Single-Handed Gesture Control for Virtual Object Manipulation in VR/AR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual and augmented reality systems require cumbersome and unnatural two-handed interactions for manipulating distant virtual objects, posing difficulties for users with disabilities or those who prefer single-hand use.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing single-handed gestures for intuitive manipulation of virtual objects, including moving, rotating, and scaling, through a combination of hand detection technology, computer vision, and machine learning, eliminating the need for physical controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-handed control mechanisms are used for manipulating distant virtual objects, then manipulation precision and control stability are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and accessibility for users with disabilities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the manipulation tasks into distinct single-handed gestures: one hand performs selection/grabbing actions while the other performs manipulation actions (rotate, scale, move). This segmentation allows each hand to specialize in specific tasks, achieving both precision and ease of operation without requiring coordinated two-handed control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual controller as an intermediary object that mediates between the user's hand gestures and the distant virtual objects. The virtual controller acts as a proxy that can be manipulated with one hand while providing precise control over distant objects, eliminating the need for direct two-handed manipulation.
2Measurement precision
If physical control devices like joysticks are used, then control precision is improved, but device complexity and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical mechanical controllers (joysticks, buttons) with optical-based hand detection technology. Computer vision systems capture hand gestures, and machine learning algorithms interpret these gestures to control virtual objects, substituting mechanical control systems with optical and computational systems that reduce device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the controller functionality within the virtual environment itself. Instead of requiring external physical controllers, the system generates virtual controllers that exist in the VR/AR space and can be manipulated through natural hand gestures, copying the essential control functions without the physical hardware.
3Ease of operation
If hand gesture recognition is implemented for distant object manipulation, then ease of operation and accessibility are improved, but measurement precision and control accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the virtual controller provides visual and spatial feedback to the user about the state of distant objects. The system continuously monitors hand gestures, provides real-time feedback on object selection and manipulation state, and adjusts control precision dynamically based on gesture confidence levels, maintaining both ease of operation and control accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for manipulating a virtual target object (VTO) in a virtual environment, and more particularly, to an intuitive and natural user interface for basic virtual object manipulations such as moving, rotating, and scaling through single-handed gestures, allowing for greater ease of use and accessibility and enabling users with physical disabilities to interact with virtual and augmented reality systems.