Single Gesture Virtual Camera Navigation for 3D Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation controls in three-dimensional environments, such as those used in computer applications and mobile devices, are complex and difficult to learn, requiring separate gestures for tilting, panning, and zooming, which clutter the screen and deter users, especially those with less dexterous fine motor skills.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that allows users to control a virtual camera in a three-dimensional environment using a single drag gesture, where the gesture increments the tilt angle to a maximum or minimum based on user input, and the remaining gesture is translated into pan interactions, reducing the need for multiple controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate controls are provided for tilting, panning, and zooming, then each navigational action can be precisely controlled, but the user interface becomes complex and difficult to learn
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple navigational controls (tilt, pan, zoom) into a single unified gesture input mechanism. A single drag gesture on the display surface simultaneously controls all three navigational parameters, eliminating the need for separate controls and reducing interface complexity while maintaining precise navigational control through the gesture's direction and magnitude
Solution Approach 2:
The single drag gesture serves multiple functions by simultaneously controlling tilt angle, pan position, and zoom level. The gesture input is a universal control mechanism that performs multiple navigational tasks that would traditionally require separate dedicated controls, thereby simplifying the user interface
2Measurement precision
If multiple controls are provided for navigational actions, then precise control is achieved, but the screen becomes cluttered and immersive experience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple navigational controls are merged into a single gesture input that operates directly on the display surface. This eliminates the need for separate control widgets and buttons, freeing up display area while maintaining precise navigational control through the gesture's direction, distance, and position
3Measurement precision
If separate gestures are required for each navigational action, then each action can be precisely controlled, but users with less dexterous fine motor skills find it intimidating
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal drag gesture performs multiple navigational functions (tilt, pan, zoom) that would traditionally require separate dexterous gestures. This reduces the motor skill requirements by eliminating the need to learn and execute multiple precise gestures, while still achieving precise navigational control through the gesture's inherent directional and magnitude properties
Solution Approach 2:
The single drag gesture is segmented into multiple functional components that are automatically interpreted by the system. The gesture's different aspects (starting position, drag direction, drag distance) are automatically parsed to control different navigational parameters, reducing the cognitive and motor burden on the user
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing tilt and pan navigation within a three-dimensional environment in response to a single gesture are provided. An exemplary computer-implemented method includes receiving, by one or more computing devices, data describing a drag performed by a user. The computer-implemented method includes, in response to the drag, incrementally adjusting, by the one or more computing devices, a tilt angle of a virtual camera until the tilt angle equals one of a maximum tilt angle or a minimum tilt angle, and panning, by the one or more computing devices, the virtual camera with respect to a rendering of a three-dimensional model. An exemplary system includes a client device and a server in operative communication over a network.