AR/VR Settings Interface Using Gaze Feedback for IPD Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for adjusting device settings in augmented and virtual reality environments are cumbersome, inefficient, and require complex user interactions, leading to a cognitive burden and energy waste, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

Implement improved user interfaces that utilize gaze and gesture detection to adjust settings, such as interpupillary distance, and provide prompts based on interpupillary distance alignment, reducing the need for manual inputs and enhancing feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional methods for adjusting device settings are used, then device settings can be adjusted, but the process is cumbersome and requires multiple inputs creating cognitive burden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of adjusting device settingsVSAvoidcomplexity of user interface interactions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects interpupillary distance by tracking user gaze and adjusts the display rendering accordingly without requiring manual user input. The device serves itself by using its sensors to automatically configure display parameters, eliminating the need for users to navigate complex adjustment interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms (physical buttons, sliders, or menu navigation) with an automated optical detection system. Eye-tracking cameras and gaze detection algorithms substitute for traditional mechanical user interface controls, automatically determining and adjusting interpupillary distance based on visual input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If conventional adjustment methods are used, then settings can be modified, but it takes longer than necessary wasting energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of adjusting device settingsVSAvoidenergy consumption of computer system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of interpupillary distance as soon as the user donnes the head-mounted device, before any adjustment is needed. By pre-detecting and pre-adjusting display parameters based on initial gaze tracking, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming manual adjustment processes and avoids unnecessary energy consumption from prolonged interface interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the system to quickly skip through the traditional multi-step adjustment process by directly calculating interpupillary distance from gaze data and immediately applying the appropriate display rendering adjustments. This rushes through what would traditionally be a lengthy manual configuration process, reducing both time and energy expenditure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Measurement precision

If manual manipulation of virtual objects is used to adjust settings, then adjustments can be made, but the process is complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of interpupillary distance adjustmentVSAvoidsimplicity of adjustment process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors gaze position and provides real-time feedback by adjusting display rendering as the user moves their eyes. This automatic feedback loop eliminates manual manipulation entirely, using gaze tracking data to directly control display parameters with high precision while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces gaze tracking data as an intermediary between the user and the display adjustment system. Instead of directly manipulating virtual objects or menu options, the user's natural eye movements serve as the intermediary input that automatically translates into precise interpupillary distance adjustments through algorithmic processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of information

If insufficient feedback is provided for adjusting settings, then the interface may be simpler, but users cannot understand the connection between inputs and device responses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeedback information provided to userVSAvoidintuitiveness of user interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides continuous visual feedback by dynamically adjusting the rendered display content in real-time as gaze position changes. Users can observe the direct connection between their eye movements and the resulting display adjustments, creating an intuitive understanding of cause and effect without requiring complex interface elements or explicit instructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12530113B2Devices, methods, and graphical user interfaces for adjusting device settings

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 APPLE INC

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to methods and user interfaces for adjusting device settings.