Virtual Barrier Objects for Emergency Response Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Emergency responders face challenges in receiving timely and relevant information in critical situations, as traditional audio transmissions can be inadequate, and existing digital displays may overwhelm users with distracting or confusing data, particularly in hazardous environments where clear guidance is essential.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Hybrid Reality (HR) systems, which combine real-world imagery with virtual barriers and paths displayed on head-mounted displays, using sensors and stimuli to provide clear, context-aware guidance, such as virtual barriers and paths, to direct users safely through environments by integrating real-time data and feedback mechanisms like haptic shakes and visual cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If digital displays present extensive information to emergency responders, then information completeness is improved, but user distraction and confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments information presentation by creating distinct virtual elements (barriers, paths, markers) that separate different types of information guidance. Instead of presenting all information simultaneously, the system divides it into spatially distributed visual cues that guide users through the environment without overwhelming them with text or data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning specific visual information elements at relevant locations in the user's field of view. Virtual barriers appear at hazard locations, paths appear at navigation points, and markers appear at specific objects of interest, allowing users to access information contextually rather than through a centralized display that requires constant attention.
2Device complexity
If traditional audio transmissions are used for information delivery, then device complexity is reduced, but information timeliness and relevance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic information transmission mechanism with a visual display system integrated into head-mounted equipment. This substitution enables real-time presentation of location-based information through virtual elements that update dynamically as users move through the environment, providing timely and relevant information without the limitations of audio-only transmission.
3Loss of information
If virtual elements are overlaid on real-world scenes, then situational awareness is improved, but visual complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color variations to encode different types of information and states. Virtual barriers, paths, and markers are presented with distinct colors or color patterns that allow users to quickly distinguish between different information categories without requiring detailed visual analysis, thereby reducing perceived complexity while maintaining comprehensive situational awareness.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system presents a virtual object on a display of the computer system which represents an action at a location in space. If a user of the computer system approaches the location, the computer system presents one or more stimuli to encourage movement away from that location. The appearance of the object may vary as the user of the computer system moves. The appearance of the object may include information and may vary with a change of state. Multiple such virtual objects may be used to indicate a path.