Spatial Virtual Communication Zone Navigation System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication technologies lack effective systems for navigating and interacting in spatial virtual communication environments, which limits the immersive and interactive experience for users in virtual spaces.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow users to navigate and interact within spatial virtual communication environments by displaying a spatial layout of zones, using navigation controls to establish presence and manage interactions, and graphical representations of communicants, enabling intuitive point-and-click navigation and interaction in a hierarchical spatial model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional telephony and instant messaging systems are used, then basic communication functionality is provided, but the immersive and interactive experience in virtual spaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional communication interfaces to a three-dimensional spatial virtual environment. Users navigate through virtual spaces using avatar representations, with navigation controls that enable movement between different virtual locations. This dimensional transformation provides immersive experience while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive spatial navigation and point-and-click interaction mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces navigation controls and interaction controls as intermediary elements between the user and the virtual environment. These controls mediate the interaction by translating user inputs into appropriate avatar movements and actions within the virtual space, making the complex virtual environment accessible and easy to navigate while enhancing the immersive experience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users can establish presence in multiple zones simultaneously, then communication coverage is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the virtual environment into multiple discrete zones, each capable of supporting independent communication sessions. Users can establish presence in multiple zones simultaneously through the navigation controls, which manage presence status in each zone independently. This segmentation allows expanded communication coverage while keeping the system manageable by organizing complexity into modular zone-based structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A spatial layout of zones of a virtual area in a network communication environment is displayed. A user can have a respective presence in each of one or more of the zones. Navigation controls and interaction controls are presented. The navigation controls enable the user to specify where to establish a presence in the virtual area. The interaction controls enable the user to manage interactions with one or more other communicants in the network communication environment. A respective presence of the user is established in each of one or more of the zones on response to input received via the navigation controls. Respective graphical representations of the communicants are depicted in each of the zones where the communicants respectively have presence.