6DOF Controller Input Resolution in AR VR Environments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing augmented and virtual reality systems face challenges in seamlessly translating the independent movements of multiple six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) controllers into a unified action within a virtual environment, particularly in resolving rotational movements to ensure accurate interaction with virtual objects.

Innovation Solution

A method is introduced where multiple 6DOF controllers are resolved into a single, common coordinate system, using algorithms to dynamically define axes and apply movements uniformly, allowing for precise translation, scaling, and rotation of virtual objects based on the independent movements of each controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple 6DOF controllers are used for interaction in virtual environment, then the versatility and naturalness of interaction is improved, but the complexity of resolving and coordinating movements from multiple controllers worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction versatilityVSAvoidcontroller coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the coordinate systems of multiple 6DOF controllers into a single common coordinate system. The system resolves rotational movements from multiple controllers by defining a common coordinate system that integrates inputs from all controllers, allowing unified processing of what would otherwise be disparate control inputs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coordinate resolution algorithm as an intermediary that processes and reconciles movements from multiple controllers. This intermediary layer translates independent controller movements into coordinated virtual object manipulations, mediating between the multiple control sources and the single virtual environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If independent movements of multiple controllers are translated into unified action, then the accuracy of virtual object interaction is improved, but the computational processing required worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction accuracyVSAvoidcomputational processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic coordinate system that adapts based on controller positions and orientations. The common coordinate system is not fixed but dynamically adjusts to accommodate the spatial relationships between multiple controllers, allowing accurate resolution of movements without requiring excessive computational overhead for rigid transformations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter representation of controller movements by transforming individual controller coordinates into a unified coordinate framework. By altering the coordinate parameters and resolution algorithms, the system achieves precise movement translation while optimizing computational efficiency through mathematical transformations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If a common coordinate system is defined for multiple controllers, then the stability of the virtual environment is improved, but the complexity of resolving rotational movements worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordinate system stabilityVSAvoidrotational resolution complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the resolution process into distinct computational stages: first establishing the common coordinate system framework, then separately resolving translational movements, and finally handling rotational movements. This segmentation of the resolution process reduces the overall complexity by breaking down the challenging rotational resolution into manageable steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary establishment of the common coordinate system before processing specific controller movements. By pre-defining the coordinate framework and transformation rules, the system stabilizes the reference system in advance, making subsequent rotational movement resolutions more straightforward and less complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3504608B1Manipulating virtual objects with six degree-of-freedom controllers in an augmented and/or virtual reality environment
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP3504608B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3504608B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3504608B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system for combining six degree of freedom (6DOF) inputs, or positional and orientation inputs, from multiple 6DOF controllers in an augmented reality (AR) environment and/or a virtual reality (VR) environment is provided. In response to the detected movement of multiple controllers, and in particular, rotational movement of the multiple controllers providing user inputs in a virtual reality environment, the detected movements of the multiple controllers may be resolved to a single, common coordinate system to determine intended input to be applied to a selected virtual object in the virtual environment. The ability to resolve these inputs from multiple 6DOF controllers to a common coordinate system may provide a more natural user input mode, thus enhancing the user's experience.