AR Interface Anchoring for Low-Input Object-to-Model Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for interacting with augmented and virtual reality environments are cumbersome, inefficient, and place a significant cognitive burden on users, requiring tedious sequences of inputs and consuming excessive energy, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of computer systems with improved methods and interfaces that allow for intuitive interactions through touch-sensitive surfaces, utilizing gestures and camera inputs to adjust virtual user interface objects and apply filters in real-time, enabling more efficient and immersive experiences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional methods for interacting with augmented and virtual reality environments are used, then users can manipulate virtual elements, but the interaction process is cumbersome and requires tedious sequences of inputs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of interactionVSAvoidcomplexity of input sequence

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical touch input with gaze-based interaction. Users can select and manipulate virtual elements by looking at them with their eyes, eliminating the need for tedious sequences of touch inputs. The system tracks eye movements and converts gaze direction into selection and manipulation commands, significantly simplifying the interaction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system that includes eye tracking hardware and software modules. This intermediary layer captures eye movement data and translates it into virtual reality interaction commands, serving as a bridge between the user's natural gaze and the virtual environment manipulation requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If conventional touch-sensitive surfaces are used for interaction, then users can control virtual elements, but a significant cognitive burden is placed on users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecognitive loadVSAvoidinteraction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical touch interaction with natural gaze-based control. Users no longer need to consciously process touch inputs, tap sequences, or navigate complex menus. The system automatically interprets eye movements to select and manipulate virtual elements, dramatically reducing cognitive load and interaction time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically tracking eye movements and interpreting user intent without requiring explicit commands. The gaze-based interaction system autonomously determines which virtual elements to select and how to manipulate them based on where the user is looking, eliminating the need for users to consciously process complex input sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If conventional interaction methods are used, then users can perform actions on virtual objects, but excessive energy is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by using gaze-based interaction that only activates when needed. The eye tracking system continuously monitors eye movements but only processes and executes actions when gaze is directed at virtual elements, rather than requiring continuous input processing. This periodic activation pattern significantly reduces energy consumption compared to continuous touch-sensitive surface monitoring and processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20250371822A1Systems, Methods, and Graphical User Interfaces for Interacting with Augmented and Virtual Reality Environments

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 APPLE INC

AI summary

A computer system concurrently displays: a representation of at least a portion of a field of view of one or more cameras of the computer system that includes a respective physical object, wherein the representation is updated as contents of the field of view change; and a virtual user interface object that is displayed at a respective location in the representation of the field of view, wherein the virtual user interface object has a location that is determined based on the respective physical object in the field of view. in response to detecting an input that corresponds to selection of the virtual user interface object, the computer system ceases to display at least a portion of the representation of the field of view, and displays a view of a virtual model, wherein the virtual user interface object has a respective location in the virtual model.