Interactive Input System Annotation Grouping via Temporal-Spatial Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interactive input systems lack efficient methods for automatically grouping annotations, particularly in multi-user scenarios, as current solutions are either overly complex or fail to account for time and distance criteria effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where annotations are associated with a temporary grouping region, disabling it if a threshold time passes without further annotations within a certain distance, allowing for automatic grouping based on proximity and time without the complexity of prior systems, and comparing input stream identifiers to determine grouping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual selection mode is used to group annotations, then users can select multiple annotations, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically creating temporary grouping regions as annotations are created, eliminating the need for users to manually select and group annotations later. The grouping structure is prepared in advance based on spatial and temporal criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically grouping annotations based on predefined criteria without requiring user intervention. The annotations self-organize into groups based on their spatial proximity and temporal creation sequence, eliminating manual selection operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hierarchical agglomerative clustering is used to group graphic objects, then dynamic grouping is achieved, but processing intensity becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex clustering problem into simpler spatial and temporal criteria. Instead of performing full hierarchical agglomerative clustering, it divides annotations into groups based on whether they fall within temporary grouping regions defined by spatial distance and time thresholds, significantly reducing processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters used for grouping from complex hierarchical relationships to simple spatial distance and time thresholds. By using configurable parameters like threshold distance and threshold time, the system achieves dynamic grouping with much lower processing requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If annotations are grouped without time criteria, then all nearby annotations are grouped together, but annotations created at different times are inappropriately merged
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temporal filtering by comparing creation times against a threshold time criterion before finalizing groups. This preliminary action ensures that only annotations created within an appropriate time window are considered for grouping, improving accuracy while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from temporal information to adjust grouping decisions. By continuously monitoring the time difference between annotation creations and comparing it against the threshold, the system provides feedback that prevents inappropriate merging of annotations created at significantly different times.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users can simultaneously annotate, then collaboration is enabled, but determining which annotations belong to which user becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the multi-user annotation space by creating separate temporary grouping regions for each user based on their input stream identifier. This segmentation automatically attributes annotations to the correct user without complex tracking, as each user's annotations are evaluated against their own temporary grouping region.
Solution Approach 2:
The temporary grouping region acts as an intermediary that mediates between multiple users' annotations. By comparing each annotation's input stream identifier against the region's associated user identifier, the system automatically determines user attribution without requiring complex multi-user coordination logic.
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive input system, method and computer readable medium for handling objects representing annotations on an interactive input system are disclosed. The method includes creating an annotation on the interactive input system, associating the annotation with a temporary grouping region, and in the event that a threshold amount of time passes before a further annotation is created within a threshold distance of the temporary grouping region, disabling the temporary grouping region to thereafter prevent automatic grouping with the annotation of any further annotation.