Dynamic Workplane for 3D Depth Perception in 2D Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of 3D rendering applications face challenges in intuitively determining the depth for actions in three-dimensional environments when using two-dimensional touch and mouse interfaces, as these interfaces are not inherently intuitive for depth-based interactions in 3D spaces.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic workplane is introduced in a 3D rendering environment, accessible through a 2D user interface, which is oriented and positioned based on the view perspective, selected rendering tool, and interaction location, allowing users to interact more intuitively with the 3D environment by providing a visual reference plane that adapts to changes in perspective and tool selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static reference plane is used in the 3D environment, then the user can determine object placement with a fixed reference, but the interface remains non-intuitive for depth-based interactions in 3D spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static reference plane into a dynamic workplane that automatically adjusts its position, orientation, and visibility based on user interactions, tool selections, and view perspectives. This dynamic adaptation allows the reference plane to remain stable as a reference while simultaneously providing intuitive depth cues that change with the user's actions, resolving the contradiction between reference stability and depth perception intuitiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The workplane's parameters (position, orientation, transparency, size) are dynamically changed based on multiple factors including view perspective angles, selected rendering tools, and interaction locations. These parameter changes enable the reference plane to adapt to different operational contexts, providing consistent reference stability while improving depth perception intuitiveness across various interaction scenarios
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rendering tools are supported in the 3D environment, then the functionality is enhanced, but the complexity of determining appropriate depth and orientation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic workplane serves as a universal reference system that adapts to multiple different rendering tools and operations. Rather than requiring separate reference systems for each tool, the single workplane automatically configures itself based on the selected tool type, providing appropriate depth and orientation references for sculpting, placement, and other rendering operations, thereby reducing interface complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the workplane continuously monitors the selected rendering tool and view perspective, then automatically adjusts its configuration accordingly. This feedback loop simplifies the interface by eliminating the need for users to manually configure reference planes for different tools, as the system automatically provides the appropriate reference configuration for each tool type
3Ease of operation
If a two-dimensional user interface is used for 3D environment interaction, then the interface is simple and accessible, but it is not inherently intuitive for depth-based interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the dimensionality problem by having the workplane dynamically adjust its three-dimensional position and orientation to provide appropriate depth references for two-dimensional interface interactions. The workplane acts as a bridge between the 2D interface and 3D environment, visually indicating depth relationships and spatial context that would otherwise be lost in flat interface interactions
Data Source
AI summary
Rendering of a dynamic workplane in a 3D rendering environment accessed through a two dimensional user interface is provided. The dynamic workplane is associated to a rendering tool in a rendering application for the 3D environment. The dynamic workplane orientation and position are dependent on the view perspective, the rendering tool selected and an interaction location in the 3D environment. The location and orientation of the dynamic workplane can change with each interaction by the user, each tool selected, and with changes in perspective relative to the 3D environment.