Dynamic Block Interaction for Digital Object Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital object construction methods lack flexibility, as blocks maintain their shape and size regardless of placement, limiting the creation of varied and interesting geometries, and do not effectively simulate the interactions of different materials.
Innovation Solution
The system allows block objects to interact based on their virtual material composition, enabling the creation of combined visual representations that change shape and size depending on adjacent blocks, with defined interaction characteristics for visual, geometric, and physics representations, allowing for the formation of complex digital objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If blocks maintain fixed shape and size regardless of placement, then the system is simple to use, but the ability to create varied and interesting geometries is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The block objects transition from static, fixed-geometry primitives to dynamic objects whose visual representation adapts based on contextual factors such as material type, orientation, and adjacency relationships. The system dynamically generates combined visual representations that reflect real-world material behaviors, allowing blocks to appear as unified structures when materials are compatible and as separate blocks when materials are incompatible.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes visual representation parameters based on block material properties and spatial relationships. Different material types (metal, sand, wood, etc.) have associated visual characteristics that modify how blocks appear when adjacent to one another, enabling the creation of varied geometries and realistic material interactions while maintaining simple block-based construction.
2Ease of manufacture
If blocks are simply attached together, then the construction process is straightforward, but the system lacks flexibility and realism in simulating material interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different visual representation rules to different material types and their interfaces. Each block object has material-specific properties that determine how it interacts visually with adjacent blocks of the same or different materials, creating localized quality variations that simulate real-world material behaviors such as adhesion, separation, and fusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates composite visual representations by combining adjacent block objects based on their material properties. When blocks of compatible materials are placed together, the system generates a unified visual representation that resembles a single composite object, while blocks of incompatible materials maintain separate representations, simulating realistic material interactions.
3Ease of operation
If blocks maintain their initial shape regardless of adjacent blocks, then the system is easy to use, but realistic visual representation and physics behavior cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The visual representation of block objects is dynamically adjusted based on the material properties of adjacent blocks and their spatial relationships. The system generates context-dependent visual representations that maintain simplicity for the user while achieving high visual accuracy and realism in the rendered output.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for building digital objects using component modular objects, such as block objects. The block objects have properties defining their appearance and interaction characteristics. When two or more block objects are placed together to form an object, their interaction characteristics define how they behave and so how the computer system will handle the representation of the block objects and the new object.