Spatial Group Management in 3D Communication Sessions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for managing spatial groups in multi-user communication sessions struggle to dynamically adjust user positions based on shared content in three-dimensional environments, leading to potential obstructions and user interaction challenges.

Innovation Solution

The system updates user avatars' positions in a multi-user communication session by determining the type of shared content, adjusting spatial separation, and reorienting avatars to ensure clear viewing and interaction with shared content, using a reference line and animation to maintain spatial context.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If user avatars are kept at fixed spatial separation in a three-dimensional environment, then user interaction stability is maintained, but viewing of shared content may be obstructed when content is displayed in the environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction stabilityVSAvoidviewing obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts avatar positions based on the type of shared content being displayed. When content is shared, avatars are automatically repositioned to appropriate distances from the content object, transitioning from fixed spatial separation to adaptive positioning that maintains both viewing clarity and interaction stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes spatial parameters (avatar positions and distances) based on content type detection. Different content types trigger different spatial configurations, allowing the system to optimize viewing experience while maintaining interaction stability through parameter adaptation rather than fixed positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If avatars are manually rearranged to view shared content, then viewing experience is improved, but system complexity and user input requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing experienceVSAvoidspatial management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the type of shared content and autonomously repositions avatars without requiring manual user input. The spatial management system serves itself by monitoring content type and executing appropriate positioning commands, eliminating the need for users to manually rearrange avatars

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where avatar positions are continuously monitored and automatically adjusted based on content type detection. This closed-loop control eliminates manual intervention by detecting when content is shared and automatically executing the appropriate spatial reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If avatars are automatically repositioned based on content type, then viewing experience is enhanced, but processing requirements and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing experienceVSAvoidprocessing energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial automation by only repositioning avatars when content is detected as shared, rather than continuously adjusting positions. This selective action reduces processing energy compared to constant monitoring and adjustment, while still providing the viewing experience benefits when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4474954A1Systems and methods of managing spatial groups in multi-user communication sessions
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 APPLE INC
  • EP4474954A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4474954A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4474954A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Some examples of the disclosure are directed to systems and methods for managing locations of users in a spatial group within a communication session based on the display of shared content in a three-dimensional environment. In some examples, a first electronic device and a second electronic device are in communication within a communication session. In some examples, the first electronic device displays a three-dimensional environment including an avatar corresponding to a user of the second electronic device. In some examples, in response to detecting an input corresponding to a request to display shared content in the three-dimensional environment, if the shared content is a first type of content, the first electronic positions the avatar a first distance away from the viewpoint, and if the shared content is a second type of content, the first electronic device positions the avatar a second distance away from the viewpoint.