Microsoft Patent | Mixed Reality Spatial Instruction Authoring And Synchronization
Patent: Mixed Reality Spatial Instruction Authoring And Synchronization
Publication Number: 20200273253
Publication Date: 20200827
Applicants: Microsoft
Abstract
The disclosed technology is generally directed to mixed reality devices. In one example of the technology, an author is enabled to align a guide to a real-world environment. The author is enabled to edit a mixed-reality view for at least one step of the guide. The author is enabled to view the mixed-reality view associated with the step. The mixed-reality view includes the real-world environment and holographic elements. The author is enabled to, within the mixed-reality view, place a holographic instruction card at a location in the real-world environment. The holographic instruction card includes at least one text instruction associated with the step. The author is enabled to, within the mixed-reality view, place a first three-dimensional hologram at another location in the real-world environment. The author is enabled to, within the mixed-reality view, edit at least one visual element of the first three-dimensional hologram.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. App. No. 62/808,848, filed Feb. 22, 2019, entitled “MIXED REALITY USER INTERFACE” (Atty. Dkt. No. 406130-US-PSP). The entirety of this afore-mentioned application is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, mixed reality (MR) refers to a combination of virtual and real environments to produce new environments and visualizations where physical and digital objects co-exist and can be interacted with in real time. Typically, mixed reality takes place not only in the physical world or the virtual world, but includes a mix of elements from reality and virtual reality, encompassing both augmented reality and augmented virtuality via immersive technology.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0004] Briefly stated, the disclosed technology is generally directed to mixed reality devices. In one example of the technology, an author is enabled to align a guide to a real-world environment. In some examples, the guide includes a plurality of steps. In some examples, the author is enabled to edit a mixed-reality view for at least one step of the plurality of steps of the guide, as follows for at least one step. In some examples, the author is enabled to view the mixed-reality view associated with the step. In some examples, the mixed-reality view includes the real-world environment and holographic elements. In some examples, the author is enabled to, within the mixed-reality view, place a holographic instruction card at a location in the real-world environment. In some examples, the holographic instruction card includes at least one text instruction associated with the step. In some examples, the author is enabled to, within the mixed-reality view, place a first three-dimensional hologram at another location in the real-world environment. In some examples, the author is enabled to, within the mixed-reality view, edit at least one visual element of the first three-dimensional hologram. Further, in some examples, files for guides and the like may be synchronous across multiple devices, including wearable mixed reality devices and other computing devices.
[0005] Other aspects of and applications for the disclosed technology will be appreciated upon reading and understanding the attached figures and description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various figures unless otherwise specified. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0007] For a better understanding of the present disclosure, reference will be made to the following Detailed Description, which is to be read in association with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one example of a suitable environment in which aspects of the technology may be employed;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating one example of a suitable computing device according to aspects of the disclosed technology;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example mixed-reality (MR) device;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another example system including a hologram device;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operator using an MR device;
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates an example 3D toolkit in an example default library;* and*
[0015] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a process for authoring an MR guide, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding of, and enabling description for, various examples of the technology. One skilled in the art will understand that the technology may be practiced without many of these details. In some instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of examples of the technology. It is intended that the terminology used in this disclosure be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain examples of the technology. Although certain terms may be emphasized below, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section. Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context dictates otherwise. The meanings identified below do not necessarily limit the terms, but merely provide illustrative examples for the terms. For example, each of the terms “based on” and “based upon” is not exclusive, and is equivalent to the term “based, at least in part, on”, and includes the option of being based on additional factors, some of which may not be described herein. As another example, the term “via” is not exclusive, and is equivalent to the term “via, at least in part”, and includes the option of being via additional factors, some of which may not be described herein. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” The phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in one example,” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example, although it may. Use of particular textual numeric designators does not imply the existence of lesser-valued numerical designators. For example, reciting “a widget selected from the group consisting of a third foo and a fourth bar” would not itself imply that there are at least three foo, nor that there are at least four bar, elements. References in the singular are made merely for clarity of reading and include plural references unless plural references are specifically excluded. The term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator unless specifically indicated otherwise. For example, the phrases “A or B” means “A, B, or A and B.” As used herein, the terms “component” and “system” are intended to encompass hardware, software, or various combinations of hardware and software. Thus, for example, a system or component may be a process, a process executing on a computing device, the computing device, or a portion thereof.
