at a 3D image, while the gaze depth is determined by the distance between pupil centers from both eyes of the operator shown in an image of both eyes of the operator.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides techniques that can enable a community of users to upload arbitrary images of particular locations and integrate them into a 3D model of that location in such a way that they appear as correctly aligned overlays with the model. Users can estimate rough location, orientation, and field of view, for one or more images and then add metadata such as keyword “tags” including time parameters. From the user estimates, a computer system determines the pose of the image relative to the 3D model and stores the metadata. A display system enables a community of users to freely navigate through the 3D model with visual indicators of all of the posed images, filterable via the metadata. Users also have control over a “snap-to-view” feature as they approach any of the posed images as well as a transparency feature for the degree of visibility of the overlaid image.

Abstract: A menu-driven electronic device utilizes a display and a single two-dimensional navigation key. The display is configured to selectively display one of a plurality of menus, including a main menu and a sub-menu. The two-dimensional navigation key is configured to select one of a plurality of main menu items and to select a sub-menu item of the sub-menu associated with a selected main menu item. A portion of the plurality of menu main items is displayed. The main menu and the sub-menu can be accessed by maintaining contact with the two-dimensional navigation key. The device is configured to display a main menu item icon to provide a visual reference to the selected main menu item in a menu tree of the menu being displayed. The device is preferably a cellular phone.

Abstract: A multi-user animation process receives input from multiple remote clients to manipulate avatars through a modeled 3-D environment. Each user is represented by an avatar. The 3-D environment and avatar position/location data is provided to client workstations, which display a simulated environment visible to all participants. A text or speech-based bulletin board application is coupled to the animation process. The bulletin board application receives text or speech input from the multiple remote users and publishes the input in a public forum. The bulletin board application maintains multiple forums organized by topic. Access or participation to particular forums is coordinated with the animation process, such that each user may be permitted access to a forum only when the user's avatar is located within a designated room or region of the modeled 3-D environment.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of presenting digital content can include displaying several arranged in a staggered formation in a user interface, wherein at least one of the several panes is entirely visible and adjacent panes are partially visible and displayed adjacent to the entirely visible pane, displaying a frame of an item of digital content comprising a sequence of frames in an entirely visible pane and displaying adjacent frames in corresponding adjacent panes, and displaying in the entirely visible pane successive frames of the digital content item by sequentially replacing the frame in the entirely visible pane with an adjacent frame.

Abstract: A voxel database can store and manage a set of voxel records in a voxel table. Each of the records can have a unique voxel identifier. Each voxel record can include a set of different sensory attributes. The sensory attributes can include visual attributes, spectral signature attributes, olfaction attributes, audition attributes, gustation attributes, somatsensory attributes, and material composition attributes. Uniquely defined voxels of voxel database can be a volume unit on a grid (regular or non-regular) in three dimensional space, which is a voxel space. A correspondence can exist between voxels in the voxel space and volume units of a real world volumetric space from which geospatial data was directly gathered and encoded within the voxel database. Voxel space can be mapped to simulation space. Thus, simulators can consume data of the voxel space to generate three dimensional immersive environments having multisensory output.

Abstract: Techniques and a system for performing geological interpretation operations in support of energy resources exploration and production perform well log correlation operations for generating a set of graphical data describing the predetermined geological region. The process and system interpret the geological environment of the predetermined geological region from measured surface and fault data associated with the predetermined geological region. Allowing the user to query and filter graphical data representing the predetermined geological region, the method and system present manipulable three-dimensional geological interpretations of two-dimensional geological data relating to the predetermined geological region and provide displays of base map features associated with the predetermined geological region.

Abstract: A file structure or data hierarchy can be navigated using 3D gesture inputs. For example, objects can be arranged in a plurality of layers. A user input, including a 3D gesture input having a movement in proximity to a display surface can be detected. Different layers can be navigated in response to a movement component that is perpendicular to the display surface.

Abstract: A Web browsing and visualization system and method wherein: (i) Web data is retrieved and displayed in real-time (i.e., Web data is not pre-recorded), (ii) browsing and visualization are synchronized together in the same interface, (iii) a tree-based, rings-type visualization engine, (iv) space-efficient display of visualization, and (v) the amount of resources needed from the host computer is comparatively modest. In addition, the tree-based rings engine used to create the visualization displays the information in a smaller area than previous systems. Thus, the system requires less screen space to display the same amount of information as comparable systems. Alternatively, it can display more information to the user in the same amount of screen space as comparable systems. Moreover, although the present invention is disclosed herein in connection with visualizing Web data, it can be applied to portray any information hierarchy.

