FR3136869A1 - Management method and virtual pointer manager - Google Patents

Abstract

Management method and virtual pointer manager The invention relates to virtual pointing, or even interaction, in a virtual environment comprising areas of interest, in particular interactive areas. An object of the invention is a method for managing a virtual pointer 42 whose position relative to a reproduced virtual environment 4 is controlled by a pointing device 1, the virtual environment 4 comprising at least one zone of interest 411,412,413,414 , in which the management method comprises an adaptation of the position of the virtual pointer pa if the commanded position pc is included in a zone of interest 411,412,413,414, the adapted position pa being a predefined position in the zone of interest 411,412,413,414. Thus, the virtual pointer is positioned more clearly relative to the areas of interest avoiding errors in reading the pointing and in particular interaction errors. This reduces possible virtual pointer position ambiguity. Figure for abstract: Figure 4b

Description

Management method and virtual pointer manager

The invention relates to virtual pointing, or even interaction, in a virtual environment comprising areas of interest, in particular interactive areas.

State of the art

Conventionally, a user making a presentation will have a pointing device emitting a fine laser-type light beam making it possible to display a physical pointer, in this case luminous, on the presentation (board, screen, etc.).

Today, since presentations are often carried out by displaying content, different companies offer pointing devices making it possible to control virtual pointers implemented either directly by a content creation and/or reproduction process (slideshow editor, editor video, etc.), or by a content reproduction device (DVD player, computer, etc.)…

The emergence of virtual reality and/or augmented reality requires the use of such a virtual pointer. The user assisted by a pointing device, such as a controller, smartphone, remote control, joystick, etc. and a virtual and/or augmented reality environment reproducer (glasses, headsets, holograph, etc.) accesses its virtual environment, in particular its office world (word processing, spreadsheet, email, browser, instant messaging, etc.). ). For this, a client application, in particular an office processing device, is connected to a machine, in particular a virtual machine, for example in the cloud, running the user's entire office environment. The latter is then responsible for displaying the desktop windows coming from the virtual machine in augmented or virtual reality.

In this context, the user's interactions with their augmented environment (application windows) are carried out via their pointing device. A virtual pointer, in particular a virtual laser, is shown, oriented in the direction indicated by the pointing device. A validation action is carried out by the user, in particular by means of a dedicated button or a movement relating to the pointed area of the pointing device (tap on the area).

The distance of the user from the pointed area and the natural tremors of the hands greatly reduce the precision of the pointed area, which can cause interaction errors. In particular, the greater the distance between the user and the area with which he wishes to interact, the more hand tremors will increase pointing inaccuracy.

One of the aims of the present invention is to provide improvements compared to the state of the art.

An object of the invention is a method for managing a virtual pointer whose position relative to a reproduced virtual environment is controlled by a pointing device, the virtual environment comprising at least one zone of interest, in which the method management includes an adaptation of the position of the virtual pointer if the commanded position is included in a zone of interest, the adapted position being a predefined position in the zone of interest.

Thus, the virtual pointer is positioned more clearly relative to the areas of interest avoiding errors in reading the pointing and in particular interaction errors. This reduces possible virtual pointer position ambiguity.

Advantageously, the predefined position corresponds to the center of the area of interest.

Thus, the ambiguity of the position of the virtual pointer is completely removed.

Advantageously, the management method includes receiving a command for pointing the virtual pointer from a pointing device, the pointing command comprises pointing data on which the commanded position of the virtual pointer is a function.

Advantageously, at least one zone of interest is an interactive zone.

Thus, this reduces the risk of interaction errors, in particular interaction with an interactive zone neighboring the desired interactive zone.

Advantageously, the management method includes triggering an interaction with the pointed area of interest controlled by the pointing device.

Advantageously, the interaction trigger is implemented following receipt of an interaction command from the pointing device when the virtual pointer is positioned at a suitable position in an area of interest.

Advantageously, the management method comprises reception of descriptive data from at least one area of interest of at least one treatment.

Advantageously, the management method provides a virtual environment generator with a position of the virtual pointer, the provision of the position of the virtual pointer is capable of triggering the reproduction of a virtual pointer at the position provided in the reproduced virtual environment.

Advantageously, the position provided is equal to:
- the commanded position when the commanded position is external to all of at least one zone of interest of the virtual environment,
- the adapted position when the commanded position is included in a zone of interest of the virtual environment.

Advantageously, the virtual environment is reproduced in three dimensions.

