(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2001/0050687 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Dec. 13, 2001
`Iida et al.
`
`US 20010050687A1
`
`(54) THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT DISPLAY
`SYSTEM, THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT
`DISPLAY METHOD AND RECORDING
`MEDIUM RECORDING A
`THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT DISPLAY
`PROGRAM
`
`(76) Inventors: Kazue Iida, Shizuoka (JP); Kenya
`Nakayama, Shizuoka (JP)
`Correspondence Address:
`STAAS & HALSEY LLP
`700 11TH STREET, NW
`SUTE 500
`WASHINGTON, DC 20001 (US)
`Appl. No.:
`
`09/810,412
`
`(21)
`(22)
`(30)
`May 30, 2000
`
`Filed:
`
`Mar. 19, 2001
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`(JP)...................................... 2000-16O18O
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl." ....................................................... G09G 5/00
`(52) U.S. Cl. ............................................ 345/581; 34.5/619
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A three-dimensional object display System for displaying a
`plurality of objects in an apparent three-dimensional Space
`display according to a plurality of object attributes used as
`criteria for Selecting one or more objects, the System includ
`ing an object data Storage unit that Stores information
`corresponding to the plurality of object attributes and to
`display data for each object and a three-dimensional Space
`data production unit that Searches the object data Storage
`unit, calculates coordinate values for three-dimensional
`Space in which to position each object based on the plurality
`of object attribute values Selected from among the object
`attributes for each object according to results of the Search
`of the object data Storage unit, and produces three-dimen
`Sional Space data for displaying each object according to
`results of the calculation of the coordinate values for the
`three-dimensional Space.
`
`( START )
`
`PRODUCTATTRIBUTES ACQUIRED
`
`S
`
`DATABASE SEARCHRESULTS
`ACQUIRED
`
`SPACE FORMATION
`
`ATRIBUTE MAXIMUM f MINIMUM
`VALUES ACOURED FROM SEARCH
`RESULS
`
`!
`:
`
`:
`
`S3
`
`S4
`
`S5
`
`S6
`
`PRODUCTDISPLAY SIZE SET
`
`S7
`
`HREE DIMENSONAL SPACE DATA
`CREATED BASED ON COORDINATE
`VALUES AND IMAGE FILE NAME
`
`THREEDMENSIONAL SPACE DATA
`ADDED INFORMATION ATTACHED
`
`S8
`
`S9
`
`
`
`THREE DIMENSIONAL SPACE DATA
`OUTPUT
`
`S10
`
`:
`:
`
`:
`:
`
`I
`9
`:
`
`;
`:
`
`: c
`: 2
`: S.
`
`:
`
`:
`
`:
`
`Li
`&
`52
`36
`25 C
`S
`E
`Eas
`
`4.................. -- - - -a - as
`
`a sm - - -a
`
`Y - t ".
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`."
`
`SPACETIME3D
`EXHIBIT 2010 - PAGE 1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 13, 2001 Sheet 1 of 13
`FIG.
