Bi-directional 3D Object Search and Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D modeling systems lack efficient mechanisms for quickly and easily searching and identifying 3D objects and data, limiting user interaction and query refinement capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of bi-directional interaction between list views and model views, deep zoom functionality, search query amendments based on shared properties, one-click orthogonal searching, comparison view mode, and reverse search capabilities, allowing users to visually identify and manipulate 3D objects through synchronized viewports and property-based filtering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional search mechanisms are used in 3D modeling systems, then the system structure remains simple, but the efficiency of searching and identifying 3D objects is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the search functionality into multiple synchronized viewports that display different aspects of 3D objects simultaneously. Each viewport can show different properties, dimensions, or perspectives of the same object, allowing users to search and identify objects more efficiently by viewing multiple attributes at once rather than sequentially
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-dimensional search interface where objects are displayed across multiple viewports representing different dimensions or aspects (e.g., different views, properties, or hierarchical levels). This dimensional expansion allows users to navigate and identify objects more quickly by leveraging visual patterns across multiple simultaneous displays rather than linear scrolling or sequential viewing
2Loss of time
If users manually search through 3D objects one by one, then the interface remains simple, but the time required to identify and manipulate objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-organizes and displays multiple representations of 3D objects in synchronized viewports before the user initiates a search. Objects are pre-filtered, pre-sorted, or pre-arranged in different viewports based on relevant criteria, so that when users search, they can immediately see multiple relevant objects simultaneously rather than navigating through all objects sequentially
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple visual copies or representations of the same 3D object across different viewports, each showing different properties, dimensions, or states. This allows users to compare and identify objects more quickly by viewing multiple copies simultaneously rather than examining single objects one at a time
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product provide the ability to search for and interact with three-dimensional (3D) objects in a 3D model/drawing. Searches may be conducted on a per object basis (based on properties of the object) and search queries may be amended based on shared/common attributes between objects found in an initial search. Differences in search results can be identified and the causality may be used to perform additional searches. Search results may be listed in a list view and a correspondence between objects in the list view and the modeling view may be visibly discernible. Further, selection of a single object from a search result may focus the view on such an object while removing any occluding objects. Multiple selected objects can be viewed in an array of rotationally synchronized viewports.