Method and device for determining operation command of controller
The electronic device uses camera-based gesture detection and graphic assistance to accurately determine control commands in augmented and mixed reality environments, addressing the challenge of abnormal controllers and ensuring a seamless user experience by interpreting user gestures and adapting control commands in real-time.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/KR2024/007537
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-09-19
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-03
- Publication Date
- 2025-01-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies face challenges in determining control commands accurately for controllers in augmented and mixed reality environments, particularly when abnormalities occur in the controllers, leading to inconsistencies in user interactions and reduced user experience.
The electronic device employs a camera to detect user gestures and determine manipulation commands by displaying graphic assistance corresponding to the abnormal state of the target controller, allowing for real-time adjustment and communication of control commands, even when traditional controller inputs are faulty.
This solution enables seamless interaction by accurately interpreting user gestures and adapting control commands in real-time, ensuring a consistent and reliable user experience even with abnormal controller states, thereby enhancing the usability of augmented and mixed reality applications.
Smart Images

Figure KR2024007537_30012025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Method and device for determining an operation command of a controller
[0001] Hereinafter, a technique for determining a controller operation command by a user is disclosed.
[0002] Recently, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies, which utilize computer graphics technology, are being developed. VR technology uses computers to create virtual spaces that don't exist in the real world and then make them feel real, while AR or MR technologies superimpose computer-generated information on top of the real world. In other words, they combine the real and virtual worlds to enable real-time user interaction.
[0003] Among these, AR and MR technologies are being integrated and utilized in various fields, such as broadcasting, medical technology, and gaming technology. Representative examples of AR being integrated into broadcasting include the natural change of weather maps in front of a weathercaster giving a weather forecast on TV, or the insertion of non-existent advertising images into the stadium during a sports broadcast, making them appear as if they were actually there.
[0004] A representative service that provides users with augmented reality or mixed reality is the metaverse. This metaverse, a portmanteau of "meta," meaning "fictional" or "abstract," and "universe," signifying the real world, refers to a three-dimensional virtual world. A more advanced concept than the existing term "virtual reality environment," the metaverse provides an augmented reality environment where virtual worlds like the web and the internet are integrated into the real world.
[0005] An electronic device according to one embodiment includes a camera for capturing a user's gesture, a memory storing computer-executable commands, and a processor for accessing the memory and executing the commands, wherein the commands, when executed, cause the processor to: when determining that a target controller among a plurality of controllers registered in the electronic device has an abnormality, display a graphic affordance corresponding to the target controller in a virtual space based on the abnormal state of the target controller; detect a user's gesture for the displayed graphic affordance using the camera; and determine an operation command of the target controller indicated by the detected user's gesture.
[0006] A method performed by an electronic device according to one embodiment may include, when it is determined that a target controller among a plurality of controllers registered in the electronic device has an abnormality, displaying a graphic affordance corresponding to the target controller in a virtual space based on the abnormal state of the target controller, detecting a user's gesture for the displayed graphic affordance using a camera that captures the user's gesture, and determining an operation command of the target controller indicated by the detected user's gesture.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an optical see-through device according to various embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates examples of optical systems for an eye tracking camera, a transparent member, and a display according to various embodiments.
[0010] FIGS. 4A and 4B are drawings showing examples of the front and back of an electronic device according to various embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates examples of construction of a virtual space, input from a user within the virtual space, and output to the user according to various embodiments.
[0012] Figure 6 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a process for determining an operation command of a controller according to various embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates a situation in which a user uses multiple controllers according to various embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a case where an electronic device according to various embodiments detects an operation error of a button included in a controller.
[0015] FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating a process for displaying a graphic affordance corresponding to a controller when an electronic device according to various embodiments detects an operation error of a button included in the controller.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process in which an electronic device according to various embodiments displays a graphic affordance with an increased size of a controller.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a process of tracking a user's hand when an electronic device according to various embodiments detects an operational error of a tracking sensor included in a controller.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a process in which an electronic device according to various embodiments displays a graphic affordance corresponding to a controller when the controller is disconnected or the controller is separated from a user's hand.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a process in which an electronic device according to various embodiments changes an object type of a graphic affordance displayed in response to a controller.
[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of an electronic device according to various embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1, in the network environment (100), the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of the electronic device (104) or the server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).
[0023] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.
[0024] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Oltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.
[0025] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).
[0026] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).
[0027] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).
[0028] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.
[0029] A display module (160) (e.g., a display) can visually provide information to an external device (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.
[0030] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).
[0031] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.
[0032] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.
[0033] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).
[0034] The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.
[0035] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.
[0036] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).
[0037] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.
[0038] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module), a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module) or a communication circuit. Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).
[0039] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.
[0040] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the at least one selected antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).
[0041] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.
[0042] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).
[0043] According to one embodiment, commands or data can be transmitted or received between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199).
[0044] Each of the external electronic devices (102, 103) and the server (108) may be the same type of device as or different from the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 103) or the server (108). For example, when the electronic device (101) needs to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of executing the function or service itself or in addition, request one or more external electronic devices to execute at least a part of the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a part of a response to the request. In this specification, an example is mainly described in which an electronic device (101) is an augmented reality device (e.g., an electronic device (201) of FIG. 2, an electronic device (301) of FIG. 3, or an electronic device (401) of FIG. 4), and an external electronic device (102, 103) or a server (108) among the servers transmits the results of executing a virtual space and additional functions or services related to the virtual space to the electronic device (101).
[0045] The server (108) may include a processor (181), a communication module (182), and a memory (183). The processor (181), the communication module (182), and the memory (183) may be configured similarly to the processor (120), the communication module (190), and the memory (130) of the electronic device (101). For example, the processor (181) may provide a virtual space and interaction between users within the virtual space by executing instructions stored in the memory (183). The processor (181) may generate at least one of visual information, auditory information, or tactile information of the virtual space and objects within the virtual space. For example, as visual information, the processor (181) may generate rendering data (e.g., visual rendering data) that renders the appearance (e.g., shape, size, color, or texture) of the virtual space and the appearance (e.g., shape, size, color, or texture) of objects positioned within the virtual space. In addition, the processor (181) may generate rendering data that renders a change (e.g., a change in the appearance of an object, a sound generation, or a tactile generation) based on at least one of an interaction between objects (e.g., a physical object, a virtual object, or an avatar object) in a virtual space, or a user input to an object (e.g., a physical object, a virtual object, or an avatar object). The communication module (182) may establish communication with a first electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101)) of a user and a second electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (102)) of another user. The communication module (182) may transmit at least one of the visual information, the tactile information, or the auditory information described above to the first electronic device and the second electronic device. For example, the communication module (182) may transmit rendering data.
[0046] For example, the server (108) renders content data executed in an application and transmits it to the electronic device (101), and the electronic device (101) receiving the data can output the content data to the display module (160). If the electronic device (101) detects user movement through an IMU sensor or the like, the processor (181) of the electronic device (101) can correct the rendering data received from the external electronic device (102) based on the movement information and output it to the display module (160). Alternatively, the movement information can be transmitted to the server (108) to request rendering so that the screen data is updated accordingly. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the above-described rendering can be performed by various forms of external electronic devices (102, 103), such as a smartphone or a case device capable of storing and charging the electronic device (101). Rendering data corresponding to the above-described virtual space generated by the external electronic device (102, 103) can be provided to the electronic device (101). For another example, the electronic device (101) may receive virtual space information (e.g., vertex coordinates, texture, color defining the virtual space) and object information (e.g., vertex coordinates, texture, color defining the appearance of an object) from the server (108) and perform rendering on its own based on the received data.
[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an optical see-through device according to various embodiments.
[0048] The electronic device (201) may include at least one of a display (e.g., a display module (160) of FIG. 1), a vision sensor, a light source (230a, 230b), an optical element, or a substrate. An electronic device (201) that has a transparent display and provides an image through the transparent display may be referred to as an optical see-through device (OST device).
[0049] The display may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital mirror device (DMD), a liquid crystal on silicon (LcoS), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or a micro light emitting diode (micro LED).
[0050] In one embodiment, when the display is formed of one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital mirror display (DMD), or a silicon liquid crystal display (SLCD), the electronic device (201) may include a light source (230a, 230b) that irradiates light to a screen output area of the display (e.g., a screen display unit (215a, 215b)). In another embodiment, when the display can generate light on its own, for example, when it is formed of one of an organic light emitting diode (OLED) or a micro LED, the electronic device (201) may provide a good quality virtual image to the user even without including a separate light source (230a, 230b). In one embodiment, if the display is formed of an organic light emitting diode (OLED) or a micro LED, the light source (230a, 230b) is unnecessary, and thus the electronic device (201) may be lightweight.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device (201) may include a display, a first transparent member (225a) and / or a second transparent member (225b), and a user may use the electronic device (201) while wearing it on his or her face. The first transparent member (225a) and / or the second transparent member (225b) may be formed of a glass plate, a plastic plate, or a polymer, and may be manufactured to be transparent or translucent. According to one embodiment, the first transparent member (225a) may be arranged to face the user's right eye, and the second transparent member (225b) may be arranged to face the user's left eye. The display may include a first display (205) that outputs a first image (e.g., a right image) corresponding to the first transparent member (225a), and a second display (210) that outputs a second image (e.g., a left image) corresponding to the second transparent member (225b). In one embodiment, if each display is transparent, each display and transparent member may be positioned at a position facing the user's eyes to form a screen display unit (215a, 215b).
[0052] In one embodiment, light emitted from the display (205, 210) may be guided along an optical path through an input optical member (220a, 220b) into a waveguide. Light traveling within the waveguide may be guided toward a user's eyes through an output optical member (e.g., the output optical member (340) of FIG. 3). The screen display units (215a, 215b) may be determined based on the light emitted toward the user's eyes.