`
`US 2001/0050687 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SERVER
`
`PRODUCT
`DATABASE
`
`PRODUCT
`SEARCH UNIT
`
`
`
`
`
`PRODUCT
`MAPPING
`UNIT
`
`DMENSIONAL
`
`THREE
`DIMENSIONAL
`SPACE DATA
`PRODUCTION UNIT
`
`
`
`
`
`131
`
`FRAME SETTING
`PROCESSING
`132
`
`OVERLAPPED/
`DISPERSED
`DISPLAY
`PROCESSING
`
`
`
`SPACE SET
`PROCESSING
`
`PURCHASE
`FACTORS
`
`THREE DIMENSIONAL
`SPACE DATA DISPLAY UNIT
`
`
`
`
`
`INSTRUCTION INPUT UNIT
`
`CLENT
`
`SPACETIME3D
`EXHIBIT 2010 - PAGE 2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 13, 2001 Sheet 2 of 13
`FIG.2
`
`US 2001/0050687 A1
`
`PRODUCTATTRIBUTES ACOURED
`
`S
`
`DATABASE SELECTION REGUEST
`
`S2
`
`DATABASE SEARCH RESULTS
`ACOURED
`
`SPACE FORMATION
`
`ATTRIBUTE MAXIMUM / MINIMUM
`VALUES ACQUIRED FROM SEARCH
`RESULTS
`
`PRODUCT COORDINATES
`CALCULATED
`
`S3
`
`S4
`
`S5
`
`S6
`
`PRODUCT DISPLAY SIZE SET
`
`S7
`
`THREE DIMENSIONAL SPACE DATA
`CREATED BASED ON COORDINATE
`VALUES AND IMAGE FILE NAME
`
`THREE DIMENSIONAL SPACE DATA
`ADDED INFORMATION ATTACHED
`
`S8
`
`S9
`
`THREE DMENSIONAL SPACE DATA
`OUTPUT
`
`S10
`
`SPACETIME3D
`EXHIBIT 2010 - PAGE 3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 13, 2001 Sheet 3 of 13
`FIG.3
`
`US 2001/0050687 A1
`
`FACTORA
`(v.
`FACTORB
`v.
`FACTORc
`R4
`O FACTORD
`
`D. FACTORz
`
`FIG.4
`
`
`
`PRODUCTATTRIBUTE
`NAME
`1
`
`ATTRIBUTE DETALS
`INFORMATION
`
`IMAGE FILE
`NAME
`
`SPACETIME3D
`EXHIBIT 2010 - PAGE 4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 13, 2001 Sheet 4 of 13
`FIG.5A
`THREE DIMENSIONAL SPACE
`
`US 2001/0050687 A1
`
`FACTORB
`
`Y AXIS (B)
`ZAXIS (C)
`
`N
`FACTORA BoDUCTDATA
`(TWOf THREE DIMENSIONAL DATA)
`
`XAXIS (A)
`
`FIG5B
`THREE DIMENSIONAL SPACE
`
`
`
`FACTORA
`
`SELECT (CLICK)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PRODUCT
`DEALS
`DISPLAYED
`
`
`
`SPACETIME3D
`EXHIBIT 2010 - PAGE 5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 13, 2001 Sheet 5 of 13
`FIG.6
`THREE DIMENSIONAL SPACE
`
`US 2001/0050687 A1
`
`FACTORC
`
`PRODUCT 42
`
`FACTORB
`
`FACTOR A
`
`41 PRODUCT
`
`FIG.7
`
`START
`
`FRAME SIZE SET
`
`MAXIMUM SIZE PRODUCT SEARCH
`
`REDUCTION (ENLARGEMENT)
`RATE CALCULATION
`
`
`
`
`
`S11
`
`S12
`
`S13
`
`SPACETIME3D
`EXHIBIT 2010 - PAGE 6
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 13, 2001 Sheet 6 of 13
`FIG.8A
`
`US 2001/0050687 A1
`
`
`
`5 THREE DIMENSIONAL SPACE
`
`--ity
`
`f
`
`51 REGION
`
`FIG.8B
`
`
`
`RANGE
`
`REGIONA W
`51 /
`.
`f S A.
`
`A.
`A.
