NZ738277B2 - Technique for more efficiently displaying text in virtual image generation system - Google Patents
Technique for more efficiently displaying text in virtual image generation system Download PDFInfo
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- NZ738277B2 NZ738277B2 NZ738277A NZ73827716A NZ738277B2 NZ 738277 B2 NZ738277 B2 NZ 738277B2 NZ 738277 A NZ738277 A NZ 738277A NZ 73827716 A NZ73827716 A NZ 73827716A NZ 738277 B2 NZ738277 B2 NZ 738277B2
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Abstract
Disclosed is a method of operating a virtual image generation system. The method comprises allowing an end user to visualize an object of interest in a three-dimensional scene, spatially associating a text region (which may be displayed) within the field of view of the end user, wherein the text region is spatially associated with the object of interest. A gesture reference is generated associated with the object of interest, and a textual message is generated that identifies at least one characteristic of the object of interest. The textual message is streamed within the text region. Gestural commands are sensed from the end user by detecting an angular position of an anatomical part of the end user, relative to a plurality of different regions of the gesture reference. Streaming of the textual message is controlled in response to the sensed gestural commands, wherein the gesture reference is an annular ring surrounding the object of interest, and wherein a first side of the annular ring forms one of the different regions. A second side of the annular ring opposite of the first side of the annular ring forms another one of the different regions. In one example method, the textual message is streamed within the text region only one word at a time. In another example method, the textual message is displayed in the textual region at least two words at a time while emphasizing only one of the displayed words. ion is spatially associated with the object of interest. A gesture reference is generated associated with the object of interest, and a textual message is generated that identifies at least one characteristic of the object of interest. The textual message is streamed within the text region. Gestural commands are sensed from the end user by detecting an angular position of an anatomical part of the end user, relative to a plurality of different regions of the gesture reference. Streaming of the textual message is controlled in response to the sensed gestural commands, wherein the gesture reference is an annular ring surrounding the object of interest, and wherein a first side of the annular ring forms one of the different regions. A second side of the annular ring opposite of the first side of the annular ring forms another one of the different regions. In one example method, the textual message is streamed within the text region only one word at a time. In another example method, the textual message is displayed in the textual region at least two words at a time while emphasizing only one of the displayed words.
Description
TECHNIQUE FOR MORE EFFICIENTLY DISPLAYING TEXT IN VIRTUAL IMAGE
GENERATION SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention generally relates to systems and methods configured to
facilitate interactive virtual and augmented reality environments for one or more
users.
BACKGROUND
Modern computing and display technologies have facilitated the development
of systems for so-called “virtual reality” or “augmented reality” experiences, wherein
digitally reproduced images or portions thereof are presented to a user in a manner
where they seem to be, or may be perceived as, real. A virtual reality (VR) scenario
typically involves presentation of digital or virtual image information without
transparency to other actual real-world visual input, whereas an augmented reality
(AR) scenario typically involves presentation of digital or virtual image information as
an augmentation to visualization of the actual world around the end user.
For example, referring to Fig. 1, an augmented reality scene 4 is depicted
wherein a user of an AR technology sees a real-world park-like setting 6 featuring
people, trees, buildings in the background, and a concrete platform 8. In addition to
these items, the end user of the AR technology also perceives that he “sees” a robot
statue 10 standing upon the real-world platform 8, and a cartoon-like avatar
character 12 flying by which seems to be a personification of a bumble bee, even
though these elements 10, 12 do not exist in the real world. As it turns out, the
human visual perception system is very complex, and producing a VR or AR
technology that facilitates a comfortable, natural-feeling, rich presentation of virtual
image elements amongst other virtual or real-world imagery elements is challenging.
VR and AR systems typically employ head-worn displays (or helmet-mounted
displays, or smart glasses) that are at least loosely coupled to a user’s head, and
thus move when the end user’s head moves. If the end user’s head motions are
detected by the display system, the data being displayed can be updated to take the
change in head pose (i.e., the orientation and/or location of user’s head) into
account.
As an example, if a user wearing a head-worn display views a virtual
representation of a three-dimensional (3D) object on the display and walks around
the area where the 3D object appears, that 3D object can be re-rendered for each
viewpoint, giving the end user the perception that he or she is walking around an
object that occupies real space. If the head-worn display is used to present multiple
objects within a virtual space (for instance, a rich virtual world), measurements of
head pose can be used to re-render the scene to match the end user’s dynamically
changing head location and orientation and provide an increased sense of
immersion in the virtual space.
Head-worn displays that enable AR (i.e., the concurrent viewing of real and
virtual elements) can have several different types of configurations. In one such
configuration, often referred to as a “video see-through” display, a camera captures
elements of a real scene, a computing system superimposes virtual elements onto
the captured real scene, and a non-transparent display presents the composite
image to the eyes. Another configuration is often referred to as an “optical see-
through” display, in which the end user can see through transparent (or semi-
transparent) elements in the display system to view directly the light from real objects
in the environment. The transparent element, often referred to as a “combiner,”
superimposes light from the display over the end user’s view of the real world.
In certain VR and AR systems, it is desirable to display text adjacent an
object presently viewed by a user. For example, if the end user enters a coffee shop
and views a cup of coffee 22a, a danish 22b, and a smoothie 22c displayed on an
actual or virtual menu 20, as illustrated in Fig. 2, it may be desirable to textually
display a descriptive message (e.g., “coffee, decaf, soy”) adjacent the cup of coffee
22a, a descriptive message (e.g., strawberry flavored danish) adjacent the danish
22b, and a descriptive message (e.g., strawberry, pineapple, mango smoothie)
adjacent the smoothie 22c to facilitate the end user’s decision as to whether to order
the cup of coffee 22a, the danish 22b, and/or the smoothie 22c, which may involve
ordering it via conventional communication with the vendor or electronically ordering
it via verbal or non-verbal cues provided by the end user through the VR and AR
system. While textually displaying descriptive messages adjacent actual or virtual
objects to which the messages pertain works well in theory, the resolution of present-
day display technology is limited in that fine print cannot be resolved, and therefore a
large area is needed to display the coarse print, thereby potentially cluttering the
three-dimensional scene viewed by the end user.
There, thus, is a need to more efficiently display a message adjacent a virtual
or actual objects in a virtual reality or augmented reality system.
