3D Graph Navigation via Movable Shaped Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Navigating and viewing complex three-dimensional (3D) graph models with thousands of nodes is challenging due to obscuration and complexity, making it difficult to monitor object status and relationships effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that displays multiple objects in a 3D representation using a movable shaped lens, where objects within the lens are sized larger than those outside, allowing for closer examination and filtering of objects based on designated criteria, with the lens being configurable in size and shape, and capable of moving in all three axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If all objects are displayed in the 3D representation, then the complete graph model is visible, but objects in the Z-axis are obscured by objects closer on the Z-axis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a 2D lens that can be positioned at any location within the 3D space, allowing users to view objects from different dimensional perspectives. This lens acts as a portal that projects selected objects into a 2D viewing plane, effectively adding another dimension of interaction to navigate the 3D graph model without obscuration issues
2Quantity of substance
If a large number of objects are displayed, then comprehensive data is visible, but the graph view becomes too complex to mentally process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large set of objects by allowing users to select specific objects or groups of objects through the lens. The lens divides the comprehensive 3D graph into manageable subsets that can be examined individually, reducing cognitive load while maintaining access to the complete dataset through the underlying 3D representation
3Measurement precision
If objects are made larger for better visibility, then detailed viewing is improved, but more objects are obscured and require scrolling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of selected objects within the 2D lens environment. This copy allows detailed examination of specific objects at larger sizes without affecting the original 3D arrangement, maintaining both detailed visibility and comprehensive object coverage simultaneously through the lens portal mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A computer program product is tangibly embodied on a computer-readable medium and includes executable code that, when executed, is configured to cause a data processing apparatus to display multiple objects in a three dimensional (3D) representation, where the multiple objects are visual representations of real objects, and display a subset of the objects and associated metadata in a shaped lens that is movable within the 3D representation in all three axes, where the subset of the objects displayed within the shaped lens are sized larger than the objects outside of the shaped lens.