`
`w
`W
`
`56 WANTAGE POINT
`
`SPACETIME3D
`EXHIBIT 2010 - PAGE 7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 13, 2001 Sheet 7 of 13
`
`US 2001/0050687 A1
`
`FIG.9
`
`
`
`COORONATES CALCULATED FOR
`DISPERSAL / CONCENTRATION
`
`S21
`
`DISPLAY SIZE CALCULATED FOR
`DISPERSAL / CONCENTRATION
`
`
`
`
`
`IS WANTAGE
`PONT WITHIN SENSOR
`RANGE 2
`
`COORDINATES DISPERSED
`
`REDUCED DISPLAY
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`COORONATES CONCENTRATED
`
`
`
`
`
`ENLARGED DISPLAY
`
`SPACETIME3D
`EXHIBIT 2010 - PAGE 8
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 13, 2001 Sheet 8 of 13
`
`US 2001/0050687 A1
`
`FG.OA
`67 THREE DIMENSIONAL SPACE
`
`
`
`br 6 THREEDMENSIONAL SPACE
`68 SPACE
`
`SPACETIME3D
`EXHIBIT 2010 - PAGE 9
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 13, 2001 Sheet 9 of 13
`
`US 2001/0050687 A1
`
`FIG.11
`
`START
`
`
`
`HAS DESIGNATED
`RANGE CHANGED 2
`
`S32
`
`
`
`S33
`
`CHECK PRODUCTS INCLUDED
`WITHIN DESIGNATED RANGE
`
`PRODUCTS HGHLIGHTED
`
`SPACETIME3D
`EXHIBIT 2010 - PAGE 10
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 13, 2001 Sheet 10 of 13
`FIG. 12
`
`US 2001/0050687 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PURCHASE FACTOR SELECTION
`SCREEN DISPLAYED
`
`S41
`
`S42
`
`PURCHASE FACTORS
`BEEN DETERMINED?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`THREE DIMENSIONAL SPACE
`SCREEN DISPLAYED
`
`
`
`
`
`NO
`
`HAS WANTAGE
`POINT MOVEMENT BUTTON
`BEEN PRESSED 2
`
`THREE DIMENSIONAL SPACE
`REDRAWN USINGDIFFERENT
`VANTAGE POINT
`
`HAS"PRODUCT"
`BEEN SELECTED 2
`
`PRODUCT GROUP DETAL
`SCREEN DISPLAYED
`
`SPACETIME3D
`EXHIBIT 2010 - PAGE 11
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 13, 2001 Sheet 11 of 13
`
`US 2001/0050687 A1
`
`FIG.13
`
`
`
`FILE
`
`EDT
`
`VOLUME
`DRYNESS
`
`TOWARD TOWARD
`REAR FRON BACK
`
`SPACETIME3D
`EXHIBIT 2010 - PAGE 12
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Dec. 13, 2001 Sheet 12 of 13
`FIG.14
`
`US 2001/0050687 A1
`
`
`
`FILE
`
`EDT DISPLAY
`
`LLI
`35
`à:
`|-
`LLC
`
`LLI =!
`LL
`
`C/D
`
`
`–1 8 H
`CD
`
`tr
`Cl
`LLI
`–1
`
`PRICE
`VOLUME
`DRYNESS
`
`TOWARD TOWARD
`BACK
`REAR FRONT
`
`SPACETIME3D
`EXHIBIT 2010 - PAGE 13
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Dec. 13, 2001 Sheet 13 of 13
`
`US 2001/0050687 A1
`
`
`
`| NOH-] HVEH
`
`
`HWMOI GHWMO 1
`
`
`
`(XVI’TOXE) EO|Hd
`
`T??EIBTET?INNE
`
`[[TÔNEWEIHS][ESTERECEU
`
`
`
`
`
`STOOL SETH EI OHONWH XWTdSIC]
`
`
`
`(18') IHVO 9NIddOHS OLGGW
`
`
`
`
`
`SPACETIME3D
`EXHIBIT 2010 - PAGE 14
`
`

`

`US 2001/0050687 A1
`
`Dec. 13, 2001
`
`THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT DISPLAY
`SYSTEM, THREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT
`DISPLAY METHOD AND RECORDING MEDUM
`RECORDING ATHREE-DIMENSIONAL OBJECT
`DISPLAY PROGRAM
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0001) 1. Field of the Invention
`0002 The present invention relates to a display system
`for displaying merchandise information provided to users in
`the course of internet Shopping and the like, and more
`particularly, to a three-dimensional object display System,
`three-dimensional object display method and recording
`medium recording a three-dimensional object display pro
`gram designed to display merchandise and other physical
`objects in three-dimensional Space So as to facilitate user
`Selection.
