2D Image to 3D Spatial Data Conversion for Virtual Universe Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual universes (VUs) lack user-friendly customization options for surroundings and items, requiring significant skills and time for users to create new objects and environments, which limits interaction and engagement within the virtual space.
Innovation Solution
A system that converts two-dimensional image data into three-dimensional spatial data, allowing users to simulate real-world objects and settings within a VU, using a multi-touch interactive surface and image data acquisition and processing modules to create a spatial map that can be integrated into the virtual environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If users build objects and landscape environments manually in VU, then customization capability is improved, but user skill requirement and development time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by capturing real-world images and converting them into virtual environment assets. Users can photograph physical objects, places, or surfaces with their devices, and the system automatically processes these images to create customizable virtual objects and environments, eliminating the need for manual building skills and significantly reducing development time while maintaining high customization capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If users build objects and environments in VU, then customization is improved, but user interaction and engagement decrease due to focused building task
Solution Approach 1:
By enabling users to capture images with their devices and automatically converting them into virtual assets, the system allows users to customize environments without leaving their social interactions. The automated processing occurs in the background while users continue to engage with other avatars, thus maintaining both customization capability and social engagement simultaneously
3Ease of operation
If traditional input devices like keyboard and mouse are used, then computer operation is possible, but user interface intuitiveness and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical input devices (keyboard and mouse) with mobile device cameras and touch interfaces. Users simply point their camera at objects they wish to import and tap to capture, which automatically triggers the asset creation process. This substitution dramatically improves intuitiveness and efficiency while reducing the perceived complexity of the interaction
Data Source
AI summary
Arrangements are disclosed herein that can capture image data reflecting real world objects and/or interactions and convert this data into a format that is usable in a virtual universe (VU). In one embodiment, a method can include receiving sets of image data that capture an object or a setting from different viewing angles. The image can be in multiple data sets where the sets have at least one common feature. The image data can be analyzed using the common features in the image data and a spatial map can be created. The spatial map can be modified (if required) such that a VU engine can use the modified data to provide a VU that has a representation of the real world object and/or interaction. This allows a participant to customize objects and/or activities in the VU, and provide a unique “persona” for their avatar and their VU.