AR Interaction Mode Switching for Context-Aware User Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial reality systems struggle with inefficient and user-frustrating interaction modes that require manual switching or are inappropriate for varying contexts, such as when hand tracking is unavailable or socially awkward.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatically transitioning between interaction modes based on context, including no-hands 3DoF, no-hands 6DoF, gaze and gesture, and ray casting modes, using sensors like IMU, cameras, and eye tracking to determine user position and hand states for seamless mode switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interaction modes are provided for different situations, then the adaptability to various contexts is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial reality device integrates multiple sensors (cameras, IMU, eye tracking) into a single universal platform that can perform multiple interaction modes (head tracking, hand tracking, gaze tracking) depending on the detected context, eliminating the need for separate devices for each interaction type
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different interaction modes based on real-time context detection, such as transitioning from hand tracking to head tracking when hands are occupied, or from 6DoF to 3DoF when position tracking becomes unavailable, making the interaction mode adaptable rather than static
2Ease of operation
If automatic context-based mode switching is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision requirements increase for detecting context changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges data from multiple sensors (cameras for hand tracking, IMU for head tracking, eye tracking cameras) to comprehensively detect context changes, using combined sensor information to accurately determine when to switch between interaction modes
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sensor data and provides feedback to the interaction mode selection logic, adjusting the current mode based on real-time detection of hand positions, head orientation, and gaze direction to maintain appropriate interaction behavior
3Measurement precision
If hand tracking is used for interaction, then the interaction precision is improved, but the intrusiveness increases in public settings where hand gestures may be socially awkward
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the interaction mode based on social context, switching from hand tracking (precise but intrusive) to head tracking or gaze tracking (less intrusive) when the user is in public settings or performing actions where hand gestures would be awkward
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses context detection algorithms as intermediaries to decide when to use hand tracking versus alternative interaction modes, acting as a mediator between the user's natural behavior and the interaction system to avoid socially awkward situations
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure are for an interaction mode system that provides multiple interaction modes in an artificial reality environment with automatic, context-specific transitions between interaction modes. An interaction mode can specify how the interaction mode system determines direction indications and movement within an artificial reality environment and interactions for making selections or performing other actions. In some implementations, the interaction mode system can control at least four interaction modes including a no-hands, 3DoF mode, a no-hands, 6DoF mode, a gaze and gesture mode, and a ray casting mode. The interaction mode system can employ a mapping of interaction mode context factors (e.g., which components are enabled, mode settings, lighting or other environment conditions, current body positions, etc.) to interaction modes to control transitioning between particular interaction modes. The interaction mode system can also provide affordances for signaling a current interaction mode and interaction mode transitions.