`0003 2. Description of Related Art
`0004. With the spread of network communications it has
`become common to buy and Sell merchandise over the
`internet. The factors that lead purchasers to Select merchan
`dise from among a wide variety of types of articles is
`Virtually unlimited, So a System that allows purchasers to
`make comparisons between articles with ease based on those
`Selection factors is needed.
`0005 Additionally, recent advances in multimedia imag
`ing have led to the introduction of methods for classifying
`data and displaying that data in three-dimensional Space.
`However, when displaying three-dimensional objects on a
`two-dimensional display Screen, difficulties arise with
`respect to manipulation and depth perception. To the user, a
`method for displaying spatial information in a way that is
`easy to use and easy to manipulate is needed.
`0006 Conventionally, transactions arising in the context
`of internet shopping and the like involves Searching a
`product database according to desired purchase factors
`obtained from the purchaser, with a list of the resulting
`matches or “hits' displayed on a two-dimensional Screen
`using alphanumeric or graphic image data. The purchaser
`then makes a comparison of the displayed product data and
`Selects one or more desired items.
`0007. In the event that there are multiple purchase fac
`tors, then the Search results differ depending on each Such
`factor, So the purchaser must repeat the cycle of inputting
`desired purchase factors, viewing the hit product list and
`comparing the products So listed in order to arrive at the
`desired purchase.
`0008. At the same time, with advances in multimedia
`imaging a number of technologies for displaying a wide
`variety of objects in three-dimensional Space have been
`Suggested.
`0009. However, three-dimensional objects are difficult to
`Visualize in two-dimensional Space, and moreover it is
`difficult to manipulate Such objects. For these reasons, a
`viable method for displaying three-dimensional information
`has yet to be realized. In particular, positioning a variety of
`products and merchandise in provisional three-dimensional
`Space according to their attributes has not been carried out.
`0.010
`For example, in the case of internet shopping, the
`purchaser normally decides upon which items to purchase
`
`according to a variety of purchase criteria or factors (price,
`quality, Volume and So forth). Ordinarily, items fitting the
`designated purchase criteria are displayed on a Screen using
`alphanumeric or graphic data.
`0011. In the conventional art, the purchaser is required to
`input a number of purchase factors and view a list of
`displayed product "hits before making a purchase, a pro
`ceSS that needs to be repeated for each Such purchase.
`Accordingly, when Selecting an item to be purchased it is
`difficult for the purchaser to compare items on the basis of
`a plurality of factors for a Single item displayed on a single
`SCCC.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0012. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention
`to provide an improved and useful three-dimensional object
`display System, three-dimensional object display method
`and recording medium recording a three-dimensional object
`display program, in which the above-described disadvan
`tages are eliminated.
`0013 The above-described object of the present inven
`tion is achieved by a three-dimensional object display Sys
`tem for displaying a plurality of objects in an apparent
`three-dimensional Space display according to a plurality of
`object attributes used as criteria for Selecting one or more
`objects, the System comprising:
`0014) an object data storage unit that stores information
`corresponding to the plurality of object attributes and to
`display data for each object, and
`0015 a three-dimensional space data production unit that
`Searches the object data Storage unit, calculates coordinate
`values for three-dimensional Space in which to position each
`object based on the plurality of object attribute values
`Selected from among the object attributes for each object
`according to results of the Search of the object data Storage
`unit, and produces three-dimensional Space data for display
`ing each object according to results of the calculation of the
`coordinate values for the three-dimensional Space.
`0016. Additionally, the above-described object of the
`present invention is achieved by the three-dimensional
`object display System as described above, wherein the
`three-dimensional Space data production unit encloses each
`of the objects positioned in the apparent three-dimensional
`Space display within a frame of a uniform size and further
`reduces and enlarges the frame and the objects enclosed
`therein depending on a distance of the three-dimensional
`Space from a vantage point outside the three-dimensional
`Space.
`0017 According to these aspects of the invention, dis
`playing the objects in apparent three-dimensional Space
`facilitates comparison between objects (especially helpful in
`internet shopping) and the Selection of items.
