Virtual Camera Navigation via Mobile Sensor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual model navigation methods in three-dimensional computer graphics lack immersive and natural interaction, particularly on mobile devices, as they rely on traditional input methods like mice and keyboards, which do not effectively utilize sensor data for intuitive navigation within virtual scenes aligned with the physical world.
Innovation Solution
The use of mobile computing devices equipped with sensors like accelerometers, gyroscopes, and location sensors to detect natural movements such as rotations and translations, allowing users to navigate virtual models by simulating real-world actions, such as walking or looking around, thereby enhancing immersion by aligning virtual camera movements with physical device movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional input methods like mice and keyboards are used for virtual model navigation, then device complexity is reduced, but immersion and natural interaction are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical input devices (mice and keyboards) with sensor-based detection systems. Accelerometers, gyroscopes, and other sensors detect physical movements of the device, translating mechanical motion in the physical world into navigation commands in the virtual scene, thereby achieving more natural and immersive interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensor data as an intermediary between the user's physical movements and the virtual camera navigation. Sensors capture physical device movements, and processing circuitry translates these into corresponding virtual camera position and orientation changes, creating a natural mapping between physical and virtual spaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensor data is utilized for navigation, then immersion and alignment between virtual and physical environments are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the processing circuitry perform multiple functions: detecting device movements through sensor data, determining changes in position and orientation, updating virtual camera parameters, and coordinating with display updates. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines sensor data processing, virtual camera control, and scene rendering coordination into an integrated system. The processing circuitry merges multiple operations (movement detection, parameter calculation, camera updates) into a unified navigation control mechanism that aligns virtual and physical environments.
3Ease of operation
If virtual camera movements are aligned with physical device movements, then sense of presence is improved, but processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selectively processes sensor data based on detected movement thresholds and navigation context. Not all sensor readings trigger full processing cycles; instead, the system processes data partially or fully based on whether significant movements occur, optimizing energy usage while maintaining immersion during active navigation.
Data Source
AI summary
Virtual model navigation methods and apparatus are described. According to one aspect, a virtual model navigation method includes using a display screen of a user device, displaying a plurality of views of a virtual model in a plurality of frames, wherein the displaying comprises displaying one of the views in one of the frames with the virtual camera positioned at a first view point within a virtual scene of the virtual model, after the displaying the one of the views, detecting movement of the user device from a first location in the physical world at the first moment in time to a second location in the physical world at a second moment in time, and wherein the displaying comprises displaying another of the views in another of the frames with the virtual camera positioned at a second view point within the virtual scene as a result of the detection of the movement of the user device.