Augmented Reality Virtual Object Surface Attachment Dynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing augmented reality systems face challenges in managing the interaction of persistent virtual objects with real-world surfaces, including user control over attachment, type and state of virtual objects, and environmental factors during transitions between free-floating and surface-attached states.

Innovation Solution

The system allows virtual objects to be displayed as free-floating and attaches them to real or virtual surfaces based on user input or proximity triggers, with policies governing attachment to specific surfaces and attributes, enabling smooth transitions and reduced intrusiveness in the user's view.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If virtual objects are attached to real-world surfaces, then the objects remain persistent in the user's field of view, but the objects may become intrusive and obstruct the view of the real environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersistent displayVSAvoidview obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions virtual objects between free-floating and surface-attached states based on user interaction and environmental context. This dynamic behavior allows the virtual objects to adapt their display mode, remaining persistent when needed while minimizing obstruction by detaching or repositioning when they would block important real-world views.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different display characteristics to virtual objects based on their spatial relationship with real-world surfaces and the user's field of view. Objects attached to surfaces in peripheral areas maintain persistence without obstructing central viewing areas, while objects that would block important views are repositioned or detached, creating local quality variations in the augmented reality display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If virtual objects transition between free-floating and surface-attached states, then user control and environmental adaptability are enhanced, but the complexity of managing attachment states and policies increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestate transitionVSAvoidattachment management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs automatic attachment and detachment mechanisms that respond to environmental cues and user behavior patterns. Virtual objects self-adjust their attachment state based on proximity to surfaces, user gaze direction, and interaction patterns, reducing the need for manual management while maintaining high adaptability between different display states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors user interactions, environmental conditions, and object positions to dynamically adjust attachment states. Feedback loops detect when virtual objects should be attached to surfaces or returned to free-floating states based on user behavior and environmental context, managing complexity through intelligent automation rather than manual control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple policies govern virtual object attachment to different surfaces, then environmental adaptability improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring appropriate attachment conditions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface compatibilityVSAvoidattachment conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces policy engines and surface characterization systems as intermediaries between virtual objects and real-world surfaces. These intermediaries automatically analyze surface properties, object characteristics, and environmental context to determine appropriate attachment conditions, simplifying the detection and measurement of attachment suitability while maintaining comprehensive policy-based adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2997449B1Interactions of virtual objects with surfaces
Publication Date: 2021.12.22 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP2997449B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2997449B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2997449B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Embodiments are disclosed that relate to operating a user interface on an augmented reality computing device comprising a display system. For example, one disclosed embodiment includes displaying a virtual object via the display system as free-floating, detecting a trigger to display the object as attached to a surface, and, in response to the trigger, displaying the virtual object as attached to the surface via the display system. The method may further include detecting a trigger to detach the virtual object from the surface and, in response to the trigger to detach the virtual object from the surface, detaching the virtual object from the surface and displaying the virtual object as free-floating.