3D Object Manipulation UI for Precise XR Gesture Disambiguation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for interacting with virtual and augmented reality environments are cumbersome, inefficient, and complex, leading to a significant cognitive burden on users and excessive energy consumption, particularly in battery-operated devices.

Innovation Solution

Implementing computer systems with improved user interfaces that reduce the number and nature of user inputs by mapping input element movements to virtual object movements based on movement characteristics and virtual object types, applying translational and rotational movements, resizing virtual objects, and disambiguating selection operations, while providing intuitive feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional input methods are used for virtual object manipulation, then basic interaction functionality is achieved, but user interaction efficiency deteriorates and cognitive burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction efficiencyVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines object manipulation parameters based on input element movement characteristics without requiring explicit user specification. The computer system infers selection operations, translation movements, and rotation movements from the movement characteristics of the input element, eliminating the need for users to navigate complex menus or provide multiple inputs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical interaction sequences with direct movement-based control. Instead of requiring users to perform multiple discrete actions (select, then move, then rotate), the system maps input element movements directly to virtual object manipulations, substituting a streamlined control mechanism for traditional multi-step interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple input steps are required for object manipulation, then precise control is achieved, but energy consumption increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary determination of manipulation parameters during the input element movement itself. By analyzing movement characteristics as they occur and pre-determining the corresponding virtual object manipulation, the system avoids requiring additional input steps, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining control precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses partial action by requiring only the essential input element movement to trigger complete manipulation sequences. Instead of requiring full explicit control sequences, the system interprets the movement characteristics and executes the necessary manipulations automatically, reducing the total action required from the user and lowering energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Manufacturing precision

If detailed input sequences are required for manipulation, then operation accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanipulation accuracyVSAvoidease of manipulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback by mapping input element movements directly to virtual object manipulations in real-time. The visual feedback showing the virtual object responding to input element movement helps users understand the connection between their inputs and device responses, improving ease of operation while maintaining manipulation accuracy through continuous feedback loops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250377777A1Devices, methods, and graphical user interfaces for three-dimensional object manipulation in an extended reality environment

Publication Date: 2025.12.11 APPLE INC

AI summary

Some examples are directed to systems and methods for applying magnitude of object movement based on magnitude of input movement directed to virtual objects based on movement characteristics of input elements and of virtual objects. Some examples are directed to systems and methods for selectively applying translational movements and rotational movements to virtual objects corresponding to inputs directed thereto, based on: gating strategy, type of virtual object, and/or detected movements input elements after detection of inputs. Some examples are directed to systems and methods for selectively applying translational movements and rotational movements to virtual objects corresponding to inputs received from input elements based on: gating strategy, virtual object type, and/or detected movements of input elements after detecting inputs. Some examples are directed to systems and methods for disambiguating selection operations from scroll operations based on movement characteristics of input elements prior to and/or after detecting selection inputs with input elements.