Pattern Recognition Physical Object Virtual Manifestation Linking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current interfaces in artificial, virtual, and mixed-reality environments lack tangible elements, leading to a disconnect between the digital and physical worlds, which limits user engagement and immersion.
Innovation Solution
The system uses pattern recognition on physical objects to create corresponding virtual manifestations within virtual environments, allowing users to interact with virtual objects by physically manipulating real-world objects, and providing non-visual physical stimuli to enhance the sensory experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional input devices are used for interaction, then device simplicity is maintained, but user immersion and tactile experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tangible physical objects as intermediary elements between the user and the virtual environment. These objects serve as mediators that users can physically manipulate, and their states are translated into virtual actions. This resolves the contradiction by providing tactile interaction (improving immersion) while keeping the actual interaction mechanism simple - users just manipulate physical objects rather than learning complex digital interfaces (maintaining ease of operation).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical input devices (keyboards, mice, controllers) with a system based on optical recognition and sensor detection of physical objects. Instead of using mechanical interfaces that require learning, the system uses cameras and sensors to detect physical objects and their movements, automatically translating them into virtual interactions. This substitution improves immersion through natural physical manipulation while reducing the complexity of the interaction system itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual environments lack tangible elements, then system simplicity is maintained, but user engagement and presence deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the physical and virtual environments by integrating tangible objects into the virtual experience. Physical objects are detected and represented in the virtual environment, allowing users to interact with virtual content through physical manipulation. This merging enhances user engagement and presence (improving adaptability) while maintaining system simplicity through unified processing of physical-virtual interactions rather than separate complex subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal interaction system where physical objects serve multiple functions - they are both real-world items users can touch and digital interfaces for virtual interaction. The same physical object can represent different virtual entities or controls depending on context, enhancing user engagement through versatile interaction possibilities while avoiding the complexity of multiple specialized input devices or systems.
3Ease of operation
If pattern recognition is implemented to link physical and virtual objects, then interaction intuitiveness is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital copies or representations of physical objects within the virtual environment. Pattern recognition systems detect physical objects and generate corresponding virtual models that replicate their appearance and properties. This copying approach improves interaction intuitiveness - users interact with familiar physical objects that directly correspond to virtual entities - while managing processing complexity through efficient object recognition algorithms and optimized virtual model generation rather than complex real-time transformation systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for enhancing user interaction within a virtual environment by linking physical objects to corresponding virtual manifestations. The method comprises: receiving, from a scanning device, an image of a pattern on a surface of a physical object; analyzing the image to recognize the pattern and associate the pattern with corresponding virtual content stored in data storage; rendering, by the computer system, a virtual manifestation within the virtual environment; receiving, from the scanning device, an indication of an occlusion of the pattern caused by user interaction with the physical object; interpreting the occlusion based on a user input to the virtual environment; modifying the virtual manifestation in response to the user input; updating the virtual manifestation in real-time to reflect movements of the physical object.