Augmented Reality Virtual Covers for Inadvertent Activation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inadvertent operation of virtual operation members in augmented reality systems poses a danger, particularly in medical settings where unintended activation of equipment can occur, similar to physical operation members.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes pre-mapping and registering a 3D space, setting virtual operation members and covers, correlating them with machine operations, and enabling/disabling based on predefined user actions or commands, using head-mountable devices to ensure controlled interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If virtual operation members are made visible and accessible in augmented reality, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of inadvertent operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of virtual operation membersVSAvoidrisk of inadvertent operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary mapping and registration of the 3D space, pre-defining safe interaction zones before virtual operation members are activated. This preparatory action establishes protected regions that prevent inadvertent operation while maintaining accessibility when properly authorized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Virtual covers are introduced as intermediary elements between the user and virtual operation members. These covers act as mediators that must be intentionally removed or opened to access the operation members, providing a buffer that prevents accidental activation while preserving ease of use through deliberate gestures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If virtual covers are introduced to protect virtual operation members, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from inadvertent operationVSAvoidnumber of virtual elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual covers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they protect virtual operation members from inadvertent activation, provide visual feedback about protected areas, and can be manipulated through standardized gestures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective mechanisms for each operation member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the protective cover function with the operational interface by making the covers themselves interactable elements in the augmented reality space. Rather than adding separate physical or virtual protective barriers, the covers are integrated into the digital interface, combining protection and interaction in a single element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3635512B1Virtual cover for user interaction in augmented reality
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP3635512B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3635512B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3635512B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C

AI summary

A controller for augmenting reality in a three-dimensional (3D) space includes a memory that stores instructions; and a processor that executes the instructions. The controller controls a display system configured to present virtual objects in the 3D space. When executed by the processor, the instructions cause the controller to perform a process. The process includes detecting a first action by a user relative to an object or a virtual object in the 3D space. The process also includes selectively enabling or disabling a virtual operation member based on detecting the first action between the user and the object or virtual object in the 3D space. The virtual operational member is configured, when operated, to control operation of a machine in the 3D space.