SUMMARY
In accordance with a first embodiment of the inventions, a method of
operating a virtual image generation system comprises allowing an end user to
visualize an object of interest in a three-dimensional scene, spatially associating a
text region (which may be displayed) within the field of view of the end user, wherein
the text region is spatially associated with the object of interest; generating a gesture
reference associated with the object of interest; generating a textual message that
identifies at least one characteristic of the object of interest, streaming the textual
message within the text region; sensing gestural commands from the end user by
detecting an angular position of an anatomical part of the end user relative to a
plurality of different regions of the gesture reference; and controlling the streaming of
the textual message in response to the sensed gestural commands, wherein the
gesture reference is an annular ring surrounding the object of interest, and wherein a
first side of the annular ring forms one of the different regions, and a second side of
the annular ring opposite of the first side of the annular ring forms another one of the
different regions. In one method, the textual message is streamed within the text
region only one word at a time. In another method, the textual message is displayed
in the textual region at least two words at a time while emphasizing only one of the
displayed words. Emphasizing the one word may comprise displaying the one word
with a brightness intensity more than the remaining displayed word or words, or the
text region may be a three-dimensional text region, in which case, the one word may
be displayed in a foreground of the three-dimensional text region, and the remaining
displayed word or words may be displayed in a background of the three-dimensional
text region.
One method further comprises allowing the end user to visualize an object of
interest in the three-dimensional scene, in which case, the text region may be
spatially associated with the object of interest, and the textual image may identify at
least one characteristic of the object of interest (e.g., by identifying a name of the
object of interest). If the object of interest is movable, spatially associating the text
region with the object of interest may comprise linking the text region with the object
of interest, such that text region moves in coordination with movement of the object
of interest. The method optionally comprise displaying a text region indicator
adjacent the object of interest, sensing a focal point of the end user, and activating
the text region (e.g., by making the text region visually appear) when the focal point
of the end user is coincident with the text region indicator. If the object of interest is
a virtual object, allowing the end user to visualize the virtual object may comprise
displaying the virtual object to the end user. If the object of interest is an actual
object, allowing the end user to visualize the actual object may comprise allowing the
end user to visualize directly light from the actual object.
The method may optionally comprise sensing a gestural command from the
end user (e.g., a head movement or finger or hand movement), in which case,
streaming the textual message may be controlled by the gestural command. For
example, streaming of the textual message may be initiated or ceased in response to
the gestural command. Or, the timing of each word of the textual message may be
controlled in response to the gestural command. Or, the streaming speed of the
textual message may be increased or decreased in response to the gestural
command. Or, the direction of the streaming of the textual message may be
changed in response to the gestural command.
One method further comprises associating a gesture reference with the object
of interest, in which case, sensing the gestural command from the end user may
comprise detecting an angular position of an anatomical part of the end user (e.g., a
head or finger or hand) relative to a gesture reference. The gesture reference may
be displayed as a gesture reference object adjacent the object of interest, and may
be separate and distinct from the object of interest or may be object of interest, itself.
In one embodiment, the gesture reference is an annular ring surrounding the object
of interest.
The method may optionally comprise sensing blinking of the eyes of the end
user, in which case, streaming of the textual message pauses when the eyes of the
end user are closed, and continues when the eyes of the end user are opened. The
method may further optionally comprise identifying a focal plane in which the object
of interest is disposed, and adjusting the streaming speed of the textual message
based on the identified focal plane. Optionally, streaming the textual message may
comprise varying pauses between words of the textual message. The method may
further optionally comprise generating a pattern of audible tones that respectively
correspond temporally with words in the textual message as they are streamed.
In accordance with a second embodiment of the inventions, a virtual image
generation system for use by an end user is provided. The virtual image generation
system comprises a display system configured for allowing the end user to visualize
an object of interest in a three dimensional scene. In one embodiment, the display
system is configured for being positioned in front of the eyes of the end user. In
another embodiment, the display system includes a projection subsystem and a
partially transparent display surface, in which case, the projection subsystem may be
configured for projecting the frame onto the partially transparent display surface, and
the partially transparent display surface may be configured for being position in the
field of view between the eyes of the end user and an ambient environment. In
another embodiment, the virtual image generation system further comprises a frame
structure configured for being worn by the end user, in which case, the frame
structure carries the display system.
The virtual image generation system further comprises a control system (e.g.,
one that comprises a graphics control subsystem unit (GPU)) configured for spatially
associating a text region (which may be displayed to the end user) within a field of
view of the end user, wherein the text region is spatially associated with the object of
interest. The control system is further configured for generating a gesture reference
associated with the object of interest, generating a textual message that identifies at
least one characteristic of the object of interest, and instructing the display system to
stream the textual message within the text region; and one or more sensors
configured for sensing gestural commands from the end user by detecting an
angular position of an anatomical part of the end user relative to a plurality of
different regions of the gesture reference, wherein the control system is further
configured for controlling the streaming of the textual message in response to the
sensed gestural commands, wherein the gesture reference is an annular ring
surrounding the object of interest, and wherein a first side of the annular ring forms
one of the different regions, and a second side of the annular ring opposite of the
first side of the annular ring forms another one of the different regions. In one
embodiment, the display system is configured for streaming the textual message
within the text region by displaying the textual message only one word at a time. In
another embodiment, the display system is configured for streaming the textual
message within the text region by displaying the textual message at least two words
at a time while emphasizing only one of the at least two displayed words.
Emphasizing the one word may comprise displaying the one word with a brightness
intensity more than the remaining displayed word or words, or the text region may be
a three-dimensional text region, in which case, the one word may be displayed in a
foreground of the three-dimensional text region, and the remaining displayed word or
words may be displayed in a background of the three-dimensional text region.
In one embodiment, the display system is configured for allowing the end
user to visualize an object of interest in the three-dimensional scene, the control
system is configured for spatially associating the text region with the object of
interest, and the textual image identifies at least one characteristic of the object of
interest. If the object of interest is a virtual object, the display system may be
configured for displaying the virtual object to the end user. If the object of interest is
an actual object, the display system may be configured for allowing the end user to
visualize directly light from the actual object. If the object of interest is movable,
spatially associating the text region with the object of interest may comprise linking
the text region with the object of interest, such that text region moves in coordination
with movement of the object of interest. In an optional embodiment, the virtual
image generation system further comprises one or more sensors configured for
sensing a focal point of the end user, and the control system is configured for
instructing the display system to display a text region indicator adjacent the object of
interest, and activating the text region (e.g., by making the text region visually
appear) when the focal point of the end user is coincident with the text region
indicator.
