Augmented Reality Virtual Window for 3D Model Clipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for displaying three-dimensional models in augmented reality struggle to effectively show internal or occluded portions of structures and facilitate smooth transitions between different views, leading to confusion and disorientation for users.
Innovation Solution
The generation of augmented reality views by aligning 3-D models with photographic panoramas, using a virtual camera to superpose model elements with the physical environment, and employing a virtual window to clip away obstructing elements, while maintaining elements on an exclusion list, allowing hidden model parts to be revealed and providing a virtual mode for smooth view transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If 3-D models are used to represent physical environments, then the visual representation capability is improved, but the intelligibility and ease of understanding deteriorates due to complexity and abstraction
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the 3-D model into multiple viewable portions or layers, allowing users to focus on specific areas of interest without being overwhelmed by the entire model. This segmentation enables progressive disclosure of information, improving intelligibility while maintaining comprehensive visual representation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces temporal and interactive dimensions to the 3-D model display, allowing dynamic switching between different views, levels of detail, and perspectives. This multi-dimensional approach enables users to navigate complex models intuitively, transforming static abstract representations into interactive intelligible visualizations.
2Loss of information
If internal or occluded portions of structures are displayed, then the information completeness is improved, but the naturalness and ease of understanding deteriorates due to unnatural display formats
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces virtual windows and transparent overlay elements as intermediaries between the user and occluded portions of the structure. These intermediaries allow internal components to be visualized through controlled transparency effects, maintaining natural perception while revealing hidden information. The virtual windows act as mediators that preserve spatial context while disclosing internal structures.
3Loss of information
If users switch among different views of the model, then the comprehensive understanding is improved, but the user orientation deteriorates due to disorienting transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing multiple predefined views of the 3-D model along with their spatial relationships. When users need to switch views, the system transitions between these pre-prepared perspectives, maintaining spatial continuity and preventing disorientation. The preliminary preparation of view paths ensures smooth, orientation-preserving transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback to users during view transitions by maintaining visual references to the physical environment and showing the relationship between different model perspectives. This feedback mechanism helps users maintain mental maps and understand how different views relate to each other, preventing disorientation while enabling comprehensive understanding.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a three-dimensional (3-D) model is aligned with a view of a physical environment captured by a camera. An augmented reality view is generated by superposing elements of the 3-D model and the view of the physical environment. At least some of the elements of the 3-D model are initially hidden within the augmented reality view. A virtual window is imposed that penetrates a surface within the augmented reality view. The virtual window clips the view of the physical environment and elements of the 3-D model that intersect the virtual window to reveal initially-hidden elements of the 3-D model located beyond the virtual window. The augmented reality view with the virtual window is displayed on a display device.