Invisible Virtual Widgets for Intuitive 3D UI Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D user interfaces lack intuitiveness and efficiency due to reliance on static UI elements borrowed from 2D environments, making interactions cumbersome and less intuitive in complex 3D spaces.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus and method utilizing advanced light source control and sophisticated tracking mechanisms to project a virtual user interface in 3D space, allowing interaction with invisible interface elements through proximity detection and real-time manipulation based on tracking data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If static UI elements from 2D interfaces are used in 3D spaces, then the interface structure is simple to implement, but the interaction becomes complex and less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making UI elements dynamically visible only when users approach them in 3D space, rather than statically displaying all elements. This dynamic visibility adjustment simplifies the visual environment while maintaining intuitive interaction, as elements appear naturally when needed based on user proximity detected through tracking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different UI elements to have different visibility states based on user proximity to specific regions. Each UI element can be independently controlled to appear or disappear based on whether the user is near its interaction zone, creating localized interaction opportunities that maintain simplicity while enhancing intuitiveness.
2Loss of information
If all UI elements are continuously visible in 3D space, then users have full access to interface information, but visual clutter increases and user focus is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by selectively removing (hiding) UI elements from the visual field when users are not near their interaction zones. This extraction of unnecessary visual information reduces clutter and helps users focus on relevant elements, while ensuring information remains accessible when users approach the corresponding interaction areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic visibility control where UI elements are continuously adjusted based on real-time user position data. Elements are extracted from view when not needed and reintroduced when users approach, creating a dynamic information display that minimizes clutter while maintaining full accessibility of interface information on demand.
3Measurement precision
If invisible virtual widgets are used for interaction, then interaction accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases due to tracking and proximity detection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a multi-functional system where the tracking mechanism serves multiple purposes: it detects user position for proximity-based visibility control, identifies which UI elements should be displayed, determines interaction intent, and provides spatial context for natural interactions. This consolidation of functions reduces the need for separate specialized components, managing system complexity while achieving high interaction accuracy.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a display apparatus (100) and a method (1600) for digital manipulation of a virtual user interface (200) in virtual environments. The display apparatus includes a light source (110), tracking means (120), and a processor (130) configured to control the light source to project the virtual user interface, and process tracking data from the tracking means to detect the proximity of an interaction element (310) to an invisible segment of a virtual widget (210) within the virtual user interface. Upon proximity detection, the light source is activated to display the virtual widget. The processor then determines if the segment has been activated and subsequently processes any positional changes of the interaction element to adjust the virtual user interface accordingly. This adjustment is performed in accordance with predefined visual effects (600, 800) that correspond to the activated segment, enabling intuitive and dynamic user interaction.