Nested Virtual Environment Navigation Across Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in navigating complex virtual environments in games due to limitations in in-game maps and video replays, which reduce interactivity and immersion, and restrict effective information retrieval and interaction.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow users to navigate virtual environments across multiple devices by executing separate instances of a game, where one instance is synchronized with the current state of the other, enabling controlled information sharing and interactive navigation without occupying primary device screen space, allowing for more immersive and intuitive gameplay assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If in-game maps are displayed at large scale to show the entire virtual environment, then the map can display the full scope of the environment, but users cannot obtain relevant detailed information and must pause the game to view the map
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested view system where a first view shows the entire virtual environment at a first scale, and a second view displays a portion of the environment at a second scale (enlarged) when selected. This nested arrangement allows users to see both the big picture and detailed information simultaneously without pausing the game, resolving the contradiction between displaying the full environment and obtaining relevant detailed information.
2Area of stationary object
If in-game maps take up most of the display space to show the entire environment, then the full environment can be visualized, but the interactivity and immersiveness of the game is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display into multiple simultaneous views - a first view showing the entire virtual environment and a second view showing an enlarged portion of it. This segmentation allows the map to occupy only a portion of the display space rather than taking up most of it, maintaining game interactivity and immersiveness while still providing comprehensive environmental visualization.
3Loss of information
If video replays are used to show gameplay strategies, then users can observe other users' strategies, but the viewpoint or speed may not suit the particular user and interaction is restricted to text and audio chat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to independently navigate and explore the virtual environment at their own pace and from their own viewpoint using the enlarged second view. Instead of passively watching pre-recorded replays with fixed viewpoints and speeds, users can actively control the navigation to observe strategies in a way that suits their preferences, while also enabling richer interactions through shared navigation control.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method for user navigation of virtual environments across a plurality of devices. The method includes: executing a first instance of a game at a first device, wherein the game comprises a virtual environment comprising one or more interactive elements; receiving data relating to a current state of the first instance; and executing a second instance of the game at least in part based on the received data relating to the current state of the first instance, where at least one of the one or more interactive elements is omitted in a virtual environment of the second instance, and where a user of a second device is able to control navigation of the virtual environment of the second instance