Dynamic Volumetric Cursor for 3D Object Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In three-dimensional display environments, selecting a target object is challenging due to increased space and object occlusion, which prolongs cursor movement time and increases difficulty, as existing cursor navigation techniques from 2D applications are not effectively applicable.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a cursor with a volumetric activation zone is dynamically adjusted based on the relationship between the cursor and objects in the 3D environment, ensuring only one object is within the activation zone at a time, by adjusting its size based on distances and positions, thereby improving selection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a cursor with fixed size is used in 3D environment, then the cursor structure is simple, but the time to select target object increases due to increased distance and occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cursor's activation zone size variable rather than fixed. The activation zone dynamically adjusts its volume based on the spatial relationship between the cursor and target objects, expanding when objects are far apart and contracting when objects are close, thereby optimizing selection efficiency across different 3D spatial configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of activation zone volume to resolve the contradiction. By adjusting the volume parameter of the activation zone based on distance metrics and object density, the system maintains simple cursor structure while reducing selection time through adaptive parameter modification
2Ease of operation
If the activation zone size is increased to reduce selection difficulty, then the selection precision decreases due to object occlusion and multiple objects within zone
Solution Approach 1:
The activation zone dynamically adjusts its size based on real-time spatial relationships. When the cursor approaches target objects, the activation zone contracts to maintain precision; when objects are distant or sparsely distributed, the zone expands to reduce selection difficulty, achieving both ease of operation and precision through dynamic adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by making the activation zone properties location-dependent. The zone size and shape are customized according to the local spatial density and distribution of objects in different regions of the 3D environment, optimizing both ease of operation and selection precision for each specific context
3Measurement precision
If a point cursor is used instead of area cursor, then the selection precision is high, but the time to select target increases due to increased difficulty index
Solution Approach 1:
The activation zone transitions from a small point-like cursor to a larger area cursor dynamically based on spatial context. When target objects are distant or few in number, the activation zone expands to reduce the difficulty index and selection time; when objects are close and densely packed, the zone contracts to maintain precision, achieving both speed and accuracy through dynamic adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a cursor displayed on a display device is provided. A three-dimensional environment is displayed on a display device. A cursor and a plurality of objects are displayed on the display device within the three-dimensional environment. The cursor comprises a zone defining a volume to identify at least one object that is at least partially located within the volume. The size of the volumetric activation zone is dynamically adjusted so that a predetermined constraint is satisfied. The predetermined constraint is a function of at least a relationship between the volumetric activation zone of the cursor and at least one of the plurality of objects.