3D Filter Plane for VR Data Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VR visualization tools fail to effectively filter and emphasize specific data within large datasets, overwhelming users and limiting the unique insights that can be gained from virtual reality data rendering.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow users to visually filter data in a three-dimensional virtual space using a handheld device, with a filter plane that can be moved and positioned to emphasize desired data while deemphasizing undesired data through opacity or color adjustments, enabling real-time or near-real-time filtering and visualization control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional filtering methods are used to reduce data complexity, then data analysis becomes easier, but the unique insights available in VR environments are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions data filtering from traditional 2D interfaces to a 3D virtual reality environment. Users can position filter planes within three-dimensional space to filter data visualizations, allowing them to maintain comprehensive data context while achieving effective filtering. This spatial dimension enables simultaneous access to both filtered and unfiltered data perspectives, preserving unique VR insights while simplifying data analysis.
2Area of stationary object
If the entire data set is displayed in VR environment, then comprehensive data visualization is achieved, but users become visually overwhelmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data visualization space using filter planes that divide the 3D environment into distinct regions. These filter planes allow users to separate desired data from undesired data, creating manageable visual segments within the comprehensive VR space. Users can position multiple filter planes to create layered filtering, enabling them to focus on specific data subsets without losing access to the overall data context, thus preventing visual overwhelming while maintaining comprehensive visualization.
3Speed
If real-time filtering is implemented in VR, then user interaction speed increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or software-based filtering interfaces with direct 3D spatial manipulation in VR. Users interact with filter planes using natural hand gestures and movements within the virtual environment, eliminating the need for complex menu systems or multiple configuration steps. The filter planes respond in real-time to user positioning, with the system automatically adjusting data filtering based on the plane's spatial location. This substitution of complex filtering mechanisms with intuitive spatial interaction reduces perceived system complexity while maintaining real-time filtering capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for visualizing data in a computerized visual environment. The system comprises (i) a viewing device that displays, to a user of the viewing device, a graphical user interface within a virtual three-dimensional space, (ii) a handheld device configured to allow the user to customize the display of a three-dimensional data visualization within the graphical user interface using hand motions made by the user, and (iii) a computing device coupled to the viewing device and the handheld device. The computing device is configured to cause to display to the user on the viewing device a filter plane overlaying the three-dimensional data visualization, detect a position of the filter plane that is movable by the user in the graphical user interface, and alter the three-dimensional visualization in the graphical user interface based on the detected position of the filter plane.