Z-Layer View Control for 3D Object Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional graphic systems lack an efficient method for users to adjust the z-depth of multiple objects simultaneously, making it difficult to manipulate groups of objects in virtual 3-D space.
Innovation Solution
A z-layer view control interface is introduced, allowing users to adjust the z-depth of objects or groups by moving scaled representations along the z-axis, with automatic grouping of objects based on proximity criteria for collective manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users manually adjust each object's z-depth individually in traditional 3-D graphic systems, then precise positioning control is achieved, but the operation time and complexity increase significantly when manipulating multiple objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual object controls into a unified z-layer view interface where grouped objects can be manipulated collectively. The object control interface merges the representation and control of multiple objects into a single coordinated system, allowing simultaneous adjustment of z-depth for all grouped objects rather than requiring separate adjustments for each object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates scaled representations (copies) of objects in the object control interface that mirror the actual objects in the 3-D scene. These scaled representations serve as proxies for manipulation, allowing users to adjust z-depth by moving the copies in the control interface, which then automatically updates the corresponding actual objects. This copying mechanism enables efficient batch manipulation without directly handling each individual object.
2Ease of operation
If a comprehensive control interface for z-depth adjustment is added to 3-D graphic systems, then object manipulation capability is improved, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control interface into distinct functional components: a z-layer view portion that displays scaled representations of objects along the z-axis, and an object control interface portion that provides manipulation controls. This segmentation allows each component to have a specific, simplified function while collectively providing comprehensive z-depth adjustment capability. The camera position is also segmented to be perpendicular to the z-axis, providing a dedicated perspective for depth visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary object control interface that acts as a mediator between the user and the actual 3-D objects. Instead of directly manipulating complex 3-D objects in space, users interact with simplified scaled representations in the control interface. This intermediary layer translates user actions into appropriate transformations of the actual objects, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining full functionality.
3Productivity
If automatic grouping of objects is implemented based on proximity criteria, then group manipulation efficiency is improved, but the automation level and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service automatic grouping mechanism where objects automatically group themselves based on predefined proximity criteria without requiring explicit user intervention. When objects are within the specified distance threshold, they are automatically added to the same group and displayed together in the object control interface. This self-service approach enables the system to perform the grouping operation autonomously, reducing manual effort while maintaining user control over the grouping criteria.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the technology described herein provide a control interface for manipulating a 3-D graphical object within a virtual drawing space. The control can automatically group objects together for common manipulation. The control can take the form of a scaled representation of a group of objects located outside of the primary drawing space. Moving the representation then moves the objects.