Advantageously, according to one implementation of the invention, the different steps of the method according to the invention are implemented by software or computer program, this software comprising software instructions intended to be executed by a data processor of a device forming part of a virtual pointer manager and/or a virtual environment generator and being designed to control the execution of the different stages of this method.

The invention therefore also targets a program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the method for managing a virtual pointer when said program is executed by a processor.

This program may use any programming language and be in the form of source code, object code or intermediate code between source code and object code such as in partially compiled form or in any other desirable form.

An object of the invention is also a virtual pointer manager whose position relative to a reproduced virtual environment is controlled by a pointing device, the virtual environment comprising at least one zone of interest, in which the manager comprises an adapter of the position of the virtual pointer if the commanded position is included in a zone of interest, the adapted position being a predefined position in the zone of interest.

Another object of the invention is a virtual environment generator comprising:
- at least one processing processor providing at least one object to be reproduced defined by descriptive data, at least one reproduced object constitutes an area of interest of the virtual environment,
- an integrator of the objects to be reproduced provided and at least one virtual pointer, the virtual pointer whose position relative to a reproduced virtual environment is controlled by a pointing device, the virtual environment comprising at least one zone of interest, the position of the virtual pointer being adapted if the commanded position is included in a zone of interest, the adapted position being a predefined position in the zone of interest.

Advantageously, the virtual environment generator comprises a virtual pointer manager whose position relative to a reproduced virtual environment is controlled by a pointing device, the virtual environment comprising at least one zone of interest, in which the manager comprises a adapter of the position of the virtual pointer if the commanded position is included in a zone of interest, the adapted position being a predefined position in the zone of interest.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description, given by way of example, and the related figures which represent:

, a simplified diagram of a virtual pointer management method according to the invention,

, a simplified diagram of a virtual pointer manager according to the invention,

, a simplified diagram of a virtual environment generator according to the invention,

, a simplified diagram for implementing a virtual pointer according to the invention when it points outside areas of interest,

, a simplified diagram for implementing a virtual pointer according to the invention when it points to an area of interest.

There illustrates a simplified diagram of a virtual pointer management method according to the invention.

The virtual pointer management method PV_MNGT whose position pos relative to a reproduced virtual environment EV is controlled gcmd, icmd by a pointing device DP: pos=pc includes an ADAPT adaptation of the position of the virtual pointer: pos=pa if the PC controlled position is included in an area of interest . The adapted position pa is a predefined position in the zone of interest zi _n . The virtual environment ev includes at least one zone of interest {zi _n } _n=1…N .

Thus, the virtual pointer is positioned more clearly relative to the areas of interest avoiding errors in reading the pointing and in particular interaction errors. This reduces possible virtual pointer position ambiguity.

A virtual environment consists of a background in or on which one or more objects are arranged, in particular generated by one or more processing operations implemented by processing devices DT _j . Each object delimits one or more zones. By area of interest of a virtual environment is meant any area containing content and/or an interaction area (such as a tab of a menu, an interaction element of a drop-down menu, an icon, etc.). For example, in the case of a menu type object, it is made up of as many zones as interaction elements of the drop-down menu and/or menu tabs. In the case of an object made up of content such as an image, the content can constitute an area in itself or be made up of as many areas as there are distinguishable subjects in the content: buildings, plants, characters, animals , etc.

In particular, the predefined position corresponds to the center of the area of interest.

Thus, the ambiguity of the position of the virtual pointer is completely removed.

In particular, the management method comprises a CMD_REC reception of a pointing command gcmd of the virtual pointer coming from a pointing device DP. The pointing command gcmd includes pointing data dp on which the controlled position pc of the virtual pointer is a function.

In particular, at least one zone of interest zi _n is an interactive zone.

Thus, this reduces the risk of interaction errors, in particular interaction with an interactive zone neighboring the desired interactive zone.

In particular, the management method PV_MNGT includes triggering an interaction I_TRG with the pointed zone of interest zi _n controlled by the pointing device DP.

In particular, the interaction trigger I_TRG is implemented following a CMD_REC reception of an interaction command icmd coming from the pointing device DP when the virtual pointer is positioned at a suitable position pa in a zone of interest zi _n .

In particular, the management method PV_MNGT comprises a reception DD_REC of descriptive data of at least one zone of interest {dd _zin } _n=1…N of at least one processing {DTj} _j=1…J .

