Augmented reality guidance

Abstract

Augmented reality guidance for guiding a user in an environment using an eyewear device is disclosed. The eyewear device includes a display system and a position detection system. The user is guided in the environment by monitoring a current position of the eyewear device within the environment, identifying marker positions within a threshold of the current position, the marker positions being defined relative to the environment and associated with guidance markers, registering the marker positions, generating an overlay image including the guidance markers, and presenting the overlay image on a display of the eyewear device.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 887,333, filed May 29, 2020, entitled “AUGMENTED REALITY GUIDANCE”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The examples set forth in this disclosure relate to the fields of augmented reality (AR) and wearable mobile devices, such as eye-worn devices. More specifically, but not as a limitation, the invention describes augmented reality guidance for users in their environment. Background Technology

[0004] Many types of computers and electronic devices available today (such as mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, and laptops), handheld devices, and wearable devices (e.g., smart glasses, digital eyewear, headbands, head-mounted displays)) include a variety of cameras, sensors, wireless transceivers, input systems (e.g., touch-sensitive surfaces, indicators), peripherals, displays, and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that allow users to interact with the displayed content.

[0005] Augmented reality (AR) combines real-world objects with virtual objects in the physical environment and displays this combination to the user. The combined display gives the impression that the virtual objects truly exist in the environment, especially when the virtual objects look and behave like real objects.

[0006] Advanced AR technologies, such as computer vision and object tracking, can be used to create perceptually rich and immersive experiences. Computer vision algorithms extract 3D data about the physical world from data captured in digital images or videos. Object tracking algorithms can be used to detect objects in digital images or videos and track their movement. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The features of the various examples described will be readily understood from the embodiments illustrated in the following accompanying drawings. In the specification and several views of the drawings, each element is represented by a reference numeral. When multiple similar elements exist, a single reference numeral may be assigned to the similar elements, using a lowercase letter to designate the specific element.

[0008] Unless otherwise noted, the various components shown in the figures are not drawn to scale. The dimensions of the individual components may be enlarged or reduced for clarity. Several figures depict one or more embodiments and are presented by way of example only and should not be construed as limiting. The following figures are included in the figures:

[0009] FIG. 1A is a side view (right) of an exemplary hardware configuration of an eyewear device suitable for use in an augmented reality generation system;

[0010] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a right corner of the eyewear device of FIG. 1A depicting a right visible light camera and a circuit board;

[0011] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a left corner of the eyewear device of FIG. 1A depicting a left visible light camera and a circuit board;

[0012] FIG. 1D is a perspective view of a left corner of the eyewear device of FIG. 1C depicting a left visible light camera and a circuit board;

[0013] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B is a rear view of an exemplary hardware configuration of an eyewear device utilized in an augmented reality generation system;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a graphical depiction of a three-dimensional scene, a left raw image captured by a left visible light camera, and a right raw image captured by a right visible light camera;

[0015] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary augmented reality generation system including wearable devices (e.g., eyewear devices) and server systems connected via various networks;

[0016] FIG. 5 is a graphical representation of an exemplary hardware configuration of a mobile device for use in the augmented reality generation system of FIG. 4

[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a user in an exemplary environment for describing simultaneous localization and mapping;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a flowchart listing steps in an exemplary method of displaying virtual objects in a physical environment;

[0019] FIG. 8A , FIG. 8B , FIG. 8C , FIG. 8D and FIG. 8E are flowcharts including steps of an exemplary virtual guided augmented reality experience; and

[0020] FIG. 9A , FIG. 9B , FIG. 9C , FIG. 9D , FIG. 9E and​FIG. 9F is a perspective view of a virtual guidance augmented reality experience that guides a user to a location within an environment.

[0021] Embodiment Modes

[0022] Various embodiments and details are described with reference to the figures, which include a system that utilizes an eyewear device that includes a position detection system and a display system to provide an augmented reality guidance experience. The eyewear device monitors its current position within an environment and recorded marker positions within a predetermined distance of the eyewear device. The eyewear device generates and presents overlay images that include guidance markers for display at the recorded marker positions. This enables the eyewear device to guide a user to a physical destination within the environment.

