Visual Spatial Querying for Faster 3D Recording Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack efficient methods for searching and retrieving spatial recordings in three-dimensional environments, particularly in virtual reality and mixed reality applications, which are time-consuming and resource-intensive due to the complexity of interpreting textual queries.

Innovation Solution

A visual programming interface is used to define queries based on spatial orientations and locations of objects in a three-dimensional space, allowing for direct manipulation and interaction to search for matching spatial recordings in a database.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If textual queries are used to search spatial recordings, then the system can process queries, but the searching process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequery interpretation accuracyVSAvoidsearch time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces textual query processing with a visual programming interface that uses graphical blocks and spatial arrangements to define queries. This substitution eliminates the need for natural language interpretation, allowing the system to directly parse visual spatial relationships and execute searches more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates visual copies of spatial recordings in the interface, allowing users to manipulate and query spatial relationships directly through visual representations. This copying approach enables intuitive spatial querying without requiring complex text processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If textual queries are used to search spatial recordings, then the system can process queries, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequery interpretation accuracyVSAvoidcomputational resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces computationally intensive natural language processing with visual spatial arrangement parsing. The visual programming interface uses structured graphical elements with defined spatial relationships, which require significantly fewer computational resources to interpret and process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If a visual programming interface is used to define queries, then query definition speed increases, but the interface complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequery definition speedVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the query definition process into segmented visual blocks, each representing a specific spatial relationship or query parameter. This segmentation allows users to build queries by assembling predefined blocks, increasing productivity while managing complexity through modular organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses temporary visual placeholders and draft spatial arrangements that can be easily created, modified, and discarded during query definition. These transient visual elements facilitate rapid prototyping and iteration without committing to permanent complex structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of operation

If visual manipulation is used to define spatial queries, then user experience improves, but processing resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction intuitivenessVSAvoidprocessing resources

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex natural language processing with structured visual spatial arrangement parsing. The visual interface uses standardized graphical elements with explicit spatial relationships, which are more efficient to process than unstructured text while maintaining intuitive user interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12373495B2Active and passive querying of spatial recordings

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 AUTODESK INC

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for searching through spatial recordings by constructing queries. One of the methods include constructing a query based on input received at a three-dimensional (3D) space displayed at a visual programming interface, wherein the input includes positioning of objects at 3D positions within the 3D space over time, wherein the input defines at least one spatial orientation between at least two objects from the objects in the 3D space; executing the query to search a database of 3D recordings to find at least one segment from at least one 3D recording that includes the at least two objects and matches the spatial orientation between the at least two objects, as defined in the input, at a specific point in time; and presenting the at least one segment from the at least one 3D recording via the visual programming interface.