Three-dimensional user interface
AssigneeLenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
InventorsDavid C. Challener, James S. Rutledge, Jinping Yang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The instant invention provides an apparatus, method and program storage device enabling a three-dimensional user interface for the movement of objects rendered upon a display device in a more realistic and intuitive manner. A Z distance is set whereupon a user crossing the Z distance is enabled to select an object, i.e. pick it up. As the user breaks the Z distance again, the object selected will move with the user's hand. As the user breaks the Z distance once more, the object will be released, i.e. dropped into a new position.
Claims20
An apparatus comprising:
- a user interface comprising:
- at least one infrared light generating module;
- and
- at least one camera that provides inputs upon detecting interruptions of the infrared light;
- at least one processor;
- at least one display medium;
- and
- a memory, wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, the instructions comprising:
- instructions for selecting an object rendered upon the at least one display medium in response to a first input from the at least one camera;
- instructions for permitting movement of the selected object in response to a second input from the at least one camera;
- and
- instructions for placing the selected object into a new position in response to a third input from the at least one camera.
A method comprising:
- generating a plane of infrared light about a user interface;
- providing inputs upon detecting interruptions of the plane of laser light with at least one camera;
- selecting an object rendered upon at least one display medium in response to a first input from the at least one camera;
- permitting movement of the selected object in response to a second input from the at least one camera;
- and
- placing the selected object into a new position in response to a third input from the at least one camera.
A program storage device readable by machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform a method, the method comprising:
- generating a plane of infrared light about a user interface;
- providing inputs upon detecting interruptions of the plane of laser light with at least one camera;
- selecting an object rendered upon at least one display medium in response to a first input from the at least one camera;
- permitting movement of the selected object in response to a second input from the at least one camera;
- and
- placing the selected object into a new position in response to a third input from the at least one camera.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.