3D Shared Object Movement Rules for Stable Multi-User Spatial Sessions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-user communication systems struggle with efficiently moving shared objects and avatars in three-dimensional environments without disrupting the spatial relationship between users, leading to undesirable repositioning of content.

Innovation Solution

Implementing application-based spatial refinement methods that differentiate between object types based on orientation relative to the user's viewpoint, allowing for movement or scaling of objects while maintaining consistent spatial relationships within the shared three-dimensional environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If shared objects and avatars are moved in a three-dimensional environment during multi-user communication sessions, then user interaction and content sharing are enhanced, but the spatial relationship between users and objects may be disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction with shared objectsVSAvoidspatial relationship between users and objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different movement rules based on object type and orientation. Horizontal objects move differently than vertical objects, and each object type maintains its specific spatial relationship properties. This local differentiation allows flexible interaction while preserving overall spatial stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts spatial relationships based on object orientation and type. When an object is moved, the system calculates appropriate transformations for associated avatars and objects based on their relative positions and orientations, maintaining spatial integrity through adaptive adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the system maintains consistent spatial relationships when moving objects, then spatial integrity is preserved, but the system complexity increases due to differentiation between object types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial integrityVSAvoidsystem complexity for object type differentiation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments objects into distinct types (horizontal vs. vertical orientation) with specific movement rules for each type. This segmentation simplifies the complexity by creating clear categories rather than requiring continuous analysis of every object's properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses parameter-based differentiation where object orientation (horizontal/vertical) determines movement behavior. By changing parameters based on object type, the system manages complexity through defined states rather than arbitrary complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If avatars are moved with shared objects, then spatial consistency is maintained, but unwanted repositioning of avatars occurs disrupting user perspective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespatial consistencyVSAvoiduser perspective stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies avatar movement only to specific object types (horizontal objects) and not to others (vertical objects). This selective application maintains spatial consistency where needed while preserving user perspective stability where it would be disruptive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of always moving avatars with objects, the system inverts the approach by moving avatars only with certain object types (horizontal) and leaving others (vertical) unchanged, thereby avoiding unwanted repositioning while maintaining necessary spatial consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20260050357A1System and method of application-based three-dimensional refinement in multi-user communication sessions

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 APPLE INC

AI summary

Some examples of the disclosure are directed to methods for application-based spatial refinement in a multi-user communication session including a first electronic device and a second electronic device. While the first electronic device is presenting a three-dimensional environment, the first electronic device receives an input corresponding to a request to move a shared object in the three-dimensional environment. In accordance with a determination that the shared object is an object of a first type, the first electronic device moves the shared object and an avatar of a user in the three-dimensional environment in accordance with the input. In accordance with a determination that the shared object is an object of a second type, different from the first type, and the input is a first type of input, the first electronic device moves the shared object in the three-dimensional environment in accordance with the input, without moving the avatar.