3D Cursor Auto-Positioning in Map Viewports
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Navigating 3D scenes in geographic mapping applications can be difficult due to the challenge of identifying points of interest within a heavily populated 3D environment, where existing cursor navigation methods are not effective in quickly and clearly indicating the presence of objects.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that automatically move a 3D cursor within a 3D scene by modifying its geometric shape data to surround objects when the cursor is within a threshold distance, using routines to determine object and cursor locations and distances, and reorienting the cursor to indicate object presence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cursor navigation methods are used in 3D scenes, then the interface remains simple and easy to operate, but the cursor cannot quickly and clearly indicate the presence of objects in heavily populated environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of objects within a threshold distance of the cursor and automatically executes the action of moving the cursor to the nearest object before the user completes their navigation intent. This preliminary automated action eliminates the need for users to manually search through densely populated 3D scenes, thereby improving object identification speed while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cursor navigation system serves itself by automatically detecting when it is within a threshold distance of an object and autonomously moving to the nearest object without requiring additional user input. This self-service mechanism enables the cursor to independently perform the navigation action that would otherwise require manual user intervention, thus improving productivity while preserving operational simplicity.
2Productivity
If the cursor automatically moves to objects, then object identification becomes faster and clearer, but the system complexity increases due to additional detection and movement routines
Solution Approach 1:
The cursor navigation system is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating multiple capabilities into a single unified mechanism: object detection within threshold distance, automatic cursor movement to nearest objects, and visual indication of object presence. This universal approach allows one system to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate components, thereby improving object identification speed while limiting the increase in system complexity.
3Loss of information
If the cursor shape is modified to surround objects, then user perception of object presence is enhanced, but the visual clarity and simplicity of the interface may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system enhances object presence indication by modifying the cursor's visual properties, specifically its geometric shape, when approaching or surrounding objects. The cursor changes its shape configuration to surround or indicate the presence of detected objects, providing clear visual feedback to users about object presence while maintaining interface simplicity through controlled and localized shape modifications rather than complex visual transformations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for automatically moving a cursor within a map viewport. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods that determine a location of various objects within a 3D scene displayed within a map viewport and determining a location of a 3D cursor within the 3D scene. When a distance between an object location and the 3D cursor location is less than a threshold distance, the geometric shape data of the 3D cursor is automatically modified to at least partially surround the object. The location of the object may be determined based on data representative of the 3D scene. The location of the 3D cursor may be determined based on data representative of the 3D cursor location.