Navigation Assistance in 3D Virtual Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D virtual environments often fail to provide a holistic user experience due to missed details and limited interactions, particularly in cutscenes that interrupt gameplay or communication.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that captures user feeds, removes backgrounds, merges users with virtual characters, and provides dynamic navigation paths with interactive cinematic experiences, ensuring users explore all details through predefined paths and virtual character interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If cutscenes are used to provide predefined sequences in 3D virtual environments, then user experience is enhanced through cinematic presentations, but user interactions are limited or prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between autonomous navigation mode (for cinematic presentation) and user-controlled interaction mode (for user engagement). The virtual character operates autonomously along predefined paths during cutscenes, then responds to user inputs for interactions, creating a dynamic system that adapts its control mode based on the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation path is segmented into multiple discrete path points that define specific locations for interactions. This segmentation allows the system to provide structured cinematic guidance while creating designated zones where user interactions can occur without disrupting the overall narrative flow.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users navigate freely in 3D virtual environments, then user interactions are enhanced, but users may miss important scene details
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to users about their navigation progress by indicating remaining path points and providing audio cues about upcoming interactions. This feedback mechanism guides users through important scene details while allowing them to navigate at their own pace and engage in interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-defines navigation paths and identifies key path points where interactions should occur before the user begins navigation. This preliminary structuring ensures that important scene details are built into the navigation flow, while still allowing users to explore and interact freely along the way.
3Loss of information
If navigation paths are predefined to guide users through 3D virtual environments, then scene details are ensured to be viewed, but navigation flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The predefined navigation path serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a cinematic guide to ensure all scene details are viewed, provides a structured framework for placing interactions, and remains flexible enough to allow users to deviate and explore. The path is not a rigid constraint but a multi-functional guide that adapts to user needs.
4Loss of information
If virtual characters are used to represent users in 3D environments, then user presence is enhanced, but background complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes the background from user video feeds, isolating only the essential user elements needed for virtual representation. This extraction process eliminates unnecessary background complexity while preserving the user's presence in the virtual environment, reducing processing requirements for background handling.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for providing navigation assistance in a three-dimensional (3D) virtual environment includes a plurality of virtual characters corresponding to a plurality of users, wherein the plurality of virtual characters communicates with each other in the 3D virtual environment and a plurality of virtual cameras corresponding to the plurality of virtual characters. Further, the given virtual camera being movable according to a movement of the corresponding virtual character. Further, providing at least one predefined navigation path in the 3D virtual environment for directing the plurality of virtual characters to move towards at least one virtual area in the 3D virtual environment. Furthermore, providing an indication of scene details in the at least one virtual area. Moreover, capturing a plurality of video streams using the plurality of virtual cameras and sending the plurality of video streams to the plurality of user devices for display thereat.