`0018. Additionally, the difficulties with depth perception
`attendant upon the conventional art are Solved by displaying
`the objects within a frame of uniform size, Such that the size
`of the displayed frame in three-dimensional Space clarifies
`the relative depth positions of the objects.
`0019. Other objects, features and advantages of the
`present invention will become more apparent from the
`
`SPACETIME3D
`EXHIBIT 2010 - PAGE 15
`
`

`

`US 2001/0050687 A1
`
`Dec. 13, 2001
`
`following detailed description when read in conjunction
`with the accompanying drawings.
`
`FIG. 4 is an example of a product information
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0020 FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a product data display
`System according to one embodiment of the present inven
`tion;
`FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing steps in the pro
`0021
`duction of a product list;
`0022 FIG. 3 is an example of a purchase factor selection
`Screen,
`0023
`table;
`0024 FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a
`positioning of product data in three-dimensional Space;
`0.025
`FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a process of setting
`a frame;
`0.026
`FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing steps in a process
`of Setting a frame;
`0027 FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are diagrams showing steps
`in a process of overlapped/dispersed display;
`0028 FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating steps in a process
`of overlapped/dispersed display;
`0029 FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a
`process of Setting space,
`0030 FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing steps in a process
`of Setting Space;
`0.031
`FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a sequence of
`Screens displayed at a purchaser's terminal;
`0.032
`FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a
`three-dimensional data display Screen;
`0.033
`FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a
`redrawn three-dimensional data display Screen; and
`0034 FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a
`three-dimensional data display Screen and product detail
`display.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`0.035 A description will now be given of embodiments of
`the present invention, with reference to the accompanying
`drawings. It should be noted that identical or corresponding
`elements in the embodiments are given identical or corre
`sponding reference numbers in all drawings, with detailed
`descriptions of Such elements given once and thereafter
`omitted.
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a product data display
`0.036
`System according to one embodiment of the present inven
`tion.
`0037 As shown in the diagram, the product data display
`System according to the present invention comprises a Server
`computer 1 (hereinafter simply server) connected to a client
`computer terminal (hereinafter client) 2 via an electronic
`communications network Such as the internet 3.
`
`0038. The server 1 comprises a product list production
`unit 10 that produces a product list based on product
`purchase factors input from the client 2, a product Search
`unit 11 that Searches for relevant products in a product
`database 15, a product mapping unit 12 that Sets a three
`dimensional Space using input purchase factors as coordi
`nate axes and calculates coordinate values for each product
`for the purpose of positioning product data eXtracted from
`the product database 15, and a three-dimensional Space data
`production unit 13 that Sets a size of the display and, where
`necessary, adds imbedded information (Such as a description
`of the product, a link to a product detail site, and so forth).
`0039 The three-dimensional space data production unit
`13 has the functions of executing a frame Setting process
`131, an overlapped/dispersed display process 132 and a
`Space Setting process 133.
`0040. In order to facilitate an understanding of the
`present invention, a detailed description will now be given
`of the frame Setting process 131, the overlapped/dispersed
`display process 132 and the Space Setting proceSS 133.
`0041. In the frame setting process 131, individual prod
`ucts within three-dimensional Space are all displayed within
`a single frame size. The size of the frame is determined with
`reference to the overall size and balance of the three
`dimensional Space. The frame Setting proceSS 131 encloses
`the individual items within the three-dimensional Space in a
`frame of a single uniform size, So that when a three
`dimensional Space data display unit 20 at the client 2
`displays in two dimensions the three-dimensional space data
`transmitted from the Server 1, those objects located at
`coordinates relatively distant from the Vantage point are
`displayed at a size reduced in proportion to the relative
`distance from the Vantage point, and conversely, those
`objects located at coordinates relative close to the Vantage
`point are displayed at a size enlarged in proportion to their
`relative distance from the Vantage point. As a result, a
`natural Sense of depth is obtained, providing the purchaser
`with a correct Sense of the relative positions of the objects
`within three-dimensional Space.