Abstract: Messages to a focal user are organized by relevance of the message originators. A visual representation of the messages includes a focal user representation (textual or graphic) and multiple contact representations (textual or graphic). The contact representations are displayed at respective relevance distances from the focal user representation. Text regions present the contents of messages from the source contacts, e.g., using graphic novel-style word balloons. The contact representations can be positioned on screen in maps, radar format, or other configurations. Users can filter contacts according to relevance, and can filter messages by pertinence.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for navigating in a product structure of a product, the product comprising a set of three-dimensional modeled objects. The method comprises: (a) displaying a three-dimensional graphical representation of the product; (b) selecting a three-dimensional modeled object of the product; and (c) displaying a graphical representation of a number of levels of a hierarchy of the product structure of the product. The number of levels is determined according to levels identified in a simple path in the hierarchy of the product structure between the selected three-dimensional modeled object and a highest level of the hierarchy. The method selects a level among levels identified in the simple path in the hierarchy of the product structure of the product; and finds, in the set of three-dimensional modeled objects, a second set of three-dimensional modeled objects according to the selected level of the hierarchy.

Abstract: Systems, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed for arranging display elements in a three-dimensional desktop environment. In one embodiment, each display element may include an attribute. A user request may be received to apply the positional effect to the display elements. The positional effect may be applied to the display elements based on the attribute, responsive to the user request.

Abstract: A method of displaying contents on a mobile terminal. The method includes displaying a plurality of contents on a display of the mobile terminal, selecting a content from the plurality of displayed contents, and displaying the selected content and similar contents having a similar type as the selected content to be discriminated from other displayed contents that do not have the similar type as the selected content.

Abstract: Computer-simulated three-dimensional environments include automatable and/or constrainable camera control, for video gameplay, real estate and/or landscape demonstrations, or any other digitizable environment. In gameplay applications, the system can be customizably programmed to automatically adapt to the environment based on the player's location within the virtual environment, information about what the programmer believes is relevant (or wants to make relevant) in the scene being displayed, and other factors. Certain embodiments of the inventive apparatus and methods generally automatically incorporate and honor the “rules of cinematography,” but also preferably include other “action video game” principles that can override or trump those rules.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a dynamic user interface for a dense three-dimensional scene with a plurality of compasses is presented. Clusters of semantically scored documents are placed in a three-dimensional scene and arranged as a cluster spine. Each cluster spine is projected into a two-dimensional display. A compass and another compass are provided via a heads-up display generator to logically frame at least one of the cluster spines within the two-dimensional display. A label is generated to identify each concept in one or more cluster spines appearing with the compass and the another compass, respectively. Slots are defined in the two-dimensional display and positioned circumferentially around the compass and the another compass. Each label is assigned to the slot outside of the compass or the another compass for the cluster spine having a closest angularity to the respective slot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment planning are described. A treatment planning system provides a computer-simulated virtual environment including a virtual artifact that is a three-dimensional simulation of a patient anatomy, wherein the three-dimensional simulation is generated from one or more diagnostic images taken of the patient anatomy. The treatment planning system performs a treatment planning operation associated with the virtual artifact in response to a user interaction with the virtual environment.

Abstract: A disclosed gaming machine provides method and apparatus for presenting a plurality of game outcome presentations derived from one or more virtual 3-D gaming environments stored on the gaming machine. While a game of chance is being played on the gaming machine, two-dimensional images derived from a three-dimensional object in the 3-D gaming environment may be rendered to a display screen on the gaming machine in real-time as part of the game outcome presentation. To add excitement to the game, a 3-D position of the 3-D object and other features of the 3-D gaming environment may be controlled by a game player. Nearly an unlimited variety of virtual objects, such as slot reels, gaming machines and casinos, may be modeled in the 3-D gaming environment.

Abstract: Interactive geographic information systems (GIS) and techniques provide users with a greater degree of flexibility, utility, and information. A markup language facilitates communication between servers and clients of the interactive GIS, which enables a number of GIS features, such as network links (timebased and/or view-dependent dynamic data layers), ground overlays, screen overlays, placemarks, 3D models, and stylized GIS elements, such as geometry, icons, description balloons, polygons, and labels in the viewer by which the user sees the target area. Also, “virtual tours” of user-defined paths in the context of distributed geospatial visualization is enabled. Streaming and interactive visualization of filled polygon data are also enabled thereby allowing buildings and other such features to be provided in 3d. Also, techniques for enabling ambiguous search requests in a GIS are provided.

