Directional Interface Object for Accurate Hand Pose Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current video game technologies lack a seamless way to accurately detect and reflect hand poses and orientations in virtual reality environments, leading to a less immersive experience when interacting with virtual objects.

Innovation Solution

A directional interface object with integrated sensors and lights that track hand positions and movements, allowing the virtual hands in the VR environment to correspond accurately with the user's hands, enabling realistic interaction with virtual objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional game controllers are used for VR interaction, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of hand pose and orientation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehand pose detection accuracyVSAvoidinterface object structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensor types (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, touch sensors) and lighting elements into a single integrated interface object unit. This merging approach enables comprehensive hand pose and orientation detection while maintaining a unified device structure that can be easily held and manipulated by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The interface object is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: tracking hand position in 3D space, detecting orientation through inertial sensors, capturing touch input from multiple surface locations, and providing visual feedback through lights. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving high measurement precision without requiring multiple separate devices.

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

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors and lights are integrated into the interface object, then hand tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehand position tracking accuracyVSAvoidsensor integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface object divides its sensing capabilities into distinct functional segments: inertial measurement units for orientation, touch sensors distributed across surfaces for contact detection, and lights for visual feedback. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together as a cohesive system for accurate hand tracking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If the interface object detects which hand is holding it, then virtual hand correspondence is improved, but ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehand identification accuracyVSAvoidgrasping interface object
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The interface object automatically performs hand identification without requiring user input. The touch sensors detect which hand is holding the device based on contact patterns and orientation, and the system autonomously determines left or right hand configuration. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by achieving accurate hand identification while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3469466B1Directional interface object
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • EP3469466B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3469466B1 patent drawingFigure 2A-1
  • EP3469466B1 patent drawingFigure 2A-2

AI summary

A directional interface object, including: a top tubular portion; a front tubular portion, a top end of the front tubular portion being joined to a first end of the top tubular portion; a bottom tubular portion, a first end of the bottom tubular portion being joined to a bottom end of the front tubular portion; a rear tubular portion, a top end of the rear tubular portion being joined to a second end of the front tubular portion opposite the first end of the front tubular portion, a bottom end of the rear tubular portion being joined to a second end of the bottom tubular portion opposite the first end of the bottom tubular portion; a trackable object disposed at the first end of the top tubular portion.