Abstract: A user interface on a display terminal, such as a personal computer, includes a 3D display region which shows a scene incorporating a number of objects, such as items of furniture. A surface finish selector is also displayed and is used to select a surface finish from a number of alternatives. In the case of items of furniture, these finishes may correspond to different fabrics for upholstery. A surface texture data for a selected finish is automatically downloaded from a remote source and mapped onto the object in the 3D scene. In a preferred implementation, the surface finish selector is a frame of a web page and generates control data which is passed to another frame containing the 3D scene together with movement controls for changing the viewpoint in the scene.

Abstract: A user interface on a display terminal, such as a personal computer, includes a 3D display region which shows a scene incorporating a number of objects, such as items of furniture. A surface finish selector is also displayed and is used to select a surface finish from a number of alternatives. In the case of items of furniture, these finishes may correspond to different fabrics for upholstery. A surface texture data for a selected finish is automatically downloaded from a remote source and mapped onto the object in the 3D scene. In a preferred implementation, the surface finish selector is a frame of a web page and generates control data which is passed to another frame containing the 3D scene together with movement controls for changing the viewpoint in the scene.

Abstract: A control interface for a data terminal includes a three-dimensional display of an environment which includes a number of objects. Different objects correspond to different data sources. The apparent location of the viewpoint in the environment is changed in response to input from the user. In response to the selection of a destination object by the user, the viewpoint moves from a current location to the location of the destination object gradually via a series of intermediate locations. The speed with which the viewpoint moves is progressively reduced as the destination object is approached. The speed may also be further reduced if the direction of gaze of the viewpoint is moved by the user away from the destination object during the flight. As an alternative to direct selection of the destination object, the user may select a vehicle object to take the viewpoint to a predetermined location.