HMD Virtual Object Range Display for Cross-Space Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

In head mount displays (HMDs), when virtual objects or avatars are displayed across different real spaces with varying sizes, the disposition of avatars can be restricted and unnatural, as users cannot anticipate potential inappropriate positions beforehand.

Innovation Solution

A control device and method for HMDs that display a virtual object at a position corresponding to a second user's position in a second real space, along with a range-display object indicating the movable range of the virtual object, which corresponds to the effective range where the second user is movable and detectable in the second real space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a virtual object is disposed at a position corresponding to a second user's position in a different real space, then the virtual object can be displayed in the first user's HMD, but the disposition of the avatar is restricted and unnatural when the sizes of the first real space and the second real space are different

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirtual object disposition across different real spacesVSAvoidavatar position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by calculating and displaying the effective range and movable range of the virtual object before the user actually moves or places the object. This allows users to anticipate potential inappropriate positions and adjust their actions accordingly, preventing unreliable avatar positioning before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by displaying visual indicators (effective range and movable range) that provide information about appropriate virtual object positions. This feedback mechanism guides users to place virtual objects in suitable locations, improving the reliability of avatar disposition across different real spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If a virtual object is disposed at a position where the virtual object should not be disposed, then the user can see the virtual object at that position, but the user cannot ascertain in advance that there was a possibility that the virtual object would have been disposed at an inappropriate position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirtual object placement freedomVSAvoidinformation about inappropriate positions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system calculates and displays the effective range and movable range of virtual objects before users place them, providing advance information about appropriate positions. This preliminary action prevents users from inadvertently placing objects in inappropriate locations while maintaining operational freedom within the indicated ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses visual differentiation (color changes or distinct visual indicators) to show the effective range and movable range, making it easy for users to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate positions for virtual objects, thus preventing information loss about proper placement areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250124614A1Control device, system, control method for disposing virtual object in accordance with position of user

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 CANON KK

AI summary

A control device that controls a display device to be worn by a first user in a first real space controls the display device so that a virtual object seemingly disposed at a position in the first real space corresponding to a position of a second user in a second real space and a range-display object indicating a range, in which the virtual object is movable in the first real space, are displayed.