Augmented Reality Virtual Item Segmentation for Interaction Conflict Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

In augmented reality environments, conflicts arise when multiple users interact with virtual items that are placed in close proximity or occupy the same position, leading to interference and disruptions in user interactions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that organize virtual items by designating specific segments based on their interaction types, allowing only compatible virtual items to be placed together, reducing the likelihood of interaction conflicts through segment management and repository updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple virtual items are placed in the same physical space, then the quantity of virtual items increases, but interaction conflicts occur between items of different interaction types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequantity of virtual itemsVSAvoidinteraction reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The physical space is segmented into multiple interaction zones, each designated for specific interaction types (e.g., static, direct manipulation). Virtual items are placed in zones compatible with their interaction type, preventing conflicts between incompatible items while allowing multiple items to coexist in the shared physical space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If virtual items are placed in close proximity to maximize space utilization, then the area efficiency improves, but interaction interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearea utilization efficiencyVSAvoidinteraction interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the physical space are assigned different interaction qualities or characteristics. Each zone has specific properties (e.g., static zone, manipulation zone) that determine what types of virtual items can be placed there, allowing efficient space utilization while maintaining appropriate interaction characteristics in each local region

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of stationary object

If virtual items are allowed to occupy the same position to maximize density, then the volume utilization increases, but placement errors and conflicts occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolume utilizationVSAvoidplacement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The three-dimensional physical space is divided into discrete volumetric segments or cells. Each segment can accommodate virtual items of compatible interaction types, enabling high-volume utilization while maintaining precise placement through the structured segmentation framework that prevents overlapping of incompatible items

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10699489B2Method and system for displaying a virtual item in an augmented reality environment

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 ROBLOX CORP

AI summary

A method for displaying a virtual item, generated by a user, in a physical space shared with other users, in an augmented reality environment, comprising of forming segments in the physical space, designating a designated interaction type of the segment for placing the virtual item, placing the virtual item, generated by the user, into the segment based on a comparison between the interaction type of the virtual item and the designated interaction type of the segment, and updating a user-accessible repository comprising information on the interaction type of a virtual item and the segment the virtual item is placed in.