Mixed Reality Image Switching for Virtual Viewpoint Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing MR technologies require users to physically move to change viewing positions, making it cumbersome to switch between different viewing locations of virtual objects, and there is a lack of easy methods to return to previous viewing positions.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that captures and processes real images and pseudo images, allowing users to designate positions for image switching using controllers, gestures, or voice commands, enabling seamless transitions between real and pseudo images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the user moves on foot to change the viewing position of a virtual object, then the user can view the virtual object from different positions, but the operation becomes troublesome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of position switchingVSAvoidtime for position switching

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system captures real images at multiple predetermined positions and creates pseudo images that simulate the visual field from those positions. Instead of physically moving to change viewing positions, the user selects from pre-captured images or generates pseudo images based on recorded position and posture data, effectively copying the visual experience of being at different locations without actual movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-captures real images at multiple positions before the user needs to view them. The image capturing device records images at predetermined positions in advance, and these captured images are stored for later retrieval. This preliminary capture eliminates the need for real-time physical movement when position switching is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If panoramic images are generated from recorded position and posture data, then the user can virtually walk around, but it is not easy to immediately return to the previous position's display

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirtual position switching capabilityVSAvoidease of returning to previous position

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between displaying real images from the current position and pseudo images from designated positions based on user input. The display device can flexibly transition between different visual fields without physical movement, allowing the user to easily return to previous positions by simply selecting them from the presented options rather than physically navigating back.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system presents multiple positions to the user and receives user input to designate which position to view. This feedback mechanism allows the user to see available positions and easily select the desired one, including returning to previous positions, making the navigation intuitive and efficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If multiple positions are presented to the user for selection, then the user can easily switch between positions, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition selection convenienceVSAvoidsystem complexity for position management

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus performs multiple functions: it captures real images, records position and posture data, generates pseudo images, presents position options, and handles user input selection. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent manages complexity while providing comprehensive position switching capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250356542A1Information processing apparatus capable of switching images according to position designated by user, control method therefor, and storage medium storing control program therefor

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 CANON KK

AI summary

An information processing apparatus capable of easily switching and displaying a real image and a pseudo image. The information processing apparatus includes a memory device storing instructions, and a processor executing the instructions to: obtain a current position of a user, present positions including the current position with a display device, designate a position from among the positions in accordance with a user's instruction, display an image obtained by an image capturing device capturing a real space as a real image indicating a visual field of the user at the current position on the display device when the designated position is the current position, and display a pseudo image generated by resembling a visual field of the user at the designated position on the display device when the designated position is not the current position.