Multiscale 3D Navigation GUI with Object Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computer graphics approaches are limited in effectively understanding and interacting with complex multiscale three-dimensional environments, requiring improved techniques for navigation and visualization.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method generates a navigation graphical user interface (GUI) for navigating a 3D environment by receiving a current position, rendering visible portions, identifying non-visible 3D objects, and displaying object indicators to represent their orientation relative to the current position, allowing users to interact with complex 3D environments at various scales.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional computer graphics approaches are used for modeling and understanding design spaces, then the system is well understood and easier to implement, but the system becomes limited in effectively understanding and interacting with complex multiscale three-dimensional environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex 3D environment into multiple visible and non-visible portions, allowing the system to handle each segment separately. This enables effective interaction with multiscale environments by breaking down the overwhelming complexity into manageable chunks that can be processed and visualized independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces object indicators as intermediary elements that mediate between the user and non-visible 3D objects. These indicators provide visual cues about the orientation and position of objects outside the current field of view, enabling users to understand and navigate complex environments without directly observing all elements.
2Loss of information
If the visible portion of the 3D environment is rendered from the current position, then the immediate view is clear and immersive, but objects in non-visible portions cannot be directly observed or interacted with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where object indicators continuously provide information about non-visible objects based on the current camera position and orientation. As the user navigates, the indicators update to reflect changing visibility, giving continuous feedback about the spatial relationship between the user and objects outside the current view.
Solution Approach 2:
Object indicators serve as intermediary representations that convey information about non-visible objects without requiring direct line of sight. These indicators bridge the gap between the user's current view and the broader 3D environment, enabling interaction with objects that are currently outside the visible portion.
3Ease of operation
If object indicators are displayed to show orientation of non-visible objects, then navigation capability is improved, but the visible portion of the display is occupied by additional graphical elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing object indicators strategically within the visible portion of the display, optimizing their position to provide maximum navigational information while minimizing obstruction of the 3D environment. The indicators are positioned to leverage available screen real estate without compromising the immersive experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system displays object indicators selectively rather than for all objects, showing only those that are relevant to the current navigation context. This partial action approach provides sufficient navigational information without overwhelming the display with excessive graphical elements that would block the view of the 3D environment.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiscale data engine is configured to generate a three-dimensional (3D) environment based on a multiscale 3D dataset. The multiscale data engine is also configured to generate a spatial hierarchy within the 3D environment by selectively grouping 3D objects within the 3D environment. The multiscale data engine is further configured to identify specific 3D objects within the 3D environment in response to input received from an end-user and based on spatial properties associated with the 3D objects. The multiscale data engine is also configured to generate various navigation graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that allow the end-user to navigate the 3D environment.