The virtual image generation system may optionally comprise at least one
sensor configured for sensing a gestural command from the end user, in which case,
the control system may be configured for controlling the streaming of the textual
message based on the gestural command (e.g., a head movement or finger or hand
movement of the end user). For example, the control system may be configured for
instructing the display system to initiate or cease streaming the textual message in
response to the gestural command. Or, the control system may be configured for
controlling the timing of each word of the textual message in response to the gestural
command. Or, the control system may be configured for increasing or decreasing
the streaming speed of the textual message in response to the gestural command.
Or, the control system may be configured for changing the direction of the streaming
of the textual message in response to the gestural command.
In one embodiment, the control system is further configured for associating a
gesture reference with the object of interest, in which case, the sensor(s) will be
configured for sensing the gestural command from the end user by detecting an
angular position of an anatomical part of the end user (e.g., a head, finger, or hand)
relative to a gesture reference. The control system may be further configured for
instructing the display system to display the gesture reference as a gesture
reference object adjacent the object of interest. The gesture reference may be
separate and distinct from the object of interest or may be object of interest, itself. In
one embodiment, the gesture reference is an annular ring surrounding the object of
interest.
In an optional embodiment, the virtual image generation system further
comprises one or more sensors configured for sensing blinking of the eyes of the
end user, in which case, the control system may be configured for pausing the
streaming of the textual message when the eyes of the end user are closed, and
continue the streaming of the textual message when the eyes of the end user are
opened. In another optional embodiment, the control system is further configured for
identifying a focal plane in which the object of interest is disposed, and adjusting the
streaming speed of the textual message based on the identified focal plane. In still
another optional embodiment, the control system is configured for streaming the
textual message by varying pauses between words of the textual message. In yet
another optional embodiment, the virtual image generation system further comprises
one or more speakers, in which case, the control system may be configured for
instructing the speaker(s) to generate a pattern of audible tones that respectively
correspond temporally with words in the textual message as they are streamed.
Additional and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are
described in the detail description, figures and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The drawings illustrate the design and utility of the embodiments of the
invention, in which similar elements are referred to by common reference numerals.
In order to better appreciate how the above-recited and other advantages and
objects of the inventions are obtained, a more particular description of the inventions
briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments
thereof, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Understanding that
these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not
therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying
drawings in which:
Fig. 1 is a picture of a three-dimensional augmented reality scene that can be
displayed to an end user by a prior art augmented reality generation device;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of a conventional coffee menu;
Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an augmented reality system constructed in
accordance with one embodiment of the inventions;
Fig. 4 is a plan view of an exemplary frame generated by the augmented
reality system of Fig. 3;
Fig. 5a is a view of one technique that can be used to wear the augmented
reality system of Fig. 3;
Fig. 5b is a view of another technique that can be used to wear the
augmented reality system of Fig. 3;
Fig. 5c is a view of still another one technique that can be used to wear the
augmented reality system of Fig. 3;
Fig. 5d is a view of yet another one technique that can be used to wear the
augmented reality system of Fig. 3;
Figs. 6a-6c are plan views of a coffee menu, wherein the augmented reality
system of Fig. 3 streams a textual message within a text region adjacent an object of
interest in accordance with one technique of the inventions;
Figs. 7a-7b are plan views of a coffee menu, wherein the augmented reality
system of Fig. 3 activates the text region adjacent the object of interest;
Figs. 8a-8c are plan views of an object of interest on the coffee menu,
wherein the augmented reality system of Fig. 3 streams a textual message within a
text region adjacent an object of interest in accordance with another technique of the
inventions;
Figs. 9a-9c are plan views of an object of interest on the coffee menu,
wherein the augmented reality system of Fig. 3 streams a textual message within a
text region adjacent an object of interest in accordance with still another technique of
the inventions;
Figs. 10a-10c are plan views of a coffee menu, wherein the augmented reality
system of Fig. 3 streams a textual message within a text region adjacent an object of
interest in accordance with yet another technique of the inventions;
Figs. 11a-11b are plan views of a coffee menu, wherein the augmented
reality system of Fig. 3 controls the streaming of the textual message in response to
head movements by the end user in accordance with one technique of the
inventions;
Figs. 12a-12c are plan views of a coffee menu, wherein the augmented reality
system of Fig. 3 controls the streaming of the textual message in response to head
movements by the end user in accordance with another technique of the inventions;
Fig. 13 is a flow diagram illustrated a method of operating the augmented
reality system of Fig. 3 to stream and control a textual message adjacent an object of
interest in an ambient three-dimensional scene.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The description that follows relates to display systems and methods to be
used in augmented reality systems. However, it is to be understood that the while
the invention lends itself well to applications in augmented reality, the invention, in its
broadest aspects, may not be so limited.
Referring to Fig. 3, one embodiment of an augmented reality system 100
constructed in accordance with inventions will now be described. The augmented
reality system 100 provides images of virtual objects intermixed with actual objects in
a field of view of an end user 50. The augmented reality system 100, and the
various techniques taught herein, may be employed in applications other than
augmented reality. For example, various techniques may be applied to any
projection or display system. Or, the various techniques described herein may be
applied to pico projectors where movement may be made by an end user’s hand
rather than the head. Thus, while often described herein in terms of an augmented
reality system, the teachings should not be limited to such systems of such uses.
There are two fundamental approaches when operating the augmented
reality system 100. A first approach employs one or more imagers (e.g., cameras) to
capture images of the ambient environment. The augmented reality system 100
inter-mixes the virtual images into the data representing the images of the ambient
environment. A second approach employs one or more at least partially transparent
surfaces through which the ambient environment can be seen and on to which the
augmented reality system 100 produces images of virtual objects.
The augmented reality system 100, and the various techniques taught herein,
may be employed in applications other than augmented reality systems. For
example, various techniques may be applied to any projection or display system.
For example, the various techniques described herein may be applied to pico
projectors where movement may be made by an end user’s hand rather than the
head. Thus, while often described herein in terms of an augmented reality system or
virtual reality system, the teachings should not be limited to such systems of such
uses.
At least for augmented reality applications, it may be desirable to spatially
position various virtual objects relative to respective actual objects in a field of view
of the end user 50. Virtual objects, also referred to herein as virtual tags or tag or
call outs, may take any of a large variety of forms, basically any variety of data,
information, concept, or logical construct capable of being represented as an image.