[0023] The following embodiment modes include systems, methods, techniques, instruction sequences, and computer machine program products illustrative of examples set forth in the present disclosure. Numerous details and examples are included for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the disclosed subject matter and its relevant teachings. It will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art, however, that the relevant teachings can be practiced without such details. Aspects of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to the specific devices, systems, and methods described, as such teachings can be applied in a variety of ways. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. Generally, well-known instruction instances, protocols, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail.

[0024] The terms "coupled" or "connected" as used herein refer to any logical, optical, physical, or electrical connection, including a link or the like, by which an electrical or magnetic signal produced or provided by one system element is imparted to another coupled or connected system element. Unless described otherwise, coupled or connected elements or devices are not necessarily directly connected to one another and can be separated by intermediate components, elements, or communication media, one or more of which can modify, manipulate, or carry the electrical signal. The term "on" refers to being directly supported by an element or indirectly supported by an element through another element that is integrated into or supported by the element.

[0025] The term "proximal" is used to describe an article or a portion of an article that is located near, close to, or beside a subject or person; or is closer relative to other portions of the article, which can be described as "distal." For example, an end of an article that is closest to a subject can be referred to as a proximal end, while a generally opposite end can be referred to as a distal end.

[0026] For purposes of illustration and discussion, the orientation of the eyewear device, other mobile devices, associated components, and any other device incorporating a camera, an inertial measurement unit, or both, such as shown in any of the Figures, is given by way of example only. In operation, the eyewear device can be oriented in any other direction that is suitable for the particular application of the eyewear device, e.g., upward, downward, sideways, or any other orientation. Moreover, to the extent used herein, any directional terms, such as front, back, inner, outer, toward, left, right, sideways, longitudinal, up, down, high, low, top, bottom, side, horizontal, vertical, and diagonal, are used by way of example only, and do not limit the direction or orientation of any camera or inertial measurement unit as constructed or otherwise described herein.

[0027] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following and the attached drawings. The purpose and advantages of the present application can be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to the examples shown in the drawings and discussed below.

[0029] FIG. 1A is a side view (right) of an example hardware configuration of the eyewear device 100 that includes a touch-sensitive input device or touchpad 181. As shown, the touchpad 181 can have subtle and not easily visible boundaries; alternatively, the boundaries can be clearly visible or include raised or otherwise tactile edges that provide feedback to the user regarding the location and boundaries of the touchpad 181. In other embodiments, the eyewear device 100 can include a touchpad on the left side.

[0030] The touchpad 181 surface on the image display is configured to detect finger touches, taps, and gestures (e.g., moving touches) for use with a GUI displayed on the eyewear device, allowing the user to navigate and select menu options in an intuitive manner, which improves and simplifies the user experience.

[0031] Detection of finger input on the touchpad 181 can enable several functions. For example, touching anywhere on the touchpad 181 can cause the GUI to display or highlight an item on the image display that can be projected onto at least one of the optical assemblies 180A, 180B. Double-clicking on the touchpad 181 can select an item or icon. Sliding or swiping a finger in a particular direction, e.g., from front to back, back to front, up to down, or down to up, can cause the item or icon to slide or scroll in the particular direction; e.g., to move to the next item, icon, video, image, page, or slide. Sliding a finger in another direction can slide or scroll in the opposite direction; e.g., to move to the previous item, icon, video, image, page, or slide. The touchpad 181 can be virtually anywhere on the eyewear device 100.

[0032] In one example, a single click on the touchpad 181 of a recognized finger gesture initiates a selection or press of a graphical user interface element in an image presented on the image display of the optical assembly 180A, 180B. Based on the recognized finger gesture, an adjustment to the image presented on the image display of the optical assembly 180A, 180B, the primary action of selecting or submitting the graphical user interface element on the image display can be the primary action for further display or execution.