In particular, the management method PV_MNGT provides PV_EM to a virtual environment generator EV_GEN a position pos of the virtual pointer. The PV_EM provision of the position of the virtual pointer is capable of triggering the reproduction of a virtual pointer at the position provided in the reproduced virtual environment.

In particular, the position provided pos is equal to:
- the commanded position pc: pos=pc when the commanded position pc is external to all of at least one zone of interest {zi _n } _n : of the EV virtual environment,
- the adapted position pa: pos=pa when the commanded position pc is included in a zone of interest zi _n : of the EV virtual environment.

In particular, the EV virtual environment is reproduced in three dimensions.

A user U uses a pointing device DP to designate a point PT or a zone Z of a virtual environment EV. The method for managing the virtual pointer PV_MNGT receives CMD_REC the command gcmd, icmd from the pointing device DP comprising in particular pointing data dp on which is a function the commanded position pc corresponding to the position of the point PT or the designated zone Z by the DP pointing device. For example, pointing data dp are coordinates of the designated PT point or Z zone in the virtual environment EV.

In particular, the method for managing the virtual pointer PV_MNGT receives, for example from one or more distinct processing devices {DT _j } _j and/or from a virtual environment generator EV_GEN, descriptive data of the virtual environment DD_REC, in particular descriptive data of the zones of interest {dd _zin } _n of the virtual environment, in particular in parallel with the control of the pointing device CMD_REC.

In particular, the virtual pointer management method PV_MNGT determines PC_DT the commanded position pc as a function of the pointing data dp.

In particular, the virtual pointer management method PV_MNGT checks PC/ZI? the location of the controlled position pc relative to the zones of interest {zi _n } _n of the virtual environment: ?.

When the pc commanded position is included in an area of interest , the virtual pointer management method PV_MNGT adapts ADAPT the position of the pointer pos=pa. In particular, the adapted position pa of the pointer is a function of the zone of interest zi _n in which the commanded position pc is included, and possibly of the commanded position pc itself.

In particular, the ADAPT adaptation recovers a predefined position of a zone of interest zi _n provided by the location verification of the commanded position relative to the zones of interest PC/ZI? and corresponding to the zone of interest zi _n including the commanded position pc. Possibly, verification of the location of the commanded position relative to the PC/ZI zones of interest? triggers the ADAPT position adaptation of the virtual pointer if the commanded position is included in a zone of interest [Y]: .

Alternatively, the ADAPT adaptation calculates a predefined position of a zone of interest zi _n provided by the location verification of the commanded position relative to the zones of interest PC/ZI? and corresponding to the zone of interest zi _n including the commanded position pc. For example, the calculation of the predefined position corresponds to the calculation of the position of the center of the zone of interest designated by the virtual pointer, or even to the center of one of the faces of a three-dimensional zone of interest (in particular, of a face visible to the user, or the face making the smallest angle relative to the perpendicular of the pointing direction, etc.), to calculate the point closest to the commanded position while respecting a given margin relative to the periphery of the area of interest, etc.

Thus, the user pointing, initially, the background of the virtual environment EV by means of the virtual pointer using the pointing device DP then directing the virtual pointer towards an area of interest whose virtual pointer reaches the periphery in a second step will see the virtual pointer positioned in the first step at the commanded position then in a second step will have the impression of seeing the virtual pointer deviated quickly from the commanded position to clearly designate the area of interest for example by pointing to its center.

In particular, the method for managing the virtual pointer PV_MNGT provides, or even emits, PV_EM the position of the virtual pointer pos to the virtual environment generator EV_GEN. If the ordered position is included in an area of interest , then the position of the virtual pointer pos transmitted PV_EM is the adapted position pa provided by the adaptation ADAPT. Otherwise, the position of the virtual pointer pos transmitted PV_EM is the commanded position pc resulting from the gcmd, icmd command of the pointing device DP.

In particular, the location verification of the commanded position relative to the PC/ZI zones of interest? triggers the supply, or even the transmission, PV_EM of the adapted position pa as the position of the virtual pointer if [Y] the commanded position is included in a zone of interest . In particular, the supply/transmission PV_EM receives the position of the virtual pointer equal to the adapted position pos=pa of the adaptation ADAPT. Possibly, if [N] the commanded position is not included in any zone of interest ,the location verification of the commanded position relative to the PC/ZI zones of interest? relays the commanded position pc as the position of the virtual pointer pos to the supply, or even the emission, PV_EM.