[0053] For example, light emitted from the display (205, 210) may be reflected in the grating region of the waveguide formed in the input optical member (220a, 220b) and the screen display portions (215a, 215b) and transmitted to the user's eyes.
[0054] The optical element may include at least one of a lens or an optical waveguide.
[0055] The lens can adjust the focus so that the screen outputted to the display can be seen by the user. The lens may include, for example, at least one of a Fresnel lens, a pancake lens, or a multi-channel lens.
[0056] An optical waveguide can transmit image light generated from a display to a user's eyes. For example, the image light may represent light emitted by a light source (230a, 230b) that passes through a screen output area of the display. The optical waveguide can be made of glass, plastic, or polymer. The optical waveguide can include a nano-pattern formed on a portion of an internal or external surface, for example, a grating structure having a polygonal or curved shape. An exemplary structure of the optical waveguide is described below in FIG. 3.
[0057] The vision sensor may include at least one of a camera sensor or a depth sensor.
[0058] The first camera (265a, 265b) is a recognition camera, and may be a camera used for 3DoF, 6DoF head tracking, hand detection, hand tracking, and spatial recognition. The first camera (265a, 265b) may mainly include a GS (global shutter) camera. Since a stereo camera is required for head tracking and spatial recognition, the first camera (265a, 265b) may include two or more GS cameras. The GS camera may have superior performance compared to the RS (rolling shutter) camera in terms of detecting and tracking fine movements such as rapid hand movements and fingers. For example, the GS camera may have low image blur. The first camera (265a, 265b) may capture image data used for spatial recognition for 6DoF and SLAM function through depth shooting. Additionally, a user gesture recognition function can be performed based on image data captured by the first camera (265a, 265b).
[0059] The second camera (270a, 270b) is an ET (eye tracking) camera that can be used to capture image data for detecting and tracking the user's pupils. The second camera (270a, 270b) is described later in FIG. 3.
[0060] The third camera (245) may be a camera for photography. The third camera (245) may include a high-resolution camera for capturing HR (high resolution) or PV (photo video) images. The third camera (245) may include a color camera equipped with functions for obtaining high-quality images, such as an AF function and optical image stabilization (OIS). The third camera (245) may be a GS camera or an RS camera.
[0061] The fourth camera unit (e.g., the face recognition camera (425, 426) of FIG. 4 below) is a face recognition camera, and the FT (face tracking) camera can be used to detect and track the user's facial expression.
[0062] A depth sensor (not shown) may be a sensor that senses information for determining the distance to an object, such as TOF (Time of Flight). TOF is a technology that measures the distance to an object using signals (such as near-infrared, ultrasound, or laser). A depth sensor based on TOF technology can measure the time of flight of a signal by transmitting a signal and measuring the signal at a receiver.
[0063] The light source (230a, 230b) (e.g., illumination module) may include a device (e.g., light emitting diode (LED)) that irradiates light of various wavelengths. The illumination module may be attached to various locations depending on the application. As an example, a first illumination module (e.g., LED device) attached around the frame of the augmented reality glasses device may emit light to assist in gaze detection when tracking eye movements with an ET camera. The first illumination module may include, for example, an IR LED of an infrared wavelength. As another example, a second illumination module (e.g., LED device) may be attached adjacent to a camera mounted around a hinge (240a, 240b) connecting the frame and the temple, or around a bridge connecting the frames. The second illumination module may emit light to supplement the ambient brightness when the camera is taking pictures. If it is difficult to detect a subject in a dark environment, the second illumination module may emit light.
[0064] A substrate (235a, 235b) (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)) can support the aforementioned components.
[0065] A printed circuit board (PCB) may be disposed on the temple portion of the glasses. The FPCB may transmit electrical signals to each module (e.g., a camera, a display, an audio module, a sensor module) and other printed circuit boards. In one embodiment, at least one printed circuit board may include a first substrate, a second substrate, and an interposer disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. In another example, the printed circuit board may be disposed on the central portion of the set. Electrical signals may be transmitted to each module and other printed circuit boards through the FPCB.
[0066] Other components may include, for example, at least one of a plurality of microphones (e.g., a first microphone (250a), a second microphone (250b), a third microphone (250c)), a plurality of speakers (e.g., a first speaker (255a), a second speaker (255b)), a battery (260), an antenna, or a sensor (e.g., an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a touch sensor, etc.).
[0067] FIG. 3 illustrates examples of optical systems for an eye tracking camera, a transparent member, and a display according to various embodiments.
[0068] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of an eye-tracking camera included in an electronic device according to one embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, a process is illustrated in which an eye-tracking camera (310) of an electronic device (301) according to one embodiment (e.g., the first eye-tracking camera (270a) and the second eye-tracking camera (270b) of FIG. 2) tracks a user's eye (309), that is, the user's gaze, using light (e.g., infrared light) output from a display (320) (e.g., the first display (205) and the second display (210) of FIG. 2).
[0069] The second camera (e.g., the second cameras (270a, 270b) of FIG. 2) may be an eye tracking camera (310) that collects information to position the center of a virtual image projected onto the electronic device (301) according to the direction in which the pupil of the wearer of the electronic device (301) is looking. The second camera may also include a GS camera to detect the pupil and track rapid eye movement. ET cameras may also be installed for the left and right eyes, respectively, and cameras with the same performance and specifications may be used. The eye tracking camera (310) may include a gaze tracking sensor (315). The gaze tracking sensor (315) may be included inside the eye tracking camera (310). Infrared light output from the display (320) may be transmitted to the user's eyes (309) as infrared reflected light (303) by a half mirror. The gaze tracking sensor (315) can detect infrared reflected light (303) and infrared transmitted light (305) reflected from the user's eye (309). The eye tracking camera (310) can track the user's eye (309), or in other words, the user's gaze, based on the detection result of the gaze tracking sensor (315).
[0070] The display (320) may include a plurality of visible light pixels and a plurality of infrared pixels. The visible light pixels may include R, G, and B pixels. The visible light pixels may output visible light corresponding to a virtual object image. The infrared pixels may output infrared light. The display (320) may include, for example, micro light emitting diodes (LEDs) or organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs).
[0071] The display optical pipe (350) and the eye tracking camera optical pipe (360) may be included inside a transparent member (370) (e.g., the first transparent member (225a) and the second transparent member (225b) of FIG. 2). The transparent member (370) may be formed of a glass plate, a plastic plate, or a polymer, and may be manufactured to be transparent or translucent. The transparent member (370) may be positioned to face the user's eyes. At this time, the distance between the transparent member (370) and the user's eyes (309) may be referred to as 'eye relief' (380).
[0072] The transparent member (370) may include optical waveguides (350, 360). The transparent member (370) may include an input optical member (330) and an output optical member (340). In addition, the transparent member (370) may include an eye-tracking splitter (375) that separates input light into multiple waveguides.
[0073] According to one embodiment, light incident on one end of the display light pipe (350) can be propagated inside the display light pipe (350) by the nano-pattern and provided to the user. In addition, the display light pipe (350) composed of a free-form prism can provide image light to the user through the reflected mirror by reflecting the incident light. The display light pipe (350) can include at least one diffractive element (e.g., a diffractive optical element (DOE), a holographic optical element (HOE)) or at least one reflective element (e.g., a reflective mirror). The display light pipe (350) can guide display light (e.g., image light) emitted from a light source to the user's eyes by using at least one diffractive element or reflective element included in the display light pipe (350). For reference, also, in FIG. 3, the output optical member (340) is expressed as being separate from the eye-tracking optical waveguide (360), but the output optical member (340) may be included inside the eye-tracking optical waveguide (360).
[0074] According to various embodiments, the diffractive element may include an input optical member (330) and an output optical member (340). For example, the input optical member (330) may mean an input grating region. The output optical member (340) may mean an output grating region. The input grating region may serve as an input terminal that diffracts (or reflects) light output from a light source (e.g., a Micro LED) to transmit the light to a transparent member (e.g., a first transparent member, a second transparent member) of a screen display unit. The output grating region may serve as an outlet that diffracts (or reflects) light transmitted to a transparent member (e.g., a first transparent member, a second transparent member) of a waveguide to a user's eye.
[0075] According to various embodiments, the reflective element may include a total internal reflection (TIR) optical element or a total internal reflection waveguide. For example, total internal reflection may refer to a method of guiding light such that light (e.g., a virtual image) entering through an input grating region is 100% reflected from one surface (e.g., a specific surface) of the waveguide, thereby transmitting 100% of the light to the output grating region.
[0076] In one embodiment, light emitted from the display (320) may be guided along an optical path through an input optical element (330) into a waveguide. Light traveling within the waveguide may be guided toward the user's eyes through an output optical element (340). The screen display may be determined based on the light emitted toward the user's eyes.
[0077]
[0078] FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating examples of the front and back of an electronic device according to various embodiments. FIG. 4A may be an external appearance of the electronic device (401) as viewed from a first direction (①), and FIG. 4B may be an external appearance of the electronic device (401) as viewed from a second direction (②). When a user wears the electronic device (401), the external appearance viewed by the user's eyes may be FIG. 4B.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 4A, according to various embodiments, an electronic device (401) (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2, and the electronic device (301) of FIG. 3) may provide a service that provides an extended reality (XR) experience to a user. For example, an XR or XR service may be defined as a service that collectively refers to virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and / or mixed reality (MR).
[0080] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (401) may refer to a head-mounted device or a head-mounted display worn on the user's head, but may also be configured in the form of at least one of glasses, goggles, a helmet, or a hat. The electronic device (401) may include an OST (optical see-through) type configured to allow external light to reach the user's eyes through the glasses when worn, or a VST (video see-through) type configured to allow light emitted from the display to reach the user's eyes but block external light so that external light does not reach the user's eyes when worn.
