3D Virtual Object Selection Using Hand-Defined Depth Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

The operation for selecting a desired object from a plurality of overlapping virtual objects in a three-dimensional space is complicated.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that includes a display control unit to place virtual objects in a three-dimensional space, a setting unit to set a selection range based on positions of a user's hands, and a selection unit to switch the state of virtual objects between selected and deselected states, allowing easy selection by designating a range in the three-dimensional space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional selection methods are used for overlapping virtual objects, then selection accuracy can be maintained, but operation complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection operation simplicityVSAvoidselection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces depth-based selection by utilizing the Z-axis dimension in three-dimensional space. Virtual objects are selected based on their depth position relative to the user, allowing easy differentiation and selection of overlapping objects without complex manual operations. The selection range is defined by depth distance from the user, automatically distinguishing between foreground and background objects.

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

2Productivity

If manual precise selection is required for each object, then selection accuracy is maintained, but operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection speedVSAvoidtime for selecting objects
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and establishes depth-based selection ranges before the user needs to select objects. By defining the selection range based on the user's current position and depth distance, the system prepares the selection criteria in advance, enabling rapid object selection without requiring time-consuming manual adjustment of selection parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The selection system automatically determines which objects are within the selection range by calculating their depth positions relative to the user. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually specify selection parameters, thereby reducing operation time and increasing selection productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12548269B2Information processing apparatus and information processing method
Publication Date: 2026.02.10 CANON KK
  • US12548269B2 patent drawing
  • US12548269B2 patent drawing
  • US12548269B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes at least one memory and at least one processor which function as: a display control unit configured to perform display control of a virtual object such that the virtual object is placed in a three-dimensional space that serves as a field of view of a user; a setting unit configured to set a selection range in the three-dimensional space based on a plurality of positions differently distanced from the user, the plurality of positions being designated by using an operation body located at a position of a hand of the user; and a selection unit configured to switch a state of the virtual object between a selected state and a deselected state based on the selection range.