Optionally, the command coming from the pointing device DP is an icmd interaction command associated with the designated point or zone. In this case, the method of managing the virtual pointer PV_MNGT includes triggering an interaction I_TRG as a function of the position pos of the virtual pointer and the interaction i controlled by the pointing device DP. The position pos of the virtual pointer used to trigger the interaction I_TRG is the adapted position pa: pos=pa in particular provided by the adaptation ADAPT directly or by the provision of position PV_EM since an interaction can only be triggered on a zone d interaction which is an area of interest.

In particular, the interaction trigger I_TRG triggers zi_trg(i) the implementation by the virtual environment generator EV_GEN of an interaction i depending on the interaction command icmd of the pointing device DP with the area of interest pointed, designated zi _n . In particular, the interaction i is implemented by a processing device DTj implemented in or connected with the virtual environment generator EV_GEN, the processing device DTj being the processing device having provided the zone of interest zi _n pointed to the virtual environment generator.

In particular, the virtual pointer management method PV_MNGT determines the type of command received CMD_TY?. If the command received is a simple pointing command gcmd [G], then the virtual pointer management method PV_MNGT ADAPT adapts the position of the virtual pointer when the position commanded by the pointing command gcmd is included in an area of interest. In particular, the determination of the CMD_TY command type? provides dp pointing data included in the gcmd pointing command on which the pc commanded position is a function. If the command received is an icmd interaction command [I], then the virtual pointer management method PV_MNGT ADAPT adapts the position of the virtual pointer when the position commanded by the icmd interaction command is included in an area of interest and triggers an interaction i controlled by the interaction command icmd with the zone of interest zi _n pointed.

In a particular embodiment of the method for managing a virtual pointer, the method for managing a virtual pointer is implemented in the form of a program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the method of managing a virtual pointer when said program is executed by a processor.

There illustrates a simplified diagram of a virtual pointer manager according to the invention.

The virtual pointer manager 2 manages a virtual pointer 42 whose position pos relative to a reproduced virtual environment 4 is controlled gcmd, icmd by a pointing device 1. The virtual environment 4 includes at least one zone of interest 41 ₁ ... 41 _n . The manager 2 includes an adapter 23 of the position pos of the virtual pointer 42 if the commanded position pc is included in a zone of interest 41 ₁ …41 _n . The adapted position pa being a predefined position in the zone of interest 41 ₁ …41 _n .

In particular, the virtual pointer manager 2 comprises a receiver 201 capable of receiving a command gcmd, icmd from the pointing device 1. For example, the command of the pointing device gcmd, icmd comprises a pointed direction dir provided by the pointing device 1 and a location of the source of the pointed direction. In the case where the direction dir is pointed by the pointing device 1 as shown in , the location of the source of the pointed direction is the location of the pointing device 1. In the case where the direction dir is pointed by an object (pen, ruler, etc.) or even a part of the user's body (finger , hand, arm, etc.) and detected by the pointing device (for example by means of one or more cameras), the location of the source of the pointed direction corresponds to the location of the object or part of the user's body (not shown).

When the command coming from the pointing device 1 only makes it possible to control the position pos of the virtual pointer 42, in particular when it only includes pointing data dp, then the command is a gcmd pointing command.

Optionally, the user U interacts with the pointing device 1 to trigger an interaction i with the pointed zone (for example the zone of interest 41n when the virtual pointer is in this zone of interest 41n). Then the receiver 201 receives from the pointing device 1 an interaction command icmd comprising not only pointing data dp, such as for example the direction dir, but also interaction data, such as the commanded interaction i.

In particular, the interaction of the user U with the pointing device 1 consists of performing an action a relative to the pointing device 1. In particular, the actions relating to the pointing device 1 are at least one action among the following:
- press a button (not illustrated) of the pointing device 1,
- make a specific movement with the pointing device 1 (possibly the pointing device 1 includes one or more accelerometers capable of detecting a movement or even identifying the movement carried out),
- make a specific movement with an object or part of its body (possibly, the pointing device includes one or more sensors capable of detecting a movement of the object or part of the body or even an analyzer capable of identifying the movement carried out ),
- etc.

In particular, the virtual pointer manager 2 comprises a calculator 21 capable of determining the commanded position pc as a function of the command received gcmd, icmd, in particular as a function of pointing data dp of the command received gcmd, icmd.

