Overlapping Picking Area Selection via Ray Casting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing graphical user interface systems face challenges in efficiently selecting a manipulator among multiple overlapping objects due to issues with precision, ergonomics, and compatibility, particularly when multiple manipulators are displayed on the screen.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented process that involves casting a ray to determine intersections between overlapping picking areas, subscribing manipulators to a manager, and using filters to select the appropriate manipulator, allowing for improved interaction and ergonomics by optimizing screen space and compatibility with various devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If pixel precision solution is used for manipulator selection, then selection precision is improved, but ergonomics and productivity deteriorate due to requirement of precise cursor positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanipulator selection precisionVSAvoidergonomics
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The solution segments the picking area into multiple hierarchical levels: the visible manipulator representation, an extended picking area surrounding it, and an even larger interaction zone. This segmentation allows users to interact with manipulators at different precision levels, improving ergonomics while maintaining selection accuracy through the hierarchical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a spatial dimension to manipulator selection by creating extended picking areas that extend beyond the visible manipulator boundaries. This dimensional extension allows users to select manipulators without precise cursor positioning, transforming the selection process from a precision-critical task to a more ergonomic interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If extended picking area is used for manipulator selection, then ergonomics are improved, but picking reliability deteriorates when multiple manipulators overlap on the screen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveergonomicsVSAvoidpicking reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The picking area is segmented into hierarchical zones (visible manipulator, extended picking area, and interaction zone) that resolve overlaps by establishing a clear selection order. When manipulators overlap, the system segments the selection process into steps, ensuring predictable and reliable picking behavior even in complex overlapping scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining the hierarchical structure of picking areas and establishing selection priorities before user interaction occurs. This preliminary configuration ensures that when overlaps occur, the selection behavior is predetermined and reliable, eliminating ambiguity in manipulator selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If manipulate always and everywhere solution is used, then interaction flexibility is improved, but selection capability deteriorates and screen space is过度 occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction flexibilityVSAvoidselection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The solution segments the interaction space into distinct zones with different functionalities: the visible manipulator representation for precise selection, an extended picking area for ergonomic interaction, and a controlled interaction zone. This segmentation maintains selection capability while providing flexible interaction options within defined boundaries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the interface are assigned different qualities and functions: the visible manipulator area maintains precise selection properties, while the extended picking area provides ergonomic interaction. This local differentiation allows flexible interaction where needed while preserving selection capability in critical areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If visible manipulator representation is made larger to improve ergonomics, then ease of operation is improved, but screen space for displaying objects deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manipulator interactionVSAvoidscreen space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The interaction area is segmented into the visible manipulator representation and an extended invisible picking area. This segmentation allows the visible manipulator to remain compact for screen space efficiency, while the extended picking area provides ergonomic interaction space without occupying additional screen real estate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extended picking area acts as an intermediary between the compact visible manipulator and the user's cursor. This intermediary layer provides ergonomic interaction distances without requiring the visible manipulator to be enlarged, thus preserving screen space while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2523129B1Selection of a manipulator of an object among a plurality of manipulators
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 DASSAULT SYSTEMES SA
  • EP2523129B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2523129B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2523129B1 patent drawingFigure 3~7

AI summary

The invention discloses a computer-implemented process for selecting a manipulator of an object among a plurality of objects displayed in a graphical user interface, each object comprising at least one manipulator. The process comprises the steps of - providing (S100) a set of manipulators, wherein each manipulator comprises at least one picking area and at least two picking areas of different manipulators of the set overlap; - receiving (S150), upon a user interaction with the graphical user interface, an event applied on the said at least two overlapping picking areas; - triggering a set of filters (S 170) for selecting one manipulator of the set to be activated.