3D Interaction Visualization Using Distance-Triggered Optical Projection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies do not allow for direct and effective visualization of the interaction between a physical object and a 3-D image without auxiliary means, limiting the immersive experience.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a display device, a projection device, and an acquisition device that captures and determines the distance between a physical object and a reference position on a display device, triggering an optical projection when the distance is less than a defined minimum, allowing for improved visualization of the interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If sensor-based capture and software merging are used to simulate interaction, then interaction visualization is enabled, but the immersion and directness of the interaction experience are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction visualizationVSAvoidimmersive experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces optical projection as an intermediary medium that bridges the physical object and the 3-D image. Instead of relying solely on sensor-based simulation, the system projects optical patterns onto the physical object to create a direct visual connection, enhancing the immersive experience while maintaining interaction visualization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple technologies - display device, acquisition device, and projection device - into an integrated system. This combination allows the system to simultaneously capture physical object data, generate 3-D images, and project optical patterns, creating a unified interaction experience that reduces the loss of immersion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If distance determination and conditional projection are implemented, then interaction precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance determinationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acquisition device serves multiple functions: it captures images of the display device, captures images of the physical object, determines distances between them, and triggers projections based on distance thresholds. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of information

If optical projection is used to enhance visualization, then interaction visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction visibilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The projection is not continuous but is triggered periodically or conditionally based on distance measurements. The system determines the distance between the physical object and display device, and only activates projection when the object enters a predetermined interaction zone. This periodic/conditional activation reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining interaction visibility when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables enhanced visualization of the interaction between a physical object and a 3-D image by projecting optical displays based on the object's movement and position, enhancing the immersive experience without requiring additional aids like 3-D glasses.

Implementation Method 1

an acquisition device (110) configured to capture first object data of the display device (100) and second object data of the physical object (150) that is spaced apart from the display device (100) and movable, and wherein (iv) the acquisition device is configured to determine a distance between a reference position formed on a surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

a first projection device (120) configured to project a first optical display onto a first region of the physical object (150)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight: Light

Data Source

PatentUS20250229631A1Apparatus and Method for Visualising an Interaction of a Physical Object with a 3D Image, and Motor Vehicle Having the Apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.07.17 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • US20250229631A1 patent drawing
  • US20250229631A1 patent drawing
  • US20250229631A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus for visualizing an interaction of a physical object with a 3-D image includes a display device, a first projection device, an acquisition device, and an evaluation device. The display device presents the 3-D image which is perceivable by a user. The first projection device projects a first optical display onto a first region of the physical object. The acquisition device captures first object data of the display device and second object data of the physical object that is spaced apart from the display device and movable. The acquisition device determines a distance between a reference position formed on a surface of the display device and the physical object using the first object data and the second object data. The evaluation device is signal-connected to the acquisition device and the first projection device, and triggers the projection of the first optical display by the first projection device responsive to a condition in which the determined distance is less than a minimum distance defined in advance.