[0081] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (401) may be worn on the user's head and may provide the user with an image related to an extended reality (XR) service. For example, the electronic device (401) may provide XR content (hereinafter referred to as an XR content image) that outputs at least one virtual object to be superimposed on a display area or an area determined to be the user's field of view (FoV). According to one embodiment, the XR content may refer to an image or image that appears to have at least one virtual object superimposed on an image related to a real space acquired through a camera (e.g., a camera for taking pictures) or a virtual space. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (401) may provide XR content based on a function being performed by the electronic device (401) and / or a function being performed by one or more external electronic devices (e.g., the electronic devices (102, 104) of FIG. 1, the server (108) of FIG. 1).
[0082] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (401) is at least partially controlled by an external electronic device (e.g., electronic devices (102 or 104) of FIG. 1), and may perform at least one function under the control of the external electronic device, but may also perform at least one function independently.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 4A, a vision sensor may be placed on a first surface of a housing of a main body (410) of an electronic device (401). The vision sensor may include cameras (e.g., cameras for second functions (411, 412), cameras for first functions (415)) and / or a depth sensor (417) for obtaining information related to the surrounding environment of the electronic device (401).
[0084] In one embodiment, the second function cameras (411, 412) can obtain images related to the surrounding environment of the electronic device (401). The first function cameras (415) can obtain images when the wearable electronic device is worn by the user. The first function cameras (415) can be used for hand detection and tracking, and recognition of user gestures (e.g., hand movements). The first function cameras (415) can be used for 3DoF, 6DoF head tracking, position (spatial, environmental) recognition, and / or movement recognition. In one embodiment, the second function cameras (411, 412) can also be used for hand detection and tracking, and recognition of user gestures.
[0085] In one embodiment, the depth sensor (417) may be configured to transmit a signal and receive a signal reflected from a subject, and may be used for purposes such as time of flight (TOF) to determine the distance to an object. Instead of or in addition to the depth sensor (417), cameras (413, 415, 416) may determine the distance to an object.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 4b, a camera (425, 426) for facial recognition and / or a display (421) (and / or lens) may be placed on the second surface (420) of the housing of the main body (410).
[0087] In one embodiment, a face recognition camera (425, 426) adjacent to the display may be used to recognize the user's face, or may recognize and / or track the user's two eyes.
[0088] In one embodiment, the display (421) (and / or lens) may be disposed on the second side (420) of the electronic device (401). In one embodiment, the electronic device (401) may not include some of the plurality of cameras (415). Although not shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , the electronic device (401) may further include at least one of the configurations illustrated in FIG. 2 .
[0089] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (401) may include a main body (410) that mounts at least some of the components of FIG. 1, a display (421) (e.g., a display module (160) of FIG. 1) disposed in a first direction (①) of the main body (410), a first function camera (e.g., a recognition camera) (415) disposed in a second direction (②) of the main body (410), a second function camera (e.g., a shooting camera) (411, 412) disposed in a second direction (②), a third function camera (e.g., a gaze tracking camera) (428) disposed in the first direction (①), a fourth function camera (e.g., a face recognition camera) (425, 426) disposed in the first direction (①), a depth sensor (417) disposed in the second direction (②), and a touch sensor (413) disposed in the second direction (②). Although not shown in the drawing, the main body (410) includes a memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1) and a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1), and may further include other components shown in FIG. 1.
[0090] According to one embodiment, the display (421) may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital mirror device (DMD), a liquid crystal on silicon (LcoS), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or a micro light emitting diode (micro LED).
[0091] In one embodiment, when the display (421) is formed of one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital mirror display (DMD), or a silicon liquid crystal display (SiLCD), the electronic device (401) may include a light source that irradiates light to a screen output area of the display (421). In another embodiment, when the display (421) can generate light on its own, for example, when the electronic device (401) is formed of one of an organic light emitting diode (OLED) or a micro LED, the electronic device (401) may provide a good quality XR content image to the user even without including a separate light source. In one embodiment, when the display (421) is formed of an organic light emitting diode (OLED) or a micro LED, a light source is unnecessary, and thus the electronic device (401) may be lightweight.
[0092] According to one embodiment, the display (421) may include a first transparent member (421a) and / or a second transparent member (421b). The user may use the electronic device (401) while wearing it on his or her face. The first transparent member (421a) and / or the second transparent member (421b) may be formed of a glass plate, a plastic plate, or a polymer, and may be manufactured to be transparent or translucent. According to one embodiment, the first transparent member (421a) may be arranged to face the user's left eye in the third direction (③), and the second transparent member (421b) may be arranged to face the user's right eye in the fourth direction (④). According to various embodiments, when the display (421) is transparent, it may be arranged at a position facing the user's eyes to form a display area.
[0093] According to one embodiment, the display (421) may include a lens including a transparent waveguide. The lens may serve to adjust the focus so that the screen (e.g., XR content image) output to the display (421) can be viewed by the user's eyes. For example, light emitted from the display panel may pass through the lens and be transmitted to the user through a waveguide formed within the lens. The lens may be configured as a Fresnel lens, a pancake lens, or a multi-channel lens.
[0094] An optical waveguide (e.g., a waveguide) may serve to transmit light generated by the display (421) to the user's eyes. The optical waveguide may be made of glass, plastic, or a polymer, and may include nano-patterns formed on a portion of the inner or outer surface, for example, a grating structure having a polygonal or curved shape. According to one embodiment, light incident on one end of the optical waveguide, that is, an output image of the display (421), may be propagated within the optical waveguide and provided to the user. In addition, an optical waveguide composed of a free-form prism may provide the incident light to the user through a reflective mirror. The optical waveguide may include at least one diffractive element (e.g., a diffractive optical element (DOE), a holographic optical element (HOE)) or at least one reflective element (e.g., a reflective mirror). The optical waveguide may guide an image output from the display (421) to the user's eyes by using at least one diffractive element or reflective element included in the optical waveguide.
[0095] According to one embodiment, the diffractive element may include an input optical member / output optical member (not shown). For example, the input optical member may mean an input grating region, and the output optical member (not shown) may mean an output grating region. The input grating region may serve as an input terminal that diffracts (or reflects) light output from a light source (e.g., a Micro LED) to transmit the light to a transparent member (e.g., a first transparent member (421a), a second transparent member (421b)) of the display area. The output grating region may serve as an outlet that diffracts (or reflects) light transmitted to a transparent member (e.g., a first transparent member, a second transparent member) of the optical waveguide to a user's eye.
[0096] In some embodiments, the reflective element may comprise a total internal reflection (TIR) optical element or waveguide for total internal reflection. For example, total internal reflection may refer to a method of directing light such that light (e.g., a virtual image) entering through an input grating region is reflected substantially 100% from one surface (e.g., a specific surface) of the optical waveguide, thereby transmitting substantially 100% of the light to the output grating region at an angle of incidence.
[0097] In one embodiment, light emitted from the display (421) may be guided along an optical path through an input optical element into a waveguide. Light traveling within the optical waveguide may be guided toward the user's eyes through an output optical element. The display area may be determined based on the light emitted toward the user's eyes.
[0098] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (401) may include a plurality of cameras. For example, the cameras may include a first function camera (e.g., a recognition camera) (415) disposed in the second direction (②) of the main body (410), a second function camera (e.g., a shooting camera) (411, 412) disposed in the second direction (②), a third function camera (e.g., a gaze tracking camera) (425) disposed in the first direction (①), and / or a fourth function camera (e.g., a face recognition camera) (425, 426) disposed in the first direction (①), but may further include cameras for other functions not shown.
[0099] The first function camera (e.g., recognition camera) (415) can be used for the purpose of detecting user movement or recognizing user gestures. The first function camera (415) can support at least one of head tracking, hand detection and hand tracking, and spatial recognition. For example, the first function camera (415) mainly uses a GS (global shutter) camera, which has superior performance compared to an RS (rolling shutter) camera, to detect and track fine movements of hand movements and fingers, and can be configured as a stereo camera including two or more GS cameras for head tracking and spatial recognition. The first function camera (415) can perform a SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) function to recognize information (e.g., location and / or direction) related to the surrounding space through spatial recognition for 6DoF and depth shooting.
[0100] A second function camera (e.g., a camera for shooting) (411, 412) can be used to capture the outside and generate an image or video corresponding to the outside and transmit it to a processor (e.g., a processor (120) of FIG. 1). The processor can display the image provided from the second function camera (411, 412) on a display (421). The second function camera (411, 412) may be referred to as HR (high resolution) or PV (photo video) and may include a high-resolution camera. For example, the second function camera (411, 412) may include a color camera equipped with functions for obtaining high-quality images, such as an AF (auto focus) function and an OIS (optical image stabilizer), but is not limited thereto, and the second function camera (411, 412) may also include a GS camera or an RS camera.
[0101] A third function camera (e.g., a gaze tracking camera) (425) may be positioned on the display (421) (or inside the main body) so that the camera lens faces the user's eyes when the user wears the electronic device (401). The third function camera (425) may be used for the purpose of detecting and tracking (ET: eye tracking) the pupil. The processor may track the movements of the user's left and right eyes in the images received from the third function camera (425) to determine the gaze direction. By tracking the position of the pupil in the images, the processor may ensure that the center of the XR content image displayed in the display area is positioned according to the direction in which the pupil is looking. As an example, a GS camera may be used as the third function camera (425) to detect the pupil and track the movement of the pupil. The third function cameras (425) may be installed respectively for the left and right eyes, and each camera having the same performance and specifications may be used.
[0102] A fourth functional camera (e.g., a camera for facial recognition) (425, 426) can be used to detect and track (FT: face tracking) the user's facial expression when the user wears the electronic device (401).
