Fixation Point Object for Shared Virtual Space Viewpoint Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack the capability to generate images that allow multiple users sharing a virtual space to see what other users are looking at, hindering effective communication in virtual environments.
Innovation Solution
An image generating apparatus and method that includes a fixation point object arranging section and an image generating section, which arrange a fixation point object in a virtual space and generate an image from a second viewpoint corresponding to the attitude of a second head-mounted display, enabling users to see what others are viewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple users share a virtual space using HMDs, then communication between users is enabled, but users cannot see what other users are looking at
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of another user's viewpoint by generating a fixation point object that represents where the other user is looking. This copy is then displayed to the observing user, allowing them to see what the other user is viewing without requiring direct line-of-sight or additional physical equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image generation apparatus that processes viewpoint information between users. This apparatus receives fixation point data from one user's HMD and generates visual representations that are transmitted to other users, serving as a mediator that enables viewpoint sharing without direct user-to-user data exchange.
2Measurement precision
If a fixation point object is arranged at a position away from the viewpoint in the visual line direction, then the representation of what users are looking at is improved, but the positioning precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the fixation point object in three-dimensional space along the visual line direction rather than at the exact viewpoint location. This dimensional offset creates a separate representation space where the fixation point can be clearly distinguished from the viewpoint while still accurately indicating what the user is looking at, reducing positioning conflicts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different spatial qualities to different elements: the viewpoint remains at the observer's eye position while the fixation point object is placed at a specific distance along the visual line. This local differentiation allows each element to serve its specific function without interference, with the fixation point positioned optimally for clear visual representation.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided an image generating apparatus, an image generating method, and a program for generating an image that allows each of the users sharing a virtual space to see what the ether users are looking at. A virtual space managing section (126) arranges a fixation point object indicative of a fixation point at a position away from a first viewpoint in a first visual line direction passing through the first viewpoint arranged in a virtual space, the first visual line direction corresponding to the attitude of a first head-mounted display. A frame image generating section (128) generates an image indicating how things look from a second viewpoint in a second visual line direction corresponding to the attitude of a second head-mounted display, the second viewpoint being arranged in the virtual space in which the fixation point object is arranged.