Image Portion Tilting for Point of Interest Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of panoramic images or videos, such as those in virtual reality, often miss points of interest outside their limited field of view, as traditional audio cues may not be effective and visual or haptic cues can be unnatural, detracting from the user experience and potentially causing virtual reality sickness.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that repositions a portion of the image to provide a visual indication of points of interest outside the user's view by tilting it subtly in the direction of the point of interest, allowing users to redirect their gaze naturally and intuitively without relying on audio signals or losing control over their view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional audio cues are used to indicate points of interest outside the user's field of view, then the user can be alerted to the point of interest, but the user experience is compromised because audio signals may not always be effective (no audio track, user preference, or hearing impairment)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visual intermediary element (the tilted portion of the image) that mediates between the point of interest and the user's awareness. Instead of directly using audio cues or forcing view changes, the tilted image portion serves as a subtle visual mediator that naturally draws the user's gaze toward the point of interest without being intrusive or unnatural.
2Reliability
If visual or haptic cues are introduced to indicate points of interest outside the field of view, then the indication can be provided when audio is ineffective, but the cues seem unnatural and detract from the user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tilting only a specific portion of the image (the portion containing or near the point of interest) rather than the entire image. This localized tilting creates a subtle visual cue that is natural and unobtrusive, allowing the indication to be effective without compromising the overall user experience or naturalness of the display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of a portion of the image by tilting it at an angle relative to the horizon. This parameter change creates a visual indication that is both effective and natural, as the tilt subtly guides the user's gaze without appearing artificial or distracting from the overall image.
3Reliability
If the display forces the user to view the point of interest by changing the image without user input, then the point of interest is guaranteed to be viewed, but the user loses control over the content and may experience virtual reality sickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by tilting only a portion of the image rather than forcing a complete view change. This partial modification of the image maintains user control and avoids virtual reality sickness while still effectively drawing attention to the point of interest. The subtle tilt is sufficient to guide the user's gaze without being intrusive or causing discomfort.
4Loss of information
If arrows or haptic vibrations are used to indicate the direction of points of interest, then the location can be indicated, but the cues seem unnatural relative to the image and detract from the user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the indication function with the existing image content by tilting a portion of the image itself. Instead of adding separate arrows or haptic elements that appear unnatural, the indication is integrated into the image structure through tilting, making the cue natural and consistent with the overall visual presentation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in order to generate a visual indication to a user of a point of interest outside of the user's view. In the context of a method, identifying a point of interest outside of a user's view is identified during display of an image in a first orientation. The method also includes causing at least a portion of the image to be repositioned, such as by being tilted, to provide a visual indication to the user of a point of interest outside of the user's view. After repositioning at least the portion of the image, the method further includes causing at least the portion of the image to return to the first orientation.