[0103] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (401) may include a lighting unit (e.g., LED) (not shown) as an auxiliary means for the cameras. For example, the third function camera (425) may use lighting included in the display to direct the emitted light (e.g., IR LED of infrared wavelength) toward the user's eyes as an auxiliary means to facilitate gaze detection when tracking eye movements. As another example, the second function cameras (411, 412) may further include a lighting unit (e.g., flash) as an auxiliary means to supplement the surrounding brightness when taking external pictures.
[0104] According to one embodiment, a depth sensor (or depth camera) (417) may be used to determine the distance to an object (e.g., an object), such as time of flight (TOF). Time of flight (TOF) is a technology that measures the distance to an object using a signal (e.g., near-infrared, ultrasound, or laser). After a signal is transmitted from a transmitter, a receiver measures the signal, and the distance to the object can be measured based on the flight time of the signal.
[0105] According to one embodiment, the touch sensor (413) may be arranged in the second direction (②) of the main body (410). For example, when a user wears the electronic device (401), the user's eyes may look in the first direction (①) of the main body. The touch sensor (413) may be implemented as a single type or a left / right separated type depending on the shape of the main body (410), but is not limited thereto. For example, when the touch sensor (413) is implemented as a left / right separated type as illustrated in FIG. 4A, when a user wears the electronic device (401), the first touch sensor (413a) may be arranged at the user's right eye position, such as in the third direction (③), and the second touch sensor (413b) may be arranged at the user's left eye position, such as in the fourth direction (④).
[0106] The touch sensor (413) can recognize a touch input using at least one of, for example, a capacitive, pressure-sensitive, infrared, or ultrasonic method. For example, the capacitive touch sensor (413) can recognize a physical touch (or contact) input or a hovering input (or proximity) of an external object. According to some embodiments, the electronic device (401) may utilize a proximity sensor (not shown) to recognize proximity of an external object.
[0107] According to one embodiment, the touch sensor (413) has a two-dimensional surface and can transmit touch data (e.g., touch coordinates) of an external object (e.g., a user's finger) that comes into contact with the touch sensor (413) to the processor (120). The touch sensor (413) can detect a hovering input for an external object (e.g., a user's finger) that approaches within a first distance from the touch sensor (413), or detect a touch input that touches the touch sensor (413).
[0108] According to one embodiment, the touch sensor (413) may provide two-dimensional information about the point of contact as “touch data” to the processor (120) when an external object touches the touch sensor (413). The touch data may be described as a “touch mode.” The touch sensor (413) may provide hovering data about the time or location of hovering around the touch sensor (413) to the processor (120) when an external object is located within a first distance from the touch sensor (or in proximity, hovering above the touch sensor). The hovering data may be described as a “hovering mode / proximity mode.”
[0109] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (401) may obtain hovering data using at least one of a touch sensor (413), a proximity sensor (not shown), or / and a depth sensor (417) to generate information about a distance, location, or time point between the touch sensor (413) and an external object.
[0110] According to one embodiment, the interior of the main body (410) may include a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) and memory (e.g., memory (130) of FIG. 1).
[0111] Memory can store various instructions that can be executed by the processor. Instructions can include arithmetic and logical operations, data transfer, or control commands such as input / output that can be recognized by the processor. Memory can temporarily or permanently store various data, including volatile memory (e.g., volatile memory (132) of FIG. 1) and non-volatile memory (e.g., non-volatile memory (134) of FIG. 1).
[0112] The processor may be a configuration that is operatively, functionally, and / or electrically connected to each component of the electronic device (401) and can perform calculations or data processing related to control and / or communication of each component. The operations performed by the processor may be stored in memory and, when executed, executed by instructions that cause the processor to operate.
[0113] Hereinafter, the computational and data processing functions that the processor can implement on the electronic device (401) are not limited, but a series of operations related to the XR content service function will be described. The operations of the processor described below can be performed by executing instructions stored in memory.
[0114] According to one embodiment, the processor may generate a virtual object based on virtual information based on image information. The processor may output a virtual object related to an XR service together with background space information through the display (421). For example, the processor may capture an image related to a real space corresponding to the field of view of a user wearing the electronic device (401) through a second function camera (411, 412) to obtain image information or generate a virtual space for a virtual environment. For example, the processor may control the display (421) to display XR content (hereinafter referred to as an XR content screen) in which at least one virtual object is output so as to be overlapped in an area determined to be a field of view or a field of view (FoV) of the user.
[0115] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (401) may have a form factor for being worn on a user's head. The electronic device (401) may further include a strap and / or a wearable member for being secured on a body part of the user. The electronic device (401) may provide a user experience based on augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality while being worn on the user's head.
[0116]
[0117] FIG. 5 illustrates examples of construction of a virtual space, input from a user within the virtual space, and output to the user according to various embodiments.
[0118] An electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, the electronic device (201) of FIG. 2, the electronic device (301) of FIG. 3, and the electronic device (401) of FIG. 4) can obtain spatial information about a physical space in which the sensor is located using a sensor. The spatial information can include a geographical location of the physical space in which the sensor is located, a size of the space, an appearance of the space, a location of a physical object (551) arranged in the space, a size of the physical object (551), an appearance of the physical object (551), and illuminant information. The appearance of the space and the physical object (551) can include at least one of a shape, a texture, or a color of the space and the physical object (551). The illuminant information is information about a light source that emits light acting within the physical space, and can include at least one of an intensity, a direction, or a color of the illumination. The aforementioned sensor can collect information for providing augmented reality. For example, referring to the augmented reality device illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 4, the sensor may include a camera and a depth sensor. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sensor may further include at least one of an infrared sensor, a depth sensor (e.g., a lidar sensor, a radar sensor, or a stereo camera), a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, or a geomagnetic sensor.
[0119] The electronic device (501) can collect spatial information over multiple time frames. For example, in each time frame, the electronic device (501) can collect spatial information about a portion of a scene within a sensing range (e.g., field of view (FOV)) of a sensor at the location of the electronic device (501) in physical space. By analyzing the spatial information of multiple time frames, the electronic device (501) can track changes in an object (e.g., movement of position or change of state) over time. The electronic device (501) can also obtain integrated spatial information (e.g., an image that spatially stitches scenes around the electronic device (501) in physical space) for the integrated sensing range of the multiple sensors by comprehensively analyzing the spatial information collected through the multiple sensors.
[0120] An electronic device (501) according to one embodiment can analyze a physical space into three-dimensional information by utilizing various input signals of sensors (e.g., sensing data from an RGB camera, an infrared sensor, a depth sensor, or a stereo camera). For example, the electronic device (501) can analyze at least one of the shape, size, and position of a physical space, and the shape, size, or position of a physical object (551).
[0121] For example, the electronic device (501) can detect an object captured within a scene corresponding to the camera's field of view using the camera's sensing data (e.g., a captured image). The electronic device (501) can determine a label of a physical object (551) from the camera's two-dimensional scene image (e.g., information indicating the classification of the object, including a value indicating a chair, a monitor, or a plant) and an area (e.g., a bounding box) occupied by the physical object (551) within the two-dimensional scene. Accordingly, the electronic device (501) can obtain two-dimensional scene information at a position viewed by the user (590). In addition, the electronic device (501) can also calculate the physical space location of the electronic device (501) based on the camera's sensing data.
[0122] The electronic device (501) can obtain location information of the user (590) and depth information of the actual space in the viewing direction using sensing data (e.g., depth data) of the depth sensor. The depth information is information indicating the distance from the depth sensor to each point and can be expressed in the form of a depth map. The electronic device (501) can analyze the distance of each pixel in the three-dimensional position viewed by the user (590).
[0123] The electronic device (501) can acquire information including a 3D point cloud and mesh using various sensing data. The electronic device (501) can analyze a physical space to acquire a surface, mesh, or 3D coordinate point cluster that constitutes the space. Based on the information acquired as described above, the electronic device (501) can acquire a 3D point cloud representing physical objects.
[0124] The electronic device (501) can analyze a physical space to obtain information including at least one of a three-dimensional position coordinate, a three-dimensional shape, or a three-dimensional size (e.g., a three-dimensional bounding box) of physical objects placed in the physical space.
[0125] Accordingly, the electronic device (501) can obtain information on a physical object detected in a three-dimensional space and semantic segmentation information on the three-dimensional space. The physical object information may include at least one of the position, appearance (e.g., shape, texture, and color), or size of the physical object (551) in the three-dimensional space. The semantic segmentation information is information that semantically divides the three-dimensional space into subspaces, and may include, for example, information indicating that the three-dimensional space is divided into an object and a background, and information indicating that the background is divided into a wall, a floor, and a ceiling. The electronic device (501) can obtain and store three-dimensional information (e.g., spatial information) on the physical object (551) and the physical space as described above. The electronic device (501) can store three-dimensional position information of the user (590) in the space together with the spatial information.
[0126] An electronic device (501) according to one embodiment can construct a virtual space (500) based on the physical location of the electronic device (501) and / or the user (590). The electronic device (501) can create the virtual space (500) by referring to the spatial information described above. The electronic device (501) can create a virtual space (500) of the same scale as the physical space based on the spatial information and place objects within the created virtual space (500). The electronic device (501) can provide a complete virtual reality to the user (590) by outputting an image that represents the entire physical space. The electronic device (501) can provide mixed reality (MR) or augmented reality (AR) by outputting an image that represents a part of the physical space. However, although the construction of a virtual space (500) based on spatial information acquired through analysis of the aforementioned physical space is described, the electronic device (501) may also construct a virtual space (500) regardless of the physical location of the user (590). In this specification, the virtual space (500) is a space corresponding to augmented reality or virtual reality, and may also be referred to as a metaverse space.
