Virtual Assistant Objects for In-Headset Response Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users interacting with automated assistants in virtual environments face challenges such as audible interruptions from VR headsets and the inability to view responses without removing the headset, leading to repetitive commands or limited interaction methods.
Innovation Solution
An automated assistant that renders virtual objects in the virtual environment in response to user inputs, allowing interaction and control through these objects, utilizing an API to interface with a database for data rendering and integrating with physical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the automated assistant responds through a standalone speaker or display device, then the user can receive audible or visual responses, but the user must remove the VR headset to view the display device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the assistant response from external physical devices (standalone speakers and display devices in the real world) to the virtual environment dimension. Virtual objects are rendered within the VR headset's display, allowing users to see and interact with assistant responses without removing the headset. This dimensional shift resolves the contradiction by making the response accessible within the same spatial context as the user's VR experience.
2Ease of operation
If the automated assistant responds through a standalone speaker, then the user can receive audible responses, but the response may be interrupted by other audio from the VR headset
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the assistant's audio response system with the VR headset's audio output system. Instead of using separate standalone speakers that may compete with VR audio, the assistant responses are routed through the same audio channel as the virtual environment, ensuring consistent and uninterrupted playback. This integration resolves the contradiction by eliminating audio source conflicts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual objects as intermediaries between the user and the assistant response. These virtual objects serve as a unified interface that can convey both visual and auditory information within the virtual environment, mediating the communication between the assistant and the user without requiring separate physical devices that could cause audio or visual conflicts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the user provides spoken utterances to control the automated assistant, then the user can issue commands, but the user may need to repeat utterances when not wearing the VR headset
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control interface through virtual objects that work consistently whether the user is wearing the VR headset or not. The same virtual object interactions (such as selecting options displayed on a virtual keyboard or pressing virtual buttons) function as the control mechanism in both contexts, eliminating the need for different control methods or repeating utterances. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing a single, consistent interaction paradigm.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations set forth herein relate to an automated assistant that can be accessible via a virtual environment for controlling features of the virtual environment and/or devices in a physical environment of the user. When the automated assistant is invoked, the automated assistant can materialize in the virtual environment according to any request that the automated assistant has been invoked to fulfill. For example, depending on the request from the user, the automated assistant can cause rendering of a virtual object for fulfilling the request and/or controlling an ongoing operation of the automated assistant. When the virtual object is rendered to control an operation of the automated assistant, or another application, the virtual object can include a virtual feature that the user can interact with to control the virtual environment and/or devices in a physical environment of the user.