Gaze-Timed Controller Functions for Mixed Reality Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MR and AR systems are limited by the number of functions available via handheld controllers due to the restricted number of user input buttons or actions, necessitating a more intuitive way to extend functionality without distracting users from their primary activities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a gaze timer feature that modifies the functionality of user input devices by detecting a defined gaze action for a predetermined period, allowing temporary access to additional functions without altering the device's primary operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of buttons or input actions on the controller is increased to provide more functions, then the functionality of the controller is improved, but the device complexity and user interface clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller functionality is made dynamic through the gaze timer mechanism. The controller transitions between different functional states based on the user's gaze duration. When the user gazes at the controller for a predetermined time, additional functions become accessible. This allows the controller to adapt its functionality dynamically without requiring additional physical buttons, resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of time (gaze duration) to control functionality access. By monitoring how long the user gazes at the controller, the system determines whether to activate additional functions. This parameter-based control enables the controller to provide multiple functions without adding physical complexity, as the same hardware can access different function sets based on the temporal parameter of user attention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional functions are made accessible on the controller, then the versatility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to potential accidental activation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary action by monitoring the user's gaze before activating additional functions. The gaze timer mechanism requires the user to maintain gaze for a predetermined time period before the controller enters an extended functionality mode. This preliminary verification action prevents accidental activation while still providing easy access to additional functions when intentionally needed, as the user simply needs to look at the controller for a brief period.
3Ease of operation
If the controller provides constant access to all functions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the user's focus on primary tasks is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The controller functionality is activated periodically based on user gaze rather than being constantly available. The gaze timer creates a periodic interaction pattern where additional functions become accessible only when the user intentionally directs their attention to the controller for the predetermined time period. This periodic activation mechanism allows users to maintain focus on primary tasks while still having easy access to additional functions when needed, resolving the contradiction between constant accessibility and attention maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable computing system that includes a head-mounted display implements a gaze timer feature for enabling the user to temporarily extend the functionality of a handheld controller or other user input device. In one embodiment, when the user gazes at, or in the vicinity of, a handheld controller for a predetermined period of time, the functionality of one or more input elements (e.g., buttons) of the handheld controller is temporarily modified. For example, the function associated with a particular controller button may be modified to enable the user to open a particular menu using the button. The gaze timer feature may, for example, be used to augment the functionality of a handheld controller or other user input device during mixed reality and/or augmented reality sessions.