[0017] Briefly stated, the disclosed technology is generally directed to mixed reality devices. In one example of the technology, an author is enabled to align a guide to a real-world environment. In some examples, the guide includes a plurality of steps. In some examples, the author is enabled to edit a mixed-reality view for at least one step of the plurality of steps of the guide, as follows for at least one step. In some examples, the author is enabled to view the mixed-reality view associated with the step. In some examples, the mixed-reality view includes the real-world environment and holographic elements. In some examples, the author is enabled to, within the mixed-reality view, place a holographic instruction card at a location in the real-world environment. In some examples, the holographic instruction card includes at least one text instruction associated with the step. In some examples, the author is enabled to, within the mixed-reality view, place a first three-dimensional hologram at another location in the real-world environment. In some examples, the author is enabled to, within the mixed-reality view, edit at least one visual element of the first three-dimensional hologram. Further, in some examples, files for guides and the like may be synchronous across multiple devices, including wearable mixed reality devices and other computing devices.
[0018] An operator may wear a wearable mixed-reality device, such as a head-mounted display mixed-reality device, that provides the operator with a mixed-reality view. The operator may use the mixed-reality device to open a guide. The guide may be a guide for a task that is divided into steps for accomplishing the task. The task may be, for example, an assembly task in a manufacturing setting. The operator may begin with the first step of the task, and navigate to the next step of the task after completing the current step of the task, and so on, until the task is completed.
[0019] For each step, an instruction step card may be provided in the mixed-reality view that indicates one or more instructions for the current step of the task. The instruction step card may provide various selectable options, including options for going back to the previous step and proceeding to the next step. For each step of the task of the guide, one of more three-dimensional holograms may be provided at real-world locations in the real-world environment, including at the real-world location where work is to be performed for the step.
[0020] In some examples, before operators can proceed through a guide, the guide first must be authored. In some examples, the initial authoring of the guide may be done on one device, and with initial steps for authoring performed on the mixed-reality device itself while viewing the mixed-reality view. The initial authoring of the guide may include the creation of the instructions to be included on the step card for each step of the guide, and indicating, for each step of the guide, assets to be included for the step, including media such as audio and/or video, one or more three-dimensional holograms, three-dimensional parts, and three-dimensional objects such as objects from a three-dimensional toolkit such as arrows, numbers, and/or the like.
[0021] When the author works on authoring the guide via the mixed-reality device, the author may go through each step of the guide, placing various holograph elements such as the step card, three-dimensional holograms, a tether, and the like. The author may also select and/or edit various elements of the three-dimensional holograms, including visual design elements such as color or size, may add styles to 3D content to add treatments such as a warning or caution, and can add tools such as 3D objects from a 3D tookit such as arrows and numbers. In this way, the author can perform 3D programming without the use of code, and without the author needing specialized 3D skills or programming skills.
[0022] Various files may be synchronized across multiple devices. In some examples, whenever text or other aspects of a file is changed, as soon as the change has been let go of, the change is immediately propagated to the server. In some examples, if there is a conflict where the exact same step is being modified for the same component, then one change takes precedence over the other. However, in some examples, if the same step is being modified but in different compartments on different devices, such as a change to the text component on one computing device, and a change to the 3D component on another computing device, both changes can be updated. In some examples, the same guide file is therefore being auto-saved and synchronized across multiple devices, allowing multiple authors to improve the same guide across the guide’s various compartments.
