Virtual Object Hold Detection Using Distance-Change Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies struggle to provide a high-quality virtual experience in virtual reality and augmented reality environments.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that determines when a virtual object is held by two objects based on a decrease in distance between them below a threshold, with notification of hold or release through tactile, visual, or auditory means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a threshold-based distance method is used to determine object hold, then the determination is simple and fast, but the accuracy of hold detection is insufficient leading to poor virtual experience quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter from simple distance threshold to rate of change of distance (derivative). By calculating how quickly the distance is changing rather than just whether it's below a threshold, the system achieves more accurate hold detection. This allows the system to distinguish between objects passing near each other versus objects being deliberately pinched, improving measurement precision without requiring complex additional sensors.
2Measurement precision
If the hold determination threshold is set low for accuracy, then hold detection precision improves, but false releases increase reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the rate of change of distance and using this information to adjust hold determination. The system feedback loop calculates the derivative of distance over time and uses this rate information to confirm whether a hold should be maintained or released. This feedback mechanism prevents false releases by verifying that the distance change rate consistent with intentional release has occurred, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving detection precision.
3Ease of operation
If traditional distance threshold methods are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the virtual interaction quality is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes a mechanical threshold-based system with a mathematical derivative-based system. Instead of using a simple distance threshold comparison (mechanical approach), the system calculates the rate of change of distance over time (mathematical approach). This substitution maintains ease of operation from the user perspective while dramatically improving measurement precision and virtual interaction quality, as the derivative calculation can be performed automatically by the processing unit without user awareness.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a hold determination unit. The hold determination unit determines, in a case where a rate of decrease of a distance between a first hold-side object and a second hold-side object that set a virtual object as a pinch-and-hold target becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold value, that the virtual object has been held by the first hold-side object and the second hold-side object. Accordingly, a high-quality virtual experience can be achieved.