Method and system for depicting an object springing back from a position

A method for depicting an object bouncing along a travel path from an initial position of the object towards a resting position of the object, comprising the steps of:

• (a) selecting the travel path for the object from the initial position towards the resting position;
• (b) determining a first bounce position on the travel path for the object;
• (c) after a first time interval, displaying the object in the first bounce position;
• (d) determining a second bounce position on the travel path for the object, the second bounce position being closer to the resting position along the travel path than the first bounce position;
• and
• (e) after a second time interval, displaying the object in the second bounce position.

A method for depicting an object springing back along a travel path from an initial position to oscillate about and ultimately rest at a resting position, comprising the steps of:

• (a) selecting the travel path for the object towards the resting position;
• (b) determining a bounce position on the travel path for the object;
• (c) after a time interval, displaying the object in the bounce position;
• (d) determining a subsequent bounce position on the travel path for the object;
• (e) after a subsequent time interval, displaying the object in the subsequent bounce position;
• and
• repeating steps (d)-(e) until the subsequent bounce position is within a predetermined distance from the resting position, and then displaying the object in the resting position.

A system for depicting on a computer screen an object springing back along a travel path from an initial position to oscillate about and ultimately rest at a resting position, comprising:

• a graphical user interface for display on the computer screen;
• means for selecting a travel path for the object towards the resting position;
• means for determining a bounce position on the travel path for the object;
• and
• means for displaying the object as part of the graphical user interface, the display means displaying the object in the initial position, and after a time interval of display of the object in the initial position, the display means being responsive to the selection means and bounce determination means for displaying the object in the bounce position.

A computer-readable medium on which is stored a computer program for depicting on a computer screen an object springing back along a travel path from an initial position to oscillate about and ultimately rest at a resting position, said computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by a computer, perform the steps of:

• (a) displaying the object in the initial position;
• (b) determining a bounce position for the object;
• (c) displaying the object in the bounce position;
• (d) noting that the bounce position of the object is within a predetermined distance of the resting position and that the velocity of the object towards the resting position is less than a predetermined value;
• and
• (e) in response to the step of noting, displaying the object in the resting position.