Virtual Document Space Layout for Multi-User Search Discussions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing document search systems, such as those described in Japanese Patent No. 7167997, are inadequate for facilitating discussions among multiple users, as they do not effectively allow for the viewing of technical documents in a manner that enhances user convenience during collaborative discussions.
Innovation Solution
A space provision system and method that arranges data file objects and user objects in a virtual space based on the positions of users and the evaluation value of search information, determining the manner of displaying data files to improve understanding and convenience during discussions among multiple users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional document search system is used for single-user retrieval, then search functionality is provided, but it cannot support collaborative viewing and discussion among multiple users effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional document display to a three-dimensional virtual space where multiple users can interact with documents and each other. Documents are rendered as 3D objects that can be positioned, rotated, and scaled in virtual space, enabling natural collaborative interactions such as pointing at specific portions of documents, sharing views, and discussing content in context.
2Loss of information
If multiple data files are displayed in a traditional interface, then search results are presented, but it becomes difficult to understand and compare multiple documents simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes three-dimensional space to display multiple document objects simultaneously, allowing users to position documents at different locations, orientations, and scales. This enables comprehensive viewing of multiple documents without the clutter and confusion of traditional flat interfaces, as users can spatially organize documents according to their relationships and importance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements selective rendering where only documents within the user's field of view or currently selected documents are rendered in high detail, while other documents are displayed at lower resolutions or as thumbnails. This optimizes rendering performance and reduces computational complexity while maintaining document comprehension for actively viewed content.
3Ease of operation
If search results are displayed without considering user positions, then all users receive the same results, but users at different positions cannot easily share and discuss specific documents
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors user positions, orientations, and interactions in the virtual space, and dynamically adjusts document rendering and positioning based on this feedback. When users focus on or interact with specific documents, the system responds by enhancing the visibility and detail of those documents while adjusting the views of other users to maintain contextual awareness of the discussion.
Data Source
AI summary
A service provision system includes a plurality of user apparatuses used by a plurality of users, and a server. The server is configured to arrange a plurality of data file objects corresponding to a plurality of data files in a virtual space, arrange a plurality of user objects respectively corresponding to the plurality of users, obtain search information for searching for a specific data file from the plurality of data files, determine a reference position based on positions of the plurality of user objects, and based on the determined reference position and an evaluation value for search information in each of the plurality of data files, determine a manner of displaying the plurality of data file objects to be arranged.