Virtual Display Spatial Alignment With Physical Peripherals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Virtual reality systems face challenges in enhancing user interaction and productivity when using physical interface devices, particularly in immersive environments, as existing solutions do not effectively integrate real-world objects and user inputs into virtual spaces.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves receiving polling data from sensors to determine the orientation of virtual displays relative to physical environment characteristics, allowing a head-mounted display to project interactive displays at a maintained spatial relationship with physical devices, and adjusting the display configuration based on device movement and interaction, such as placing or lifting the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If physical interface devices are used in virtual reality environments, then user interaction capability is improved, but integration stability between physical and virtual spaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction capabilityVSAvoidintegration stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent projects virtual displays from a 2D screen into 3D space at specific depths, creating multiple display planes (primary display plane, secondary display plane) that coexist with the physical device. This dimensional transformation allows virtual content to be spatially separated from the physical interface while maintaining functional integration, resolving the contradiction between interaction capability and integration stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces virtual display projections as intermediary elements between the physical interface device and the user's visual field. These projections act as mediators that bridge the physical and virtual spaces, enabling stable integration by providing a consistent visual reference frame that maintains spatial relationships even as the device moves or is repositioned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If virtual displays are projected relative to physical devices, then user interaction is enhanced, but spatial relationship maintenance becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interactionVSAvoidspatial relationship maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the spatial parameters of virtual display projections based on the physical device's position, orientation, and movement. The display depth, size, and position are continuously updated to maintain optimal spatial relationships, transforming a static projection system into an adaptive one that automatically compensates for device movement without requiring complex manual calibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The virtual display projection system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides visual feedback, maintains spatial relationships, adapts to device movement, and enhances user interaction. By consolidating these functions into a single projection mechanism, the system reduces overall complexity while achieving multiple objectives.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple virtual displays are projected at different orientations, then functional capabilities are augmented, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional capabilitiesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the virtual display system into distinct segments: a primary display plane for main content and a secondary display plane for additional information or controls. Each plane can be independently positioned and oriented relative to the physical device, allowing functional separation while maintaining a unified projection system. This segmentation enables augmented functionality without requiring a completely separate system for each display function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3599532B1A system for importing user interface devices into virtual/augmented reality
Publication Date: 2022.06.22 LOGITECH EUROPE SA
  • EP3599532B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3599532B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3599532B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

In certain embodiments, a sensing and tracking system detects objects, such as user input devices or peripherals, and user interactions with them. A representation of the objects and user interactions are then injected into the virtual reality environment. The representation can be an actual reality, augmented reality, virtual representation or any combination. For example, an actual keyboard can be injected, but with the keys pressed being enlarged and lighted.