Virtual Object Interaction Interface for Ambiguous Input Handling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing user interfaces for interacting with virtual objects in augmented and virtual reality environments are often cumbersome, inefficient, and prone to errors, leading to a significant cognitive burden on users and inefficient use of computer system resources.

Innovation Solution

A computer system that detects user interaction with virtual objects through input devices, allowing for first and second movements of an input element, and updates the appearance of the virtual object based on these movements, while also handling ambiguous input-end events to provide more intuitive and efficient interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional user interfaces are used for interacting with virtual objects, then the system provides basic interaction functionality, but the interface becomes cumbersome and requires multiple inputs achieving desired outcomes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction efficiencyVSAvoidtime to achieve desired outcome

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting ambiguous input-end events and proactively updating the virtual object's appearance based on the first movement portion before the user completes their input. This anticipatory update reduces the time users need to wait for feedback and minimizes the number of inputs required to achieve the desired outcome.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements enhanced feedback mechanisms by providing visual updates to the virtual object during the interaction process. When an ambiguous input-end event is detected, the system immediately updates the object's appearance based on the first movement portion, giving users real-time feedback about the system's interpretation of their input and reducing cognitive burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the system waits for complete user input before updating virtual objects, then input accuracy is improved, but interaction speed and energy efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput detection accuracyVSAvoidinteraction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its response strategy based on the detected user interaction pattern. When an ambiguous input-end event is detected during the first movement, the system transitions from waiting for complete input to proactively updating the virtual object. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to balance input accuracy with interaction speed, updating the object based on the first movement portion when appropriate while maintaining the ability to process complete inputs when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary updates to the virtual object's appearance based on the first movement portion before the user completes their input sequence. This preliminary action provides immediate visual feedback and reduces interaction time, while the system continues to monitor for additional input movements that might indicate the user's final intent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the system processes every user input in detail, then interaction accuracy is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteraction accuracyVSAvoidcomputer system energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by processing only the necessary portion of user input when an ambiguous input-end event is detected. Instead of waiting for and processing the complete input sequence, the system updates the virtual object based on the first movement portion alone. This partial processing approach maintains sufficient interaction accuracy while significantly reducing the computational energy required to handle each user input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary processing of the first movement portion to detect ambiguous input-end events and update the virtual object accordingly. This preliminary action allows the system to provide responsive feedback without investing the full computational resources required to analyze complete input sequences, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining interaction reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250029350A1Devices, methods, and graphical user interfaces for interacting with virtual objects

Publication Date: 2025.01.23 APPLE INC

AI summary

Techniques and user interfaces for interacting with virtual objects in an extended reality environment.