Illustrative Devices/Operating Environments
[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram of environment 100 in which aspects of the technology may be practiced. As shown, environment 100 includes computing devices 110, as well as network nodes 120, connected via network 130. Even though particular components of environment 100 are shown in FIG. 1, in other examples, environment 100 can also include additional and/or different components. For example, in certain examples, the environment 100 can also include network storage devices, maintenance managers, and/or other suitable components (not shown). Computing devices 110 shown in FIG. 1 may be in various locations, including on premise, in the cloud, or the like. For example, computer devices 110 may be on the client side, on the server side, or the like.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, network 130 can include one or more network nodes 120 that interconnect multiple computing devices 110, and connect computing devices 110 to external network 140, e.g., the Internet or an intranet. For example, network nodes 120 may include switches, routers, hubs, network controllers, or other network elements. In certain examples, computing devices 110 can be organized into racks, action zones, groups, sets, or other suitable divisions. For example, in the illustrated example, computing devices 110 are grouped into three host sets identified individually as first, second, and third host sets 112a-412c. In the illustrated example, each of host sets 112a-412c is operatively coupled to a corresponding network node 120a-420c, respectively, which are commonly referred to as “top-of-rack” or “TOR” network nodes. TOR network nodes 120a-420c can then be operatively coupled to additional network nodes 120 to form a computer network in a hierarchical, flat, mesh, or other suitable types of topology that allows communications between computing devices 110 and external network 140. In other examples, multiple host sets 112a-412c may share a single network node 120. Computing devices no may be virtually any type of general- or specific-purpose computing device. For example, these computing devices may be user devices such as desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, display devices, cameras, printers, or smartphones. However, in a data center environment, these computing devices may be server devices such as application server computers, virtual computing host computers, or file server computers. Moreover, computing devices 110 may be individually configured to provide computing, storage, and/or other suitable computing services.
[0025] Although FIG. 1 shows an example of a device in a network environment, not all examples of the disclosure are network devices. That is, some examples of the disclosure are capable of operating as connected devices that communicate with one or more networks, and some example of the disclosure are not capable of connecting to a network.
Illustrative Computing Device
[0026] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating one example of computing device 200 in which aspects of the technology may be practiced. Computing device 200 may be virtually any type of general- or specific-purpose computing device. For example, computing device 200 may be a user device such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a display device, a camera, a printer, or a smartphone. Likewise, computing device 200 may also be server device such as an application server computer, a virtual computing host computer, or a file server computer, e.g., computing device 200 may be an example of computing device no or network node 120 of FIG. 1. Computing device 200 may also be an IoT device that connects to a network to receive IoT services. Likewise, computer device 200 may be an example any of the devices illustrated in or referred to in FIGS. 3-6, as discussed in greater detail below. As illustrated in FIG. 2, computing device 200 includes processing circuit 210, operating memory 220, memory controller 230, data storage memory 250, input interface 260, output interface 270, and network adapter 280. Each of these afore-listed components of computing device 200 includes at least one hardware element.
[0027] Computing device 200 includes at least one processing circuit 210 configured to execute instructions, such as instructions for implementing the herein-described workloads, processes, or technology. Processing circuit 210 may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a graphics processor, a coprocessor, a field-programmable gate array, a programmable logic device, a signal processor, or any other circuit suitable for processing data. Processing circuit 210 is an example of a core. The aforementioned instructions, along with other data (e.g., datasets, metadata, operating system instructions, etc.), may be stored in operating memory 220 during run-time of computing device 200. Operating memory 220 may also include any of a variety of data storage devices/components, such as volatile memories, semi-volatile memories, random access memories, static memories, caches, buffers, or other media used to store run-time information. In one example, operating memory 220 does not retain information when computing device 200 is powered off. Rather, computing device 200 may be configured to transfer instructions from a non-volatile data storage component (e.g., data storage component 250) to operating memory 220 as part of a booting or other loading process.
[0028] Operating memory 220 may include 4th generation double data rate (DDR4) memory, 3.sup.rd generation double data rate (DDR3) memory, other dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), Hybrid Memory Cube memory, 3D-stacked memory, static random-access memory (SRAM), or other memory, and such memory may comprise one or more memory circuits integrated onto a DIMM, SIMM, SODIMM, or other packaging. Such operating memory modules or devices may be organized according to channels, ranks, and banks. For example, operating memory devices may be coupled to processing circuit 210 via memory controller 230 in channels. One example of computing device 200 may include one or two DIMMs per channel, with one or two ranks per channel. Operating memory within a rank may operate with a shared clock, and shared address and command bus. Also, an operating memory device may be organized into several banks where a bank can be thought of as an array addressed by row and column. Based on such an organization of operating memory, physical addresses within the operating memory may be referred to by a tuple of channel, rank, bank, row, and column.
[0029] Despite the above-discussion, operating memory 220 specifically does not include or encompass communications media, any communications medium, or any signals per se.
