18154757. METHODS FOR MANIPULATING OBJECTS IN AN ENVIRONMENT simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)

METHODS FOR MANIPULATING OBJECTS IN AN ENVIRONMENT

Organization Name

Apple Inc.

Inventor(s)

Jonathan R. Dascola of San Francisco CA (US)

Alexis Henri Palangie of Palo Alto CA (US)

Peter D. Anton of Portola Valley CA (US)

Stephen O. Lemay of Palo Alto CA (US)

Jonathan Ravasz of Sunnyvale CA (US)

Shi-Sang Chiu of Menlo Park CA (US)

Christopher D. Mckenzie of Burlingame CA (US)

Dorian D. Dargan of Danville CA (US)

METHODS FOR MANIPULATING OBJECTS IN AN ENVIRONMENT - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18154757 titled 'METHODS FOR MANIPULATING OBJECTS IN AN ENVIRONMENT

Simplified Explanation

The abstract describes a patent application for an electronic device that automatically updates the orientation of a virtual object in a three-dimensional environment based on the viewpoint of a user or multiple users. It also mentions the device's ability to modify the appearance of a real object between the virtual object and the user's viewpoint. Additionally, the device can select a location for a user in a three-dimensional environment that includes virtual objects and other users.

• The electronic device automatically adjusts the orientation of virtual objects in a 3D environment based on the user's viewpoint.
• The device can also consider the viewpoints of multiple users to update the orientation of virtual objects.
• It has the capability to modify the appearance of real objects that are between the user and the virtual object.
• The electronic device can select an appropriate location for a user within a 3D environment that includes virtual objects and other users.

Potential Applications

• Virtual reality (VR) gaming: The device can enhance the immersive experience by dynamically adjusting the orientation of virtual objects based on the user's viewpoint.
• Architectural design: The device can assist architects in visualizing and modifying virtual buildings or structures based on different viewpoints.
• Collaborative virtual environments: Multiple users can interact with virtual objects in a shared space, and the device can update the orientation of objects based on each user's viewpoint.
• Training simulations: The device can provide realistic scenarios where virtual objects respond to the user's viewpoint, improving training effectiveness.

Problems Solved

• Maintaining realism in virtual environments: By automatically updating the orientation of virtual objects based on the user's viewpoint, the device enhances the realism and immersion of the experience.
• Enhancing collaboration in virtual environments: By considering the viewpoints of multiple users, the device enables better collaboration and interaction within shared virtual spaces.
• Overcoming limitations of physical objects: Modifying the appearance of real objects between the user and virtual objects allows for more seamless integration of virtual and physical elements in the environment.

Benefits

• Improved user experience: The automatic adjustment of virtual object orientation based on the user's viewpoint enhances immersion and realism.
• Enhanced collaboration: Considering multiple users' viewpoints promotes better collaboration and interaction in shared virtual environments.
• Seamless integration of virtual and physical elements: Modifying the appearance of real objects allows for a more cohesive and integrated virtual experience.

Original Abstract Submitted

In some embodiments, an electronic device automatically updates the orientation of a virtual object in a three-dimensional environment based on a viewpoint of a user in the three-dimensional environment. In some embodiments, an electronic device automatically updates the orientation of a virtual object in a three-dimensional environment based on viewpoints of a plurality of users in the three-dimensional environment. In some embodiments, the electronic device modifies an appearance of a real object that is between a virtual object and the viewpoint of a user in a three-dimensional environment. In some embodiments, the electronic device automatically selects a location for a user in a three-dimensional environment that includes one or more virtual objects and/or other users.