In particular, the virtual pointer manager 2 includes a receiver 202 of descriptive data of the virtual environment, in particular descriptive data of the areas of interest {dd _zin } _n . The descriptive data {dd _zin } _n are possibly provided by a virtual environment generator 3 having generated the virtual environment 4.

In particular, the virtual pointer manager 2 includes a verifier 22 of the position controlled pc by the pointing device 1 relative to the areas of interest {41_not}_n=1…N. In particular, the verifier 22 compares the commanded position pc to the coordinates of the zones of interest {41_not}_n=1…Ncoming from descriptive data {dd_Zin}_notreceived. For example, let the descriptive data {dd_Zin}_notreceived includes the coordinates of the areas of interest, or the verifier 22 determines by means of the descriptive data {dd_Zin}_notreceived the coordinates of areas of interest {41_not}_n=1…Nof the virtual environment 4.

In particular, the verifier 22 triggers the virtual pointer position adapter 23 when the verifier 22 determines that the commanded position pc is included in a zone of interest 41 _n . For example, the verifier 22 provides the adapter 23 with data zi _n relating to the zone of interest 41 _n , and possibly the commanded position pc. The adapter 23 triggered by the verifier 22 thus provides as position pos of the virtual pointer 42 an adapted position pa: pos=pa when the commanded position pc is included in a zone of interest 41 _n .

In particular, when the verifier 22 determines that the commanded position pc is external to the set of zones of interest {41 _n } _n=1…N , then the verifier 22 provides the commanded position pc as the pos position of the virtual pointer 42 : pos=pc.

In particular, the manager 2 comprises a transmitter 203 capable of transmitting to the virtual environment generator 3 at least the position pos of the virtual pointer 42. The position pos thus transmitted corresponds to the adapted position pa if the position commanded pc by the control device pointing 1 is included in an area of interest, and at the pc commanded position otherwise.

Thus, the user U moving the virtual pointer 42 towards a zone of interest 41 _n will see the virtual pointer 42 move normally as long as it is outside any zone of interest 411…41n of the virtual environment 4 then quickly towards a predefined position (for example the center) of the zone of interest 41n when the pointer 42 touches it or enters it. This allows the user U to designate and/or interact with the area of interest 41n while reducing the risk of error with a neighboring area of interest, for example 41 _n-1 .

Optionally, the transmitter 203 is capable of transmitting to the virtual environment generator 3 data relating to the virtual pointer pv including the position pos: pv(pos), and for example the shape of the virtual pointer, the color of the virtual pointer, etc.

In particular, the manager 2 includes a controller 24 capable of triggering an interaction i when the command received from the pointing device 1 is an interaction command icmd. For example, the interaction command icmd has interaction i to trigger or an action a associated with interaction i to trigger.

In particular, the controller 24 provides a command for triggering an interaction i with an interaction zone zi_trg(i) based on the interaction command icmd received. The interaction i is in particular relative to the zone of interest 41 _n pointed by the virtual pointer 42. For example, the interaction trigger command zi_trg(i) also includes the interaction i controlled by the interaction command icmd , an indication relative to the zone of interest 41 _n pointed by the virtual pointer 42, in particular the position of the virtual pointer pos included in this zone of interest 41 _n : zi_trg(i,pos).

In particular, the transmitter 203 is able to transmit to the virtual environment generator 3 the trigger command zi_trg(i), zi_trg(i,pos). Let the virtual environment generator 3 generate a zone of modified interest 41*n as a function of the interaction i ordered. Either the virtual environment generator 3 transmits to a processing device 3' not illustrated executing a processing providing reproduction data of the zone of interest 41 _n to the virtual environment generator 3 the controlled interaction i, thus the device processing unit 3' integrates the controlled interaction into its execution and provides the modified zone of interest 41* _n to the virtual environment generator 3 which triggers its reproduction in the virtual environment 4 in place of the pointed zone of interest 41 _n .

In particular, any application in the office universe is implemented by one or more processing devices 3' and provides descriptive data {dd _zin } _n (coordinates, dimensions, and where applicable type of interaction) of the areas of interest {41 _n } _n , in particular interaction zones or interactive zones. At the same time as the desktop window reproduction data, the descriptive data of the areas of interest is sent to the virtual pointer manager 2 or client application.

Once this descriptive data {dd _zin } _n has been retrieved by manager 2, everything happens as if the pointer was separated in two:
- a pointer A not displayed exactly following the user's movements and therefore the PC controlled position,
- a pointer B, corresponding to virtual pointer 42, displayed and used for possible interaction following pointer 1 unless constrained.

