Virtual Tour UI with 3D, 2D Map, and 1D Text Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current user interfaces for virtual real estate tours are inefficient, lacking comprehensive visual information and navigation tools, which hinder potential buyers' ability to effectively explore properties.
Innovation Solution
A web-based system that facilitates three-dimensional (3D) image-based rendering virtual tours with a unique user interface providing multiple viewpoints and navigation tools, including a 2D map overlay and 1D text overlay, allowing users to select and explore real properties in detail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional photo galleries are used for virtual tours, then the system is simple to implement, but the user experience is poor and navigation is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D photo galleries to a 3D virtual tour environment with multi-dimensional navigation. Users can view properties from multiple angles and dimensions simultaneously through 3D spatial representation, while 2D map overlays provide additional contextual navigation information, resolving the contradiction between simple implementation and poor user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is segmented into multiple functional layers: 3D virtual tour views, 2D map overlays, information panels, and navigation controls. Each layer serves specific functions and can be independently controlled, allowing complex functionality to be managed through modular components rather than a monolithic system.
2Loss of information
If linear photo navigation is used, then the interface is simple, but comprehensive visual information about property locations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple information representations into a unified interface: 3D spatial views combine with 2D map overlays, photographic data integrates with location metadata, and navigation controls merge with information displays. This combination preserves comprehensive property location information while maintaining interface coherence through integrated design.
3Loss of information
If multiple overlay layers are added to provide comprehensive information, then information completeness improves, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface employs dynamic layer management where 2D map overlays, information panels, and 3D views can be independently adjusted, hidden, or prioritized based on user needs. The system dynamically responds to user interactions by showing or hiding specific layers, allowing comprehensive information availability while maintaining operational simplicity through on-demand display of complex features.
Data Source
AI summary
Under an embodiment of the invention, a computer system includes a user interface (UI) for virtual tours of modeled real estate. The UI includes three ways to navigate the modeled real estate. The first navigation element is a 3D UI element that provides a 3D view of the property and enables the user to freely navigate in the XY plane of the virtual model. The second navigation element is a 2D map of the real property overlaid on a portion of the 3D UI element. The 2D map overlay enables navigation in the XY plane of the virtual model. The third navigation element is a 1D text element of the real property overlaid on a portion of the 3D UI element. The 1D text overlay enables navigation along the Z axis or the XY plane of the virtual model.