Abstract: A computer system for permitting user interaction with a three-dimensional computer model defines an initial correspondence between the computer model and a real world workspace. An editing volume of the workspace is also defined, and a stereoscopic image of the section of the computer model within the editing volume is displayed. Using a first input device a user can translate and/or rotate the model, and rotate the editing volume, so as to bring different portions of the model into the editing volume, and thus into the user's view. The user operates a second input device to indicate changes to be made to the model. The first and second input devices can be operated with the user's respective hands. Since only the portion of the model within the editing volume need be displayed, the processing and display requirements are reduced, in comparison to displaying the entire model.

Abstract: A virtual reality display apparatus is disclosed which includes a display (100) arranged to display an image (130) viewable in three dimensions in an image space and, spaced from the image space, a three-dimensional work space (240), operation of a tool (230) within the work space being viewable in the image space.

Abstract: A system and method of presentation of 3D data sets in a 3D display is presented. In exemplary embodiments according to the present invention the method involves displaying data in an overview mode wherein localization markers can be set and manipulated, and in a local mode wherein data surrounding a localization marker can be rendered using different display parameters. In exemplary embodiments according to the present invention the mode in which data is displayed can be selected by a user. In preferred exemplary embodiments according to the present invention the method can be implemented recursively, such that within local mode sub-localization markers can be set and manipulated, and data can be displayed in a sub-local mode wherein data surrounding a sub-localization marker can be rendered using display parameters which can be different from both those of an overview display mode and those of a local display mode.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying 3D data are presented. The method involves subdividing a 3D display region into two or more display subregions, and assigning a set of display rules to each display subregion. Visible portions of a 3D data set in each display subregion are displayed according to the rules assigned to that display subregion. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention the boundaries of the display regions, the display rules for each display subregion, and the 3D data sets assigned to be displayed in each display subregion can be set by a user, and are interactively modifiable by a user during the display. In exemplary embodiments of the invention the same 3D data can be displayed in each display subregion, albeit using different display rules. Alternatively, in other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a different 3D data set can be displayed in each display subregion.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the scaling of a 3D computer model in a 3D display system include activating a zoom mode, selecting a model zoom point and setting a zoom scale factor are presented. In exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, a system, in response to the selected model zoom point and the set scale factor, can implements a zoom operation and automatically move a model zoom point from its original position towards an optimum viewing point. In exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, upon a user's activating a zoom mode, selecting a model zoom point and setting a zoom scale factor, a system can simultaneously move a model zoom point to an optimum viewing point. In preferred exemplary embodiments according to the present invention, a system can automatically identify a model zoom point by applying defined rules to visible points of a displayed model that lie in a central viewing area.

Abstract: A method of rendering a graphics image in which rendering is only carried out in a region to be changed is disclosed.