3D Object Manipulation Interface Using Gaze and Hand Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for interacting with augmented and virtual reality environments are cumbersome, inefficient, and place a significant cognitive burden on users, requiring multiple inputs and lacking sufficient feedback, leading to energy wastage in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

The system employs enhanced user interfaces that utilize hand and eye tracking, along with tactile and audio output, to reduce the number and complexity of user inputs by providing manipulation indicators, contextual menus, and distance-based object movement, enabling more intuitive interaction with three-dimensional environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional input methods are used to interact with virtual objects, then basic functionality is achieved, but user interaction becomes cumbersome and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction efficiencyVSAvoidinterface complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system displays manipulation indicators that provide real-time feedback to users about how to manipulate virtual objects. These indicators show the type of manipulation possible and guide user actions, reducing cognitive burden while maintaining simple interaction patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary indicator system between the user and the virtual object manipulation. This mediator translates complex manipulation concepts into simple visual cues that guide users through the interaction process without requiring them to understand the underlying complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If multiple inputs are required to achieve desired outcomes, then precise control is achieved, but cognitive burden increases and interaction becomes tedious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecognitive burdenVSAvoidinteraction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically determining the type of manipulation based on the virtual object's properties and the user's gaze direction. This eliminates the need for users to explicitly specify manipulation parameters, reducing cognitive burden while maintaining precise control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system serves itself by automatically selecting appropriate manipulation types and parameters based on the virtual object's characteristics and the user's intent. This self-service capability reduces the number of inputs required from users while maintaining interaction precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If detailed manipulation control is provided, then precision is achieved, but interaction becomes complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanipulation precisionVSAvoidmanipulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different levels of manipulation detail based on the specific virtual object and context. Simple objects receive basic manipulation indicators, while complex objects receive more detailed guidance. This localized approach maintains precision without universally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Use of energy by moving object

If traditional interaction methods are used, then basic functionality is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to extended interaction time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidinteraction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous useful action by providing uninterrupted manipulation guidance through visual indicators. Users can continuously interact with virtual objects without pausing to figure out manipulation methods, reducing total interaction time and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4722883A2Methods for manipulating objects in an environment
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 APPLE INC
  • EP4722883A2 patent drawingFigure 1
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  • EP4722883A2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In some embodiments, an electronic device enhances a two-dimensional drawing. In some embodiments, an electronic device manipulates an object in a three-dimensional environment. In some embodiments, an electronic device displays a contextual menu or moving an object in a three-dimensional environment. In some embodiments, an electronic device moves an object in a three-dimensional environment by an amount based on the distance of the object from the user. In some embodiments, an electronic device scans a real world object. In some embodiments, an electronic device manipulates a distant object.