Virtual Space Object Mapping via Prominence Values
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation methods for digital content in virtual reality and augmented reality environments, such as grid-based Electronic Program Guides, become cumbersome and inefficient as the volume of content increases, due to limited virtual space and lack of precise control, leading to user frustration.
Innovation Solution
A method of mapping objects to locations in a virtual space based on prominence values, which consider distance from a reference location and physiological characteristics of the user, allowing for dynamic placement and prioritization of content to ensure high-interest items are easily accessible, even in limited virtual space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If grid-based EPG is used to display digital content, then content can be organized systematically, but the amount of information displayable about each item becomes restricted and navigation becomes slow and cumbersome as content volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D grid-based EPG to a 3D virtual space environment where digital content can be positioned in three-dimensional space. This dimensional expansion allows content to be organized spatially rather than仅在平面上, enabling more information to be displayed simultaneously and improving navigation efficiency through spatial relationships and depth perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the virtual space configuration based on user interactions, content priorities, and viewing conditions. Content items can be repositioned, resized, and reorganized in real-time within the 3D space, allowing the display to adapt to changing user needs and content volumes without sacrificing navigation performance.
2Loss of information
If virtual space is used to display digital content, then more information can be displayed, but the limited virtual space causes clutter and user frustration when navigating large volumes of content
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual space is segmented into multiple regions, layers, or zones that can be independently managed. Content items are distributed across these segments based on their importance, category, or user preferences. This segmentation prevents clutter by organizing content into manageable groups while maintaining access to all information through systematic navigation between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the virtual space are assigned different properties or qualities - such as prominence, accessibility, or information density - based on their intended function. High-priority content is placed in regions with optimal visibility and accessibility, while less critical content is positioned in secondary areas, creating a differentiated spatial organization that enhances both information display and navigation ease.
3Device complexity
If traditional EPG navigation methods are translated to virtual environment, then existing navigation logic can be maintained, but precise control becomes difficult to achieve and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or keyboard-based navigation controls with immersive 3D interaction methods. Users can navigate the virtual space using natural movements such as head tracking, hand gestures, or body orientation, which provide precise control while maintaining intuitive operation. This substitution eliminates the limitations of traditional controls in a virtual environment while preserving systematic navigation logic through spatial relationships.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of mapping an object to a location in a virtual space, the method comprising assigning to locations in the virtual space a prominence value representing the prominence of an object at the location when the virtual space is viewed by a user, the prominence value being assigned according to a distance from each location to a reference location in the virtual space and at least one physiological characteristic of a user, determining a purchase value for the locations in the virtual space representing a payment required to place an object at respective locations in the virtual space, the purchase value being determined at least according to the prominence value assigned to a respective location in the virtual space and in response to receiving the payment for a location in the virtual space, mapping the object to that location in the virtual space.