3D Web Browsing Panels for Research Path Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional 2D computing interfaces limit the ability of users to efficiently explore and visualize web-based research, requiring multiple screens or devices and disrupting the user's train of thought when switching between tabs or views.
Innovation Solution
A 3D virtual environment system that captures and stores web browsing history in a maze-like format using 3D panels and paths, allowing users to navigate and visualize their research journey seamlessly, with panels dynamically updated as they browse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users open multiple tabs or windows to conduct web-based research, then they can explore various topics and retain overall context, but they experience interruptions when switching between tabs and the 2D interface is not conducive to arranging tabs for retracing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a 2D tab-based interface to a 3D virtual environment where browsing history is visualized as a spatial maze structure. Users can navigate through their research journey by moving through 3D space, with each panel representing a webpage and paths showing the sequence of visits. This dimensional change eliminates tab switching interruptions while preserving full context of the research journey.
2Ease of operation
If users use multiple screens or devices to accomplish web browsing visualization, then they can maintain multiple views simultaneously, but the device complexity and setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple webpage views into a single unified 3D virtual environment. Instead of requiring multiple physical screens or devices, all browsing panels are rendered simultaneously within one immersive 3D space that can be viewed on a single display device. This consolidation maintains the ability to view multiple pages while eliminating the need for multiple physical devices.
3Device complexity
If traditional 2D interfaces are used for web browsing, then the interface is simple and familiar, but the ability to efficiently perform data exploration and visualize research journeys is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the traditional interface by adding a third dimension to the browsing experience. The 3D virtual environment provides spatial organization of browsing panels and visual paths that represent the research journey, enabling more efficient data exploration and visualization while building upon familiar browsing concepts.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for web browsing data visualization in a 3D virtual environment include a computing device that renders a first panel in the 3D virtual environment to display to a user a first webpage associated with a first URL. The computing device stores a first identifier associated with the first webpage in a web path data structure. The computing device detects a first user interaction with the first panel, comprising a request to access a second webpage associated with a second URL. The computing device renders a second panel that displays the second webpage, the second panel arranged in proximity to a first side of the first panel and extending in a first direction in the 3D virtual environment. The computing device stores a second identifier associated with the second webpage in the web path data structure, the second identifier sequentially linked to the first identifier.