`0042. The overlapped/dispersed display process 132
`Switches between an overlapping display and a dispersed or
`Separated display of objects in those areas in which the
`locational coordinates of two or more product images con
`tact each other. In the dispersed display mode, the display
`coordinates are corrected So that each frame within which
`the products are displayed is reduced So that the products
`obtain a size at which they do not overlap when displayed.
`The Switching of the display involves, for example, disperS
`ing items within a certain distance of the Vantage point while
`overlapping items beyond that distance. Or, alternatively,
`three-dimensional Space can be divided into blocks of a
`predetermined size, Such that by moving the Vantage point
`those items positioned within the blocks nearest the Vantage
`point are all displayed in dispersed fashion while those items
`existing in the other blocks are displayed in overlapped
`fashion according to their original coordinate positions. By
`So doing, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience of
`overlapped display of contiguous items.
`0043. The space setting process 133 sets partial space
`capable of moving and being reduced/enlarged within three
`dimensional Space. Items included within Such partial Space
`are highlighted. Accordingly, the user can visually narrow
`
`SPACETIME3D
`EXHIBIT 2010 - PAGE 16
`
`

`

`US 2001/0050687 A1
`
`Dec. 13, 2001
`
`the range of products required, easily distinguishing the
`desired product group from other product groups.
`0044) A three-dimensional space data display unit 20 of
`the client 2 is made possible by a worldwide web browser,
`and displays the three-dimensional Space data received from
`the three-dimensional Space data production unit 13. The
`client 2 is also equipped with an instruction input unit 21
`connected to the three-dimensional Space data display unit
`20 for inputting product purchase factors, Vantage point,
`detail display commands and the like.
`0.045. A description will now be given of an operation of
`the System according to the present invention.
`0046) From the client 2 instruction input unit 21, the user
`(purchaser) inputs a plurality of product attributes (Such as
`price, Volume, quality, etc.) as purchase factors. The product
`attributes are then transmitted to the server 1.
`0047. At the server 1, the received attributes are trans
`ferred to the product search unit 11. The product search unit
`11 Searches product data in the product database 15 and
`notifies the product mapping unit 12 of Specified product
`attribute values and image file names containing product
`data. The product mapping unit 12 matches the input product
`attributes against the Spatial axes and Sets the three-dimen
`Sional Space, and calculates each product data position
`according to each of the product attribute values.
`0.048. The three-dimensional space data production unit
`13 produces three-dimensional Space data using the coordi
`nate values calculated by the product mapping unit 12 and
`the product data obtained from the product database 15, and
`outputs Same to the client 2 via the network 3.
`0049. Using the three-dimensional space data display
`unit 20, the client 2 takes the received three-dimensional
`Space data and displays it initially from a predetermined
`initial vantage point, allowing the purchaser to View a list of
`product data positioned in three-dimensional Space based on
`the product attributes.
`0050. If there is input from the instruction input unit 21
`to change the Vantage point by for example advancing into
`or retreating from the three-dimensional Space displayed,
`then the three-dimensional Space data display unit 20 dis
`plays the three-dimensional Space data from the new Vantage
`point.
`0051 AS described above, the present system allows the
`purchaser to input a number of purchase factors relating to
`the desired merchandise and uses the input factors to posi
`tion product image data in three-dimensional Space, thus
`facilitating comparisons between products as well as facili
`tating Selection of the desired product or products. The
`product image data positioned in three-dimensional Space
`may be a two-dimensional depiction Such as a photograph or
`a three-dimensional image Such as a Video frame and the
`like.
`0.052 A more detailed description will now be given of
`embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the
`accompanying drawings.
`0.053 As noted above, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a
`product data display System according to one embodiment of
`the present invention. The product list production unit 10
`shown in FIG. 1 is a program that produces three-dimen
`
`Sional Space data in which product image data is positioned
`in response to a request from the client 2 and returns that
`produced data to the client 2.
`0054 The three-dimensional space data display unit 20 is
`driven by a Software program that analyzes three-dimen
`Sional Space data received from the product list production
`unit 10. It should be noted that the three-dimensional space
`displayed here depends on the three-dimensional Space data
`produced at the Server 1.