[0127] For example, the electronic device (501) may provide a virtual graphic representation that replaces at least a portion of a physical space. An electronic device (501) based on optical see-through may output a virtual graphic representation by overlaying the virtual graphic representation on a screen area corresponding to at least a portion of the space on a screen display unit. An electronic device (501) based on video see-through may output an image generated by replacing an image area corresponding to at least a portion of a space image corresponding to a physical space rendered based on spatial information with a virtual graphic representation. The electronic device (501) may replace at least a portion of a background in a physical space with a virtual graphic representation, but is not limited thereto. The electronic device (501) may also perform only additional placement of a virtual object (552) within a virtual space (500) based on spatial information without changing the background.
[0128] The electronic device (501) can place and output a virtual object (552) in a virtual space (500). The electronic device (501) can set an operation area of the virtual object (552) in a space occupied by the virtual object (552) (e.g., a volume corresponding to the appearance of the virtual object (552). The operation area may indicate an area where manipulation of the virtual object (552) occurs. In addition, the electronic device (501) can output a physical object (551) by replacing it with the virtual object (552). The virtual object (552) corresponding to the physical object (551) may have a shape identical to or similar to that of the physical object (551). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the electronic device (501) may also set only an operation area in a space occupied by the physical object (551) or in a location corresponding to the physical object (551) without outputting a virtual object (552) that replaces the physical object (551). In other words, the electronic device (501) can transmit visual information representing a physical object (551) (e.g., light reflected from the physical object (551) or an image captured of the physical object (551)) to the user (590) without change, and set a manipulation area on the physical object (551). The manipulation area can be set to the same shape and volume as the space occupied by the virtual object (552) or the physical object (551), but is not limited thereto. The electronic device (501) can also set a manipulation area smaller than the space occupied by the virtual object (552) or the space occupied by the physical object (551).
[0129] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (501) may place a virtual object (not shown) representing the user (590) (e.g., an avatar object) within the virtual space (500). When the avatar object is provided in a first-person view, the electronic device (501) may visualize a graphical representation corresponding to a part (e.g., a hand, a torso, or a leg) of the avatar object to the user (590) through the aforementioned display (e.g., an optical see-through display or a video see-through display). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and when the avatar object is provided in a third-person view, the electronic device (501) may also visualize a graphical representation corresponding to the entire shape (e.g., a back view) of the avatar object to the user (590) through the aforementioned display. The electronic device (501) may provide the user (590) with an experience integrated with the avatar object.
[0130] In addition, the electronic device (501) can provide an avatar object of another user who has entered the same virtual space (500). The electronic device (501) can receive feedback information that is the same or similar to the feedback information (e.g., information based on at least one of visual, auditory, or tactile senses) provided to another electronic device (501) who has entered the same virtual space (500). For example, when an object is placed in a certain virtual space (500) and multiple users access the virtual space (500), the electronic devices (501) of the multiple users can receive feedback information (e.g., graphical representation, sound signal, or haptic feedback) of the same object placed in the virtual space (500) and provide the feedback information to each user (590).
[0131] The electronic device (501) can detect input to an avatar object of another electronic device (not shown) and can also receive feedback information from the avatar object of the other electronic device. The exchange of input and feedback for each virtual space (500) can be performed by a server (e.g., server (108) of FIG. 1). For example, a server (e.g., a server providing a metaverse space) can transmit input and feedback between an avatar object of a user (590) and an avatar object of another user between users (590). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the electronic device (501) can establish direct communication with another electronic device without going through a server to provide input or receive feedback based on an avatar object.
[0132] For example, the electronic device (501) may determine that a physical object (551) corresponding to the selected manipulation area has been selected by the user (590) based on detecting a user input for selecting an manipulation area. The user's (590) input may include at least one of a gesture input using a part of the body (e.g., a hand or an eye), an input using a separate virtual reality accessory device, or a user's voice input.
[0133] A gesture input is an input corresponding to a gesture identified based on tracking a body part (510) of a user (590), and for example, the gesture input may include an input for pointing or selecting an object. The gesture input may include at least one of a gesture in which a body part (e.g., a hand) faces an object for a predetermined period of time or longer, a gesture in which a body part (e.g., a finger, an eye, a head) points to an object, or a gesture in which a body part and an object make spatial contact. A gesture in which an eye points to an object may be identified based on eye tracking. A gesture in which the head points to an object may be identified based on head tracking.
[0134] Tracking of a body part (510) of a user (590) may be performed primarily based on a camera of the electronic device (501), but is not limited thereto. The electronic device (501) may also track the body part (510) based on the cooperation of sensing data of a vision sensor (e.g., image data of a camera and depth data of a depth sensor) and information collected by an accessory device described below (e.g., controller tracking, finger tracking within the controller). Finger tracking may be performed by sensing the distance or contact between an individual finger and the controller based on a sensor built into the controller (e.g., an infrared sensor).
[0135] The virtual reality accessory device may include a ride-on device, a wearable device, a controller device (520), or other sensor-based device. The ride-on device is a device that a user (590) rides on and operates, and may include, for example, at least one of a treadmill-type device or a chair-type device. The wearable device is a manipulation device that is worn on at least a part of the user's (590) body, and may include, for example, at least one of a full-body and half-body suit-type controller, a vest-type controller, a shoe-type controller, a bag-type controller, a glove-type controller (e.g., a haptic glove), or a face mask-type controller. The controller device (520) may include, for example, an input device (e.g., a stick-type controller or a gun) that is operated by a hand, foot, toe, or other body part (510).
[0136] The electronic device (501) may establish direct communication with the accessory device to track at least one of the location or motion of the accessory device, but is not limited thereto. The electronic device (501) may also communicate with the accessory device via a base station for virtual reality.
[0137] For example, the electronic device (501) may determine that the virtual object (552) has been selected based on detecting an action of gazing at the virtual object (552) for a predetermined period of time or longer through the aforementioned eye gaze tracking technology. As another example, the electronic device (501) may recognize a gesture indicating the virtual object (552) through hand tracking technology. The electronic device (501) may determine that the virtual object (552) has been selected based on whether the direction pointed by the tracked hand indicates the virtual object (552) for a predetermined period of time or longer, or whether the hand of the user (590) contacts or enters an area occupied by the virtual object (552) within the virtual space (500).
[0138] The user's voice input is an input corresponding to the user's voice acquired by the electronic device (501), and may include, for example, voice data sensed by an input module (e.g., a microphone) of the electronic device (501) or received from an external electronic device of the electronic device (501). The electronic device (501) may determine that a physical object (551) or a virtual object (552) has been selected by analyzing the user's voice input. For example, the electronic device (501) may determine that at least one of the physical object (551) or the virtual object (552) corresponding to the detected keyword has been selected based on detecting a keyword indicating at least one of the physical object (551) or the virtual object (552) from the user's voice input.
[0139] The electronic device (501) may provide feedback as described below in response to the user (590) input described above.
[0140] Feedback may include visual feedback, auditory feedback, tactile feedback, olfactory feedback, or gustatory feedback. The feedback may be rendered by a server (108), an electronic device (101), or an external electronic device (102), as described above in FIG. 1.
[0141] Visual feedback may include outputting an image through a display (e.g., a transparent display or an opaque display) of the electronic device (501).
[0142] Auditory feedback may include outputting sound through a speaker of the electronic device (501).
[0143] Tactile feedback may include force feedback that simulates weight, shape, texture, dimension, and dynamics. For example, a haptic glove may include haptic elements (e.g., electrical muscles) that can simulate the sensation of touch by tensing and relaxing the body of a user (590). The haptic elements within the haptic glove may act as tendons. The haptic glove may provide haptic feedback to the entire hand of the user (590). The electronic device (501) may provide feedback indicating the shape, size, and stiffness of an object through the haptic glove. For example, the haptic glove may generate forces that simulate the shape, size, and stiffness of an object. The exoskeleton of the haptic glove (or suit-like device) may include sensors and finger motion measurement devices, and may transmit tactile information to the body by transmitting a force (e.g., an electromagnetic, DC motor, or pneumatic-based force) that pulls a cable to the fingers of the user (590). Hardware providing tactile feedback may include sensors, actuators, power sources, and wireless transmission circuitry. Haptic gloves may operate by inflating and deflating inflatable air bladders on the glove surface.
[0144] The electronic device (501) may provide feedback to the user (590) based on the selection of an object within the virtual space (500). For example, the electronic device (501) may output a graphical representation indicating the selected object (e.g., an expression highlighting the selected object) through the display. As another example, the electronic device (501) may output a sound (e.g., a voice) guiding the selected object through the speaker. As another example, the electronic device (501) may provide the user (590) with a haptic movement that simulates the tactile sensation of the corresponding object by transmitting an electrical signal to a haptic-enabled accessory device (e.g., a haptic glove).
[0145]
[0146] Figure 6 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a process for determining an operation command of a controller according to various embodiments.
[0147] An electronic device according to one embodiment (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, electronic device (201) of FIG. 2, electronic device (301) of FIG. 3, electronic device (401) of FIG. 4, electronic device (501) of FIG. 5) may be worn by a user. The electronic device may be an extended reality device (XR device). The XR device may include all of a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, and a mixed reality (MR) device.
[0148] An electronic device can construct a virtual space (e.g., a virtual space (500) of FIG. 5) based on the physical location of the electronic device and / or the user, and can place virtual objects within the virtual space. The electronic device can be communicatively connected to one or more hand-held controllers (hereinafter, “controllers”) configured with buttons and sensors to interact with virtual objects placed within the virtual space. The controllers can detect user manipulations and transmit manipulation commands of the controllers based on the detected user manipulations to the electronic device. The electronic device can individually communicate with a plurality of controllers and individually receive manipulation commands from the plurality of controllers.
