Abstract: A system, method and computer program are provided for a virtual three-dimensional workspace wherein dependent upon the position of the viewpoint with respect to a particular object, that object may be a functional interactive object with the user at the viewpoint if the virtual distance of the viewpoint to the object is within a certain specified distance. However, if the viewpoint moves beyond this distance, then the object is rendered noninteractive and becomes part of an aggregate object at the next distance level. In forming this aggregate object, the selected object joins a plurality of other noninteractive objects.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 27, 1997
Date of Patent:
May 16, 2000
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation
Inventors:
Richard Edmond Berry, Scott Harlan Isensee, David John Roberts