VR Interaction Using Hand Tracking and Object Identifiers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current virtual reality technologies fail to provide a convenient and accurate method for users to interact with real objects in a virtual environment, such as reading a virtual book, as they require special instruments and struggle to distinguish hand actions from virtual objects.

Innovation Solution

A virtual reality interaction method that determines the position of a preset interactive object by recognizing a preset identifier and accurately positions the user's hand action relative to it, allowing for precise simulation of interactive actions in a virtual reality environment using a virtual reality helmet with image capturing capabilities and computer vision algorithms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If special electronic instruments or manipulators are used to interact with virtual objects, then interaction accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteraction accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the user's own hand as the interaction tool, eliminating the need for external manipulators. The hand tracking system captures images of the user's hand and uses computer vision to recognize gestures and positions, allowing the hand to serve both as the operator and the tool for interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical manipulators and electronic instruments with an optical system. Image capturing devices (cameras) and computer vision algorithms substitute for mechanical hand controllers, using light and image processing to achieve hand tracking and gesture recognition without physical contact with virtual objects.

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

2Ease of operation

If hand position and virtual object position are used to determine interaction, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidposition recognition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from 2D image coordinates to 3D spatial coordinates through depth estimation. By analyzing multiple images captured from different angles or using depth-sensing capabilities, the system calculates the actual three-dimensional position of hand features relative to the virtual object, adding a depth dimension to the position information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces feature points (keypoints) on the hand as intermediaries for position determination. Instead of directly measuring hand position, the system identifies specific feature points on the hand and uses their relative positions and movements to infer the hand's interaction state with the virtual object, improving both accuracy and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method enhances the user experience by providing a more immersive and accurate simulation of interactive actions, allowing users to interact naturally with virtual objects as if they were real, improving the overall virtual reality experience.

Implementation Method 1

recognizing a preset identifier on the preset interactive object by continuously acquiring image information in front of a user; and recognizing a hand action of the user according to the image information

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComputer vision: Image Processing

Data Source

PatentEP3316080B1Virtual reality interaction method, apparatus and system
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 HTC CORP
  • EP3316080B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3316080B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3316080B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A virtual reality interaction method comprises: continuously acquiring image information in front of a user; recognizing a preset interactive object by recognizing a preset identifier in the image information, a surface of the preset interactive object having one or more of the preset identifiers; recognizing a hand action of the user according to the image information; and simulating an interactive action of the user on the preset interactive object in a virtual reality environment according to the hand action and a position of the preset interactive object. The virtual reality interaction method provided by the present disclosure can accurately simulate an interactive action of the user on a real object in a virtual reality environment, thereby improving user experience of virtual reality.