Probabilistic Stylus Beam for 3D Selection Accuracy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital display systems face challenges in accurately determining the virtual object that a user intends to select in a virtual scene, especially when dealing with complex 3D environments and user inputs.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a combination of ray-cast and sphere-cast procedures to determine the selected virtual object, with the results compared to prioritize the selection. Additionally, a probability model is used to calculate the likelihood of selecting each virtual object based on user inputs, head state, eye state, and stylus state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ray-cast and sphere-cast procedures are used to determine virtual object selection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the selection determination process into two distinct procedures: ray-cast for precise directional selection and sphere-cast for proximity-based selection. Each procedure handles specific selection scenarios, allowing the system to maintain high measurement precision through specialized algorithms while managing complexity by dividing the overall selection logic into modular, independently executable segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If probabilistic calculations are used to determine intended selection, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection reliabilityVSAvoidcalculation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial probabilistic calculations by first attempting deterministic selection through ray-cast and sphere-cast procedures. Probabilistic calculations are only invoked when deterministic methods fail to produce a clear selection or when confidence thresholds are not met. This partial application of probabilistic reasoning improves reliability in ambiguous cases while minimizing time loss by avoiding unnecessary calculations in straightforward selection scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If multiple input parameters are processed for selection determination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a universal selection determination framework that processes multiple input parameters (head state, eye state, stylus state) through a common probabilistic model. This multi-functional approach allows the same processing architecture to handle various input combinations and selection scenarios, improving measurement precision through comprehensive parameter analysis while managing complexity through a unified, reusable processing framework rather than separate specialized systems for each parameter type.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4026318B1Intelligent stylus beam and assisted probabilistic input to element mapping in 2d and 3D graphical user interfaces
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 ZSPACE INC
  • EP4026318B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4026318B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4026318B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~2E

AI summary

Systems and methods for implementing methods for user selection of a virtual object in a virtual scene. A user input may be received via a user input device. The user input may be an attempt to select a virtual object from a plurality of virtual objects rendered in a virtual scene on a display of a display system. A position and orientation of the user input device may be determined in response to the first user input. A probability the user input may select each virtual object may be calculated via a probability model. Based on the position and orientation of the user input device, a ray-cast procedure and a sphere-cast procedure may be performed to determine the virtual object being selected. The probability of selection may also be considered in determining the virtual object. A virtual beam may be rendered from the user input device to the virtual object.