3D Content Positioning With Virtual Screen and Off-Screen Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies struggle to present three-dimensional (3D) content in a way that is engaging and interactive, failing to effectively utilize both on-screen and off-screen portions within a 3D environment.

Innovation Solution

The system positions content within a 3D environment by distinguishing between on-screen and off-screen content, using virtual screens and sensors to track user interactions and physiological data, allowing for dynamic adjustments based on user gaze and scene understanding to enhance the 3D experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If content is presented only on a virtual screen within a 3D environment, then the presentation is simple and straightforward, but user engagement and immersion are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of content presentationVSAvoiduser engagement and immersion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional 2D screen-based content delivery to 3D spatial content positioning. Content elements are placed at specific three-dimensional coordinates within the field of view, allowing users to interact with content in depth space rather than being confined to a flat screen boundary. This dimensional expansion creates immersive experiences while maintaining operational simplicity through natural gaze-based interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If all content is positioned in front of the virtual screen in 3D space, then user engagement improves, but the distinction between on-screen and off-screen content is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser engagementVSAvoidspatial content organization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments content into distinct spatial categories: on-screen content remains anchored to the virtual screen boundary while off-screen content is positioned in the 3D space in front of or beyond the screen. This segmentation preserves the functional distinction between different content types while allowing each to be optimized for its intended interaction mode, maintaining both engagement and organizational clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system tracks user gaze and physiological data to dynamically adjust content positioning, then user experience is personalized and improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalized user experienceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback loops where user gaze direction and physiological responses are continuously monitored and used to dynamically adjust content positioning and presentation. The system responds to user attention patterns by repositioning content elements in 3D space, creating a personalized experience that adapts in real-time while managing complexity through algorithmic automation of the adjustment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20260112139A1Positioning content within 3D environments
Publication Date: 2026.04.23 APPLE INC
  • US20260112139A1 patent drawing
  • US20260112139A1 patent drawing
  • US20260112139A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Various implementations disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods that provide a view of a three-dimensional (3D) environment in which virtual content is presented. For example, an example process may include obtaining virtual content and positioning the virtual content within a view of a 3D environment by determining on-screen content and off-screen content, positioning the on-screen content on a virtual screen within the 3D environment, and positioning off-screen content outside of the virtual screen within the 3D environment. The method may further include presenting the view of the 3D environment including a presentation of the on-screen content on the virtual screen and the off-screen content outside of the virtual screen.