3D Notification Overlay With Transparent Interactive Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing notification systems on computing devices lack interactive and engaging ways to present notifications, often limiting user interaction and failing to provide immersive experiences.
Innovation Solution
A notification application that utilizes a graphics engine to display a 3D virtual assistant avatar overlaid on the device's screen, allowing interaction through a transparent background, with animated features and customizable animations, and integrating with various messaging servers to intercept and present notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a notification is displayed using traditional methods, then the notification is delivered, but user engagement and interactivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D notification displays to 3D spatial overlays by rendering notification objects in three-dimensional space with depth buffering. The notification object is displayed at a different z-plane than the background screen, creating immersive spatial awareness and enabling more engaging user interaction through dimensional enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transparent overlay layer as an intermediary between the notification system and the user interface. This overlay layer contains the notification object with transparent background that allows interaction with underlying elements while maintaining notification visibility, thus mediating between notification delivery and user interaction requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a 3D avatar is displayed with transparent background, then user interaction is enabled, but rendering complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display into multiple layers: the background screen layer, the transparent overlay layer containing the notification object, and the interactive element layer. This segmentation allows independent rendering and interaction handling for each layer, reducing overall system complexity while enabling sophisticated 3D avatar display with transparent background.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic rendering where the 3D avatar can change size, position, and animation state based on notification content and user interaction. The avatar transitions between different states (e.g., idle, alerting, interactive) to convey notification information dynamically, enhancing interactivity while managing rendering complexity through state-based optimization.
3Ease of operation
If the notification object is made interactive, then user engagement increases, but the area available for other content decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the area conflict by utilizing the third dimension (depth) for the notification object. The notification is displayed as a 3D overlay at a different z-plane, allowing it to occupy spatial depth rather than consuming screen area. This enables interactive notification elements without reducing the area available for background content, as both coexist in different dimensional planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a transparent thin-film overlay for the notification object, allowing the notification to be displayed as a semi-transparent layer that does not block underlying screen content. This flexible overlay approach maintains display area availability while providing interactive notification functionality, as users can see and interact with both the notification and background elements simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and computing device comprise a display and a processor to execute a graphics engine and a notification application. The graphics engine displays, on the display, an object overlaid on at least one of a home screen of the computing device and an application running on the computing device. The object includes a transparent background that allows a user to interact with the at least one of a home screen of the computing device and an application running on the computing device, while the object is overlaid on at least one of a home screen of the computing device and an application running on the computing device. The notification application tracks perimeter coordinates of the object, the perimeter coordinates differentiating an area of the display displaying the object and an area of the display surrounding the object. The notification application further overlays a shape on the object based on the perimeter coordinates, the shape being an interactive zone for the user to interact with the object.