3D User Representations for Ad Hoc Virtual Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote communication and collaboration technologies lack realism, user presence, and shared space, leading to feelings of loneliness and lower productivity, and require expensive equipment or infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A system and method enabling ad hoc virtual communications between user graphical representations using cloud server computers to generate and update 3D user representations in virtual environments, allowing real-time multi-user collaboration and interactions without costly equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expensive equipment such as head-mounted displays is used to improve immersion and realism, then the level of realism and user presence is improved, but the cost and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies (graphical representations) of users in a shared three-dimensional environment. These graphical representations are generated from live camera feeds and inserted into the virtual space, allowing users to interact as if physically present without requiring expensive head-mounted displays. This copying approach achieves realism through visualization rather than through costly immersive hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of head-mounted displays with a software-based virtual environment system. Instead of requiring users to wear physical devices that block their view of the real world, the system uses standard cameras and screens to create virtual avatars and environments, substituting complex mechanical immersion systems with accessible software solutions.
2Ease of operation
If flat two-dimensional user interfaces are used to reduce equipment requirements, then accessibility is improved, but the sense of presence and shared space deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat interfaces to three-dimensional virtual environments. Users are represented as graphical entities in a three-dimensional space that they can navigate and interact with. This dimensional enhancement creates a stronger sense of presence and shared space while maintaining accessibility through standard devices, as the three-dimensional experience is delivered through software rather than requiring specialized hardware.
3Productivity
If virtual environments with three-dimensional graphical representations are implemented to improve realism and presence, then user engagement and productivity are improved, but the system complexity and infrastructure requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the virtual environment system universal by designing it to work with existing standard computing devices and camera systems. The infrastructure uses common technologies (cameras, screens, processors) that most users already possess, rather than requiring specialized hardware. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve high user engagement and productivity while minimizing infrastructure complexity and cost.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system enabling ad hoc virtual communications between user graphical representations in a virtual environment. The system comprises one or more cloud server computers (102) implementing a virtual environment (108). The virtual environment is configured to enable at least one approaching user graphical representation and at least one target user graphical representation in the virtual environment to open an ad hoc communication channel, and to enable an ad hoc conversation via the ad hoc communication channel between the user graphical representations within the virtual environment. The opening of the ad hoc communication channel is performed based on distance, position and orientation between the user graphical representations, or current availability status, privacy settings, or status configuration for the ad hoc communications, or a combination thereof.