Object Selection System for Complex Virtual Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
In target-rich environments such as MMOG, grocery stores, and department stores, identifying and selecting specific objects is challenging due to numerous moving objects, overlaps, and complex user interfaces like touchscreens or virtual/augmented reality headsets.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for object identification and selection that involves determining a target finder area based on a user profile, listing objects within this area, and presenting them on the user interface. This includes defining a focus point, calculating focus distances, and determining the nearest object using prominence and focus scores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional touchscreen or virtual reality interface is used in MMOG environment, then the system can display many objects, but the user cannot quickly and accurately identify and select specific objects among many moving targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the target identification task from the complex visual environment by implementing an automatic target selection system. The system automatically identifies and selects targets based on game mechanics, player position, and target priorities, removing the manual searching burden from the user. This is evident in the automated target selection algorithms that calculate distances, angles, and target priorities to determine the best target without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary target selection system that acts as a mediator between the player and the game world. This system processes player intentions, game state information, and target characteristics to automatically determine and highlight the most appropriate target. The intermediary system translates complex game mechanics into simple visual cues that guide player action.
2Loss of information
If the user interface displays all objects in the game environment, then complete information is provided, but the interface complexity and difficulty of locating specific objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the interface provide different types of information. The interface dynamically adjusts what information is displayed based on the player's current focus, target selection state, and game context. Relevant objects receive detailed information display while irrelevant objects are minimized or hidden, creating a non-uniform information presentation that reduces cognitive load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the information display into multiple hierarchical levels: essential target information is prominently displayed, secondary information is available on demand, and tertiary information is hidden unless needed. This segmentation allows the interface to provide complete information when necessary while maintaining simplicity during normal gameplay through progressive disclosure.
3Ease of operation
If manual target selection is required in dense NPC groups, then player control is maintained, but the time and effort required to select targets increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-selecting targets based on game mechanics, player position, and target priorities before the player needs to act. The system continuously monitors the game state and maintains a ready queue of potential targets, so when the player is ready to attack, the most appropriate target is already identified and selected, eliminating the need for manual searching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the target selection system to serve itself by implementing automated target identification and selection algorithms that operate independently of direct player input. The system uses game mechanics, spatial relationships, and target priorities to automatically determine which target should be selected, freeing the player from the manual target selection task while maintaining strategic control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for identifying and selecting an object in a virtual or real environment is disclosed. The method comprises: determining a target finder area, at a computing device, within an area displayed by the user interface based on a user profile; determining a list of one or more objects within the target finder area; and presenting one or more of the determined list of one or more objects on the user interface.