Dynamic Snapping Range for AR Cursor Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In augmented reality (AR) systems, users face difficulties in precisely selecting distant or differently sized AR objects due to the 3D representation on 2D displays, leading to reduced cursor-based selection precision and the need for physical movement to adjust camera position.

Innovation Solution

The system dynamically adjusts the snapping range of the cursor's snap-select function based on its position relative to the camera and AR objects, increasing precision without requiring user input or physical movement, by simulating a 3D position within the AR display and adjusting the snapping range based on distance and object size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed snapping range is used for cursor selection in AR displays, then the selection function is simple to implement, but selection precision deteriorates for distant or differently sized AR objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the snapping range based on the cursor's 3D position relative to AR objects. The system calculates distance metrics and adjusts the snapping range in real-time, transforming a static parameter into a dynamic one that adapts to different viewing conditions and object distances, thereby maintaining high selection precision across varied scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the snapping range parameter according to the cursor's position and distance from AR objects. By modifying this key parameter dynamically based on spatial relationships, the system optimizes selection precision for both near and distant objects without requiring separate selection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cursor snapping range is increased to select distant AR objects, then selection capability is improved, but selection precision for nearby objects deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection capabilityVSAvoidselection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the snapping range based on the cursor's 3D position and distance to target objects. When the cursor is near an object, the snapping range is reduced for precise selection. When distant objects are targeted, the snapping range expands to enable selection. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high precision across varying distances and object sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If physical movement is required to adjust camera position for better selection, then selection precision can be improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts the snapping range based on the cursor's position and the spatial relationship to AR objects, eliminating the need for users to physically move the camera. The system self-adapts to provide optimal selection precision by calculating distance metrics and modifying the snapping range accordingly, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3850468B1Snapping range for augmented reality objects
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP3850468B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3850468B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3850468B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A position of a cursor may be detected within an augmented reality (AR) display of a physical space captured by a camera. A snapping range of a snap-select function of the cursor may be dynamically changed in response to the position of the cursor. Accordingly, a user may place or hold a camera in a location to view an associated AR display, and may easily and precisely execute a snap-select function to select a desired AR object, even when the AR display includes AR objects that are of different sizes, or are different distances from the camera.