Non-limiting examples of virtual objects may include: a virtual text object, a virtual
numeric object, a virtual alphanumeric object, a virtual tag object, a virtual field
object, a virtual chart object, a virtual map object, a virtual instrumentation object, or
a virtual visual representation of a physical object.
More pertinent to the inventions, the augmented reality system 100 spatially
associates text regions with actual objects in the three-dimensional scene, generates
a textual message in selected ones of text regions to identify at least one
characteristic of respective actual object(s), and streams the textual message(s)
within the selected text region(s). In one embodiment, one text region at a time is
selected for streaming and display of the textual message, and in particular, the text
region associated with the actual object at which the end user is currently looking is
selected. Advantageously, streaming a textual message within a text region
associated with an actual object facilitates the display of the textual message in a
smaller area, thereby providing compactness in displaying the textual message and
thereby reducing any clutter of the three-dimensional scene, providing brevity,
interactivity, and quickness of display.
Although the textual message is described as being streamed in a text region
associated with an actual object in an augmented reality system, it should be
appreciated that a textual message can be streamed in a text region associated with
a virtual object in an augmented reality system or a virtual reality system.
Furthermore, a textual message can be streamed in a text region associated with an
actual object in a visual system other than an augmented reality system, e.g.,
wherein the end user simply looks through a transparent medium that only displays
textual messages (i.e., no virtual objects are displayed) adjacent actual objects.
To this end, the augmented reality system 100 comprises a frame structure
102 worn by an end user 50, a display system 104 carried by the frame structure
102, such that the display system 104 is positioned in front of the eyes 52 of the end
user 50, and a speaker 106 carried by the frame structure 102, such that the speaker
106 is positioned adjacent the ear canal of the end user 50 (optionally, another
speaker (not shown) is positioned adjacent the other ear canal of the end user 50 to
provide for stereo/shapeable sound control). The display system 104 is designed to
present the eyes 52 of the end user 50 with photo-based radiation patterns that can
be comfortably perceived as augmentations to physical reality, with high-levels of
image quality and three-dimensional perception, as well as being capable of
presenting two-dimensional content. The display system 104 presents a sequence
of frames at high frequency that provides the perception of a single coherent scene.
In the illustrated embodiment, the display system 104 comprises a projection
subsystem 108 and a partially transparent display surface 110 on which the
projection subsystem 108 projects images. The display surface 110 is positioned in
the end user’s 50 field of view between the eyes 52 of the end user 50 and an
ambient environment. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection subsystem 108
includes one or more optical fibers 112 (e.g. single mode optical fiber), each of which
has one end 112a into which light is received and another end 112b from which light
is provided to the partially transparent display surface 110. The projection
subsystem 108 may also include one or more light sources 114 that produces the
light (e.g., emits light of different colors in defined patterns), and communicatively
couples the light to the other end 112a of the optical fiber(s) 112. The light source(s)
114 may take any of a large variety of forms, for instance, a set of RGB lasers (e.g.,
laser diodes capable of outputting red, green, and blue light) operable to respectively
produce red, green, and blue coherent collimated light according to defined pixel
patterns specified in respective frames of pixel information or data. Laser light
provides high color saturation and are highly energy efficient.
The display system 104 may further comprise a scanning device 116 that
scans the optical fiber(s) 112 in a predetermined pattern in response to control
signals. For example, referring to Fig. 3, a frame 118 of pixel information or data
specifies pixel information or data to present an image, for example, an image of one
or more virtual objects, according to one illustrated embodiment. The frame 118 is
schematically illustrated with cells 120a-120m divided into horizontal rows or lines
122a-122n. Each cell 120 of the frame 118 may specify values for each of a plurality
of colors for the respective pixel to which the cell 120 corresponds and/or intensities.
For instance, the frame 118 may specify one or more values for red 124a, one or
more values for green 124b, and one or more values for blue 124c for each pixel.
The values 124 may be specified as binary representations for each of the colors, for
instance, a respective 4-bit number for each color. Each cell 120 of the frame 118
may additionally include a value 124d that specifies an amplitude. It should be
appreciated that although the display system 104 has been described as being
implemented with a scanning fiber technology, it should be appreciated that the
display system 104 may be based on any display technology, e.g., liquid crystal
displays (LCD), digital light processing (DLP) displays, etc.
Referring back to Fig. 3, the augmented reality system 100 further comprises
one or more sensors (not shown) mounted to the frame structure 102 for detecting
the position and movement of the head 54 of the end user 50 and/or the eye position
and inter-ocular distance of the end user 50. Such sensor(s) may include image
capture devices (such as cameras), microphones, inertial measurement units,
accelerometers, compasses, GPS units, radio devices, and/or gyros).
For example, in one embodiment, the augmented reality system 100
comprises a head worn transducer system 126 that includes one or more inertial
transducers to capture inertial measures indicative of movement of the head 54 of
the end user 50. Such may be used to sense, measure, or collect information about
the head movements of the end user 50. For instance, such may be used to detect
measurement movements, speeds, acceleration, and/or positions of the head 54 of
the end user 50.
The augmented reality system 100 further comprises one or more forward
facing cameras 128, which may be used to capture information about the
environment in which the end user 50 is located. The forward facing camera(s) 128
may be used to capture information indicative of distance and orientation of the end
user 50 with respect to that environment and specific objects in that environment.
When head worn, the forward facing camera(s) 128 is particularly suited to capture
information indicative of distance and orientation of the head 54 of the end user 50
with respect to the environment in which the end user 50 is located and specific
objects in that environment. The forward facing camera(s) 128 may, for example, be
employed to detect head movement, speed, and/or acceleration of head movements.
The forward facing camera(s) 128 may, for example, be employed to detect or infer a
center of attention of the end user 50, for example, based at least in part on an
orientation of the head 54 of the end user 50. Orientation may be detected in any
direction (e.g., up/down, left, right with respect to the reference frame of the end user
50).
The augmented reality system 100 further comprises a pair of rearward facing
cameras 129 to track movement, blinking, and depth of focus of the eyes 52 of the
end user 50. Such eye tracking information may, for example, be discerned by
projecting light at the end user’s eyes, and detecting the return or reflection of at
least some of that projected light. The augmented reality system 100 further
comprises a user orientation detection module 130. The user orientation module
130 detects the instantaneous position of the head 54 of the end user 50 and may
predict the position of the head 54 of the end user 50 based on position data
received from the sensor(s). Significantly, detecting the instantaneous position of
the head 54 of the end user 50 facilitates determination of the specific actual object
that the end user 50 is looking at, thereby providing an indication of the specific
textual message to be generated for that actual object and further providing an
indication of the textual region in which the textual message is to be streamed. The
user orientation module 130 also tracks the eyes 52 of the end user 50 based on the
tracking data received from the sensor(s).
