Virtual Object Access via Proximity Detection in Augmented Reality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies for accessing and interacting with virtual objects in augmented reality environments lack efficient methods for determining proximity and making virtual objects accessible between apparatuses, limiting user interaction and data transfer.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that utilize a processor and memory to provide a virtual object with a perceivable position, detect proximity to another apparatus, and make the virtual object accessible when the proximity corresponds to the perceivable position, using proximity units and connectivity for communication and data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If virtual objects are made accessible to multiple apparatuses in augmented reality environments, then user interaction and data transfer are enhanced, but proximity determination accuracy and access control reliability deteriorate due to the lack of efficient methods for detecting spatial relationships between apparatuses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction capabilityVSAvoidproximity determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs proximity units as intermediary devices that emit and detect signals to determine spatial relationships between apparatuses. These proximity units act as mediators that enable accurate distance and position detection without requiring direct line-of-sight or complex camera-based systems, thereby resolving the contradiction between enhanced interaction capability and maintained measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual proximity detection methods with electronic signal-based detection systems. By using electromagnetic signals from proximity units instead of physical measurements or manual input, the system achieves both versatile user interaction and precise proximity determination simultaneously.

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

2Ease of operation

If virtual objects are made accessible when proximity corresponds to perceivable position, then seamless access between apparatuses is enabled, but device complexity increases due to the need for proximity units and connectivity components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess seamlessVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates proximity units into existing apparatuses that already possess connectivity capabilities (such as smartphones or AR devices). These proximity units serve multiple functions including distance detection, position determination, and trigger access control, thereby enabling seamless virtual object access without significantly increasing overall device complexity through multi-functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables apparatuses to automatically determine proximity and access virtual objects without requiring manual intervention or complex configuration. The proximity units and connectivity components work autonomously to establish spatial relationships and facilitate access, reducing the operational complexity for users while maintaining seamless access capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2745488B1Method and apparatus for accessing a virtual object
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP2745488B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP2745488B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2D
  • EP2745488B1 patent drawingFigure 2E~3

AI summary

An approach is introduced for providing, by an apparatus, a virtual object that represents an item. The virtual object is perceivable to a user by at least one of the following ways: audibly,visibly or by haptic feedback. The item may be accessed by another apparatus when the position of the other apparatus corresponds to a perceived position of the virtual object. Once the item has been accessed, it can be copied and edited by the other apparatus.