Single Touch Point Navigation for 3D Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hand-held computing devices require separate inputs to change the position and angle of view within virtual or real environments, which is inconvenient for navigation, especially on small screens like smartphones.
Innovation Solution
A computing device with a touchscreen display and logic that allows single-touch gestures to control both the position and angle of view, using a single symbol or area on the screen to interpret contact gestures and automatically adjust the viewpoint based on the environment, simulating real-life movements like head bobbing and changes in elevation when approaching features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate inputs are used to control position and angle of view, then navigation precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate controls for position and angle of view into a single touch interface. A single touch point on the display simultaneously controls both the position and viewing angle, eliminating the need for separate joysticks or buttons. This merging of functions maintains navigation precision while significantly improving ease of operation on hand-held devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The single touch point serves multiple functions: it controls both position and angle of view, and can also trigger different navigation actions based on the touch location and duration. This multi-functional design reduces the number of controls needed while maintaining comprehensive navigation capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple controls are provided for position and angle, then navigation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple navigation controls into a single touch interface element. Instead of requiring separate joysticks or button combinations for position and angle control, a single touch point on the display handles both functions, reducing device complexity while maintaining precision through software-based control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical control systems (separate physical joysticks or buttons) with a software-based touch interface. The touch screen detects finger position and uses algorithmic processing to translate single-touch gestures into precise position and angle adjustments, eliminating complex mechanical components.
3Ease of operation
If a single touch control is used, then ease of operation is improved, but navigation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical touch controls with an intelligent software system that processes touch input. The system uses algorithms to interpret the touch point's position, duration, and movement patterns, translating single-touch gestures into precise navigation commands that maintain high accuracy despite the simplicity of the input method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the touch control system by considering multiple variables from a single touch input: the exact touch coordinates, contact duration, pressure (if available), and gesture patterns. By analyzing multiple parameters from a single touch event, the system achieves precise navigation control while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Touchscreen-enabled devices are provided to display images of either real or virtual environments, the devices having at least one user interface including a graphical overlay laid over the images for navigating the environments. The device can interpret gestures made by a single finger of the user on the touchscreen as commands to achieve intended maneuvers such as translations of the point of view and rotations of the point of view within the displayed environment. This allows for one-finger navigation of the environment. The elevational angle of the viewpoint may be tilted above or below horizontal as the viewpoint approaches topographical features within the displayed environment, and may return to horizontal after transitioning to a level surface.