3D GUI Component Orientation via Pre-runtime 2D Container Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing graphical user interface (GUI) technologies do not allow for efficient creation and modification of three-dimensional GUI environments prior to runtime, limiting the ability to predetermine the orientation and behavior of 2D containers within a 3D environment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of first and second 2D containers, which are placed in a 3D environment with predetermined orientations, using software instructions to define 2D and 3D constraints for managing the behavior and modification of GUI components, allowing for the creation and modification of 3D GUIs before runtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 2D GUI components are mapped in a 3D environment during runtime, then the 3D graphical environment can be created, but the orientation and behavior of components cannot be predetermined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by allowing developers to define the orientation, position, and behavior of 2D GUI components in a 3D environment during the design phase before runtime. This is achieved through a layout system that supports 3D transformation definitions (rotation, translation, scaling) that are pre-calculated and stored, then applied automatically when the GUI is instantiated, eliminating the need for runtime orientation determination.
2Productivity
If 2D GUI toolkits are used for creating GUI applications, then development time is reduced, but the ability to create true 3D GUI structures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by extending existing 2D GUI component concepts to support 3D functionality. The same component hierarchy and layout management principles from 2D toolkits are preserved, but enhanced with 3D transformation capabilities. Developers can use familiar 2D component creation techniques while the system automatically handles 3D positioning and orientation, making the toolkit multi-functional for both 2D and 3D GUI creation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dimensionality change by adding a third dimension to traditional 2D GUI component placement. The layout system introduces 3D coordinate systems and transformation matrices that map 2D component definitions into 3D space, allowing components to be positioned not only in x-y coordinates but also with z-depth, rotation angles, and perspective transformations while maintaining the simplicity of declarative layout specifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If window mapping is performed during runtime in a 3D environment, then the application can adapt to the 3D context, but the underlying 3D environment dependency limits portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction by separating the 3D transformation logic from the application-specific rendering code. The layout system extracts 3D positioning information into independent transformation definitions that can be stored in resource files or configuration data. This allows the core application logic to remain platform-agnostic while the 3D mapping details are extracted as configurable parameters that can be adjusted for different 3D environments or platforms without rewriting the application.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for creating a three-dimensional (3D) graphical user interface (GUI) involves creating a first two-dimensional (2D) container and a second 2D container, and placing the first 2D container and the second 2D container in a 3D environment to create the 3D GUI, wherein the orientation of the first 2D container in the 3D environment and the orientation of the second 2D container in the 3D environment are set prior to run time.