Dynamic Origin Reset for 3D User Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing three-dimensional user input methods face challenges in accurately receiving displacement and position inputs due to the persistent movement of the origin with the user's hand, leading to a suboptimal user experience, especially when using fixed origins that require users to return to a fixed world-space position.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows the origin of a three-dimensional coordinate system to be dynamically reset based on user input, such as an 'air tap' hand gesture, enabling the measurement of three-dimensional displacements relative to the new origin, which can be used to move user interface elements in a user interface without tethering the user to a fixed location in physical space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a fixed origin is used in the three-dimensional coordinate system, then the position measurement is stable, but the user experience deteriorates as users are tethered to a fixed world-space position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition measurement stabilityVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The origin of the three-dimensional coordinate system is changed from a fixed position to a dynamically adjustable position that can be reset by the user through hand gestures. This allows the origin to adapt to different user positions and tasks, improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision through consistent local coordinate calculations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the origin moves with the user's hand, then the user experience improves by allowing free movement, but the displacement measurement accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser movement freedomVSAvoiddisplacement measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The coordinate system is segmented into a movable origin that follows the user's hand and a local measurement frame that maintains precision. By separating the origin's positional tracking from the displacement calculation, the system allows free user movement while preserving accurate measurement of movements relative to the dynamic origin

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed world-space position is required, then the coordinate system stability is maintained, but the versatility of user input locations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoordinate system stabilityVSAvoiduser input location flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coordinate system implements dynamic origin resetting that maintains stability through consistent local coordinate transformations while allowing users to perform operations from any location in the three-dimensional space. The origin can be reset to the user's current hand position, providing versatility without compromising the mathematical stability of the coordinate system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3564788B1Three-dimensional user input
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3564788B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3564788B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3564788B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Examples are disclosed herein that relate to processing three-dimensional user input. One example provides a method of processing user input in a three-dimensional coordinate system, comprising receiving a user input of an origin reset for the three-dimensional coordinate system, responsive to receiving the user input of the origin reset, resetting an origin of the three-dimensional coordinate system, receiving three-dimensional user input in the three-dimensional coordinate system, while the origin remains set, measuring at least one three-dimensional displacement of the three-dimensional user input relative to the origin, and causing movement of a user interface element displayed in a user interface, the movement based on the at least one measured three-dimensional displacement.