XR Virtual Object Manipulation via Camera Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current extended reality (XR) systems face challenges in precise manipulation of virtual objects due to imprecision in selecting exact positions and movements on touchscreens, caused by finger coverage and friction, leading to undesired object placement, rotation, and scaling.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method within an XR system that uses a camera to attach virtual objects to its view, detecting device orientation and location changes to facilitate precise movement, rotation, and scaling of virtual objects within the XR environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If touchscreen manipulation is used to position virtual objects, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to finger coverage and friction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manipulationVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the system detects finger movement on the touchscreen and translates it into precise virtual object manipulation through computational algorithms. The intermediary software layer compensates for the imprecision of direct finger-to-pixel mapping by tracking finger position over time and calculating the intended target position, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of touchscreen operation and positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If touchscreen spatial resolution is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to low pixel density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidvirtual object placement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical limitation of touchscreen pixel resolution with a computational system. Instead of relying on high-density physical pixels, the system uses software-based position calculation that detects finger movement patterns and computes precise virtual object positions through algorithms, thereby substituting mechanical precision requirements with computational processing.

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

3Ease of operation

If direct finger dragging is used to move virtual objects, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to jerky movements from friction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanipulation simplicityVSAvoidmovement smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors finger position and movement velocity on the touchscreen, then provides smoothed virtual object movement based on this input. The feedback loop calculates intended movement direction and distance, applying algorithms that filter out jerky movements caused by finger friction, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving movement reliability and smoothness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11893703B1Precise manipulation of virtual object position in an extended reality environment
Publication Date: 2024.02.06 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US11893703B1 patent drawing
  • US11893703B1 patent drawing
  • US11893703B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A mobile device is fitted with a camera and an extended reality (XR) software application program executing on a processor within an XR system. Via the XR software application program, various techniques are performed for manipulating virtual objects in an XR environment. In a first technique, the XR software application program facilitates the movement of a virtual object from a first location to a second location. In a second technique, the XR software application program facilitates the rotation of a virtual object. In a third technique, the XR software application program facilitates the scaling of a virtual object along one or more axes.