Input Device Mode Switching for VR Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties interacting with simulated environments in Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) due to the need for multiple interaction controllers, which are cumbersome and prone to interference, leading to suboptimal immersion and increased user effort.
Innovation Solution
A single input device equipped with sensors and a processor that can operate in multiple modes, acting as both a computer mouse and a six-degrees-of-freedom controller, based on its state and context information from the visual scene, eliminating the need for manual switching and reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interaction controllers are used to provide full interaction functionality with simulated environments, then the interaction capability is improved, but the device complexity and user effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single input device that can perform multiple functions - acting as both a remote controller and a computer mouse depending on the operational mode. The device includes a pointer component for mouse-like operations and a trigger component for remote controller operations, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized controllers and provide full interaction functionality with simulated environments
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interaction controllers are used to provide full interaction functionality, then the interaction capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to manual changeover requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing automatic mode switching that transitions the input device between remote controller mode and computer mouse mode based on real-time detection of user actions and contextual information from the visual scene. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for manual changeover, allowing the device to autonomously adjust its operational mode to match the current interaction requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interaction controllers are used, then the interaction capability is improved, but electromagnetic interference between controllers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by consolidating the functionality of multiple interaction controllers into a single integrated input device. By combining the remote controller functions and computer mouse functions in one physical device, the source of electromagnetic interference is reduced from multiple separate controllers to a single unified device, thereby minimizing electromagnetic interference while maintaining full interaction capability
Data Source
AI summary
An input device including first sensor that measures first sensor data indicative of at least one of: pressure applied to input device, presence or absence of given object in proximity of input device, distance of given object from input device, position and orientation of input device; and processor coupled to first sensor. Processor processes first sensor data to determine state of input device, said state indicating whether or not input device is lying on given object; obtains, from user device, context information pertaining to visual scene being presented to user; and controls input device to operate in first mode of operation or second mode of operation based on said state and context information. Input device acts as computer mouse during first mode of operation and as six-degrees-of-freedom controller during second mode of operation.