Virtual Object Repositioning via Physical Obstruction Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-touch displays face challenges in maintaining the visibility of virtual objects when physical objects obscure them or constrain the viewable area, requiring adjustments to the location of virtual objects to prevent obstruction.

Innovation Solution

A computing device with a multi-touch display uses image capture devices and electronic controllers to detect changes in relative locations between physical and virtual objects, applying virtual force vectors based on interaction forces to adjust the position of virtual objects and prevent obscuration, employing methods like Coulomb's law or Newtonian gravitational force relationships to determine interaction forces and assign virtual charge values for repulsive or attractive interactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If virtual objects are displayed at fixed locations on the display, then the display layout is simple and stable, but physical objects may obscure the virtual objects or constrain the viewable area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of virtual objectsVSAvoidcomplexity of virtual object positioning system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual object positioning system transitions from static to dynamic by continuously adjusting virtual object locations based on real-time detection of physical object positions. The electronic controller monitors changes in relative locations between virtual and physical objects, automatically repositioning virtual objects to maintain visibility while preserving layout simplicity through automated adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the electronic controller continuously detects the positions of physical objects and uses this information to adjust virtual object locations. This closed-loop feedback ensures virtual objects remain visible by comparing current positions against obstruction conditions and making corrective positioning adjustments accordingly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the location of virtual objects is dynamically adjusted to avoid physical objects, then visibility is maintained, but the system complexity increases due to detection and adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic virtual object adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of image capture and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic controller performs multiple functions: it detects physical object positions, calculates relative location changes, determines appropriate virtual object repositioning, and executes the adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each task, thereby managing system complexity while achieving automatic virtual object adjustment to maintain visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves self-service by automatically detecting when physical objects obscure virtual objects and independently adjusting virtual object positions without user intervention. The electronic controller monitors the display environment and autonomously repositions virtual objects, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while managing complexity through integrated automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple virtual objects are displayed simultaneously, then the functionality and information display are enhanced, but the probability of obscuration by physical objects increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay capability for multiple virtual objectsVSAvoidobscuration of virtual objects by physical objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system manages multiple virtual objects by operating in the spatial dimension of the display surface, dynamically repositioning objects along horizontal and vertical axes to avoid physical obstructions. This dimensional approach allows multiple virtual objects to coexist and remain visible by distributing them across available display space, enhancing display capability while mitigating obscuration through spatial rearrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary positioning actions by proactively adjusting virtual object locations before complete obscuration occurs. The electronic controller detects early signs of potential obstruction and preemptively repositions virtual objects to optimal locations, ensuring continuous visibility of multiple virtual objects while maintaining enhanced display functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8289288B2Virtual object adjustment via physical object detection

Publication Date: 2012.10.16 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Various embodiments related to the location and adjustment of a virtual object on a display in response to a detected physical object are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment provides a computing device comprising a multi-touch display, a processor and memory comprising instructions executable by the processor to display on the display a virtual object, to detect a change in relative location between the virtual object and a physical object that constrains a viewable area of the display, and to adjust a location of the virtual object on the display in response to detecting the change in relative location between the virtual object and the physical object.