Abstract: A system, method and computer program are provided for an interactive data processor controlled display interface wherein the user may dynamically select a plurality of objects (tools) and combine these tools into a combination tool which simultaneously performs the combined interactive functions of the individual tools. The invention is particularly effective when the combined functions being performed are graphic in nature and the results of the combination are shown on the display.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program are provided for viewer navigation within a virtual reality three-dimensional workspace containing functional three-dimensional objects which are capable of being moved and environmental three-dimensional objects which have stationary positions in the workspace. Navigation from an initial viewpoint interface in the virtual reality workspace to a subsequent viewpoint is carried out by the viewer selecting an environmental object whereupon the system responds by shifting the viewpoint to a subsequent position in the workspace.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program are provided for presenting to a viewer at a display interface, a virtual 3D workspace containing virtual 3D objects and viewer interactive means for navigating in said workspace. Each object in the workspace has a plurality of face views associated with it. Viewer interactive means are provided for selecting one of the face views. A predetermined face view is presented in the absence of a viewer selection.

Abstract: A data processing system, software program, and method for operating each are implemented to associate title-specific visuals with unique audio compact discs for display on a graphical user interface. Additionally, the data processing system and software program provide a method of operation to display information associated with each unique compact disc as a separate entry within a compact disc library, such that an external user can then view the collection of libraries on the computer.

Abstract: A data processor controlled display system is provided having on-screen graphic control objects which are a composite of portions formed by vector graphics and portions formed by raster graphics. The peripheral regions of the individual objects are formed by vector graphics and preferably have curvilinear portions while the non-peripheral portions of objects formed by raster graphics have higher visual resolutions.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program are provided for a virtual three-dimensional workspace, wherein certain 3-D objects can automatically provide a view point on themselves, that also make other neighboring objects visible according to a hierarchy of relevance and proximity, in three- dimensional workspace. The system subsequently serves to orient the viewer upon completion of an interactive task with one of the functional objects in the three-dimensional workspace.

Abstract: A computer supported display control system for switching between and tracking of sequences in electronic media presentations having multisequences. During switching, the selected tracks or sequences may be accessed directly and the tracking is persistent and continual through a graphic scale of positions adjacent to and respectively corresponding to each sequence in a list of such sequences. The position of the current sequence is tracked by an indicator which is on the scale.

Abstract: In a data processor controlled display system having three-dimensional objects laid out in a three-dimensional virtual workspace, the objects have associated there with respective collision barriers which are stored with their corresponding objects. Then during navigation via changing the users viewpoint in to the workspace, when this changing viewpoint encounters any collision barrier which is offset from its object by a selected distance D, the viewpoint stops. This distance of the barrier from the object is selected so as to stop the viewpoint at a distance sufficiently removed from its particular object so as to leave the user or viewer with a view of the workscape of sufficient scope to permit the viewer to select a different navigation path or path branch. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the viewpoint is optionally provided with a similar collision barrier.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program for a virtual three-dimensional workspace wherein certain three-dimensional objects represent or serve as proxies for a variety of user interactive application programs. Such objects may be selected or triggered by the user to bring forth planar two-dimensional interactive user interfaces having images resembling those of their respective representative 3D objects so that a user may intuitively note the resemblance and select the appropriate object to result in the planar two-dimensional interactive interface appearing in front of the three-dimensional workspace. This two-dimensional planar interface remains active and unaffected by changes to its representative three-dimensional object during the course of navigation or otherwise. A drag and drop technique facilitates viewer interaction between images in a two-dimensional workplane with three-dimensional objects in the virtual three-dimensional workspace.

Abstract: The problem addressed by this invention is that of resolving what occurs when a user's viewpoint comes into contact with an object residing in a three-dimensional workspace as the viewer navigates through that workspace. There are several possibilities in such a situation. For example, the viewer's viewpoint may be stopped and prevented from advancing further or it may penetrate the object. The instant invention provides a climbability property for objects in 3-D virtual environments. This property, when stored in the software along with the properties which define that object, can alter the viewer's viewpoint such that it will automatically be adjusted to simulate the behavior of climbing over the object.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program are provided for a virtual three-dimensional workspace wherein the three-dimensional objects and the workspace in general are environmentally associated, particularly in real world size relationships. In the default or normal workspace, all of the objects are sized relative to each other so that the relative sizing is the same as it would be in the real world. However, in order to provide the viewer ease of use when the viewer has selected particular functional objects for interaction, the system has stored for each of such functional objects an enlarged image of the object. This image is stored associated with the object and is displayed upon the selection of the object by the user. When the user has completed the interaction with the object by way of its enlarged image, the three-dimensional object returns to its default or real world sized image in the three-dimensional workspace.