2D Map Interface for 3D Virtual Environment Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual environment systems face challenges in navigation and interaction, particularly in large three-dimensional environments with multiple users and objects, making it difficult for users to locate and manage objects and interact effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of navigation and interaction controls that provide a graphical user interface for a two-dimensional display of a three-dimensional virtual environment, allowing users to change elevation levels and move objects, with features like highlighting and sound notifications to facilitate object location and interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a large three-dimensional virtual environment is created to provide extensive space for users, then the virtual environment can accommodate more users and objects, but it becomes difficult for users to navigate and locate objects within the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a two-dimensional map interface that overlays or integrates with the three-dimensional virtual environment. This map provides a top-down or elevated view of the environment, allowing users to navigate and locate objects by referencing the 2D representation alongside the 3D space. The map displays user positions, object locations, and navigation paths, solving the navigation difficulty in large 3D environments by adding a dimensional abstraction layer.
2Device complexity
If existing single-viewpoint user interface tools are used for navigation, then the interface is simple to implement, but users cannot effectively locate and manage objects or other players in large virtual environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the virtual environment information into multiple views: the primary three-dimensional immersive view and a secondary two-dimensional map view. The 2D map separately displays navigation information, object locations, and user positions, while the 3D view maintains the immersive experience. This segmentation allows users to access comprehensive spatial information without sacrificing the simplicity of the primary interaction interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-dimensional map acts as an intermediary between the user and the large three-dimensional virtual environment. It provides an abstracted overview that helps users understand their position and locate objects without requiring them to physically navigate through the entire 3D space. The map mediates the information gap by presenting condensed spatial data in an easily interpretable format.
3Adaptability or versatility
If users manually navigate through large virtual environments to locate objects, then no additional interface features are needed, but it consumes excessive time and processing resources
Solution Approach 1:
The two-dimensional map pre-calculates and displays navigation paths, object locations, and user positions before users need this information. By maintaining an updated overview of the virtual environment in the 2D map, the system prepares spatial information in advance, allowing users to quickly locate objects and plan navigation routes without time-consuming manual exploration or complex real-time calculations.
Data Source
AI summary
The techniques disclosed herein enable a user of a host computer or a user of a remote computer to locate, view, control, and modify objects of a virtual environment. Embodiments disclosed herein can include the generation of a graphical user interface providing a two-dimensional display showing objects at a predetermined elevation of a three-dimensional virtual environment. User interface controls are provided for changing the elevation of the two-dimensional display. The two-dimensional display can be updated to show different elevations as the controls are used to select a new elevation. In some embodiments, the two-dimensional display enables users to move objects of a virtual reality environment. The display can bring highlight to select objects enabling users to readily locate desired objects and locations. The features disclosed herein can be utilized by a computer hosting a virtual reality session or a remote computer operating a companion application.