Object Browser Proximity Sorting for 3D Scene Legibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D and 2D computer scene management systems face challenges in legibility due to object density and the disconnect between 3D scenes and their abstracted 2D representations, leading to difficulties in finding and managing objects within large lists.
Innovation Solution
A faceted classification scheme that dynamically filters and sorts objects based on their proximity to a camera position, providing a spatial connection between the 3D/2D scene and object listings, using facets as mutually exclusive properties to organize objects in a flat list and update the list in real-time as the camera moves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a textual 2D list is used to represent 3D objects, then the occlusion and distance problems of 3D are eliminated, but the density problem makes it hard to find objects in large lists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the visual presentation of objects in the list based on their spatial properties. Objects are highlighted, colored, or positioned differently in the list according to their proximity to the camera viewpoint, making nearby objects more visually prominent and easier to detect among many objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension (proximity to camera) into the 2D list representation. By mapping the third spatial dimension (depth/distance from camera) onto visual properties in the 2D list, the system enables users to quickly locate objects based on their position in 3D space without needing to search through dense object lists.
2Ease of operation
If a hierarchical tree structure is used to group objects, then legibility is improved up to a point, but strict classification requires each object to exist in only a single location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by allowing objects to have multiple parent categories or groupings simultaneously. An object can belong to multiple hierarchical groups or be referenced from multiple locations in the tree structure, enabling flexible classification that adapts to complex relationships without requiring strict single-location constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces container objects or virtual groups that can hold references to objects without requiring the objects to be physically moved or copied. These intermediary structures enable an object to appear in multiple hierarchical locations through references or pointers, maintaining legibility while providing classification flexibility.
3Device complexity
If a 2D abstracted view is used, then object listing is simplified, but the connection to the 3D scene becomes disconnected and disjointed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously updating the 2D object list based on the current camera viewpoint and position in the 3D scene. As the camera moves, the list dynamically reorganizes to reflect changing spatial relationships, maintaining a live connection between the abstracted 2D view and the 3D scene without increasing view complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the object list representation adaptive and responsive to changes in the 3D scene. The list automatically reorganizes, re-sorts, or re-highlights objects based on real-time camera position and orientation, maintaining spatial context connection while keeping the 2D view simple and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and article of manufacture provide the ability to interface with objects. A computer-implemented scene having two or more objects is displayed and a corresponding list of the two or more objects is displayed in independent categories called facets and in an ungrouped flat list. A user identifies a viewpoint within the scene that establishes a location and an orientation within a space of the scene from which to view the scene objects. Dynamically and independently from additional user actions, a proximity of each of the two or more objects from the viewpoint is determined. The ungrouped list of the two or more objects is sorted based on the proximities and displayed.