Avatar Image Processing for Boundary-Based Privacy in Virtual Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a demand for protecting privacy during communication among users via avatars in virtual spaces, particularly in head-mounted displays, where users may not wish to be closely watched by others.
Innovation Solution
An image processing device that sets boundary regions around avatars based on user relationships, adjusting the display mode of avatars when others enter these regions, such as increasing transparency or converting the avatar's appearance, to protect privacy when users are not friends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If avatar visibility is maintained for all users in virtual space, then communication accessibility is improved, but user privacy protection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating avatar display properties based on the spatial relationship between avatars. When another avatar enters the boundary region around an avatar, the display mode changes locally to protect privacy, while maintaining normal visibility when no one is nearby. This resolves the contradiction by providing privacy protection only where needed (in boundary regions) while maintaining accessibility elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the avatar display mode changeable based on real-time positional information. The display mode transitions between normal mode (when no one is nearby) and privacy-protected mode (when another avatar enters the boundary region). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt between accessibility and privacy protection based on current virtual space conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If boundary region is set around each avatar, then user privacy protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining boundary regions around avatars before interactions occur. The boundary region is established as a predetermined area surrounding each avatar, and the system automatically monitors positional information to determine when another avatar enters this pre-defined region. This preliminary setup simplifies the complexity by establishing clear rules beforehand rather than requiring complex real-time decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically monitoring positional information and autonomously changing display modes when boundary regions are violated. The image processing device independently detects when another avatar enters the boundary region and automatically adjusts the display mode without requiring manual intervention or complex user input, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining privacy protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If avatar display mode changes when non-friends approach, then user privacy protection is improved, but communication efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing privacy protection only partially - specifically, only when another avatar enters the boundary region. The system does not continuously alter display modes but rather responds to specific triggering events (entry into boundary region). This partial application of privacy protection maintains communication efficiency by avoiding unnecessary display changes while still providing protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring positional information of avatars and using this feedback to automatically adjust display modes. When positional information indicates that another avatar has entered the boundary region, the system receives feedback and changes the display mode accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures privacy protection is activated only when necessary, maintaining communication efficiency during normal interactions.
Data Source
AI summary
Privacy of users is protected appropriately in communication via avatars in a virtual space. An image processing device includes: a positional information obtainment unit that obtains information on a position of an avatar (Aa) of a first user in a virtual space and a position of an avatar (Ba) of a second user in the virtual space (SV), the positions being in the virtual space; a boundary region obtainment unit that obtains information on a boundary region (ARA) that is a region around the avatar (Aa); a relation obtainment unit that obtains relational information indicating a relation between the first user and the second user; and an image processing unit that generates image data for the virtual space.