Extended Reality Device Handoff Using 3D Spatial Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing augmented reality systems struggle with seamless transfer of content and control between different electronic devices, particularly when devices are not aware of each other's 3D position, orientation, or display characteristics, leading to discontinuities in user interaction.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system where an XR device detects the 3D location, orientation, and display characteristics of another device to facilitate smooth transfer of control and content, using cameras and sensors to maintain continuity of user interface and application functionality across devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If devices operate independently without detecting each other's 3D position and orientation, then device complexity is reduced, but continuity of user interaction across devices is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuity of user interactionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of cameras and sensors that detect 3D position, orientation, and display characteristics of devices. This intermediary detection mechanism enables continuous interaction transfer between devices without requiring complex direct communication protocols between each device pair, thus improving reliability while managing complexity through a standardized detection approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the 3D position, orientation, and display characteristics of devices in the environment. This feedback information is used to dynamically determine when and how to transfer user interface state between devices, ensuring continuous interaction while adapting to the physical spatial relationships between devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the system detects and transfers detailed 3D position, orientation, and display characteristics between devices, then user interface continuity is improved, but processing requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interface continuityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses copying by creating a virtual representation of the source device's user interface state and rendering it in the augmented reality environment. Instead of transferring complex control logic between devices, the system copies the visual interface state and uses spatial detection to manage the transfer, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining interface continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a spatial dimension to device interaction by detecting 3D position and orientation. This spatial context is used to automatically determine when devices are in proximity for handoff, eliminating the need for complex software-based device discovery and pairing protocols. The spatial dimension becomes the primary mechanism for managing interaction continuity.

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

3Measurement precision

If the system uses cameras and sensors to detect device characteristics, then transfer accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic detection using cameras and sensors rather than continuous monitoring. Detection is triggered at key moments such as when devices enter proximity or when handoff is initiated, reducing energy consumption while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for accurate device characteristic detection and interface state transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4136522B1Multi-device continuity for use with extended reality systems
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 APPLE INC
  • EP4136522B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4136522B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4136522B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Implementations of the subject technology provide continuous transfer of content editing and/or control between various devices in an extended reality system. The extended reality system includes at least one device that is capable of determining the locations of other devices in the system. This device can manage continuous transfer of control between other devices in the system responsive to three-dimensional location-based user inputs, and/or can manage continuous transfer of control between one or more of the other devices and the device itself.