`0055 Additionally, the client 2 can display detailed prod
`uct information by Selecting a product within the displayed
`three-dimensional Space via the instruction input unit 21.
`LinkS to the product detail page So displayed as well as any
`additional information are imbedded within the three-di
`mensional Space data created by the three-dimensional Space
`data production unit 13 at the server 1. It should be noted
`that the link to the product detail page and So on represent
`locations at which detailed information on the product is
`Stored, and are in the form of product detail page URL
`(Uniform Resource Locator).
`0056 FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing steps in the pro
`duction of a product list.
`0057. In a step S1, a product search unit 11 of the server
`1 acquires the purchase factors (product attributes) the
`purchaser Selected at a purchase factor Selection Screen
`using the client 2 instruction input unit 21.
`FIG. 3 is an example of a purchase factor selection
`0058
`SCCC.
`0059. As shown in the purchase factor selection screen of
`FIG. 3, the client 2 purchaser clicks on and specifies one or
`more of a plurality of purchase factors A-Z displayed on the
`Screen. The purchase factors Selected here are product
`attributes, So that if, for example, the product is liquor, the
`product attributes include price, Volume, Sharpness, etc.
`0060. In order to position the product data in three
`dimensional Space according to the product attributes, three
`types of product attributes are required. In the event that the
`Selected product attributes number two or less, the System
`arbitrarily adds product attributes other than the selected
`product attributes in order to bring the number of product
`attributes up to three. Additionally, in the event that the
`Selected product attributes number four or more, the System
`Selects three Such attributes according to a predetermined
`hierarchy.
`0061. In a step S2 the product selection unit 11 makes a
`search request of the product database 15 and in a step S3
`acquires the results of that Search.
`0062 FIG. 4 is an example of a product information table
`stored in a product database 15. The product information
`table, as shown in FIG. 4, carries information on each item,
`including product name, a plurality of product attributes that
`function as purchase factors, URLS indicating the Sites of
`product detail pages, and graphic files in which product
`image data is Stored.
`0063. Using the product mapping unit 12, in a step S4 the
`shape of the overall space displayed (for example, cubic,
`rectangular parallelepiped, etc.) is set and the Selected three
`attributes are matched to the coordinate axes of three
`dimensional Space. In a step S5, attribute maximum/mini
`
`SPACETIME3D
`EXHIBIT 2010 - PAGE 17
`
`

`

`US 2001/0050687 A1
`
`Dec. 13, 2001
`
`mum values are obtained from the Search results and the
`coordinates of the apexes of the Space are determined. In a
`Step S6 the three-dimensional Space coordinates in which the
`product data will be positioned are calculated from the three
`types of attribute values of each item obtained in the Search.
`0064.
`In a step S7, the three-dimensional space data
`production unit 13 determines the display size of the product
`with respect to the overall size and balance of the three
`dimensional Space, and in a step S8 produces three-dimen
`Sional Space databased on the coordinate values and image
`file name.
`0065 FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a
`positioning of product data in three-dimensional Space. In a
`case in which factors. A through C have been Selected from
`among a plurality of purchase factors shown in FIG. 3, then
`as shown in FIG. 5A factor A is matched to the X axis, factor
`B is matched to the Y axis and factor C is matched to the Z
`axis, with each apex of three-dimensional Space being
`maximum/minimum values of the product attributes that are
`the individual factors. The product data is image data Such
`as a photograph and the like, and is positioned in three
`dimensional Space according to the values of the individual
`product attributes.
`0.066
`Further, in a step S9 additional information is
`imbedded in the three-dimensional Space data, information
`Such as individual product attribute values, links to pages
`containing detailed information about the product, and So
`forth, and the resulting three-dimensional Space data output
`as product list display data in a step S10.
`0067. As shown in FIG. 5B, by selecting (clicking on)
`the product data (image) in the three-dimensional space, a
`home page displaying detailed information about the prod
`uct is displayed. It should be noted that it is possible to add
`audio data and alphanumeric data as the additional infor
`mation described above that is imbedded in the three
`dimensional Space data, So that an audio or written descrip
`tion of the product follows when the cursor is placed atop the
`image or three-dimensional data.
