Dynamic Z-Index Prioritization for Augmented Reality Overlays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented reality systems inadequately prioritize the stacking order of virtual overlays, leading to important information being obstructed by less relevant data, due to chronological or random prioritization methods.
Innovation Solution
The system determines a user's primary focus and dynamically assigns a higher stacking order to virtual overlays corresponding to primary objects, with secondary and tertiary objects being prioritized based on relevance and importance, ensuring that more valuable information is prominently displayed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If chronological or random prioritization methods are used for virtual overlays, then the system is simple to implement, but important information is obstructed by less relevant data
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the z-index parameter of virtual overlays based on user focus detection. When the user's primary focus is detected, the system adjusts the stacking order parameter to ensure relevant overlays are displayed prominently, preventing information loss while maintaining manageable system complexity through parameter-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The prioritization system transitions from static chronological or random ordering to dynamic ordering based on real-time user focus detection. The system continuously monitors user attention and adjusts overlay stacking orders accordingly, ensuring that important information remains visible while the system adapts to changing user needs.
2Reliability
If multiple virtual overlays are displayed simultaneously, then comprehensive information is provided, but important information is obstructed by less relevant data
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different stacking order priorities to different regions of the display based on user focus. Virtual overlays associated with the primary focus object receive higher z-index values and are displayed prominently, while overlays for secondary objects are positioned lower. This local differentiation ensures that comprehensive information is provided without obstruction, as each region's overlays are prioritized according to their relevance to the user's current attention.
3Loss of information
If virtual overlays are prioritized by relevance to user focus, then information visibility is improved, but the system requires complex focus detection and dynamic adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where virtual overlays automatically detect and respond to user focus without requiring complex external control. The overlays monitor user attention and autonomously adjust their stacking order based on their relevance to the primary focus object, reducing the need for complex centralized control mechanisms while preventing information obstruction.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and computer program products for prioritizing the stacking order of virtualized objects within a z-index of an augmented reality system by presenting the most valuable, relevant or important information more prominently. Prioritization of the virtualized object may occur dynamically, as a function of the user's primary focus. As the user's primary focus changes from one physical object to another, the stacking order may change in response to the shift in focus. Embodiments may use one or more techniques to identify the primary focus such as the direction of the user's gaze, the focal point of one or more visual recording systems (i.e. cameras) or the user may manually highlight one or more objects via the HUD or interface of the augmented display system. The disclosed embodiments allow for the more predominate or relevant virtualized objects within the augmented display to receive priority, unobscured viewing by the user.