1. A method for manipulating an object displayed in three-dimensional representation on a computer controlled display system having a computer and a display coupled to the computer, comprising the steps of: a) providing a user actuated input controller signal for selectively positioning a reference indicator on the display; b) positioning the reference indicator over the displayed object and signaling the computer to activate a control movement mode; c) providing on the display a three-dimensional representation of a bounding region including at least two portions which specify respective predefined control movement types, one of said types being rotation around an axis parallel to the portion which specifies rotation around that axis; d) positioning the reference indicator over one of said portions; e) signaling the computer to activate a predefined control movement type specified by the portion of the bounding region under the reference indicator, and while the reference indicator is over said portion, repositioning the reference indicator to define a movement of the specified type; and f) re-displaying the displayed object in accordance with the defined movement of the specified type.