A constraint is particularly made when pointer A enters one of the zones of interest (the commanded position pc is then included in one of the zones of interest 41 _n ), then pointer B automatically aims at an adapted position pa corresponding to a position predefined area of interest 41 _n , in particular its center. When pointer A leaves the zone of interest (the commanded position pc is then outside all zones of interest {41 _n } _n ), pointer B is again aligned with pointer A on the commanded position pc.

This results in a feeling of magnetism in areas of interest for the virtual pointer and therefore much greater precision in actions, particularly pointing and/or interaction.

The areas of interest correspond in particular to different answers to a MCQ, to distinct 3D objects, etc.

There illustrates a simplified diagram of a virtual environment generator according to the invention.

The virtual environment generator 3 includes:
- at least one processing processor 31 providing at least one object to be reproduced defined by descriptive data {ddzi _n } _n , at least one reproduced object constitutes an area of interest of the virtual environment,
- an integrator 33 of the objects to be reproduced provided zi _n and at least one virtual pointer pv, the virtual pointer 42 whose position pos=pc relative to the virtual environment 4 reproduced is controlled by a pointing device 1. virtual environment 4 includes at least one zone of interest 41n (cf. ). The position pos of the virtual pointer 42 is adapted: pos=pa if the commanded position pc is included in a zone of interest zi _n . The adapted position pa is a predefined position in the zone of interest zi _n .

In particular, the virtual environment generator 3 comprises a virtual pointer manager 32 whose position pos = pc relative to a reproduced virtual environment 4 is controlled by a pointing device 1. The virtual environment 4 comprises at least one zone d 'interest 41n (cf. ). The position pos of the virtual pointer 42 is adapted: pos=pa if the commanded position pc is included in a zone of interest zi _n . The adapted position pa is a predefined position in the zone of interest zi _n .

In particular, the manager 32 includes an adapter 322 providing the adapted position as the position of the virtual pointer: pos= pa if the commanded position pc is included in a zone of interest zi _n .

In particular, the manager 32 is a virtual pointer manager such as the virtual pointer manager 2 illustrated by and/or described in relation to the .

In particular, the virtual environment generator 3 comprises a transmitter to a receiver of a reproducer or a reproducer 30 of virtual environment 4 capable of reproducing a virtual pointer 42. The reproducer is possibly a 2D reproducer such as a screen of computer, 2D video projector, television, etc. or a 3D reproducer such as an augmented and/or virtual reality reproducer, in particular a virtual reality headset or glasses, a 3D projector, a 3D screen, a holograph, etc.

There illustrates a simplified diagram for implementing a virtual pointer according to the invention when it points outside areas of interest.

The reproduced virtual environment 4 is made up of several areas of interest 41 ₁ , 41 ₂ , 41 ₃ , 41 ₄ possibly reproduced on or in a background 40. For this, a reproducer (not illustrated) reproduces the virtual environment 4 as a function of data relating to the virtual environment ev generated in particular by a virtual environment generator as described in particular in the illustration of Figures 2 or 3.

The user U points, by means of a pointing device 1, in a direction in the virtual environment 4 outside the areas of interest 41 ₁ , 41 ₂ , 41 ₃ , 41 ₄ , the direction points in particular to the background 40. Then, the virtual pointer 42 is in a free zone (that is to say outside the zone of interest).

In this case, the manager 2 does not trigger the adapter 23 and provides as the position of the virtual pointer 42 the position controlled by the pointing device 1. Thus, the reproduced virtual pointer 42 follows the direction, the orientation of the hand of the user U and/or the pointing device 1 as a physical laser pointer would have done.

There illustrates a simplified diagram for implementing a virtual pointer according to the invention when it points to an area of interest.

The reproduced virtual environment 4 is made up of several zones of interest 41 ₁ , 41 ₂ , 41 ₃ , 41 ₄ , in particular interactive zones, possibly reproduced on or in a background 40. For this, a reproducer (not illustrated ) reproduces the virtual environment 4 as a function of data relating to the virtual environment ev generated in particular by a virtual environment generator as described in particular in the illustration of Figures 2 or 3.

The user U points, by means of a pointing device 1, in a direction in the nearby virtual environment 4 or even in a zone of interest 41 ₁ . Then, the virtual pointer 42 is on the edge of the zone of interest 41 ₁ or even in this zone of interest. The direction provided by the pointing device corresponds to a controlled position pc on the edge of the zone of interest 41 ₁ .

