title: Best way to get started on simple 3D user interfaces using Java?
body: <p>I'm writing a time management application and I have an idea for presenting timelines and todo items in 3D. Visually, I imagine this as looking down a corridor or highway in 3D, with upcoming deadlines and tasks represented as signposts - more important items are larger and upcoming deadlines are nearer.</p>
  
  <p>I want to do this in Java, however I have no idea how to begin. For example, I would like to be able to render text and 2D graphics (dates, calendars etc) on the floor/walls of the corridoor, as well as on task items. The tasks themselves could be simple blocks. However examples of 3D code I have seen all look to operate on a very low level, and what I can't figure out are the appropriate co-ordinates to be using, or how the user would be able to interact with the view by selecting items with the mouse (for example clicking an expand or info button to get/edit task properties with the usual swing components).</p>
  
  <p>Is there any higher level API I could be using, or example code that does this sort of thing? Any other ideas for how best to approach this problem?</p>
  
  <p><em>edit: removed Java3D requirement - I just need to do this in Java.</em></p>