Scenegraph Parameter Control via External Interface Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current scenegraph technologies lack an easy means for defining and controlling application user interface controls and parameters during rendering, limiting user interaction and accessibility, especially in 3D Graphics domains where animation and interaction triggers must be fully described within the scenegraph.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves redefining elements within a scenegraph to enable user control, providing a method for accessing and controlling selected information through a graphical user interface, using feature identifiers, profiles, and constraints like value ranges and increments, allowing user-friendly management of scenegraph parameters without modifying the original scenegraph description.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If user controls are embedded in the scenegraph description, then the scenegraph can be controlled during rendering, but the complexity of the scenegraph structure increases and user interaction becomes difficult to implement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser control accessibilityVSAvoidscenegraph structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the scenegraph control system into two distinct parts: the original scenegraph data structure and a separate control interface layer. The control interface is implemented as an external application interface that communicates with the rendering engine through defined protocols, rather than embedding controls within the scenegraph nodes themselves. This separation allows users to interact with scenegraph parameters through a simplified interface while the underlying scenegraph structure remains unchanged and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary control interface layer that mediates between the user and the scenegraph rendering system. This interface acts as a broker, translating user interactions into appropriate scenegraph parameter modifications without requiring direct manipulation of the complex scenegraph structure. The intermediary handles control logic, event routing, and parameter validation, shielding users from the underlying complexity while enabling comprehensive control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If animation and interaction triggers are fully described within the scenegraph, then the scenegraph can operate correctly, but the ease of adding user interface controls is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanimation operation correctnessVSAvoiduser interface control implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining interaction triggers and animation protocols within the scenegraph structure during the authoring phase. Sensors, actuators, and interaction nodes are configured in advance with their event handlers and animation sequences. This preliminary setup ensures that the scenegraph operates reliably when rendered, while the control interface can subsequently interact with these pre-configured elements without requiring modifications to the core scenegraph description or animation logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If controls are limited to embedded scenegraph descriptions, then the scenegraph rendering is simple, but user interaction capabilities are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverendering system simplicityVSAvoiduser interaction capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal control interface that can interact with multiple types of scenegraph elements (nodes, sensors, actuators, animation sequences) through a unified protocol. The external application interface is designed to be multi-functional, supporting various interaction modes including parameter modification, trigger activation, sensor querying, and animation control. This universal interface extends user interaction capabilities beyond the limitations of embedded controls while maintaining the simplicity of the core rendering engine through standardized communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11734881B2Method and system for accessibility and control of parameters in scenegraphs

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 GRASS VALLEY CANADA

AI summary

A method and system for providing access to and control of parameters within a scenegraph includes redefining components or nodes' semantic within a scenegraph. The set of components or nodes (depending on the scenegraph structure) are required to enable access from the Application User Interface to selected scenegraph information. In one embodiment, a user interface is generated for controlling the scenegraph parameters. In addition, constraints can be implemented that allow or disallow access to certain scenegraph parameters and restrict their range of values.