[0149] In one embodiment, an electronic device may display graphical affordances corresponding to a plurality of controllers on a screen of a display. The graphical affordances may represent user interaction graphical user interface objects displayed on the display of the electronic device. In general, the electronic device may determine and display the shape and size of the graphical affordance corresponding to the controllers so that they are identical to the shape and size of the controllers in real space, but is not necessarily limited thereto. The electronic device may also determine the shape and size of the graphical affordances so that they are different from the shape and size of the controllers in real space.
[0150] In another embodiment, instead of displaying graphical affordances corresponding to the plurality of controllers on the screen of the display, the electronic device may use a camera to capture (real-time) images of the plurality of controllers and display them on the screen.
[0151] In another embodiment, the electronic device may display information (e.g., battery information) about the plurality of controllers on the screen of the display without displaying graphical affordances and images for the plurality of controllers.
[0152] In one embodiment, if an electronic device determines that a controller has malfunctioned, the electronic device may display a graphical affordance corresponding to the controller on the screen based on the controller's malfunction state. Below, a method for an electronic device to display a graphical affordance corresponding to a controller based on the controller's malfunction state is briefly described.
[0153] In operation (610), when the electronic device determines that a target controller among a plurality of controllers registered to the electronic device has an abnormality, the electronic device can display a graphic affordance corresponding to the target controller based on the abnormal state of the target controller.
[0154] In one embodiment, the electronic device can establish communication with and register multiple controllers. The electronic device can individually determine whether the multiple controllers are abnormal.
[0155] In one embodiment, the electronic device may display a graphic affordance corresponding to a target controller on a screen of the display for a target controller that is determined to have an abnormality among a plurality of controllers.
[0156] For example, an electronic device may display an existing graphical affordance for a target controller. If the electronic device determines that the target controller is in an abnormal state, the existing graphical affordance for the target controller may be transformed based on the abnormal state of the target controller.
[0157] For another example, an electronic device may display an image of a target controller. If the electronic device determines that the target controller is in an abnormal state, it may overlay a graphical affordance based on the abnormal state of the target controller onto the image of the target controller.
[0158] For another example, an electronic device may not display an existing graphical affordance for a target controller or an image of the target controller. In such cases, the electronic device may generate and display a new graphical affordance corresponding to the target controller based on the target controller's abnormal state.
[0159] In one embodiment, the electronic device can determine the operation command of the target controller indicated by the user's gesture using the graphical affordance displayed corresponding to the target controller, for the target controller determined to be abnormal. Conversely, the electronic device can directly receive the operation command for the remaining controllers that are not abnormal.
[0160] In action (620), the electronic device can detect the user's gesture with respect to the displayed graphic affordance using a camera that captures the user's gesture.
[0161] In one embodiment, if the electronic device determines that a problem has occurred in the target controller, the electronic device may turn on a pass-through camera capable of capturing a user's gesture (e.g., the first camera (265a, 265b) of FIG. 1 or the functional camera (415) of FIG. 4A). The electronic device may detect the user's gesture with respect to a graphic affordance displayed in response to the target controller. The user's gesture may be, for example, a gesture corresponding to an action of pressing a button on the controller, a gesture corresponding to an action of rotating the controller, a gesture corresponding to an action of touching a touch sensor on the controller, etc.
[0162] In operation (630), the electronic device can determine the operation command of the target controller indicated by the detected user's gesture.
[0163] In one embodiment, the electronic device can determine an operation command of a target controller indicated by a user's gesture with respect to a graphic affordance, and receive the determined operation command of the target controller as an input signal. Then, the electronic device can perform an operation according to the determined operation command of the target controller. In other words, the electronic device can receive an operation command of the target controller indicated by the user's gesture with respect to the converted graphic affordance as an input signal, thereby enabling the user to transmit a controller operation command based on the elements that are not operated to the electronic device even when some of the elements constituting the target controller (e.g., buttons, touch sensors, gyro sensors, etc.) are not operated.
[0164]
[0165] FIG. 7 illustrates a situation in which a user uses multiple controllers according to various embodiments.
[0166] In one embodiment, the electronic device can establish individual communication with a plurality of controllers (721, 722). The electronic device can register the plurality of controllers (721, 722) by establishing communication with each of the plurality of controllers (721, 722). The controller (721) may represent a controller designed to be operated with a user's left hand (701), and the controller (722) may represent a controller designed to be operated with a user's right hand (702).
[0167] In one embodiment, an electronic device can construct a virtual space and place virtual objects within the virtual space. The electronic device can display a VR image (720) corresponding to the virtual space on a display screen.
[0168] In one embodiment, the electronic device can individually determine whether a plurality of controllers (721, 722) are abnormal. The electronic device can determine whether a controller (e.g., controller (721)) is abnormal based on a signal received from the controller.
[0169] In one embodiment, the electronic device may determine that none of the plurality of controllers (721, 722) are malfunctioning. In other words, the electronic device may determine that all of the plurality of controllers (721, 722) are operating normally. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 7 , the electronic device may not display a graphic affordance corresponding to the controller (e.g., controller (721), controller (722)) or an image capturing the controller on the display screen.
[0170] In one embodiment, the electronic device may determine that a problem has occurred in the controller (721). For example, the electronic device may detect an operational error of a button (731) included in the controller (721) based on a signal received from the controller (721). If the electronic device determines that a problem has occurred in the controller (721), the electronic device may display a graphic affordance (not shown) corresponding to the controller (721) based on the abnormal state of the controller (721). A method of displaying a graphic affordance (not shown) corresponding to the controller (721) based on the abnormal state of the controller (721) is described in more detail in FIGS. 8 to 10 .
[0171]
[0172] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a case where an electronic device according to various embodiments detects an operation error of a button included in a controller.
[0173] In one embodiment, the electronic device can determine an abnormal state of the controller (721) based on a signal received from the controller (721). The abnormal state of the controller (721) may appear in various ways. For example, the types of abnormal states of the controller may include an operation error of a button included in the controller, an operation error of a touch sensor included in the controller, an operation error of a tracking sensor included in the controller, an operation error of a gyro sensor included in the controller, etc.
[0174] In one embodiment, when the electronic device determines that a problem has occurred in the controller (721), the electronic device may display a graphic affordance corresponding to the controller (721) on the screen of the display based on the abnormal state of the controller (721). The electronic device may display the graphic affordance corresponding to the controller (721) in different ways depending on the type of abnormal state of the controller (721).
[0175] Referring to FIG. 8, if the electronic device determines that a problem has occurred in the controller (721), it can turn on the camera that captures the controller (e.g., controller (721), controller (722)) and the user's gesture, and display an image (820) capturing the controller on the screen. If the electronic device determines that a problem has occurred in the controller (721) while displaying a VR (virtual reality) image on the screen, it can display an AR (augmented reality) image on the screen instead of the VR image.
[0176] Additionally, the electronic device may display an interface object (810) on the screen containing information indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the controller (721).
[0177] In one embodiment, when the electronic device receives a user input selecting an interface object (811) requesting use of a controller (721) determined to be abnormal, the electronic device may display a graphic affordance corresponding to the controller (721) on the screen. On the other hand, when the electronic device receives a user input selecting an interface object (812) that terminates use of the controller (721) determined to be abnormal, the electronic device may terminate communication between the controller (721) and the electronic device and may not display a graphic affordance corresponding to the controller (721). Hereinafter, a case where a user requests use of a controller (721) determined to be abnormal will be mainly described.
[0178] In one embodiment, the electronic device can detect an operational error of a button (731) included in the controller (721) based on a signal received from the controller (721). The button (731) included in the controller (721) can detect physical pressure from a user and generate an electrical signal to transmit whether the button (731) has been pressed to the processor of the controller (721). The operational error of the button (731) may include various types of errors, such as a press detection error in which the button (731) does not detect physical pressure from the user due to a defect in the button sensor included in the button (731), or a sensitivity adjustment error in which the sensitivity of the button (731) is not accurately adjusted and thus does not accurately detect physical pressure from the user. However, the types of operational errors of the button (731) are not limited to the above.
[0179] When the controller (721) detects an operation error of the button (731), it can notify the electronic device of the operation error of the button (731). Hereinafter, an example of a method for the controller (721) to determine an operation error of the button (731) included in the controller (721) will be described. For example, the controller (721) can track the position of the user's hand operating the controller (721) using a tracking sensor (hereinafter, 'user hand tracking'). The controller (721) can determine whether the user has physically pressed the button (731) through the user hand tracking. For example, the controller (721) can determine whether the user's finger has contacted the upper surface of the button (731) by performing the user hand tracking, and can determine whether the user has physically pressed the button (731) by determining whether the finger contacting the upper surface of the button (731) has performed a bending motion. If the controller (721) determines that the user has physically pressed the button (731) through user hand tracking, but the button (731) does not detect physical pressure from the user, it may determine that an operation error has occurred in the button (731). If the controller (721) determines that an operation error has occurred in the button (731), it may transmit to the electronic device that an operation error has occurred in the button (731).
[0180]
[0181] FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating a process for displaying a graphic affordance corresponding to a controller when an electronic device according to various embodiments detects an operation error of a button included in the controller.
[0182] In one embodiment, the electronic device may determine that a malfunction has occurred in the controller (721). For example, the electronic device may detect an operational error in a button (731) included in the controller (721). The electronic device may receive a user input selecting an interface object (e.g., interface object (811) of FIG. 8) requesting use of the controller (721) determined to have a malfunction.
[0183] Referring to FIG. 9A, the electronic device can display a graphic affordance (911) corresponding to the controller (721) on the screen.
