3D Shared UI Interaction With Visual Lockout Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods and interfaces for interacting with virtual and augmented reality environments are cumbersome, inefficient, and create a significant cognitive burden on users, often requiring multiple inputs and leading to errors, thereby wasting energy and detracting from the user experience.

Innovation Solution

A computer system with improved methods and interfaces that enhance user interaction by providing intuitive feedback, adjusting user interface objects based on user inputs and environmental context, and dynamically changing immersion levels and sensory adjustments based on biometric data, while reducing unnecessary visual clutter and user confusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional user interfaces for virtual/augmented reality environments are used, then basic interaction functionality is provided, but the interfaces are cumbersome, require multiple inputs, create cognitive burden, and reduce interaction efficiency

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

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects user intent through gaze tracking and biometric monitoring, eliminating the need for explicit manual inputs. The interface adapts to user needs autonomously by interpreting physiological signals and eye movements, allowing the system to serve itself in understanding user commands without requiring complex control sequences from the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical input methods (buttons, switches, manual controls) with physiological detection mechanisms. Gaze tracking substitutes for manual pointing and selection, while biometric sensors (heart rate, galvanic skin response) substitute for explicit command inputs, creating a more natural and efficient interaction paradigm that reduces cognitive load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If multiple inputs are required to achieve desired outcomes in virtual/augmented reality environments, then precise control is possible, but the process takes longer than necessary and wastes energy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction speedVSAvoidtime for user inputs
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors biometric data and gaze patterns in advance to predict user intent before explicit commands are given. By detecting physiological arousal changes and sustained gaze directions, the system prepares and anticipates user actions, enabling faster response times and eliminating the need for sequential multi-step input processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback by monitoring biometric responses and adjusting the interface accordingly. This continuous feedback loop allows the system to understand user state and adapt interactions dynamically, reducing the number of inputs needed by interpreting physiological signals as implicit commands and confirming actions through biofeedback mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If complex manipulation of virtual objects is required, then precise control is achieved, but errors increase and cognitive burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction accuracyVSAvoiduser cognitive load
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces biometric data and gaze tracking as intermediary layers between the user and the virtual environment. These intermediaries translate complex cognitive intentions into simple physiological signals that the system can interpret, reducing the cognitive burden on users while maintaining interaction accuracy through multiple detection modalities that verify user intent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4196866B1Devices, methods, and graphical user interfaces for interacting with three-dimensional environments
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 APPLE INC
  • EP4196866B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4196866B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4196866B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A computer system displays a first user interface object with a first appearance at a first position in a first view of a three-dimensional environment that is at least partially shared between a first and second user. While displaying the first user interface object, the computer system detects a first user input by the first user. In response to detecting the first user input: in accordance with a determination that the second user is not currently interacting with the first user interface object, the computer system performs a first operation; and in accordance with a determination that the second user is currently interacting with the first user interface object, the computer system displays a visual indication, that the first user interface object is not available for interaction, including changing an appearance or position of the first user interface object, and forgoes performing the first operation.