Virtual Viewpoint Synchronization via Intermediary Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual space technologies fail to effectively manage the movement of multiple users' viewpoints in a coordinated manner, leading to difficulties in sharing a common field of view and maintaining a comfortable virtual environment, especially in crowded virtual spaces.
Innovation Solution
An information processing system comprising a first and second information processing apparatus that communicate to generate and display virtual spaces, where the viewpoint of one user is moved to the vicinity of another user's viewpoint based on operation instructions, using a head-mounted display, terminal device, and position detection system to synchronize user positions and movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users move their viewpoints independently in a virtual space, then each user can explore the virtual space freely, but the users cannot effectively share a common field of view and maintain coordinated positional relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary control mechanism where one user (the operator) can selectively control the movement of other users' viewpoints. The control reception unit receives operation signals from the operator, and the viewpoint control unit executes these operations to move other users' viewpoints to desired positions. This intermediary control system enables coordinated movement while preserving individual exploration freedom, as users can switch between independent navigation and assisted positioning modes.
2Reliability
If users are allowed to move viewpoints freely in crowded virtual spaces, then exploration freedom is maintained, but user discomfort increases due to overlapping and unpredictable avatar positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by proactively preventing uncomfortable situations before they occur. The viewpoint control unit monitors avatar positions and predicts potential overlaps or uncomfortable configurations. When such situations are anticipated, the system preemptively adjusts the operated viewpoint's position to maintain safe distances and avoid overlapping, thereby preventing user discomfort while preserving exploration freedom through alternative routing or positioning strategies.
3Reliability
If the system controls multiple users' viewpoints to maintain coordinated positions, then a comfortable virtual environment is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling users to autonomously manage their own viewpoint coordination needs. Each user can independently activate or deactivate the viewpoint control function based on their current situation. The control unit processes only the specific operation signals received from authenticated users, and each user's terminal independently executes the viewpoint adjustments. This distributed self-service approach reduces central system complexity while maintaining coordinated viewpoint management through localized decision-making at each user terminal.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes circuitry to generate a display screen that displays a virtual space corresponding to a viewpoint of a user, and displays, in response to an operation performed by another user, the virtual space corresponding to the viewpoint that is moved to vicinity of another viewpoint of the another user.