[0184] In one embodiment, the electronic device may overlap a graphic affordance (911) corresponding to the controller (721) on an image (820) of the controller (721). At this time, the electronic device may generate a graphic affordance for a button (731) determined to have an abnormality in the controller (721) as the graphic affordance (911) corresponding to the controller (721). In other words, the electronic device may generate a graphic affordance (911) that replaces a part of the controller (721). When the electronic device detects an operational error of a button (731) included in the controller (721), the electronic device may display a graphic affordance (911) having an increased size compared to at least one of the width and height of the button (731) in the image (820) of the controller (721).
[0185] In another embodiment, the electronic device may not display the image (820) that captures the controller (721), but may generate and display a graphic affordance (not shown) that replaces the entire controller (721). In this case, the electronic device may display not only the graphic affordance for the accessory (e.g., button (731)) that is determined to have a malfunction in the controller (721), but also graphic affordances for other accessories (e.g., triggers of the controller, grip buttons of the controller, etc.). At this time, the electronic device may detect an operational error of the button (731) included in the controller (721). In this case, the electronic device may display the graphic affordance of other accessories that have not experienced an operational error in the controller (721) in a manner that corresponds to the shape of the other accessories that appear in the image (820), whereas the graphic affordance of the button (731) that has experienced an operational error in the controller (721) may be displayed by increasing the shape (e.g., width, height) of the button (731) that appears in the image (820).
[0186] In one embodiment, when the electronic device receives a user input for selecting an interface object requesting the use of the controller (721) (e.g., the interface object (811) of FIG. 8), the electronic device may provide a tutorial screen for performing an operation command for a button (731) in which an error occurred in the controller (721) using a user gesture. The electronic device may display a graphic affordance (911) corresponding to the controller (721), and determine whether the user's gesture for the graphic affordance (911) indicates an input of the button (731) and provide the user with a determination result. At this time, the electronic device may continuously turn on a camera for recognizing the user's gesture.
[0187] In one embodiment, the electronic device can determine whether the user has pressed the button (731) by detecting the user's gesture relative to the graphic affordance (911) using a camera. The camera (e.g., the first camera (265a, 265b) of FIG. 1 or the functional camera (415) of FIG. 4A) can detect the user's gesture. The camera can be used for recognizing real space and tracking the user's hand, etc.
[0188] In one embodiment, the electronic device can more easily determine whether the user's gesture indicates an input of the button (731) by displaying a graphic affordance (911) having an increased size compared to at least one of the width and height of the button (731) in the image (820). The electronic device can detect the user's gesture with respect to the graphic affordance (911) and determine whether the detected user's gesture indicates an input of the button (731) included in the controller (721). For example, if the electronic device determines that the distance that the finger of the user's left hand (701) moves downward after contacting the upper surface of the button (731) is greater than a threshold distance, the electronic device can determine that the user's gesture indicates an input of the button (841).
[0189] The electronic device can display a graphic affordance (911) having an increased size compared to the width of the button (731) in the image (820). In this case, it is easier to determine whether a finger (e.g., an index finger) of the user's left hand (701) overlaps the upper surface of the button (731). The electronic device can display a graphic affordance (911) having an increased size compared to the height of the button (731) in the image (820). In this case, it is easier to determine whether a finger (e.g., an index finger) of the user's left hand (701) has pressed the button (731). This is because the user is expected to move his or her finger (e.g., a thumb) downward longer to perform an action of pressing the button (731) when the graphic affordance (911) with an increased height of the button (731) is displayed on the screen.
[0190] If the electronic device determines that the user gesture has performed an action of pressing the button (731), the electronic device can determine that the user gesture indicates an input of the button (731). If the user gesture indicates an input of the button (731), the electronic device can receive an operation command for the button (731) of the controller (721) as an input signal. Then, the electronic device can perform an operation according to the operation command for the button (731).
[0191] Referring to FIG. 9B, after the electronic device provides a tutorial screen for performing an operation command for a button (731) in which an error has occurred in the controller (721) using a user gesture, the electronic device can display the VR image (920) on the screen again so that the user can enter the virtual space. At this time, the electronic device can display the AR image (930) including the VR image (920) and the graphic affordance (911) corresponding to the controller (721) on the screen together. For example, the AR image (930) may be an image in which the graphic affordance (911) corresponding to the controller (721) overlaps an area corresponding to the controller (721) and the user's hand (701) operating the controller (721) in an image (e.g., the image (920) of FIG. 9A). The electronic device can display the VR image (920) and the AR image (930) on the screen together in a PIP (picture in picture) manner. The electronic device can provide a virtual space to the user by displaying a VR image (920) and an AR image (930) together on the screen, while helping the user perform a gesture to generate an operation command for a button (731) that has an error.
[0192]
[0193] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a process in which an electronic device according to various embodiments displays a graphic affordance with an increased size of a controller.
[0194] In one embodiment, the electronic device can detect an operational error of a gyro sensor (not shown) included in the controller (1021) based on a signal received from the controller (1021). The gyro sensor included in the controller (1021) can detect a rotational movement of a user's hand (1001) operating the controller (1021). More specifically, the gyro sensor included in the controller (1021) can measure a rotational speed, a rotational direction, and a rotational amount of the controller (1021). The controller (1021) can determine a rotational movement of the user's hand (1001) based on the measured rotational speed, rotational direction, and rotational amount. The controller (1021) can transmit information about the rotational movement of the user's hand (1001) operating the controller (1021) measured from the gyro sensor to the electronic device in real time. At this time, the electronic device can detect an operational error of the gyro sensor included in the controller (1021) on its own or receive a signal indicating the occurrence of an operational error of the gyro sensor from the controller (1021). For example, if the electronic device does not receive information on the rotational movement of the user's hand (1001) from the controller (1021), it can be determined that an operational error has occurred in the gyro sensor included in the controller (1021).
[0195] In one embodiment, the electronic device may display a graphic affordance (1031) with an increased size of the controller (1021). Referring to FIG. 10, the electronic device may generate and display a graphic affordance (1031) that replaces the entire controller (1021). The electronic device may display an image (1020) on the screen that captures the controllers (1021, 1022) and the user's hands (1001, 1002) manipulating the controllers (1021, 1022). The electronic device may delete an area corresponding to the controller (1021) from the image (1020) and overlap the graphic affordance (1031) corresponding to the controller (1021). The electronic device may generate a graphic affordance (1031) that replaces the entire controller (1021). When the electronic device detects an operational error of the gyro sensor included in the controller (1021), it can display a graphic affordance (1031) having an increased size compared to the size of the controller (1021) in the image (1020) that captured the controller (1021).
[0196] In one embodiment, the electronic device can detect a user's gesture with respect to the graphic affordance (1031) and determine whether the detected user's gesture indicates an operation involving rotation of the controller (1031).
[0197] In one embodiment, the electronic device can detect the user's gesture to calculate the rotational speed, rotational direction, and rotational amount of the user's hand (1001). The electronic device can determine whether the user's gesture indicates an operation related to the rotation of the controller (1021) (e.g., a scroll operation, a flick operation, a swing operation, etc.) based on the calculated rotational speed, rotational direction, and rotational amount. For example, the electronic device can determine that the user's gesture indicates an operation related to the rotation of the controller (1021) when the rotational speed and rotational amount of the user's hand (1001) are equal to or greater than a threshold speed and a threshold amount.
[0198] In one embodiment, the electronic device can easily determine whether the user's gesture indicates an operation related to the rotation of the controller (1021) by displaying a graphic affordance (1031) with an increased size of the controller (1021) on the screen of the display. As described above, the electronic device can determine that the user's gesture indicates an operation related to the rotation of the controller (1021) when the rotation speed and rotation amount of the user's hand (1001) are greater than or equal to a threshold speed and a threshold amount. Since the electronic device displays a graphic affordance (1031) with an increased size of the controller (1021) on the screen, the user looking at the graphic affordance (1031) can increase the rotation speed and rotation amount of the user's hand (1001) to rotate the graphic affordance (1031) corresponding to the controller (1021) compared to when the graphic affordance with the same size as the controller (1021) is displayed. In other words, when the user intends to perform an operation related to the rotation of the controller (1021), the rotation speed and rotation amount of the user's hand (1021) will increase, so that the electronic device can easily determine whether the user gesture indicates an operation related to the rotation of the controller (1021).
[0199] Furthermore, when the electronic device detects an operational error of the gyro sensor included in the controller (1021) for the convenience of the user, the electronic device can display information on the rotation speed and rotation amount required to perform an operation related to the rotation of the controller (1021) as a graphic object on the screen of the display.
[0200]
[0201] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a process of tracking a user's hand when an electronic device according to various embodiments detects an operational error of a tracking sensor included in a controller.
[0202] In one embodiment, the electronic device can detect an operational error of a tracking sensor included in the controller (1121) based on a signal received from the controller (1121). The tracking sensor included in the controller (1121) can track the position of the user's hand (1101) operating the controller (1121). The controller (1121) can transmit the position information of the user's hand (1101) operating the controller (1121) measured by the tracking sensor to the electronic device in real time. At this time, the electronic device can independently detect an operational error of the tracking sensor included in the controller (1121) or receive a signal indicating the occurrence of an operational error of the tracking sensor from the controller (1121). For example, if the electronic device does not receive the position information of the user's hand (1101) from the controller (1121), the electronic device can determine that an operational error of the tracking sensor included in the controller (1121) has occurred.
[0203] In one embodiment, when the electronic device detects an operational error of a tracking sensor included in the controller (1121), the electronic device may set the user's hand (1101) operating the controller (1121) as a tracking target. The electronic device may capture the user's hand (1101) operating the controller (1121) through a camera, and may mark an area (1130) corresponding to the user's hand (1101) in the captured image (1120) of the user's hand (1101) with a marker. For example, the captured image (1120) of the user's hand (1101) may represent images captured of the controllers (1121, 1122) and the user's hands (1121, 1122).