Abstract: Systems, products, and methods are disclosed for presenting signal strength and battery level of a mobile communications device and are provided. The method includes referencing an indication of the battery level, referencing an indication of the signal strength, wherein the signal strength is a strength of a wireless communications signal that the mobile communications device is receiving, determining an applicable scene that is to be used to present the battery level and the signal strength, and presenting the scene on a display of the mobile communications device to convey the battery level and the signal strength.

Abstract: A method for smooth rotation of an object viewed from a finite number of angles encompasses resetting the drag origin in response to the pointer exiting a region centered on the drag origin. Upon exiting the region, a new view of the object displays thereby providing the appearance of rotation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for navigating a three-dimensional (3D) media guidance application are provided. A first selectable media guidance object may be displayed on a screen that when viewed through the stereoscopic optical device may appear in a first plane. A second selectable media guidance object may be displayed on the screen that when viewed through the stereoscopic optical device may appear in a second plane. The first and second planes may be perceived to intersect an axis normal to the display in different locations. A user selection of at least one of the first and second selectable media guidance objects may be received. An action of moving a cursor in 3D space or selecting one of the selectable media guidance objects displayed in the 3D space may be performed based on the user selection. The user selection may be performed with an input device having an accelerometer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human-computer interface. The interface includes provision of an application domain, for example corresponding to a three-dimensional application. The user is allowed to navigate and interact with the application domain. The interface also includes a personal domain, offering the user controls and interaction distinct from the application domain. The separation into two domains allows the most suitable interface methods in each: for example, three-dimensional navigation in the application domain, and two- or three-dimensional controls in the personal domain. Transitions between the application domain and the personal domain are under control of the user, and the transition method is substantially independent of the navigation in the application domain. For example, the user can fly through a three-dimensional application domain, and always move to the personal domain by moving a cursor near one extreme of the display.

Abstract: A system that facilitates interaction with a 3-dimensional (3-d) virtual environment is described. In this system, a controller device provides information associated with the 3-d virtual environment to a first display. Furthermore, the system includes at least one portable electronic device, which includes a second display and a 3-d motion sensor that detects motion of the portable electronic device, such as: linear motion, rotational motion and/or a gesture. This portable electronic device communicates the detected motion to the controller device. In response, the controller device provides a subset of the 3-d virtual environment and associated context-dependent information to the portable electronic device, which are displayed on the second display.

Abstract: Implementations of visualization controls are described. Some techniques described herein enable a user to interact with a geoscience object on display. In one possible embodiment, simultaneous movements of two or more user-controlled points are tracked using a motion monitoring system, such as cameras. The movement of the points is then interpreted as an interaction with the geoscience object and results in a corresponding alteration of the display of the geoscience object. One example interaction includes a compound manipulation (i.e. translation, rotation, scaling and/or skewing) of the geoscience object.

Abstract: A game apparatus includes a first LCD and a second LCD, and on the first LCD, a two-dimensional game screen including objects positioned in a two-dimensional coordinate is displayed. When a two-dimensional coordinate of a specific object out of the objects positioned in the two-dimensional coordinate satisfies a predetermined condition, a three-dimensional coordinate of each of the objects is calculated on the basis of the two-dimensional coordinate of each of the objects. The object is modeled in the calculated three-dimensional coordinate, moved by a predetermined animation, and then shot by a virtual camera. Accordingly, a game screen of an image (animation) of the three-dimensional virtual space shot by the virtual camera is displayed on the second LCD.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method for providing a 3 dimensional (3-D) user interface display images in a 3-D coordinate system. Sensors are configured to sense user interaction within the 3-D coordinate system, so that a processor may receive user interaction information from the sensors. The sensors are able to provide information to the processor that enables the processor to correlate user interaction with images in the 3-D coordinate system. The system may be used for interconnecting or communicating between two or more components connected to an interconnection medium (e.g., a bus) within a single computer or digital data processing system.

Abstract: A software control method and apparatus for implementing a knowledge-based polymorph undockable toolbar within an object scene. The undockable toolbar can be used to perform actions on objects created and managed by computer software applications. A knowledge-based polymorph undockable toolbar can merges into a relatively small area, tools for executing various commands that would require substantial screen space if represented by standard icons on a toolbar. The present invention can be used to manipulate non-constrained objects or groups of objects included in an assembly that are linked to each other by constraints. The knowledge based polymorph undockable toolbar can also act to reduce the number of user interactions needed to perform a manipulation task.