[0030] Memory controller 230 is configured to interface processing circuit 210 to operating memory 220. For example, memory controller 230 may be configured to interface commands, addresses, and data between operating memory 220 and processing circuit 210. Memory controller 230 may also be configured to abstract or otherwise manage certain aspects of memory management from or for processing circuit 210. Although memory controller 230 is illustrated as single memory controller separate from processing circuit 210, in other examples, multiple memory controllers may be employed, memory controller(s) may be integrated with operating memory 220, or the like. Further, memory controller(s) may be integrated into processing circuit 210. These and other variations are possible.
[0031] In computing device 200, data storage memory 250, input interface 260, output interface 270, and network adapter 280 are interfaced to processing circuit 210 by bus 240. Although, FIG. 2 illustrates bus 240 as a single passive bus, other configurations, such as a collection of buses, a collection of point to point links, an input/output controller, a bridge, other interface circuitry, or any collection thereof may also be suitably employed for interfacing data storage memory 250, input interface 260, output interface 270, or network adapter 280 to processing circuit 210.
[0032] In computing device 200, data storage memory 250 is employed for long-term non-volatile data storage. Data storage memory 250 may include any of a variety of non-volatile data storage devices/components, such as non-volatile memories, disks, disk drives, hard drives, solid-state drives, or any other media that can be used for the non-volatile storage of information. However, data storage memory 250 specifically does not include or encompass communications media, any communications medium, or any signals per se. In contrast to operating memory 220, data storage memory 250 is employed by computing device 200 for non-volatile long-term data storage, instead of for run-time data storage.
[0033] Also, computing device 200 may include or be coupled to any type of processor-readable media such as processor-readable storage media (e.g., operating memory 220 and data storage memory 250) and communication media (e.g., communication signals and radio waves). While the term processor-readable storage media includes operating memory 220 and data storage memory 250, the term “processor-readable storage media” (whether in the plural or singular form), throughout the specification and the claims, is defined herein so that the term “processor-readable storage media” specifically excludes and does not encompass communications media, any communications medium, or any signals per se. However, the term “processor-readable storage media” does encompass processor cache, Random Access Memory (RAM), register memory, and/or the like.
[0034] Computing device 200 also includes input interface 260, which may be configured to enable computing device 200 to receive input from users or from other devices. In addition, computing device 200 includes output interface 270, which may be configured to provide output from computing device 200. In one example, output interface 270 includes a frame buffer, graphics processor, graphics processor or accelerator, and is configured to render displays for presentation on a separate visual display device (such as a monitor, projector, virtual computing client computer, etc.). In another example, output interface 270 includes a visual display device and is configured to render and present displays for viewing. In yet another example, input interface 260 and/or output interface 270 may include a universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (“UART”), a Serial Peripheral Interface (“SPI”), Inter-Integrated Circuit (“I2C”), a General-purpose input/output (GPIO), and/or the like. Moreover, input interface 260 and/or output interface 270 may include or be interfaced to any number or type of peripherals.
[0035] In the illustrated example, computing device 200 is configured to communicate with other computing devices or entities via network adapter 280. Network adapter 280 may include a wired network adapter, e.g., an Ethernet adapter, a Token Ring adapter, or a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) adapter. Network adapter 280 may also include a wireless network adapter, for example, a Wi-Fi adapter, a Bluetooth adapter, a ZigBee adapter, a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) adapter, or a 5G adapter.
[0036] Although computing device 200 is illustrated with certain components configured in a particular arrangement, these components and arrangement are merely one example of a computing device in which the technology may be employed. In other examples, data storage memory 250, input interface 260, output interface 270, or network adapter 280 may be directly coupled to processing circuit 210, or be coupled to processing circuit 210 via an input/output controller, a bridge, or other interface circuitry. Other variations of the technology are possible.
[0037] Some examples of computing device 200 include at least one memory (e.g., operating memory 220) adapted to store run-time data and at least one processor (e.g., processing unit 210) that is adapted to execute processor-executable code that, in response to execution, enables computing device 200 to perform actions.
Illustrative Systems
[0038] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system (300). System 300 may include network 330, as well MR device 311, computing devices 315, and cloud back-end 360, which may each connect to network 330.