The augmented reality system 100 further comprises a control subsystem
that may take any of a large variety of forms. The control subsystem includes a
number of controllers, for instance one or more microcontrollers, microprocessors or
central processing units (CPUs), digital signal processors, graphics processing units
(GPUs), other integrated circuit controllers, such as application specific integrated
circuits (ASICs), programmable gate arrays (PGAs), for instance field PGAs
(FPGAs), and/or programmable logic controllers (PLUs).
In the illustrated embodiment, the augmented reality system 100 comprises a
central processing unit (CPU) 132, a graphics processing unit (GPU) 134, and one or
more frame buffers 136. The CPU 132 controls overall operation, while the GPU
134 renders frames (i.e., translating a three-dimensional scene into a two-
dimensional image) from three-dimensional data stored in the remote data repository
150 and stores these frames in the frame buffer(s) 136. While not illustrated, one or
more additional integrated circuits may control the reading into and/or reading out of
frames from the frame buffer(s) 136 and operation of the scanning device of the
display system 104. Reading into and/or out of the frame buffer(s) 146 may employ
dynamic addressing, for instance, where frames are over-rendered. The augmented
reality system 100 further comprises a read only memory (ROM) 138 and a random
access memory (RAM) 140. The augmented reality system 100 further comprises a
three-dimensional data base 142 from which the GPU 134 can access three-
dimensional data of one or more scenes for rendering frames.
The various processing components of the augmented reality system 100
may be physically contained in a distributed system. For example, as illustrated in
Figs. 5a-5d, the augmented reality system 100 comprises a local processing and
data module 144 operatively coupled, such as by a wired lead or wireless
connectivity 146, to the display system 104 and sensors. The local processing and
data module 144 may be mounted in a variety of configurations, such as fixedly
attached to the frame structure 102 (Fig. 5a), fixedly attached to a helmet or hat 56
(Fig. 5b), embedded in headphones, removably attached to the torso 58 of the end
user 50 (Fig. 5c), or removably attached to the hip 60 of the end user 50 in a belt-
coupling style configuration (Fig. 5d). The augmented reality system 100 further
comprises a remote processing module 148 and remote data repository 150
operatively coupled, such as by a wired lead or wireless connectivity 150, 152, to the
local processing and data module 144, such that these remote modules 148, 150 are
operatively coupled to each other and available as resources to the local processing
and data module 144.
The local processing and data module 144 may comprise a power-efficient
processor or controller, as well as digital memory, such as flash memory, both of
which may be utilized to assist in the processing, caching, and storage of data
captured from the sensors and/or acquired and/or processed using the remote
processing module 148 and/or remote data repository 150, possibly for passage to
the display system 104 after such processing or retrieval. The remote processing
module 148 may comprise one or more relatively powerful processors or controllers
configured to analyze and process data and/or image information. The remote data
repository 150 may comprise a relatively large-scale digital data storage facility,
which may be available through the internet or other networking configuration in a
“cloud” resource configuration. In one embodiment, all data is stored and all
computation is performed in the local processing and data module 144, allowing fully
autonomous use from any remote modules.
The couplings 146, 152, 154 between the various components described
above may include one or more wired interfaces or ports for providing wires or
optical communications, or one or more wireless interfaces or ports, such as via RF,
microwave, and IR for providing wireless communications. In some
implementations, all communications may be wired, while in other implementations
all communications may be wireless. In still further implementations, the choice of
wired and wireless communications may be different from that illustrated in Figs. 5a-
5d. Thus, the particular choice of wired or wireless communications should not be
considered limiting.
In the illustrated embodiment, the user orientation module 130 is contained in
the local processing and data module 144, while CPU 132 and GPU 134 are
contained in the remote processing module 148, although in alternative
embodiments, the CPU 132, GPU 124, or portions thereof may be contained in the
local processing and data module 144. The 3D database 142 can be associated
with the remote data repository 150.
As briefly discussed above, the augmented reality system 100 spatially
associates a text region adjacent one of the actual objects, generates a textual
message that identifies at least one characteristic of the actual object, and streams
the textual message within the text region. For example, referring to Figs. 6a-6c, a
text region 200 may be spatially associated with an object of interest, and in this
case, the cup of coffee 20a, e.g., a cup of coffee that may be physical or may be a
picture on a menu. In the illustrated embodiment, the text region 200 takes the form
of a rectangular box located immediately above the object of interest 20a, although
in alternative embodiments, the text region 200 may take any suitable shape. In the
illustrated embodiment, the text region 200 is visible to the end user 50.
Alternatively, the text region 200 may be invisible to the end user 50. In one
embodiment, the text region 200 is linked to the object of interest 20a, such that the
text region 200 moves in coordination with movement of the object of interest 20a
(e.g., the menu is moved). That is, if the object of interest 20a moves within the
three-dimensional scene, the text region 200 will move with the object of interest
20a.
The augmented reality system 100 streams a textual message 202, e.g.,
“coffee, decaf, soy,” in the text region 200. As there shown, the textual message 202
is streamed, such that the word “coffee” is first displayed in the text region 200 (Fig.
6a), then the word “decaf” is displayed in the text region 200 (Fig. 6b), and lastly the
word “soy” is displayed in the text region 200 (Fig. 6c). The textual message 202
can be streamed in a continuous loop, such that the words “coffee,” “decaf,” and
“soy” are repeatedly displayed in series in the text region 200 (i.e., “coffee,” “decaf,”
“soy,” “coffee,” “decaf,” “soy,” etc.).
In an optional embodiment, the text region 200 may be selectively activated
by the end user 50. In particular, the text region 200 may be in a default inactive
state, wherein it is invisible to the end user, and then activated to allow the text
region 200 to be viewed by the end user 50. For example, as illustrated in Figs. 7a-
7b, the augmented reality system 100 may display a text region indicator 204 (in this
case, an arrow) adjacent the objects of interest 20a-20c (Fig. 7a), sense a focal point
of the end user 50, and activate the text region 200 when the focal point of the end
user 50 is coincident with the text region indicator 204 (in this case, when the end
user 50 is focused on the object of interest 20a) (Fig. 7b).