Abstract: A method of displaying sales related data for a physical retail environment that sells physical goods on a human sized electronic illustration of the physical retail environment as a virtual retail environment is disclosed. The method may display the illustration of the virtual retail environment of the physical retail environment on an electronic display. The sales related data for a plurality of product s on the electronic illustration of a virtual retail environment may be displayed. The data may be displayed in proximity to the location of the corresponding products within the store layout. Additional detail may be displayed by selecting to see more information about an aisle, a shelf, a category or any other level of detail available.

Abstract: A mobile terminal that displays menu information along a trace may include a memory unit to store menu information; a touch screen including a touch panel, the touch screen to display the menu information; and a controller to control the touch screen to display at least a portion of the menu information on a trace according to a dragged input signal corresponding to the trace. A method for displaying menu information on a display includes storing menu information including a menu item and sub-menu items corresponding to the menu item, receiving a dragged input signal on the display, the dragged input signal beginning at a start point, and displaying the sub-menu items on a trace corresponding to the dragged input signal, the menu item arranged at the start point.

Abstract: Methods and systems for displaying a network structure using force-directed layout are provided. The network includes a plurality of nodes, each node including an associated slack parameter having a value. The method including selecting a central time-directed axis, positioning each network node along the axis using the associated slack parameter value of the network node to determine a distance from the central time-directed axis, and applying force-directed computations to sets of concurrent nodes.

Abstract: Provided is a method for authentication and verification of a user in a virtual world (VU) based upon such criteria as the physical location of a user in the real world and the logical location of the user's avatar in the VU. The disclosed technology combines physical and application aspects of security to enhance security options within virtual environments. In addition to traditional credential-based authentication, physical constraints corresponding to the real world and logical locations in a VU are employed, wherein an authentication server requires each component to be in the proper association state location or proximity before authenticating a user. Further, the disclosed technology provides for the termination of a user's authentication if the user moves from an approved physical or VU location to an unapproved location. Techniques are provided to track a user's credentials and real-time physical and logical location of a user.

Abstract: A method for presenting content, including arranging two-dimensional content in a three-dimensional virtual scene, wherein the three-dimensional virtual scene represents a three-dimensional space and wherein the two-dimensional content represents an object in the three-dimensional space; changing a view of the three-dimensional virtual scene in response to a user input; and changing the arrangement of the two-dimensional content according to the view change. In an embodiment, first two-dimensional content represents a first face of the object and second two-dimensional content represents a second face of the object. When the view changes, the second two-dimensional content is displayed in place of the first two-dimensional content based on the changed view.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a dynamic user interface for a dense three-dimensional scene with a navigation assistance panel is presented. Clusters of semantically scored documents are placed in a three-dimensional scene and are arranged as a cluster spine. Each cluster spine is projected into a two-dimensional display. Controls operating on the cluster spines in the display are presented in a user interface. Compasses framing the cluster spines within the display are provided. A label to identify one concept in one or more of the cluster spines appearing within at least one of the compasses is generated. A plurality of slots in the display positioned circumferentially around the compasses are defined. Each label is assigned to the slot outside of the compass for the cluster spine having a closest angularity to the slot. A perspective-altered rendition of the two-dimensional display is provided by a navigation assistant panel.

Abstract: Methods and Apparatus related to generating representations of information. The information may include menu information for merchants such as restaurants. Referring to menus, methods may include receiving potential information for a first menu, and receiving indications of associations of the information with the first menu and/or any number of additional menus. Information and/or associations may later be updated by a desired set of users.

Abstract: A videoconferencing application includes a user interface that provides multiple participant panels, each of which is displayed with perspective with the panels appearing to be angled with respect to the user interface window. The participant panels display live video streams from remote participants. A two-way layout provides two participant panels for two remote participants, each of which is angled inwardly towards a center position. A three-way layout provides three participant panels for three remote participants, with a left, center and right panel, with the left and right panels angled inwardly towards a center position.

Abstract: Techniques provide for the dynamic display of a page-oriented information asset using an audio output mode. Pluralities of elements in the page-oriented information asset are determined based on chapters, sections, paragraphs, sentences, words and the like. The elements are rendered to an audio output mode. Optionally selectable representations of the elements are also determined and output using a 3-dimension-like rendering to a visual output mode. The 3-dimension-like rendering of the visual representations of the elements shows how the current element relates to the other elements and its location within the page-oriented information asset. The 3-dimension-like rendering provides visual orientation or context within the page-oriented information asset. The visual representations of the elements are optionally selectable as spatial context indicators providing direct navigation control to support reading, browsing and information retrieval tasks within the page-oriented information asset.

