Control interface

摘要

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.