[0039] MR device 311 and computing devices 315 may each include an example of computing device 200 of FIG. 2. Although two computing devices 315 are illustrated in FIG. 3, in various examples, there may be one computing device 315, three or more computing devices 315, and/or the like. Application back-end 360 refers to a device, or multiple devices such as a distributed system, that may assist in providing functionality to MR device 311 and/or computing device 315 via communication over network 330. FIG. 3 and the corresponding description of FIG. 3 in the specification illustrates an example system for illustrative purposes that does not limit the scope of the disclosure.
[0040] Network 330 may include one or more computer networks, including wired and/or wireless networks, where each network may be, for example, a wireless network, local area network (LAN), a wide-area network (WAN), and/or a global network such as the Internet. On an interconnected set of LANs, including those based on differing architectures and protocols, a router acts as a link between LANs, enabling messages to be sent from one to another. Also, communication links within LANs typically include twisted wire pair or coaxial cable, while communication links between networks may utilize analog telephone lines, full or fractional dedicated digital lines including T1, T2, T3, and T4, Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDNs), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs), wireless links including satellite links, or other communications links known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, remote computers and other related electronic devices could be remotely connected to either LANs or WANs via a modem and temporary telephone link. Network 330 may include various other networks such as one or more networks using local network protocols such as 6LoWPAN, ZigBee, or the like. Some devices may be connected to a user device via a different network in network 330 than other devices. In essence, network 330 includes any communication technology by which information may travel between MR device 311, computing devices 315, and cloud back-end 360. Although each device or service is shown connected as connected to network 330, that does not mean that each device communicates with each other device shown. In some examples, some devices/services shown only communicate with some other devices/services shown via one or more intermediary devices. Also, although network 330 is illustrated as one network, in some examples, network 330 may instead include multiple networks that may or may not be connected with each other, with some of the devices shown communicating with each other through one network of the multiple networks and other of the devices shown communicating with each other with a different network of the multiple networks.
[0041] Each computing device 315 may perform various functions in conjunction with MR device 311, and each computing device 315 may be capable of communicating over network 330 with MR device 311 and cloud back-end 360. As discussed in greater detail below, one of the computing devices 315 may be used to assist in the creation of guides for MR device 311, and/or the like.
[0042] MR device 311 may include any suitable MR device such as a wearable mixed-reality device. Some examples of MR device 311 may be a head-mounted display unit connected to an adjustable inner headband. Some examples of MR device 311 may include a self-contained holographic computer that enables a user to engage with digital content and interact with holograms while simultaneously viewing the real world. Some examples of MR device 311 may include cameras, processors, lenses, 3D audio speakers, a battery, and various specialized components such as multiple sensors, advanced optics, and a custom holographic processing unit. Some examples of MR device 311 may include physical buttons on the side which may be pressed to actuate various functions.
[0043] Some examples of MR device 311 may communicate with cloud back-end 360 to provide certain functions associated with MR device 311. Other examples of MR device 311 provide full functionality within MR device 311 without requiring communication with cloud back-end 360, and cloud back-end 360 is not included in system 300 in some examples. In some examples, MR device 311 is network-connected, and in other examples, MR device 311 is not network-connected.
[0044] MR device 311 may allow a user to simultaneously view the real world and virtual objects. The user may also be able to manipulate the virtual objects in various ways. The user may also be able to view applications in the mixed-reality view provided by MR device 311. An author may be able to perform authoring and editing functions with various devices such as computing device 315 and MR device 311.
[0045] As discussed in greater detail below, in some examples, various files associated with mixed reality and/or mixed-reality guides may be synchronized across various devices, such as one or more MR devices 311, one or more computing devices 315, and/or cloud back-end 360.
[0046] System 300 may include more or less devices than illustrated in FIG. 3, which is shown by way of example only.
