Virtual Workspace Object Layering and Automated Fit Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computer systems lack an efficient and seamless method for managing and organizing virtual objects across multiple layers, limiting user interaction and automation in grouping and ungrouping processes.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a hierarchical structure using layers to categorize objects, allowing for automated management and mobility by resizing containers, drag-and-drop operations, and utilizing hit and fit testing for precise object manipulation, along with animation and gravitational pull for grouping, to facilitate efficient organization and reorganization of objects on a digital canvas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional grouping commands are used to manage objects, then objects can be grouped and ungrouped, but the process requires multiple user inputs and manual operations which reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject management efficiencyVSAvoiduser input requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes a hierarchical layer structure and automatically assigns objects to appropriate layers based on their properties and relationships. This preliminary organization eliminates the need for users to manually group and ungroup objects repeatedly, as the system proactively manages object relationships through automated layer assignment and fit testing algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service object management through automated layer assignment, fit testing, and gravitational pull mechanisms. Objects automatically find their proper hierarchical position based on their characteristics, and the system autonomously manages grouping relationships without requiring continuous user intervention, thereby improving productivity while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual grouping and ungrouping operations are performed, then objects can be reorganized, but the process is time-consuming and reduces system performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject reorganization speedVSAvoidtime for grouping operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical dragging and dropping operations with automated gravitational pull mechanisms and fit testing algorithms. Objects are automatically attracted to their proper hierarchical positions based on their properties, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual repositioning while maintaining flexible reorganization capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If objects are managed without a hierarchical structure, then simple operations are possible, but efficient categorization and organization across multiple layers cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehierarchical organization capabilityVSAvoidlayer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the virtual workspace into a hierarchical layer structure where objects are organized into multiple levels of containers and groups. Each layer represents a distinct organizational level, allowing complex categorization while maintaining manageable complexity through clear segmentation. Objects can belong to multiple layers simultaneously, providing versatile organization without overwhelming structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system adds a hierarchical dimension to object organization by implementing multi-layer containment structures. Instead of flat two-dimensional positioning, objects are organized across multiple hierarchical levels (containers within containers), enabling efficient categorization and filtering while maintaining adaptability through the additional organizational dimension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11262897B2Method and apparatus for managing and organizing objects in a virtual repository

Publication Date: 2022.03.01 NUREVA INC

AI summary

A method and system for managing and organizing objects in a virtual workspace is disclosed. The method and system display a plurality of objects and containers on the virtual workspace. The objects and containers are assigned to corresponding layers. The method and system receive user input for changing the corresponding layer of one or more of the objects and containers, recursively fit test each of the layers for an overlap between the one or more of the objects and containers and each container assigned to each layer based on the user input, incorporate the one or more objects and containers into a target container assigned to a target layer when the overlap exceeds a predetermined threshold, and assigns the one or more of the objects and containers to a background layer when the overlap fails to exceed the predetermined threshold in the fit testing.