Mixed Reality Control Points for Gesture Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mixed reality technologies require multiple hand-to-object gestures for interacting with computer-generated objects, leading to confusion and inefficient use of computational resources.

Innovation Solution

The use of control points associated with rendered objects and mixed reality environments, where a single gesture, such as a pinch gesture, identifies a target control point to alter properties, streamlining interactions and reducing the need for complex gesture recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple hand-to-object gestures are used for different virtual interactions, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidgesture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single hand-to-object gesture is assigned multiple functions based on the virtual object type. The system determines the gesture type once and reuses it across different virtual objects (e.g., a grab gesture works for both virtual cups and virtual balls), eliminating the need for multiple specialized gestures while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the interpretation parameters of a single gesture based on the target virtual object properties. Instead of changing the gesture itself, the system adapts the gesture's effect parameters according to what is being interacted with, allowing one gesture to produce different valid outcomes depending on context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple hand-to-object gestures are implemented, then interaction capability is improved, but computational resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction capabilityVSAvoidcomputational resource consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a universal gesture recognition module that handles all virtual objects with a single gesture vocabulary. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized gesture recognition algorithms, reducing computational overhead while maintaining full interaction capability across different object types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If multiple hand-to-object gestures are required, then precise control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Users learn and perform only one set of fundamental hand-to-object gestures that work universally across all virtual objects. This reduces the cognitive load and motor memory requirements compared to learning multiple object-specific gestures, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining precise control through consistent gesture-object mapping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3469459B1Altering properties of rendered objects via control points
Publication Date: 2022.12.21 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3469459B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3469459B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3469459B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Altering properties of rendered objects and/or mixed reality environments utilizing control points associated with the rendered objects and/or mixed reality environments is described. Techniques described can include detecting a gesture performed by or in association with a control object. Based at least in part on detecting the gesture, techniques described can identify a target control point that is associated with a rendered object and/or a mixed reality environment. As the control object moves within the mixed reality environment, the target control point can track the movement of the control object. Based at least in part on the movement of the control object, a property of the rendered object and/or the mixed reality environment can be altered. A rendering of the rendered object and/or the mixed reality environment can be modified to reflect any alterations to the property.