3D Point Selection for See-Through Measurement Input Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices lack efficient methods for measuring distances and dimensions in three-dimensional environments using alternative or additional input mechanisms beyond traditional touch screen interactions.

Innovation Solution

Implementing various measurement techniques such as finger-touching, active gaze, controller-based, fixed crosshair, and line of sight-based methods to identify 3D positions of measurement points, utilizing image sensors and user inputs to determine 3D coordinates and provide measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional touch screen interaction is used for measurement, then the device operation is simple, but the measurement versatility in 3D environments is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement versatilityVSAvoidinput mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements multiple point identification techniques (finger touching, active gaze, controller-based, fixed crosshair, line of sight-based methods) that can be used across different measurement scenarios. This multi-functional approach allows the same measurement system to handle various input types and 3D environment requirements, improving versatility without requiring separate dedicated systems for each method

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically selects and switches between different point identification techniques based on the measurement context, user input state, and environmental conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize its operation mode in real-time, transitioning between simple touch interaction and more complex gaze or controller-based methods as needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If multiple point identification techniques are implemented, then the measurement precision is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D position identification accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic selection logic that evaluates current measurement conditions and automatically chooses the most appropriate point identification technique. This dynamic approach maintains high measurement precision by selecting the optimal method for each scenario while avoiding the unnecessary complexity of permanently implementing all possible techniques simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system includes automatic technique selection and switching capabilities that operate autonomously based on detected user intent and measurement context. The system self-regulates which identification method to use, reducing the need for complex manual configuration and simplifying the user interface while maintaining access to multiple precision techniques

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If finger line-of-sight technique is used, then the measurement versatility in 3D environments is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D measurement capabilityVSAvoidfinger position detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces intermediate reference elements such as fixed crosshairs, virtual markers, and environmental feature points that serve as mediators between the user's finger positioning and the final measurement target. These intermediaries provide visual feedback and reference frames that make it easier to detect and measure finger position in 3D space, reducing the difficulty of line-of-sight-based measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260029857A1Three-Dimensional Point Selection
Publication Date: 2026.01.29 APPLE INC
  • US20260029857A1 patent drawing
  • US20260029857A1 patent drawing
  • US20260029857A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Various implementations disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods that provide point identification techniques for electronic devices such as optical see-through head mounted devices. In some implementations, a line of sight technique is used to identify a 3D position of a point. In some implementations, a touching technique is used to identify a 3D position of a point. In some implementations, different point identification techniques are automatically selected and used to identify a 3D position of a point. In some implementations, a 3D position of a point is associated with user input. In some implementations, a 3D position of a point is identified to determine distances, surface areas, or volumes.