[0033] As shown, the eyewear device 100 includes a right visible light camera 114B. As described further herein, the two cameras 114A, 114B capture image information of a scene from two separate viewpoints. The two captured images can be used to project a three-dimensional display onto an image display for viewing with 3D glasses.

[0034] The eyewear device 100 includes a right optical assembly 180B having an image display to present images, such as depth images. As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B The eyewear device 100 includes a right visible light camera 114B. The eyewear device 100 can include multiple visible light cameras 114A, 114B that form a passive three-dimensional camera, such as a stereo camera, with the right visible light camera 114B located at the right corner 110B. As shown in FIG. 1C The eyewear device 100 also includes a left visible light camera 114A, as shown in

[0035] The left and right visible light cameras 114A, 114B are sensitive to visible light range wavelengths. Each of the visible light cameras 114A, 114B has a different forward-facing field of view that overlap to enable generation of three-dimensional depth images, e.g., the right visible light camera 114B depicts a right field of view 111B. In general, a "field of view" is the portion of a scene that is visible through a camera at a particular location and direction in space. The fields of view 111A and 111B have overlapping fields of view 304 (FIG. 3 ). When the visible light cameras capture images, objects or object features outside the field of view 111A, 111B are not recorded in the original images (e.g., photographs or pictures). The field of view describes the angular range or extent that the image sensor of the visible light camera 114A, 114B picks up electromagnetic radiation of a given scene in a captured image of the given scene. The field of view can be represented as the angular size of a cone of vision; that is, the angle of view. The angle of view can be measured horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

[0036] In an example, the visible light cameras 114A, 114B have a field of view with an angle of view between 40° and 110° (e.g., approximately 100°) and have a resolution of 480 x 480 pixels or greater. The “angle of coverage” describes the angular range that the visible light camera 114A, 114B or the infrared camera 410 (see FIG. 4 ) lens can effectively image. Typically, a camera lens produces an imaging circle large enough to completely cover the film or sensor of the camera, possibly including some vignetting (e.g., the image gets darker toward the edges as compared to the center). If the angle of coverage of the camera lens does not encompass the sensor, the imaging circle will be visible, typically with strong vignetting toward the edges, and the effective angle of view will be limited to the angle of coverage.

[0037] Examples of such visible light cameras 114A, 114B include high-resolution complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors and digital VGA cameras (video graphics array) capable of having a resolution of 640p (e.g., 640 x 480 pixels, for a total of 0.3 megapixels), 720p, or 1080p. Other examples of visible light cameras 114A, 114B that can capture high-definition (HD) still images and store these images at a resolution of 1642 x 1642 pixels (or greater); or record HD video at a high frame rate (e.g., thirty to sixty frames per second or more) and store the recording at a resolution of 1216 x 1216 pixels (or greater).

[0038] The eyewear device 100 can capture image sensor data from the visible light cameras 114A, 114B and geopositioning data digitized by the image processor for storage in the memory. The visible light cameras 114A, 114B capture respective left and right original images in a two-dimensional spatial domain that includes a matrix of pixels on a two-dimensional coordinate system that includes an X-axis for horizontal positioning and a Y-axis for vertical positioning. Each pixel includes a color attribute value (e.g., a red pixel light value, a green pixel light value, or a blue pixel light value); and a positional attribute (e.g., an X-axis coordinate and a Y-axis coordinate).

[0039] To capture stereoscopic images for later display as a three-dimensional projection, the image processor 412 (in FIG. 4The visible light cameras 114A, 114B can be coupled to receive and store visual image information (shown in FIG. 2). An image processor 412 or another processor controls the operation of the visible light cameras 114A, 114B to act as a stereo camera that simulates human binocular vision, and can add a time stamp to each image. The time stamp on each pair of images allows the images to be displayed together as part of a three-dimensional projection. The three-dimensional projection produces an immersive, realistic experience that is desirable in a variety of environments, including virtual reality (VR) and video gaming.

