VR Attractor Directing User Attention to Peripheral Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
In virtual reality (VR) gaming environments, users are often unaware of important information located in peripheral zones due to their focus on main content within the active zone, leading to missed secondary content that could assist or enhance their gaming experience.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that define an active zone for main content and peripheral zones for secondary content in a VR viewing environment, using an attractor to direct the user's attention to the peripheral zone when new information is available, and pausing the main content to allow viewing of the secondary content without interrupting the primary experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If users focus on main content in the active zone, then they can maintain immersion in the primary gaming experience, but they become unaware of important secondary information in peripheral zones
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses visual attractors that change appearance or stand out through visual properties to draw user attention to peripheral zone information without requiring users to actively search for it
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary attention-directing mechanism that mediates between the main content and peripheral information, guiding user focus to secondary content when relevant
2Loss of information
If users turn to view secondary content in peripheral zones, then they can access additional information, but they interrupt their engagement with the main content
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic or intermittent presentation of secondary content information, allowing users to access additional information in a rhythm that doesn't continuously interrupt main content engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares and positions secondary content in advance in the peripheral zone, so when users do turn to view it, the information is ready and organized, reducing the time needed to process it
3Area of stationary object
If secondary content is placed in peripheral zones, then it can be displayed without blocking main content, but users cannot perceive it due to their focus on the active zone
Solution Approach 1:
Visual attractors use contrasting visual properties to make peripheral content detectable against the background of the VR environment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic visual effects or animations (analogous to vibration in the visual domain) to draw attention to peripheral zone information, making it stand out from static background elements
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for providing information in an HMD. The method includes defining an active zone in a virtual reality (VR) viewing environment of a user as presented through a 3D display of the HMD. The method includes placing main content in the active zone of the VR viewing environment. The method includes defining one or more peripheral zones outside of the active zone. The method includes placing secondary content in the first peripheral zone of the VR viewing environment. The method includes displaying an attractor within the active zone in conjunction with the entry of new data in the secondary content, wherein the attractor brings attention of the user to the first peripheral zone. The method includes detecting rotation of the HMD from the first orientation directed to the active zone towards a second orientation directed to the first peripheral zone. The method includes pausing the main content.