VR Gaze Tracking for Accidental Input Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In virtual reality/augmented reality environments, existing input methods such as gaze tracking can lead to accidental selections due to unintentional targeting, and traditional input devices can be cumbersome, detracting from the experience and increasing ambiguity in user input.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a wearable virtual reality device that displays a stereoscopic rendering of moving targets in a three-dimensional virtual environment, where user input is detected by tracking the gaze path through the environment, requiring correlation with multiple targets' predictable patterns to minimize accidental inputs and enhance reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gaze tracking is used for input, then the input method is intuitive and device-free, but accidental selections occur due to unintentional targeting
Solution Approach 1:
The target moves dynamically along a predictable path rather than remaining static. The user must actively track the moving target with their gaze, requiring deliberate attention and reducing accidental selections. The system detects when the gaze path corresponds to the target's movement pattern, providing a more reliable input method while maintaining intuitiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a predictable movement pattern for the target in advance. By pre-defining the target's path and characteristics, the system can later compare actual gaze tracking data against this predetermined pattern to verify intentional selection, thereby reducing false positives while maintaining ease of use.
2Reliability
If traditional input devices are provided, then input accuracy improves, but the device becomes cumbersome and detracts from the VR/AR experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical input devices (mechanical systems) with gaze-based tracking (optical/biological system). Instead of requiring manual controllers or buttons that detract from immersion, the system uses the user's natural gaze direction and eye movements to detect input, eliminating the need for cumbersome external devices while maintaining input reliability through pattern recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The user's own physiological responses (gaze direction, eye tracking) serve as the input mechanism. The system leverages the user's natural behaviors and movements rather than requiring separate input tools. The predictable moving target design ensures that even this self-service method maintains high reliability by requiring deliberate tracking action.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system comprises a processor; a wearable virtual-reality device coupled to the processor, the virtual-reality device including a display device and a head tracker; and a memory coupled to the processor storing instructions that, when executed by the computer system, cause the computer system to detect, based on movements tracked via the head tracker, that a gaze path through a virtual environment displayed on the display device corresponds to movement of a first target; when it is detected that the gaze path corresponds to movement of the first target, cause the first target to disappear from the virtual environment displayed on the display device, and detect that the gaze path through the virtual environment displayed on the display device corresponds to movement of a second target; and when it is detected that the gaze path corresponds to movement of the second target, perform an action.