Virtual Reality Window Locking for Focus Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In virtual reality environments, head movement tracking and gaze tracking can make it difficult for users to focus on specific tasks like word processing or media viewing, as they require constant navigation of the viewable area, which can be distracting and hinder productivity.
Innovation Solution
The system allows users to lock certain user interface elements, such as windows, in place within the viewable area, enabling them to focus on tasks without moving the viewable area, using head movement and gaze tracking, and also provides a floating window feature for quick access to information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If head movement tracking and gaze tracking are used to allow users to virtually explore the viewable area, then users can navigate the virtual reality environment, but it becomes difficult to focus steadily on a task
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: a first mode where head movement and gaze tracking enable viewable area panning for navigation, and a second mode where the viewable area is locked to maintain focus on specific tasks. This dynamic mode switching allows the system to adapt to different user needs, providing both navigation capability and focus stability as required
2Ease of operation
If the viewable area is locked to maintain focus on a task, then focus stability is improved, but users lose the ability to navigate the virtual reality environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic mode switching between a navigation mode (first mode) where the viewable area can pan with head movement, and a focus mode (second mode) where the viewable area is locked. This allows the system to provide focus stability when needed while preserving navigation capability when required, resolving the contradiction between the two functionalities
3Loss of information
If multiple windows are provided in the virtual reality environment, then information accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a vertical dimension for window management by allowing windows to be positioned at different heights above the user's eye level. This spatial organization in three-dimensional space enables multiple windows to be arranged intuitively, improving information accessibility while maintaining manageable complexity through natural spatial relationships rather than complex two-dimensional arrangements
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, devices, and computer readable media for control of user interface windows in a virtual reality environment. The method includes displaying a window in a viewable area of a virtual reality environment on a display of a head mountable device (HMD), the viewable area determined based on orientation of the HMD. The method further includes receiving a request to lock a position of the window in the viewable area and locking the position of the window in the viewable area in response to the lock request. The position of the window is fixed in the viewable area relative to the orientation of the HMD, when locked, regardless of the orientation of the HMD.