`0068. Much product data is displayed within three-di
`mensional Space. The present invention facilitates Selecting
`products that fit the factorS Selected from among a large
`number of product groups by performing the following types
`of three-dimensional Space data production processes using
`the three-dimensional Space data production unit 13.
`0069 FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a process 131 of
`Setting a frame using the three-dimensional Space data
`production unit 13. AS shown in the diagram, image data of
`products 41-43 are positioned within three-dimensional
`Space 4 that uses factors A, B and C as coordinate axes.
`0070 Products 41 and 42 are positioned at the same
`location in a depth direction and in front of product 43.
`Reference numeral 45 is a frame that encloses the products
`41-43. If the products were to be displayed within the
`three-dimensional Space 4 without the frame, then depend
`ing on the size of the product itself a Smaller product would
`appear to be placed distant from an observer and a larger
`product would be appear to be placed closer to an observer.
`Here, however, all three products 41-43 are placed within
`the same size frame 45. That is, if there were no frame 45,
`then the product 42 would be smaller than the product 41
`and the product 42 would appear to be further away than the
`
`product 41. However, with the use of the frame 45, it can be
`ascertained that the products 41 and 42 are located at the
`Same depth relative to an observer. By the same token,
`products 41 and 43 appear to be the same size, but their
`placement within the frame 45 allows the observer to
`recognize that product 43 is located further back than
`product 41.
`0071
`FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing steps in a process
`of Setting a frame.
`0072. In a step S11, the three-dimensional space data
`production unit 13 Sets the size of the frame So as to
`accommodate the three-dimensional Space to be displayed.
`The size of the frame can be freely set by either the product
`information provider or by the System operator. It is desir
`able that the size of the frame is determined with reference
`to the number of articles to be displayed, ease of viewing
`when displayed and overall balance. Next, in a step S12 the
`product having the largest size within the Space is Searched.
`In a step S13 the degree to which that product image is to be
`enlarged or reduced So as to fit appropriately within the
`Space is calculated and the reduction/enlargement rate So
`obtained used to recalculate the Sizes of all the products to
`be displayed within the Space.
`0073 FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are diagrams showing steps
`in a process of overlapped/dispersed display.
`0074 As shown in FIG. 8A the three-dimensional space
`5 in which the products are placed is divided into rectangular
`blocks of a certain size in order to determine a region in
`which the coordinates are contiguous.
`0075 Shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C is one such rectan
`gular block 51, enlarged for ease of explanation. Products
`52, 53, 54 and 55 are included within the rectangular region
`51, the coordinates of these products being contiguous.
`FIGS. 8B and 8C show two different states of display of the
`products 52-55 within the rectangular block 51 created by a
`change in the Vantage point 56. In order to detect the Vantage
`point 56, a region, that is, a Sensor range 57 having a size
`that encloses the rectangular block 51 is provided. As the
`Vantage point 56 enters the Sensor range 57 the Vantage point
`56 is deemed to have approached the rectangular block 51,
`and the display state of the products 52-55 changes.
`0.076 FIG. 8B shows a state in which the vantage point
`56 is outside the sensor range 57 and thus relatively far from
`the products 52-55. In such a state, the products 52-55 are
`displayed in an overlapped State, retaining their large size.
`By contrast, FIG. 8C shows a state in which the vantage
`point 56 is within the sensor range 57 and thus relatively
`close to the products 52-55. In such a state, the products are
`reduced in size and their coordinates dispersed So as not to
`be displayed in an overlapped State.
`0077. By changing the state of the display depending
`upon the relation between the Vantage point on the one hand
`and the position of the products within the three-dimensional
`Space on the other, even products positioned contiguously
`can be displayed in a State that is easy to view simply by
`moving the Vantage point as appropriate.
`0078 FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating steps in a process
`of overlapped/dispersed display.
`0079. In a step S21, the dispersal/conce