Display Controller Switching Virtual Objects 3D to 2D

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current stereoscopic image display technologies face challenges in providing a high-quality viewing experience, particularly when virtual objects are displayed outside the recognized space, leading to degraded stereoscopic effects and potential motion sickness due to excessive parallax.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that dynamically switches the display format of virtual objects from 3D to 2D or vice versa based on user viewpoint position and movement, using a display controller that calculates parallax changes and determines whether virtual objects are within the display region, thereby maintaining a high-quality viewing experience by rendering objects outside the region as 2D images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If virtual objects are displayed in 3D format throughout the entire virtual space, then the stereoscopic effect is enhanced, but motion sickness occurs and viewing quality degrades when objects are outside the recognized space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestereoscopic effect qualityVSAvoidmotion sickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the display format based on the spatial location of virtual objects. Objects within the first region (recognized space) are displayed in 3D stereoscopic format to maintain high-quality stereoscopic effects, while objects in the second region (outside recognized space) are displayed in 2D format to prevent motion sickness. This localized approach allows each region to have the optimal display quality for its characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by dynamically switching the display format of virtual objects between 3D and 2D based on their position relative to the boundary of the first region. The display controller continuously monitors object positions and adjusts the display format in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to changing viewing conditions and maintain optimal viewing quality throughout the virtual space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If virtual objects are displayed as 3D images outside the recognized space, then the viewing coverage is expanded, but the stereoscopic effect is degraded and causes discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay coverage areaVSAvoidstereoscopic effect quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the display format based on the spatial location of virtual objects. Objects within the first region (recognized space) are displayed in 3D stereoscopic format to maintain high-quality stereoscopic effects, while objects in the second region (outside recognized space) are displayed in 2D format to prevent motion sickness. This localized approach allows each region to have the optimal display quality for its characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dimensionality change by transitioning virtual objects from 3D stereoscopic representation to 2D representation when they move outside the recognized space. This dimensional reduction allows objects to be displayed in regions where full 3D rendering would cause discomfort, effectively expanding the usable display area while maintaining viewing comfort through format adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the display format is switched based on object position, then viewing quality is maintained, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing qualityVSAvoiddisplay control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the first region (recognized space) and its boundary before virtual objects are displayed. The display controller is pre-configured with the spatial parameters of this region, allowing it to quickly determine whether objects are inside or outside the region without complex real-time calculations. This preparation reduces the computational burden during actual display operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating a simplified representation of the spatial relationship between objects and the first region boundary. Instead of performing complex 3D rendering calculations for every object, the system uses position information and boundary definitions to determine display format, effectively copying the essential spatial information needed for format switching without the full computational overhead of detailed spatial analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS20240212268A1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium
Publication Date: 2024.06.27 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US20240212268A1 patent drawing
  • US20240212268A1 patent drawing
  • US20240212268A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present technology includes a display controller. The display controller switches a display format of a virtual object on the basis of viewpoint information of a user who visually recognizes a virtual space and position information of the virtual object displayed within the virtual space. This makes it possible to achieve a high-quality viewing experience. Further, it is possible to maintain a space within the virtual space and also eliminate limitations in creating content including the virtual object.