Dynamic 3D Navigation Scheme Transition for User Skill Development

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Solution Overview

Problem

Novice users find conventional 3D design applications navigation schemes, such as orbit, pan, and zoom tools, non-intuitive and difficult to use, leading to frustration and discontinuation of use, as effective techniques for skill development have not been adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that enables a first-person navigation scheme and detects predetermined patterns of navigation actions, automatically switching to the standard navigation scheme when efficient object-centric actions are recognized, providing a more intuitive transition for users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the standard navigation scheme (orbit, pan, zoom tools) is used, then navigation efficiency for experienced users is improved, but ease of operation for novice users deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation efficiencyVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The navigation scheme dynamically adapts based on user expertise level. The system automatically switches between first-person navigation mode (for novices) and standard object-centric navigation mode (for experienced users), making the navigation behavior dynamic rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by providing different navigation efficiencies for different user groups without compromising ease of operation for any group.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the navigation parameters (control scheme, camera behavior, interaction mode) based on detected user proficiency. By monitoring user interactions and determining expertise level, the system adjusts navigation parameters to match user needs, thereby improving both ease of operation for beginners and navigation efficiency for advanced users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the first-person navigation scheme is used, then ease of operation for novice users is improved, but navigation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidnavigation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions from first-person navigation to standard navigation as user expertise increases. This dynamic adaptation ensures that novice users benefit from the ease of first-person navigation while experienced users automatically gain the efficiency of standard navigation, resolving the productivity loss without sacrificing initial ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares users for standard navigation by initially providing the intuitive first-person experience, then gradually introducing standard navigation concepts as users become proficient. This preliminary exposure to easier navigation patterns before transitioning to efficient patterns helps users develop skills without permanently losing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If automatic transition between navigation schemes is implemented, then user skill development is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser skill developmentVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor user interaction patterns, determine expertise level, and automatically adjust navigation scheme accordingly. This feedback loop enables automatic transition between navigation modes based on actual user performance rather than manual configuration, improving skill development while managing complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11474660B2Techniques for transitioning from a first navigation scheme to a second navigation scheme
Publication Date: 2022.10.18 AUTODESK INC
  • US11474660B2 patent drawing
  • US11474660B2 patent drawing
  • US11474660B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Techniques for gradually transitioning a user to a second navigation scheme while using a first navigation scheme in a 3D design application that generates and displays a 3D virtual environment. The design application initially implements the first navigation scheme and a set of function tools of the standard navigation scheme. The design application monitors for a set of patterns of navigation actions during use of the first-person navigation scheme, each pattern being performed more efficiently when using the standard navigation scheme. Upon detecting a pattern using the first-person navigation scheme, the design application may switch to the standard navigation scheme. Also, upon detecting selection of a function tool, the design application may switch to the standard navigation scheme during use of the function tool. When the function tool is closed, the design application may switch back to the first-person navigation scheme.