Virtual Hand Interface for Natural Object Grasping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality systems lack natural and intuitive methods for interacting with virtual objects, particularly in expressing grab types, as they rely on script-based object manipulation and limited input devices like 2D mice and 6DOF space navigators, which do not effectively accommodate diverse object shapes and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A virtual object manipulating apparatus and method that includes a corresponding point searching unit, grab type recognizing unit, and virtual grab type determining unit, utilizing sensors like touch, pressure, and rotation sensors to identify corresponding points and adjust grab types based on object shapes and sizes, with a database storing reference objects and grab types to enhance natural interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If menu-based object grab is used with a 2D mouse, then object selection is possible, but the method is limited to predetermined objects and requires script learning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the user's hand within the virtual environment that can grasp objects. This virtual hand copy enables natural grasping motions to be transferred to virtual objects, eliminating the need for script-based selection methods while supporting diverse object types through intuitive hand movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical 2D mouse pointing system with a virtual hand grasping mechanism. Instead of using cursor-based selection that requires learning scripts, the system substitutes a natural hand-grasping interface that works with various object types through intuitive physical gestures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If 6DOF space navigator is used, then 3D manipulation capability is provided, but natural grab type expression is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual hand copy that mirrors the user's actual hand movements and grasping gestures. This copy enables natural grab type expression by translating real-world hand motions into corresponding virtual grasping actions, making 3D manipulation more intuitive than space navigator controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic virtual hand that can adapt its grasping behavior based on the object being manipulated. The virtual hand dynamically adjusts its pose and grasping force to match the object's shape and properties, enabling natural grab type expression across diverse object types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cyberglove is used to transfer hand motion, then 3D manipulation is enabled, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual hand interface that can perform multiple manipulation functions without requiring specialized hardware like cybergloves. The virtual hand serves as a multi-functional tool that handles various object types and grasping motions through a single unified interface, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual hand as an intermediary between the user and virtual objects. This intermediary translates user intentions into natural grasping motions without requiring complex hardware sensors, simplifying the input apparatus while maintaining versatile hand motion transfer capabilities.
4Measurement precision
If virtual hand is created and grabbed onto virtual object, then grab type is determined, but corresponding point search complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes the virtual hand's structure and grasping capabilities before interaction with objects. By preparing the virtual hand's grasping modes and contact point algorithms in advance, the system can quickly determine grab types during interaction without performing complex real-time searches, thus improving precision while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and focuses on key contact points between the virtual hand and object rather than searching the entire object surface. By identifying and isolating the most relevant grasping points, the system achieves accurate grab type determination while reducing the computational complexity of point search operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a virtual object manipulating apparatus and method. The virtual object manipulating apparatus connects a virtual object in a 3D virtual world with a virtual object manipulating apparatus, senses a grab signal from a user, and determines a grab type of the virtual object based on the sensed grab signal and the connection between the virtual object and the virtual object manipulating apparatus.