[0204] In one embodiment, since the electronic device cannot track the position of the user's hand (1101) manipulating the controller (121), the electronic device can continuously track the user's hand (1101) by setting the user's hand (1101) as a tracking target through image analysis in the image (1120). The electronic device can analyze the position and shape of the user's hand (1101) from the image (1120) captured by the camera. Since the electronic device cannot receive information tracking the user's hand (1101) from the controller (1121), the electronic device can display an area (1130) corresponding to the user's hand (1101) in the image (1120) as a marker, and output the area (1130) corresponding to the user's hand (1101) as a marker on the screen of the display. The electronic device can notify the user that the user's hand (1101) operating the controller (1121) is being tracked by the electronic device and that an operation error of a tracking sensor included in the controller (1121) has occurred by displaying an area (1130) corresponding to the user's hand (1101) with a marker.
[0205]
[0206] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a process in which an electronic device according to various embodiments displays a graphic affordance corresponding to a controller when the controller is disconnected or the controller is separated from a user's hand.
[0207] In one embodiment, the electronic device may display a graphic affordance (1231) for generating a manipulation command for the controller (1221) when it detects that the connection with the controller (1221) has been terminated or that the controller (1221) and the user's hand (1201) manipulating the controller (1221) have become separated from each other.
[0208] The termination of the connection between the electronic device and the controller (1221) may occur, for example, when the battery of the controller (1221) is discharged or when wireless communication between the controller (1221) and the electronic device is terminated. In addition, the controller (1221) may detect contact with the user's hand (1201), and when the user's hand (1201) does not make contact for a certain period of time, the controller (1221) may determine that the user's hand (1201) has been separated from the controller (1221). The controller (1221) may transmit to the electronic device that the user's hand (1201) operating the controller (1221) has been separated.
[0209] The form of the graphic affordance (1231) for generating an operation command for the controller (1221) may be similar to the form of the existing controller (1221), but may also be different. The electronic device may display an image (1220) of the controllers (1221, 1222) and the user's hands (1201, 1202) operating the controllers (1221, 1222) on the screen. The electronic device may display the image (1220) and the graphic affordance (1231) corresponding to the controller by overlapping them.
[0210] When the electronic device detects that the connection to the controller (1221) has been terminated or that the controller (1221) and the user's hand (1201) manipulating the controller (1221) have become separated from each other, the electronic device can turn on the camera to detect the user's gesture with respect to the graphic affordance (1231). The electronic device can determine the operation command of the controller (1221) indicated by the user's gesture through the graphic affordance (1231) and perform an operation according to the determined operation command.
[0211]
[0212] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a process in which an electronic device according to various embodiments changes an object type of a graphic affordance displayed in response to a controller.
[0213] In one embodiment, the electronic device can determine the object type of the graphical affordance displayed in response to the controller. Object types usable as controllers may include, but are not limited to, a joystick type, a keyboard type, or a musical instrument type.
[0214] In one embodiment, when a user gesture corresponding to one of a plurality of object types usable as a controller is recognized, the electronic device may determine an object type of a graphic affordance displayed in response to the controller within a virtual space (1200) as one object type. For example, the electronic device may acquire an image of the user's hand through a camera and detect the user's gesture through image analysis from the acquired image. When the detected user gesture is a keyboard input gesture, the electronic device may determine the object type of the graphic affordance (1231) displayed in response to the controller as a keyboard type.
[0215] In one embodiment, the electronic device may display an area (e.g., areas (1341, 1342, 1343, 1344)) that generates a controller operation command in a graphic affordance (1331) displayed in response to the controller, in a manner that is distinct from other areas. Referring to FIG. 13, the electronic device may display an area that generates a controller operation command in the graphic affordance (1331) in a color that is distinct from other areas. For example, when the electronic device detects a user gesture (e.g., an action of touching the area (1341)) related to the area (1341) of the graphic affordance (1331), the electronic device may generate a controller operation command related to the area (1341).
[0216] Furthermore, the electronic device can determine the controller operation command indicated by the detected user gesture and output the determined controller operation command in the form of voice or text. In one embodiment, the electronic device can output the controller operation command in the form of voice or text before performing the operation according to the controller operation command indicated by the user's gesture. In other words, the electronic device can transmit the controller operation command recognized by the electronic device to the user before performing the operation according to the controller operation command indicated by the user's gesture. The user can cancel the controller operation command before the electronic device performs the operation according to the controller operation command indicated by the user's gesture. For example, the electronic device can determine the controller operation command indicated by the user's gesture and display an interface object that can cancel the operation according to the determined operation command. The user can prevent the electronic device from performing the operation according to the determined operation command by interacting with the interface object that can cancel the operation.
[0217]
[0218] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.
[0219] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.
[0220] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).
[0221] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.
[0222] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.
[0223] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.
[0224] The embodiments described above may be implemented using hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware components and software components. For example, the devices, methods, and components described in the embodiments may be implemented using a general-purpose computer or a special-purpose computer, such as, for example, a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing instructions and responding to them. The processing device may execute an operating system (OS) and software applications running on the operating system. Furthermore, the processing device may access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the processing device is sometimes described as being used alone; however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the processing device may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, a processing unit may include multiple processors, or a processor and a controller. Other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are also possible.
[0225] Software may include computer programs, codes, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, which may configure a processing device to perform a desired operation or may independently or collectively command the processing device. The software and / or data may be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, or computer storage medium or device for interpretation by the processing device or for providing instructions or data to the processing device. The software may also be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on a computer-readable recording medium.
[0226] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., alone or in combination, and the program commands recorded on the medium may be those specially designed and configured for the embodiment or may be known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program commands such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. Examples of program commands include not only machine language codes such as those generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.
[0227] The hardware device described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiment, and vice versa.
Claims
1. In an electronic device (101; 201; 301; 401; 501), A camera that captures the user's gestures (265a; 265b; 415); A memory (130) in which computer-executable instructions are stored; and A processor (120) that accesses the above memory (130) and executes the above instructions Including, The above instructions, when executed, cause the processor (120) to: When it is determined that a target controller among the plurality of controllers (721; 722) registered in the electronic device (101; 201; 301; 401; 501) has a problem, a graphic affordance corresponding to the target controller is displayed based on the problem state of the target controller, a user's gesture for the displayed graphic affordance is detected using the camera (265a; 265b; 415), and an operation command of the target controller indicated by the detected user's gesture is determined. causing to do, Electronic devices (101; 201; 301; 401; 501).
2. In paragraph 1, The above instructions, when executed, cause the processor (120) to: Determining an abnormal state of the target controller based on a signal received from the target controller causing to do, Electronic devices (101; 201; 301; 401; 501).
3. In any one of paragraphs 1 and 2, The above instructions, when executed, cause the processor (120) to: If it is determined that there is an abnormality in the above target controller, turn on the camera (265a; 265b; 415). causing to do, Electronic devices (101; 201; 301; 401; 501).
4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, The above instructions, when executed, cause the processor (120) to: When detecting an operation error of a button included in the target controller, display a graphic affordance having an increased size compared to at least one of the width and height of the button in the image in which the target controller was photographed. causing to do, Electronic devices (101; 201; 301; 401; 501).
5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above instructions, when executed, cause the processor (120) to: When detecting an operation error of the gyro sensor included in the target controller, display a graphic affordance having an increased size compared to the size of the target controller in the image taken of the target controller. causing to do, Electronic devices (101; 201; 301; 401; 501).
6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above instructions, when executed, cause the processor (120) to: When an operation error of the tracking sensor included in the target controller is detected, the hand of the user manipulating the target controller is set as a tracking target, and an area corresponding to the hand of the user is marked as a marker in an image of the hand of the user. causing to do, Electronic devices (101; 201; 301; 401; 501).
7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above instructions, when executed, cause the processor (120) to: Displaying a VR (virtual reality) image and an AR (augmented reality) image with graphic affordance corresponding to the target controller together on the display screen causing to do, Electronic devices (101; 201; 301; 401; 501).
8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above instructions, when executed, cause the processor (120) to: Determines the object type of the graphic affordance displayed in response to the above target controller. causing to do, Electronic devices (101; 201; 301; 401; 501).
9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above instructions, when executed, cause the processor (120) to: When a user's gesture corresponding to one of multiple object types available as a controller is recognized, the object type of the graphic affordance displayed corresponding to the target controller is determined as the one object type. causing to do, Electronic devices (101; 201; 301; 401; 501).
10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The above instructions, when executed, cause the processor (120) to: Outputting the operation command of the target controller indicated by the detected user's gesture as voice or text causing to do, Electronic devices (101; 201; 301; 401; 501).
11. In a method performed by an electronic device (101; 201; 301; 401; 501), When it is determined that a target controller among a plurality of controllers (721, 722) registered in the electronic device (101; 201; 301; 401; 501) has an abnormality, a step of displaying a graphic affordance corresponding to the target controller based on the abnormal state of the target controller; A step of detecting a user's gesture for the displayed graphic affordance using a camera (265a; 265b; 415) that captures the user's gesture; and A step for determining the operation command of the target controller indicated by the detected user's gesture A method including:
12. In paragraph 11, The step of displaying the graphic affordance corresponding to the target controller is: A step for determining an abnormal state of the target controller based on a signal received from the target controller. A method including:
13. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 12, The step of detecting the user's gesture is as follows: When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the above target controller, a step of turning on the camera (265a; 265b; 415) A method including:
14. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 13, The step of displaying a graphic affordance corresponding to the above target controller is: When detecting an operation error of a button included in the target controller, a step of displaying a graphic affordance having an increased size compared to at least one of the width and height of the button in an image in which the target controller was photographed A method including:
15. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 14, The step of displaying a graphic affordance corresponding to the above target controller is: When detecting an operation error of a gyro sensor included in the target controller, a step of displaying a graphic affordance having an increased size compared to the size of the target controller in an image taken of the target controller A method including:
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