Multiscale 3D Reference Grid for Spatial Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D authoring applications face challenges in providing continuous orientation, position, and scale reference imagery, especially in ambiguous 3D scenes, as users struggle to determine spatial relationships and depth cues due to limitations in reference grids during creation and manipulation of 3D models.
Innovation Solution
A multiscale three-dimensional reference grid is generated, with grid lines spacing and opacity adjusted dynamically based on the camera's view, allowing for continuous orientation, position, and scale reference imagery, using a method that computes the scale of the grid based on the closest point visible to the camera and fading grid lines to provide depth cues in both perspective and parallel projections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed-sized grid is used in perspective viewing projection, then the end user can sense the orientation of the workspace and see the number of grid divisions between objects, but objects in the scene often fall outside of the fixed-sized grid or completely encompass the grid, removing any relative position cues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the reference grid scalable and adaptable to different viewing conditions. The grid dynamically adjusts its scale and visibility based on camera position, object size, and scene context, transitioning between visible and invisible states as needed. This allows the grid to provide measurement precision when objects are appropriately sized while remaining adaptable when objects fall outside the grid boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters of the reference grid including its scale factor, line thickness, opacity, and visibility state based on scene conditions. When objects are small and fall between grid lines, the grid scale is adjusted or the grid becomes invisible. When objects align with grid divisions, the grid remains visible to provide measurement cues. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between providing precise relative position measurement and adapting to various object scales.
2Stability of the object's composition
If depth cues are explicitly removed to provide consistency in scale for objects in the scene, then scale consistency is achieved, but the end user has difficulty determining whether the viewpoint is above or below the grid and how objects in the scene relate to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively applying depth cues to different parts of the scene based on their spatial relationship to the reference grid. Objects that align with grid divisions receive enhanced depth cueing to emphasize their positional relationship to the grid, while maintaining overall scale consistency. This localized enhancement of depth information allows users to determine viewpoint orientation and object relationships without compromising global scale consistency.
3Ease of operation
If conventional reference grids are used in 3D authoring applications, then users can judge distances between objects and understand orientation, but users often have to construct a mental model of the scene by viewing from different viewpoints and frequently changing camera position, working primarily from memory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intelligent intermediary system that mediates between the 3D scene and the user's perception. This intermediary automatically analyzes the scene, determines appropriate grid visibility and scaling, and presents optimized reference information to the user. This eliminates the need for users to manually change viewpoints and construct mental models, as the system continuously provides appropriate spatial reference cues based on the current camera position and scene content, significantly reducing the time spent on mental modeling.
4Loss of information
If the reference grid is made visible to provide spatial reference, then orientation and position information is provided, but the grid may become distracting and remove depth cues needed for understanding 3D space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the reference grid dynamic in its visibility state, transitioning between visible and invisible based on scene conditions. The grid becomes invisible when it would be distracting or when objects fall outside grid boundaries, and becomes visible when it provides useful spatial reference. This dynamic visibility control eliminates the harmful effects of permanent grid display while maintaining the benefits when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the opacity and visibility parameters of the reference grid based on scene context. When the grid provides useful spatial reference, its opacity is increased; when it becomes distracting or when small objects fall between grid lines, the opacity is decreased or the grid is hidden. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between providing spatial reference information and avoiding visual distraction.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for providing a multiscale three-dimensional reference grid that is displayed in design software application programs. The reference grid appears infinite in space and scale. Depth cues are provided that are independent of the viewing projection to allow an end user to sense the orientation of the workspace and how objects in workspace relate to each other in terms of position and scale. Divisions of the grid represent real-world units that are determined dynamically, enabling smooth transitions as divisions are added and removed. The reference grid provides an end user with reference imagery for camera-operation visualization and scene content understanding.