Virtual Object Creation Using Pointing Device Trajectory Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for creating virtual objects in virtual reality or mixed reality spaces require operators to determine an arbitrary plane as a reference, making it difficult to precisely place virtual objects at desired locations.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that acquires the position of a pointing device, sets a virtual plane, records the device's trajectory, projects the trajectory onto the plane to generate contour data, and outputs an image of the virtual space with the virtual object, allowing users to create virtual objects at intended positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an arbitrary plane is determined in advance as a reference for creating virtual objects, then it is possible to create virtual objects on an arbitrary plane, but it is difficult for the operator to create a virtual object at a position where he or she wants to create it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pointing device as an intermediary tool between the operator and the virtual space. The device includes a position detection unit that detects the operator's pointing position and a plane determination unit that determines a reference plane based on this position. This intermediary system allows the operator to intuitively specify desired positions without manually calculating coordinates or adjusting arbitrary planes, thereby improving both ease of operation and placement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical interaction method (manual plane adjustment and coordinate input) with an optical/electromagnetic-based pointing system. The position detection unit uses electromagnetic fields or optical tracking to detect the pointing device's position in three-dimensional space, substituting the mechanical coordinate system manipulation with a more intuitive pointing mechanism that directly translates operator intent into precise virtual object placement.
2Productivity
If conventional three-dimensional CAD system is used with display and mouse, then three-dimensional model can be created on a plane, but the operator needs to set reference plane and determine height, making the process complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-determining the reference plane based on the pointing device's position before the operator begins modeling. The plane determination unit automatically establishes the appropriate reference plane based on the detected pointing position, eliminating the need for the operator to manually set planes during the modeling process. This preliminary setup simplifies subsequent modeling operations and accelerates the overall creation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the plane determination function from the manual modeling process and separates it into an automatic plane determination unit. This unit independently handles the complex task of reference plane selection based on pointing device position, freeing the operator from this cumbersome step and allowing direct focus on the creative modeling aspect, thereby reducing perceived complexity and improving productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If operator performs modeling using arbitrary plane determined in advance, then virtual object can be created on arbitrary plane, but automatic determination of arbitrary plane by operator's operation is required, adding operational steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling the pointing device to automatically determine the reference plane based on its own detected position in space. The plane determination unit uses the pointing device's coordinates to automatically establish the appropriate reference plane without requiring the operator to perform additional operations for plane selection. This self-determining mechanism maintains adaptability to various desired positions while simplifying the operational process.
Data Source
AI summary
In an information processing apparatus, a virtual object shape storage unit acquires the position of an operation unit, sets a virtual plane at the acquired position in the virtual space, and records the trajectory of the operation unit after the virtual plane is set. The virtual object shape storage unit then obtains a projection trajectory by projecting the trajectory onto the virtual plane, and records the obtained projection trajectory as contour data representing the contour of a target virtual object on the virtual plane. And then, the apparatus acquires a position and orientation of a viewpoint of the user, and generates and outputs an image of the virtual space seen from the viewpoint on the basis of the acquired position and orientation, the virtual space including the virtual plane and the virtual object having the contour represented by the contour data.