[0040] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the right corner 110B of the eyewear device 100 of FIG. 1A depicting the right visible light camera 114B and the circuit board of the camera system. FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional perspective view of the right corner 110B of the eyewear device 100 of FIG. 1A depicting the left visible light camera 114A and the circuit board 140A of the three-dimensional camera. FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional perspective view of the right corner 110B of the eyewear device 100 of FIG. 1C depicting the left visible light camera 114A and the circuit board of the camera system.

[0041] The structure and arrangement of the left visible light camera 114A is substantially similar to the right visible light camera 114B, except for the connections and couplings located on the left side 170A. As shown in the example of FIG. 1B The eyewear device 100 includes the right visible light camera 114B and a circuit board 140B, which can be a flexible printed circuit board (PCB), as shown in the example. A right hinge 126B connects the right corner 110B to the right temple 125B of the eyewear device 100. In some examples, the right visible light camera 114B, the flexible PCB 140B, or other electrical connectors or contacts, etc. components can be located on the right temple 125B or the right hinge 126B.

[0042] The right corner 110B includes a corner body 190 and a corner cover, FIG. 1B The corner cover is omitted in the cross-section. Disposed inside the right corner 110B are various interconnected circuit boards, such as PCBs or flexible PCBs, that include controller circuitry for the right visible light camera 114B, microphones, low-power wireless circuitry (e.g., for wireless short-range network communication via Bluetooth™), high-speed wireless circuitry (e.g., for wireless local area network communication via Wi-Fi).

[0043] The right visible light camera 114B is coupled to or disposed on the flexible PCB 140B and covered by a visible light camera cover lens that is aimed through an opening formed in the frame 105. For example, the right edge 107B of the frame 105, as shown in the example of FIG. 2AThe right visible light camera 114B is shown coupled to the right corner 110B and includes an opening for a visible light camera cover lens. The frame 105 includes a front side configured to face outward and away from the eyes of a user. The opening for the visible light camera cover lens is formed through the front or outward-facing side of the frame 105. In an example, the right visible light camera 114B has an outward-facing field of view 111B (shown) that is aligned with the right eye of a user of the eyewear device 100. The visible light camera cover lens can also be adhered to the front or outward-facing surface of the right corner 110B with the opening formed with an outward-facing cover angle, but in a different outward direction. The coupling can also be indirect via an intermediate component. FIG. 3 The right visible light camera 114B is shown coupled to the right corner 110B and includes an opening for a visible light camera cover lens. The frame 105 includes a front side configured to face outward and away from the eyes of a user. The opening for the visible light camera cover lens is formed through the front or outward-facing side of the frame 105. In an example, the right visible light camera 114B has an outward-facing field of view 111B (shown) that is aligned with the right eye of a user of the eyewear device 100. The visible light camera cover lens can also be adhered to the front or outward-facing surface of the right corner 110B with the opening formed with an outward-facing cover angle, but in a different outward direction. The coupling can also be indirect via an intermediate component.

[0044] As shown, the flexible PCB 140B is disposed within the right corner 110B and is coupled to one or more other components housed in the right corner 110B. Although shown as being formed on a circuit board of the right corner 110B, the right visible light camera 114B can be formed on a circuit board of the left corner 110A, the temples 125A, 125B, or the frame 105. FIG. 1B

[0045] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are rear perspective views of example hardware configurations of the eyewear device 100 that include two different types of image displays. The eyewear device 100 is sized and shaped to be configured to be worn by a user; in this example, in the form of eyeglasses. The eyewear device 100 can take other forms and can incorporate other types of frames, such as a headgear, headset, or helmet.

[0046] In the example of eyeglasses, the eyewear device 100 includes a frame 105 that includes a left rim 107A connected to a right rim 107B via a nose bridge 106 adapted to be supported by a nose of a user. The left and right rims 107A, 107B include respective apertures 175A, 175B that hold respective optical elements 180A, 180B, such as lenses and display devices. As used herein, the term "lens" is intended to include a transparent or translucent piece of glass or plastic that has curved or flat surfaces that cause light to converge / diverge or that cause little or no convergence or divergence.