Although the textual message 202 is described as being displayed one word
at a time, it should be appreciated that the textual message 202 can be displayed
more than one word at a time. For example, this may be useful when more than two
adjacent words in the textual message 202 are short enough, such that they can be
simultaneously displayed together in the text region 200.
Although the textual message 202 has been described as being streamed
within the text region 200 in a manner such that at least one of the words in the
textual message 202 cannot be seen by the end user 50, the textual message 202
may be streamed within the text region 200, such that at least two of the words are
displayed at a time, but only one of the displayed words is emphasized.
For example, two or more words of the textual message 202 may be
simultaneously displayed, while emphasizing one of the words by displaying it with a
brightness intensity more than the other currently displayed words. For example, as
shown in Figs. 8a-8c, the words “coffee” and “decaf” can first be displayed one
above the other in the text region 200, with the word “coffee” being emphasized with
a relatively high brightness intensity, and the word “decaf” being deemphasized with
a relatively low brightness intensity (Fig. 8a); the words “coffee,” “decaf,” and “soy”
can then be displayed one above the other in the text region 200, with the word
“decaf” being emphasized with a relatively high brightness intensity, and the words
“coffee” and “soy” being deemphasized with a relatively low brightness intensity (Fig.
8b); and the words “decaf” and “soy” can then be displayed one above the other in
the text region 200, with the word “soy” being emphasized with a relatively high
brightness intensity, and the word “decaf” being deemphasized with a relatively low
brightness intensity (Fig. 8c).
As another example, a three-dimensional text region may be spatially
associated with the object of interest 20a, in which case, one of the words in the
textual message 202 may be emphasized by displaying it in the foreground of the
text region 200’, and another word or words of the textual message 202 may be
deemphasized by displaying it in the background of text region 200’. For example,
as shown in Figs. 9a-9c, the words “coffee,” “decaf,” and “soy” can first be displayed
one behind the other in the text region 200’, with the word “coffee” being emphasized
by displaying it the foreground, and the words “decaf” and “soy” being deemphasized
by displaying them in the background (Fig. 9a); the words “decaf” and “soy” are then
displayed one behind the other in the text region 200’, with the word “decaf” being
emphasized by displaying it in the foreground, and the word “soy” being
deemphasized by displaying it in the background (Fig. 9b); and the word “soy” is
then displayed alone in the text region 200’ (Fig. 9c).
The textual message 202 can alternatively be streamed in a continuous loop,
such that the words “coffee,” “decaf,” and “soy” are repeatedly displayed in series in
the text region 200’. In this case, as shown in Figs. 10a-10c, the words “coffee,”
“decaf,” and “soy” can first be displayed one behind the other in the text region 200’,
with the word “coffee” being emphasized by displaying it the foreground, and the
words “decaf” and “soy” being deemphasized by displaying them in the background
(Fig. 10a); the words “decaf,” “soy,” and “coffee” are then displayed one behind the
other in the text region 200’, with the word “decaf” being emphasized by displaying it
in the foreground, and the words “soy” and “coffee” being deemphasized by
displaying them in the background (Fig. 10b); and the words “soy,” “coffee,” and
“decaf” are then displayed one behind the other in the text region 200’, with the word
“soy” being emphasized by displaying it in the foreground, and the words “coffee”
and “soy” being deemphasized by displaying them in the background (Fig. 10c).
Notably, the reordering of the words of the textual message 202 in the text
region 200’ may be performed discretely (i.e., the words discretely appear and
disappear from the ordered sequence) or may be performed continuously (i.e., the
words continuously move from the background into the foreground). Furthermore,
while words of the textual message 202 have been described as being emphasized
or de-emphasized in a text region by displaying the words of the textual message
202 with different brightness intensities or at different depths, the words of the textual
message 202 may be emphasized or de-emphasized by displaying one of the words
with bigger letters than those of the remaining words of the textual message 202 or
displaying one of the words as being solid or opaque and the remaining words of the
textual message 202 as being transparent or translucent.
Referring to Fig. 11a-11b, the augmented reality system 100 displays a
gesture reference object 206 adjacent the object of interest 20a that allows a
gestural command from the end user 50 to be sensed. In particular, the angular
position of an anatomical part of the end user 50 relative to the gesture reference
object 206 is sensed. In the illustrated embodiment, the anatomical part of the end
user 50 that gestures is the head 54 of the end user 50, and thus, the direction in
which the head 54 of the end user 50 is pointed relative to the gesture reference
object 206 is sensed. In alternative embodiments, a gesture reference object 206 is
not displayed to the end user 50, but rather an invisible gesture reference is
incorporated into the same coordinate system as the object of interest 20a. In this
case, the direction in which the head 54 of the end user 50 is pointed relative to the
gesture reference is sensed.
In the illustrated embodiment, the gesture reference object 206 takes the form
of an annular ring that completely encircles the object of interest 20a. Pointing the
head 54 of the end user 50 at a portion of the annular ring 206 controls the
streaming of the textual message 202. For example, when the end user 50 scans
his or her head 54 across the annular ring 206, streaming of the textual message
202 may be initiated when the head 54 is pointed at one side 208a of the annular
ring 206; e.g., the point 110a on the left side 208a of the annular ring 206 (Fig. 11a),
and terminated when the head 54 is pointed at the opposite side of the annular ring
206; e.g., the point 110b on the right side 208b of the annular ring 206 (Fig. 11b). It
should be appreciated that although the scan direction is illustrated in Figs. 11a-11b
as being left to right, the scan can be similarly applied to the annular ring 206 with
different directions (including, top to bottom, bottom to top, and right to left) to initiate
and then cease streaming of the textual message 202.
As another example, when the end user 50 scans his or her head across the
annular ring 206, the timing of each word in the textual message 202 may be
controlled. For example, as shown in Fig. 12a-12c, the annular ring 206 can be
divided into a plurality of concentric rings, and in this case, two concentric rings
206a, 206b. When the end user 50 scans his or her head 54 from the outside to the
inside of the annular ring 206, as the head 54 scans across the outer edge 210a of
the annular ring 206, the word “coffee” will be displayed in the text region 200 (Fig.
