Displacement Information Acquisition for Immersive Output Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing systems fail to effectively control outputs based on user instructions, particularly in immersive environments like free viewpoint videos and virtual reality, where dynamic user interactions are required without the need for dedicated sensors or controllers.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device and method that acquires 3-dimensional displacement information from objects based on user body motions, using positional information to control outputs such as video and audio feedback, allowing for interactive experiences without dedicated sensors or controllers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If dedicated sensors or controllers are used to detect user input, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser input detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the mobile device's existing camera and processing capabilities to detect user input through natural body movements. The mobile device serves itself by utilizing its own sensors (camera, accelerometer, gyroscope) to track the user's hand movements and translate them into control commands, eliminating the need for separate dedicated input devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces image processing and motion tracking algorithms as intermediaries between the user's physical movements and the control commands. The camera captures hand movements, the image processing unit analyzes these movements to determine intent, and then generates appropriate control signals, creating a seamless intermediary layer that translates natural gestures into device control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional controllers are required for interaction, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction methodsVSAvoiduser operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts to different user interaction styles by analyzing real-time camera footage of hand movements. It can detect various gestures (pointing, waving, circling) and adjust its interpretation based on the context and movement patterns, allowing flexible interaction without requiring users to learn specific controller operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of interaction by transitioning from physical contact (buttons, joysticks) to visual-gestural input. It monitors movement parameters such as hand position, velocity, acceleration, and trajectory to differentiate between various gestures and translate them into appropriate control commands, expanding interaction possibilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dedicated input devices are provided, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput functionsVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile device's camera and motion sensors serve multiple functions: they capture video for display, detect user gestures for control input, track hand movements for pointing, and provide feedback for interaction confirmation. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated input devices.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the functions of camera, accelerometer, gyroscope, and image processing into a unified gesture recognition system. By combining these existing components and their data streams, the system creates a comprehensive input mechanism that eliminates the need for separate control devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3550404B1Information processing device, information processing method, and computer program
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3550404B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3550404B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3550404B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Object] To provide an information processing device controlling an output on the basis of displacement information of an object in accordance with a body motion of a user. [Solution] An information processing device includes: a displacement information acquisition unit configured to acquire displacement information corresponding to 3-dimensional displacement of a predetermined portion of an object that a user mounts in accordance with a body motion on the basis of positional information of the predetermined portion; and an output control unit configured to perform control such that an output unit performs a predetermined output on the basis of the acquired displacement information. The object has, for example, a seatback which a user can sit. The displacement information acquisition unit acquires a change in a position in at least one of front and rear directions, right and left directions, or upward and downward directions of a seatback.