In this case, the manager 2 triggers the adapter 23 and provides the adapted position pa as the position of the virtual pointer 42. Thus, the reproduced virtual pointer 42 follows not the direction, the orientation of the user's hand U and/or the pointing device 1 but a direction calculated to reduce the pointing errors corresponding to the adapted position pa of the pointer virtual 42. In our example of the , the reproduced virtual pointer 42 is centered in the area of interest 41 ₁ while a physical laser pointer would have followed the direction (in solid line) of the commanded position pc corresponding to the direction, the orientation of the hand of the user U and/or the pointing device 1. The virtual pointer 42 is then said to be magnetic because it is attracted to the predefined position of the zone of interest as soon as it touches it or enters it.

The invention also relates to a support. The information carrier can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise a storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM or even a magnetic recording means, for example a floppy disk or a hard disk.

On the other hand, the information carrier may be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal which may be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means. The program according to the invention can in particular be downloaded onto a network, particularly of the Internet type.

Alternatively, the information carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in executing the method in question.

In another implementation, the invention is implemented using software and/or hardware components. With this in mind, the term module can correspond to either a software component or a hardware component. A software component corresponds to one or more computer programs, one or more subprograms of a program, or more generally to any element of a program or software capable of implementing a function or a set of function as described above. A hardware component corresponds to any element of a hardware assembly capable of implementing a function or a set of functions.

Claims (14)

Method for managing a virtual pointer whose position relative to a reproduced virtual environment is controlled by a pointing device, the virtual environment comprising at least one zone of interest, in which the management method comprises an adaptation of the position of the virtual pointer if the commanded position is included in a zone of interest, the adapted position being a predefined position in the zone of interest. Method for managing a virtual pointer according to the preceding claim, in which the predefined position corresponds to the center of the area of interest. Method of managing a virtual pointer according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the management method comprises receiving a pointing command for the virtual pointer coming from a pointing device, the pointing command comprises pointing data on which the controlled position of the virtual pointer is a function. Method for managing a virtual pointer according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one area of interest is an interactive area. Method for managing a virtual pointer according to the preceding claim, in which the management method comprises triggering an interaction with the pointed area of interest controlled by the pointing device. Management method according to the preceding claim, in which the interaction triggering is implemented following receipt of an interaction command from the pointing device when the virtual pointer is positioned at a suitable position in a zone d 'interest. Method for managing a virtual pointer according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the management method comprises reception of descriptive data from at least one area of interest. Method for managing a virtual pointer according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the management method provides a virtual environment generator with a position of the virtual pointer, the provision of the position of the virtual pointer is capable of triggering the reproduction of a virtual pointer at the provided position in the reproduced virtual environment. Method for managing a virtual pointer according to the preceding claim, in which the position provided is equal to:
- the commanded position when the commanded position is external to all of at least one zone of interest of the virtual environment,
- the adapted position when the commanded position is included in a zone of interest of the virtual environment. Method for managing a virtual pointer according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the virtual environment is reproduced in three dimensions. Program comprising program code instructions for executing the steps of the method for managing a virtual pointer according to any one of claims 1 to 10 when said program is executed by a processor. Virtual pointer manager whose position relative to a reproduced virtual environment is controlled by a pointing device, the virtual environment comprising at least one zone of interest, in which the manager comprises an adapter of the position of the virtual pointer if the position controlled is included in a zone of interest, the adapted position being a predefined position in the zone of interest. Virtual environment generator comprising:
- at least one processing processor providing at least one object to be reproduced defined by descriptive data, at least one reproduced object constitutes an area of interest of the virtual environment,
- an integrator of the objects to be reproduced provided and at least one virtual pointer, the virtual pointer whose position relative to a reproduced virtual environment is controlled by a pointing device, the virtual environment comprising at least one zone of interest, the position of the virtual pointer being adapted if the commanded position is included in a zone of interest, the adapted position being a predefined position in the zone of interest. Virtual environment generator according to the preceding claim, in which the virtual environment generator comprises a virtual pointer manager whose position relative to a reproduced virtual environment is controlled by a pointing device, the virtual environment comprising at least one zone of interest, in which the manager includes an adapter of the position of the virtual pointer if the commanded position is included in a zone of interest, the adapted position being a predefined position in the zone of interest.