[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of computing device 10, which may be employed as an example of MR device 311 of FIG. 3 and/or computing device 200 of FIG. 2. In the example computing device 10 of FIG. 4, the computing device 10 is a head-mounted display (HMD) device. The illustrated computing device 10 takes the form of a wearable visor, but it will be appreciated that other forms are possible, such as glasses or goggles, among others. The computing device 10 may include a housing 438 including a band 440 and an inner band 442 to rest on a user’s head. The display 12 of the computing device 10 may include the at least partially see-through display 434. The at least partially see-through display 434 may be a stereoscopic display and may include a left panel 446L and a right panel 446R as shown, or alternatively, a single panel of a suitable shape. The panels 446L, 446R are not limited to the shape shown and may be, for example, round, oval, square, or other shapes including lens-shaped. The computing device 10 may also include a shield 448 attached to a front portion 450 of the housing 438 of the computing device 10. The at least partially see-through display 434 and/or the shield 448 may include one or more regions that are transparent, opaque, or semi-transparent. Any of these portions may further be configured to change transparency by suitable means. As such, the computing device 10 may be suited for both augmented reality situations and virtual reality situations.
[0048] A controller 460 of the computing device 10 may include a logic subsystem 462, a storage subsystem 464, and a communication subsystem 466. The logic subsystem 462 may include one or more processors 432 configured to execute software instructions. A processor of the one or more processors 432 may an example of processing circuit 210 of FIG. 2, and the storage subsystem 464 may include an example of operating memory 220 of FIG. 2.
[0049] In some examples, the processor 432 of the computing device 10 is operatively coupled to the display panels 446R and 446L and to other display-system componentry. In some examples, the processor 432 includes logic and associated computer memory configured to provide image signals to the display panels 446R and 446L, to receive sensory signals from a sensor system 452, and to enact various control processes described herein. The sensor system 452 may include one or more location sensors 428, one or more optical sensors 436, a gaze detection system 454, one or more microphones 456, as well as one or more speakers 458. One or more optical sensors 436 may include one or more cameras. The processor 432 may be further configured to provide signals to the sensor system 452.
[0050] Display 12 may be configured to display holograms superimposed on a physical environment. Display 12 may be a stereo display that is at least partially see-through, and the hologram may be positioned to appear at a desired depth and position within the user’s field of view. Alternatively, in some examples, display 12 includes a display of a portable camera-equipped computing device and the image may be superimposed on an image of the physical environment captured by the camera. In some examples, the processor 432 is configured to store a representation of the physical environment 30 in non-volatile memory 16. The processor 432 may be configured to generate the representation of the physical environment based on inputs received from a sensor system 452.
[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates an example system (500) including hologram device 501 and computing devices 515. Each of the computing devices 515 may be an example of computing device 200 of FIG. 2 and/or one of the computing devices 110 of FIG. 1. Although two computing devices 515 are illustrated in FIG. 5, in various examples, there may be one computing device 515, three or more computing devices 515, and/or the like. In some examples, hologram device 501 is a computing device that, among other things, provides means for a user to view and interact with holograms. Hologram device 501 may, for instance, be a mixed-reality device, such as MR device 311 of FIG. 3 or MR device 10 of FIG. 4. Hologram device 501 may be an example of computing device 200 of FIG. 2, MR device 311 of FIG. 3, and/or computing device 10 of FIG. 4.
[0052] Hologram device 501 may include one or more processors 510, operating memory 520, display 512, and guides application 509. One or more processors 510 may be configured to execute instructions, such as instructions for implementing the herein-described workloads, processes, or technology. The instructions may include guide application 509, and may further include other applications, such as applications that enable an operator to interact with one or more holograms in a mixed-reality view. The aforementioned instructions, along with other data (e.g., datasets, metadata, operating system instructions, etc.), may be stored in operating memory 520 during run-time of hologram device 501. Display 512 may be configured to display holograms to a user of hologram device 501. In some examples, hologram device 501 is a head-mounted display mixed-reality device, or other wearable mixed-reality device.
[0053] Many aspects of hologram device 501 are discussed below that may be used in conjunction with each other, or separately. That is, some examples may include all of the aspects of hologram device 501 discussed below, some examples may include but one of the aspects of hologram device 501 discussed below, and some example may include some, but not all, of the aspects of hologram device 501 discussed below. Further, while many aspects of hologram device 501 are discussed in the context of guides application 509, the aspects are not limited to use with guides application 509, and may be applied to various functions provided by hologram device 501 outside of guides application 509. Guides application 509 may include a capability to operate in an authoring mode in which an author can author and/or edit guides in guides application 509 within a mixed-reality view while using hologram device 501, as discussed in greater detail below.
