CGR Rendering with Obfuscation for Focal Conflict Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Focal conflicts arise in computer-generated reality environments when virtual objects are rendered at distances further than real objects, causing user disorientation or disconcertion due to incorrect depth cues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an obfuscation area around virtual objects to resolve focal conflicts, such as blurring, dimming, or occluding portions of real objects when virtual objects are displayed at greater distances, maintaining correct depth perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual objects are rendered at distances further than real objects, then the virtual reality environment can represent deeper spatial layers, but user disorientation occurs due to incorrect depth cues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful focal conflict (virtual objects appearing behind real objects when they should be in front) into a beneficial depth cue by applying obfuscation. The obfuscation area makes the virtual object appear faded or obscured, which naturally signals to the user that the object is at a greater distance, thereby resolving the depth perception error while maintaining the ability to render objects at multiple spatial layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies visual property changes to the virtual object by rendering it with reduced opacity or applied blur effects within the obfuscation area. This visual transformation creates a perceptual distinction that helps users correctly interpret the depth relationship, making the virtual object appear appropriately distant even when rendered on top of closer real objects in the display buffer.
2Reliability
If virtual objects are displayed overlaid on the scene when at closer distances, then depth accuracy is maintained, but visual clarity is reduced due to occlusion of real objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies obfuscation selectively and locally only to virtual objects that are positioned within the obfuscation area (indicating they are at greater distances). Real objects and virtual objects at closer distances remain fully visible and unobscured. This localized application of the obfuscation effect preserves visual clarity for nearby objects while providing appropriate depth cues for distant virtual objects.
3Reliability
If obfuscation area is applied to virtual objects at greater distances, then depth perception is corrected, but device complexity increases due to additional processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the obfuscation area automatically by comparing the depth distance of the virtual object with the depth distance of real objects in the scene. This self-determining approach eliminates the need for manual configuration or complex external control systems, as the rendering system autonomously identifies when and where to apply obfuscation based on spatial relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies rendering parameters (such as opacity, blur amount, or other visual properties) of the virtual object based on its depth distance relative to real objects. By dynamically adjusting these visual parameters, the system achieves accurate depth perception without requiring complex structural changes to the device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
In one implementation, a method of resolving focal conflict in a computer-generated reality (CGR) environment is performed by a device including a processor, non-transitory memory, an image sensor, and a display. The method includes capturing, using the image sensor, an image of a scene including a real object in a particular direction at a first distance from the device. The method includes displaying, on the display, a CGR environment including a virtual object in the particular direction at a second distance from the device. In accordance with a determination that the second distance is less than the first distance, the CGR environment includes the virtual object overlaid on the scene. In accordance with a determination that the second distance is greater than the first distance, the CGR environment includes the virtual object with an obfuscation area that obfuscates at least a portion of the real object within the obfuscation area.