Virtual Object Attention Feedback in Shared VR Content

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing virtual space communication systems lack enhancements to improve the entertainment property of user experiences by promoting interaction and attention dynamics among users.

Innovation Solution

A content provision device that identifies user gaze areas and counts the number of users gazing at virtual objects, setting a degree of attention based on this count, and notifying users of this attention status in real time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If gaze positions are displayed in virtual space to enable communication between users, then communication smoothness is improved, but entertainment property of virtual experience is not sufficiently enhanced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication smoothnessVSAvoidentertainment property

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by notifying users of the degree of attention for virtual objects they are viewing. The notification unit provides real-time feedback about how many other users are gazing at the same virtual object, creating a social feedback loop that enhances entertainment while maintaining communication functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a new dimension to the virtual space experience by overlaying attention degree information. Instead of only displaying spatial positions, the system introduces an attention dimension that shows social engagement levels, transforming the experience from purely spatial to socio-spatial

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If real-time attention feedback is provided to all users, then entertainment property is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveentertainment propertyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses self-service by automatically tracking user gaze positions and calculating attention degrees without requiring manual input. The identification unit autonomously monitors where users are looking and the setting unit automatically computes attention metrics, reducing the need for complex user interfaces or manual data collection systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The content provision device performs multiple functions: it displays the virtual space, tracks gaze positions, calculates attention degrees, and provides notifications. By consolidating these functions in a single system, the patent avoids the complexity that would arise from coordinating multiple separate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12548250B2Content provision device

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 NTT DOCOMO INC

AI summary

A content provision device 10 provides a content image indicating a virtual space which is shared by a plurality of users to the users. The content provision device 10 includes: an identification unit 12 configured to identify a gaze area at which each of the users gazes in a period of a predetermined threshold value or more in the virtual space; a setting unit 13 configured to count the number of users gazing at a virtual object disposed in the virtual space based on a positional relationship between the gaze area of each of the users and the virtual object and to set a degree of attention based on the count result for the virtual object; and a delivery unit 14 configured to notify the users of the degree of attention set for the virtual object.