Virtual Object Interaction via Physical Property Simulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing virtual reality technologies fail to provide an intuitive operation experience for virtual objects, as they move at a constant speed regardless of size, leading to unnatural expressions when interacting with virtual objects.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that sets physical properties in virtual objects, detects positional relationships between operating tools, real objects, and virtual objects, and changes the display of virtual objects based on these relationships, allowing for intuitive operations similar to those with real objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If virtual objects move at a constant speed regardless of size, then the operation is simple and consistent, but the expression becomes unnatural compared to real objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation consistencyVSAvoidexpression naturalness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the movement speed of virtual objects based on their size parameters. Larger virtual objects move slower while smaller ones move faster, mimicking real-world physics. This resolves the contradiction by dynamically changing the speed parameter rather than maintaining a constant speed, thereby achieving natural expression while preserving operational simplicity through automated parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If physical properties are set in virtual objects to simulate real object behavior, then the expression becomes more natural, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexpression naturalnessVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical simulation systems with a simplified computational approach. Instead of implementing full physics engines, the system uses predetermined relationships between object parameters (size, mass) and movement characteristics. This substitution achieves natural expression through mathematical relationships rather than physical simulation, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining realism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If the virtual object changes display based on positional relationship with real objects, then the realism is enhanced, but the processing load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverealismVSAvoidprocessing load
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements partial action by selectively applying physical property simulations only when virtual objects interact with real objects in the augmented reality space. The system calculates positional relationships and applies appropriate movement restrictions or enhancements only in relevant scenarios, rather than continuously processing all virtual objects. This approach enhances realism in critical interactions while minimizing unnecessary processing load during normal display operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11144114B2Information processing apparatus and information processing method
Publication Date: 2021.10.12 SONY GROUP CORP
  • US11144114B2 patent drawing
  • US11144114B2 patent drawing
  • US11144114B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program for enabling an intuitive operation to be performed on a virtual object in a manner similar to that in a case of a real object. An information processing apparatus as an aspect of the present technology includes a physical property setting unit configured to set a physical property in a virtual object that can be viewed together with an operating tool and a real object existing in a real space, a positional relationship detection unit configured to detect a virtual positional relationship among the operating tool, the real object and the virtual object, and a virtual object changing unit configured to change display of the virtual object on the basis of the virtual positional relationship that is detected. The present technology may be applied to a VR system.