12a); as the head 54 scans across the interface 210b between the concentric rings
206a, 206b, the word “decaf” will be displayed in the text region 200 (Fig. 12b); and
as the head 54 scans across the inner edge 210c of the annular ring 206, the word
“soy” will be displayed in the text region 200 (Fig. 12c).
In contrast, when the end user 50 scans his or her head 54 from the inside to
the outside of the annular ring 206, as the head 54 scans across the inner edge 210c
of the annular ring 206, the word “soy” will be displayed in the text region 200 (Fig.
12c); as the head 54 scans across the interface 210b between the concentric rings
206a, 206b, the word “decaf” will be displayed in the text region 200 (Fig. 12b); and
as the head 54 scans across the outer edge 210a of the annular ring 206, the word
“coffee” will be displayed in the text region 200 (Fig. 12a).
It can be appreciated that the annular ring 206 can be divided into further
concentric rings if the number of words in the textual message is greater than three
or may not be divided at all if the number of words in the textual message equals two
(i.e., the inner and outer edges of the annular ring 206 will respectively trigger the
display of the two words). It can also be appreciated that scanning the head 54 from
the outside to the inside of the annular ring 206 streams the textual message 202
forward, and scanning the head 54 from the inside to the outside of the annular ring
206 streams the textual message 202 in reverse. It can also be appreciated that the
streaming speed of the textual message 202 is increased by scanning the head 54
across the annular ring 206 relatively quickly, and decreased by scanning the head
54 across the annular ring 206 relatively slowly. In the illustrated embodiment, the
streaming speed adjustment is a function of the head 54 scanning across the edges
210a, 210c and interface 214b that trigger the display of the different words of the
textual message 202. Alternatively, irrespective of whether or not the annular ring
206 includes concentric rings, the streaming speed adjustment can simply be a
function of the speed at which the head 54 scans the annular ring 206. For example,
with reference back to Figs. 11a-11b, scanning the head 54 across the left side of
the annular ring 206 quickly will cause the textual message 202 to be streamed
relatively quickly, and scanning the head 54 across the left side of the annular ring
206 slowly will cause the textual message 202 to be streamed relatively slowly.
It should be noted that although the gesture reference object 206 in the
illustrated embodiment is separate and distinct from the object of interest 20a, in
alternative embodiments, the gesture reference object 206 can be the actual object,
itself. Although in the illustrated embodiment, the gestural command is performed by
the head 54 of the end user 50, it should be appreciated that other anatomical parts
of the end user 50 can be used to issue a command; for example, the direction that
the finger or hand of the end user 50 is pointed relative to the annular ring 206 may
be sensed.
The augmented reality system 100 may facilitate the reading and
comprehension of the streaming textual message in any one of a variety manners.
In one embodiment, for textual messages with a relatively large number of words,
the augmented reality system 100 may vary the pauses between the words of the
textual message, such that some pairs of adjacent words have relatively short
pauses between them, and other adjacent pairs of words have relatively long pauses
between them. For example, the textual message may be divided into five-word
groups, with relatively short pauses being placed between words in each group, and
relatively long pauses being placed between the five-word groups.
In another embodiment, the augmented reality system 100 may sense
blinking of the eyes 52 of the end user 50, such that streaming of the textual
message 202 pauses when the eyes 52 of the end user 50 are closed, and
continues when the eyes 52 of the end user 50 are opened. In still another
embodiment, the augmented reality system 100 adjusts the streaming speed of the
textual message based on the distance between the end user 50 and the actual
object at which the end user 50 is looking. For example, the focal plane in which the
actual object is disposed may be identified, and the streaming speed of the textual
message may be set to be relatively fast if the focal plane is relatively close to the
end user 50, and set to be relatively slow if the focal plane is relatively far from the
end user 50. In yet another embodiment, the augmented reality system 100
generates a pattern of audible tones (which may differ or be the same amongst each
other) that respectively correspond temporally with the words in the textual message
as they are streamed. For example, as each word is displayed to the end user 50,
the augmented reality system 100 generates and transmits an audible tone to the
end user 50.
Having described the structure and function of the augmented reality system
100, one method 300 performed by the augmented reality system 100 to steam
textual messages to the end user 50 will now be described with respect to Fig. 13.
First, the augmented reality system 100 allows the end user 50 to visualize the three-
dimensional scene in an ambient environment, e.g., a coffee shop (step 302). This
can be accomplished, e.g., in a “video see-through” display, in which the CPU 132
directs the forward facing cameras 128 to capture image data of the three-
dimensional scene, and directs the display system 104 to display the captured image
data to the end user 50; or an “optical see-through” display, in which the end user is
simply allowed to view directly the light from the three-dimensional scene.
The CPU 132 also instructs the GPU 134 to generate virtual image data from
the point of the view of the end user 50, and in this embodiment, rendering two-
dimensional virtual image data from a three-dimensional virtual scene (step 304). In
one embodiment, the virtual image data may be generated based on predictive head
positions in order to minimize any latency issues, e.g., by rendering and warping the
virtual image data.
The CPU 132 then instructs the display system 104 to display the virtual
image data as a virtual image to the end user 50 that, along with the ambient three-
dimensional scene, creates a three-dimensional augmented scene (step 306). The
CPU 132 also instructs the display system 104 to display text region indicators 204
adjacent selected ones of the objects of interest 22 in the three-dimensional
augmented scene (step 308). The CPU 132 then senses the focal point of the end
user 50 via the via the user orientation detection module 130 (step 310), and, when
the focal point of the end user 50 is coincident with one of the text region indicators
204, activates the text region 200 corresponding to that one text region indicator 204
by instructing the display system 104 to display the text region 200 adjacent the
corresponding object of interest 20a (step 312).
Next, the CPU 132 associates a gesture reference with the object of interest
20a corresponding to the activated text region 200 (step 314), and optionally
instructs the display system 104 to display the gesture reference as a gesture
reference object 206 adjacent the object of interest 20a (step 316). The CPU 132
then detects the angular position of the head 54 of the end user 50 relative to
gesture reference object 206 via the user orientation detection module 130 (step
318). When the head 54 of the end user 50 is pointed at the gesture reference
object 206, the CPU 132 then generates the particular textual message 202
associated with the object of interest 20a corresponding to the activated text region
200 (step 320), and instructs the display system 104 to initiate streaming of the
textual message 202 within the activated text region 200 (step 322). Optionally, the
CPU 132 identifies a focal plane in which the object of interest 20a is disposed via
the user orientation detection module 130 (step 324), and adjusts the streaming
speed of the textual message based on the identified focal plane (e.g., the farther the
focal plane is from the end user 50, the slower the streaming speed, and the shorter
the focal plane is from the end user 50, the faster the streaming speed) (step 326).