[0054] Some examples of hologram device 501 do not include guides application 509, and various of the aspects may be used by hologram device 501 even though hologram device 501 does not include guides application 509. Each computing device 515 may perform various functions in conjunction with guides application 509, such as the authoring and editing of guides, and/or the like. Many aspects of hologram device 501 may include interaction with holograms, including interaction with hologram in conjunction with guides application 509, and interaction with hologram in contexts other than guides applications, such as with one or more applications other than guides application 509 in which a user interacts with holograms in a mixed-reality view.
[0055] Hologram device 501 may provide a mixed-reality view in which the operator can perceive the both the real-world environment and holograms generated by hologram device 501. In some examples, when using hologram device 501, the user may first calibrate hologram device 501. The calibration may be used to ensure that holograms are properly aligned to the environment. For instance, a calibration application may be used to perform the calibration. In some examples, the calibration application may lead the user though the calibration process step by step. In some examples, the user’s interpupillary distance (IPD) may be determined as part of the calibration, or the IPD may be set prior to the calibration.
[0056] The operator may be able to interact with the holograms in various ways. The holograms may include two-dimensional holograms and three-dimensional holograms. Each of the three-dimensional holograms may be displayed along with a hologram menu for the three-dimensional hologram. Each hologram menu may include menu options that are commands associated with the corresponding hologram. Each three-dimensional hologram may also include rotation handles for rotating the three-dimensional hologram.
[0057] In some examples, one or more of gaze, gestures, and/or voice commands may be used to make selections and/or commands, such as selecting a hologram, selecting a menu option, selecting a rotation handle, selecting other options associated with a hologram via buttons, and/or the like.
[0058] In some examples, item may be selected by gazing at an item, where the item may be, for example, an app, menu, button, rotation handle, and/or the like. In some examples, the user’s gaze may be in the center of the user’s view, and the user’s gaze may be indicated via a visual indicator such as a cursor dot or the like. In some examples, dynamic cursor visuals may be used for the gaze cursor when suitable. For instance, in some examples, when the user’s gaze is on a button, the gaze cursor is replaced with a spotlight effect on that button. In some cases, a user can select an item by gazing at a selection box. In some examples, the select does not occur immediately; rather, a selection is made responsive to a user’s gaze dwelling in the selection box. For instance, in some examples, when the user’s gaze enters a selection box, a dwell timer begins, and the selection is made if the user’s gaze remains in the box for the entirety of the dwell timer.
[0059] In some examples, when the user’s gaze enters the selection box, the box begins filling to indicate a select in progress, and the item is selected when the box is filled, which occurs if the gaze remains in the box for the entirety of the dwell timer, with the filling box providing the user with a visual display of the dwell timer. In some examples, a sound is also provided while the box is being filled to indicate that a selection is in process. Selection of an item via gaze may be extremely helpful the user’s hands are occupied with tools or parts. In some examples, when a selection box on the Step card is being filled, it is ensured that the Step card does not move.
[0060] In other cases, a user may use gaze to target an object, and then act on the target with a gesture. In some examples, a bloom gesture may be used to open or close a pre-determined menu, such as the high-level menu for a guide. In these examples, when a user is uncertain of what to do, the bloom gesture may be a good way for the user to get oriented. In one example, to do the bloom gesture, the user will hold out the user’s hand with the user’s palm up and fingertips together, and then the user opens the user’s hand.
[0061] In some examples, as discussed above, an app or other hologram may be selected in multiple ways, including with a gesture. In some examples, the air tap gesture may be used to open a hologram. In some examples, a user may select a hologram with an air tap by gazing at a hologram, holding the user’s hand straight in front of the user in a loose fist, and then pointing the user’s index finger straight up toward the ceiling, then tapping the user’s finger down, and then quickly raising the user’s index finger back up again.
[0062] In some examples, a user can interact with the holographic environment in different ways, which may vary based on user preferences, or based on the particular circumstances. For example, in some circumstances, a user’s hands may not be free to perform gestures, and in some circumstances, the environment be too noisy for voice commands. For instance, in some examples, to perform a selection, a user may use an air tap gesture, may use a voice command (such as saying “select”), or may select with gaze (such as by moving the user’s gaze to the corresponding selection box and leaving it there until the selection box if filled).
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