Apple has filed for a patent (number 20210193084) for “transferring a virtual object.” As best I can tell, it involves the ability for “Apple Glasses” wears to share virtual reality (VR) objects. “Apple Glasses” is the rumored augmented reality (AR)/VR head-mounted display.
The present disclosures describes techniques for transferring a VR object in an enhanced reality setting. Virtual reality, mixed reality, and augmented reality environments provide a platform to enable users of such systems to interact with each other.
For example, a user may control an avatar within the environment in order to interact with another avatar in the environment. These environments further facilitate the transfer of virtual objects between avatars.
However, Apple says that, as these environments continue to become more complex, facilitating a seamless transfer of a virtual object between avatars becomes more difficult. For example, transferring a large virtual object may obstruct the field of view of a user, causing user disorientation and resulting in the interruption of the virtual, augmented, or mixed reality experience.
Apple says a method and system for transferring a virtual object while providing an optimal user experience is desired.
According to some embodiments, a virtual object is displayed in an enhanced reality setting. A request to transfer the virtual object is received, wherein in accordance with the request, a determination is made whether a set of one or more virtual object transfer criteria is satisfied. In accordance with a determination that the set of one or more virtual object transfer criteria is satisfied, movement of the virtual object away from the avatar is displayed in the enhanced reality setting. Displaying movement of the virtual object includes determining whether a size of the virtual object satisfies a set of one or more size criteria. In accordance with a determination that the size of the virtual object satisfies the set of one or more size criteria, a reduction in the size of the virtual object is displayed. In accordance with a determination that the size of the virtual object does not satisfy the set of one or more size criteria, displaying of a reduction in the size of the virtual object is foregone.
Here’s the summary of the patent filing: “a virtual object is displayed in an enhanced reality setting. A request to transfer the virtual object is received, wherein a determination is made whether a set of one or more virtual object transfer criteria is satisfied. Movement of the virtual object away from an avatar is displayed in accordance with a determination that the set of one or more virtual object transfer criteria is satisfied.
“Displaying movement includes determining whether a size of the virtual object satisfies a set of one or more size criteria. In accordance with a determination that the size of the virtual object satisfies the set of one or more size criteria, a reduction in the size of the virtual object is displayed. In accordance with a determination that the size of the virtual object does not satisfy the set of one or more size criteria, displaying of a reduction in the size of the virtual object is foregone.”