Abstract: An online merchandising and promotion system is disclosed that closely simulates an interior space of an actual place of business in a virtual reality world. As consumers use avatars to explore the simulated space, they become simultaneously familiar with both the simulated and actual places of business, and thereafter can shop at both locations with equal ease. Previous familiarity with the actual place of business can motivate a consumer to visit the corresponding simulated location. In preferred embodiments, users can purchase virtual and/or real goods at the simulated place of business. Some simulated spaces enable avatars to socialize with each other, thereby prolonging their shopping and/or their exposure to advertising. In various embodiments, avatars can work to earn money, and/or avatars can earn virtual money by making real money purchases. Avatars can also gain status, and can compete with each other based on wealth, virtual possessions, and/or status.

Abstract: An ecommerce system is claimed that enables users to purchase real-world consumables within a virtual reality world, and then to immediately receive and consume the real-world consumables without leaving the virtual reality world. Users purchase and consume consumables such as movies, TV shows, lectures, books, magazines, consultations with advisors, psychic readings, and horoscopes, by controlling actions of avatars within the virtual world. In some embodiments, an avatar can earn virtual money by purchasing real-world consumables, and can use the virtual money to purchase additional real and/or virtual consumables. In other embodiments, avatars can earn virtual and/or real money by working in the virtual reality world. In various embodiments avatars can gain status, and can receive rewards based on status, such as access to special locations in the virtual world. And in some embodiments, avatars can compete with each other based on relative wealth, virtual possessions, and/or status.

Abstract: Computer method and apparatus controls avatar relative to a subject virtual environment, in particular entrance to and/or exit from the subject environment. An entrance/exit specification engine provides a plurality of characteristics of the subject environment and/or of an avatar representing a corresponding user in the subject environment. A script generator responsive to the entrance/exit specification engine generates scripts as a function of the plurality of characteristics. The generated scripts form a script collection executable with the avatar. Execution of the generated scripts on a processor of the corresponding user controls avatar entrance to and/or exit from the subject environment.

Abstract: A system for navigating images spatially referenced to a plurality of location coordinates from at least one coordinate location within a computed space provides travel with a non-linear itinerary. Specifically, serial navigation of a plurality of geographic images spatially referenced to location coordinates of a geo-planar space from a selected coordinate location within each prior geographic image.

Abstract: A software control method and apparatus for implementing a knowledge-based polymorph undockable toolbar within an object scene. The undockable toolbar can be used to perform actions on objects created and managed by computer software applications. A knowledge-based polymorph undockable toolbar can merges into a relatively small area, tools for executing various commands that would require substantial screen space if represented by standard icons on a toolbar. The present invention can be used to manipulate non-constrained objects or groups of objects included in an assembly that are linked to each other by constraints. The knowledge based polymorph undockable toolbar can also act to reduce the number of user interactions needed to perform a manipulation task.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for providing an end user with a multiscale three-dimensional (3D) navigation experience in design software application programs. An adaptive multiscale 3D navigation system allows an end user to transition between a planetary scale down to an individual building scale. The end user may navigate within the building, inspecting object details within the building. The size of the environment is sensed automatically, and the viewing and travel parameters are adjusted accordingly to provide the end user with a seamless navigation experience. A consistent navigation experience is supported at various scales, and real-time collision detection is provided. Scale computation for 3D scenes and collision detection may be based on a generated depth cubemap of the environment.

Abstract: A method and system for rendering a desktop on a computer using a composited desktop model operating system are provided. A composited desktop window manager, upon receiving base object and content object information for one or more content objects from an application program, draws the window to a buffer memory, and takes advantage of advanced graphics hardware and visual effects to render windows based on content on which they are drawn. The frame portion of each window may be generated by pixel shading a bitmap having the appearance of frosted glass based on the content of the desktop on top of which the frame is displayed. Legacy support is provided so that the operating system can draw and render windows generated by legacy applications to look consistent with non-legacy application windows.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for navigating a media guidance application with multiple perspective views. A first of a plurality of media guidance objects may be displayed in a first perspective view that appears flat on the screen. A second media guidance object may be displayed in a second perspective view that appears to be going into the screen creating the appearance of a fold between the first and second media guidance application objects at a location where the first perspective view changes into the second perspective view. The second media guidance object in the second perspective view may be caused to slide through the fold into the first perspective view. The second media guidance object displayed in the first perspective view may be selected. An action may be performed for a media asset corresponding to the selected media guidance object.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatuses for providing human interaction with a computer, including human control of three dimensional input devices, force feedback, and force input.