The CPU 132 then detects angular position/velocity of the head 54 of the end
user 50 relative to the gesture reference object 206 (e.g., where the head 54 is
pointed on the gesture reference object 206 or how quickly the head 54 scans the
gesture reference object 206) via the user orientation detection module 130 (step
328). The CPU 132 controls the streaming of the textual message 202 (e.g., speed,
forward/reverse, etc.) based on the detected angular position/velocity of the head 54
of the end user 50 (step 330). The CPU 132 detects blinking of the eyes 52 of the
end user 50 via the user orientation detection module 130 (step 332), and pauses
streaming of the textual message 202 when the eyes 52 are closed, and continues
streaming of the textual message 202 when the eyes 52 are opened (step 334).
Although the generating and streaming of a textual message has been
described in the context of an augmented reality system, it should be appreciated
that the textual message may be streamed adjacent an actual object of interest with
or without displaying virtual objects. For example, a system can simply be used to
stream textual messages adjacent actual objects of interest in an ambient three-
dimensional scene. It should also be appreciated that although the textual
messages have been described herein as being streamed in the context of simply
providing labeling of objects of interest using the most brief amount of text, textual
messages can also be used in virtual image generation systems to medium text use
(e.g., infographic paragraph) and long text use (e.g., book chapter) cases.
In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with
reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various
modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader
spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the above-described process flows
are described with reference to a particular ordering of process actions. However,
the ordering of many of the described process actions may be changed without
affecting the scope or operation of the invention. The specification and drawings
are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.
Claims (22)
1. A method of operating a virtual image generation system, the method comprising: allowing an end user to visualize an object of interest in a three-dimensional scene; spatially associating a text region within a field of view of the end user, wherein the text region is spatially associated with the object of interest; generating a gesture reference associated with the object of interest; generating a textual message that identifies at least one characteristic of the object of interest; streaming the textual message within the text region; sensing gestural commands from the end user by detecting an angular position of an anatomical part of the end user relative to a plurality of different regions of the gesture reference; and controlling the streaming of the textual message in response to the sensed gestural commands, wherein the gesture reference is an annular ring surrounding the object of interest, and wherein a first side of the annular ring forms one of the different regions, and a second side of the annular ring opposite of the first side of the annular ring forms another one of the different regions.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the gesture reference as a gesture reference object adjacent the object of interest.
3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the anatomical part of the end user is a head of the end user.
4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the anatomical part of the end user is a finger or hand of the end user.
5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gesture reference is separate and distinct from the object of interest.
6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the annular ring comprises a plurality of concentric rings, and an interface between two adjacent ones of the concentric rings forms one of the different regions.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein an inner or outer edge of the annular ring forms another one of the different regions.
8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the gesture reference is the object of interest.
9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the streaming of the textual message is controlled in response to the sensed gestural commands by initiating the streaming of the textual message when the anatomical part of the end user is pointed at the one region of the gesture reference, and terminating the streaming of the textual message when the anatomical part of the end user is pointed at another different region of the gesture reference.
10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the steaming of the textual message is controlled in response to the sensed gestural commands by displaying at least one word of the textual message when the anatomical part of the end user is pointed at the one region of the gesture reference, and displaying at least another word of the textual message when the anatomical part of the end user is pointed at another different region of the gesture reference.
11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the gestural commands are sensed from the end user as the anatomical part of the end user is scanned across the gesture reference.
12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the one or more sensors are configured for sending the gestural commands from the end user as the anatomical part of the end user is scanned across the gesture reference.
13. A virtual image generation system for use by an end user, comprising: a display system configured for allowing the end user to visualize an object of interest in a three dimensional scene; a control system configured for spatially associating a text region with a field of view of the end user, wherein the text region is spatially associated with the object of interest, generating a gesture reference associated with the object of interest, generating a textual message that identifies at least one characteristic of the object of interest, and instructing the display system to stream the textual message within the text region; and one or more sensors configured for sensing gestural commands from the end user by detecting an angular position of an anatomical part of the end user relative to a plurality of different regions of the gesture reference, wherein the control system is further configured for controlling the streaming of the textual message in response to the sensed gestural commands, wherein the gesture reference is an annular ring surrounding the object of interest, and wherein a first side of the annular ring forms one of the different regions, and a second side of the annular ring opposite of the first side of the annular ring forms another one of the different regions.
14. The virtual image generation system of claim 13, wherein the control system is further configured for instructing the display system to display the gesture reference as a gesture reference object adjacent the object of interest.
15. The virtual image generation system of claim 13 or 14, wherein the anatomical part of the end user is a head of the end user.
16. The virtual image generation system of any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the anatomical part of the end user is a finger or hand of the end user.
17. The virtual image generation system of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the gesture reference is separate and distinct from the object of interest.
18. The virtual image generation system of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the annular ring comprises a plurality of concentric rings, and an interface between two adjacent ones of the concentric rings forms one of the different regions.
19. The virtual image generation system of claim 18, wherein an inner or outer edge of the annular ring forms another one of the different regions.
20. The virtual image generation system of claim 19, wherein the gesture reference is the object of interest.
21. The virtual image generation system of any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the control system is configured for controlling the streaming of the textual message in response to the sensed gestural commands by instructing the display system to initiate the streaming of the textual message when the anatomical part of the end user is pointed at the one region of the gesture reference, and terminate the streaming of the textual message when the anatomical part of the end user is pointed at another different region of the gesture reference.
22. The virtual image generation system of any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the control system is configured for controlling the streaming of the textual message in response to the sensed gestural commands by instructing the display system to display at least one word of the textual message when the anatomical part of the end user is pointed at the one region of the gesture reference, and display at least another word of the textual message when the anatomical part of the end user is pointed at another different region of the gesture reference.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201562187062P | 2015-06-30 | 2015-06-30 | |
US62/187,062 | 2015-06-30 | ||
PCT/US2016/040449 WO2017004397A1 (en) | 2015-06-30 | 2016-06-30 | Technique for more efficiently displaying text in virtual image generation system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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NZ738277A NZ738277A (en) | 2021-05-28 |
NZ738277B2 true NZ738277B2 (en) | 2021-08-31 |
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