[0047] ​While shown with two optical elements 180A, 180B, the eyewear device 100 can include other arrangements, such as a single optical element (or it can not include any optical elements 180A, 180B), depending on the application or intended user of the eyewear device 100. As further shown, the eyewear device 100 includes a left corner 110A adjacent to the left side 170A of the frame 105 and a right corner 110B adjacent to the right side 170B of the frame 105. The corners 110A, 110B can be integrated into the frame 105 on the respective sides 170A, 170B (as shown) or implemented as separate components attached on the respective sides 170A, 170B of the frame 105. Alternatively, the corners 110A, 110B can be integrated into temples (not shown) attached to the frame 105.

[0048] In one example, the image displays of the optical assemblies 180A, 180B include integrated image displays. As shown, each optical assembly 180A, 180B includes a suitable display matrix 177, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, or any other such display. Each optical assembly 180A, 180B also includes one or more optical layers 176, which can include lenses, optical coatings, prisms, mirrors, waveguides, optical strips, and other optical components and any combination thereof. The optical layers 176A, 176B,..., 176N (shown as 176A-N in FIG. 1) can include prisms having suitable dimensions and configurations that include a first surface for receiving light from the display matrix and a second surface for emitting light toward the user’s eye. The prisms of the optical layers 176A-N extend over all or at least a portion of the respective apertures 175A, 175B formed in the left and right edges 107A, 107B to allow the user to see the second surface of the prisms when the user’s eyes look through the corresponding left and right edges 107A, 107B. The first surface of the prisms of the optical layers 176A-N faces upward from the frame 105, and the display matrix 177 is overlaid on the prisms such that photons and light emitted by the display matrix 177 impinge on the first surface. The dimensions and shape of the prisms are designed such that the light is refracted within the prisms and directed toward the user’s eye by the second surface of the prisms of the optical layers 176A-N. In this regard, the second surface of the prisms of the optical layers 176A-N can be convex to direct the light toward the center of the eye. The dimensions and shape of the prisms can optionally be designed to magnify the image projected by the display matrix 177, and the light passes through the prisms such that the image viewed from the second surface is larger in one or more dimensions than the image emitted from the display matrix 177. FIG. 2A FIG. 2A

[0049] ​​In one example, the optical layer 176A-N can include a transparent LCD layer (keeping the lens open) unless and until a voltage is applied to make the layer opaque (closing or obscuring the lens). The image processor 412 on the eyewear device 100 can execute a program to apply a voltage to the LCD layer in order to create an active shutter system, making the eyewear device 100 suitable for viewing visual content that is displayed as a three-dimensional projection. Technologies other than LCDs can be used for the active shutter mode, including other types of reactive layers that respond to a voltage or another type of input.

[0050] In another example, the image display devices of the optical assembly 180A, 180B include a projected image display as shown in FIG. 2B FIG. 2B

[0051] As the photons projected by the laser projector 150 travel through the lens of each optical assembly 180A, 180B, the photons encounter the optical strips 155A-N. When a particular photon encounters a particular optical strip, the photon is either redirected toward the user's eye or passed to the next optical strip. The combination of the modulation of the laser projector 150 and the modulation of the optical strips can control particular photons or beams of light. In an example, the processor controls the optical strips 155A-N by issuing mechanical, acoustic, or electromagnetic signals. While shown with two optical assemblies 180A, 180B, the eyewear device 100 can include other arrangements, such as a single or three optical assemblies, or each optical assembly 180A, 180B can be arranged with different arrangements, depending on the application or intended user of the eyewear device 100.

[0052] FIG. 2A FIG. 2B ​​​​Further shown, the eyewear device 100 includes a left corner 110A adjacent to a left side 170A of the frame 105 and a right corner 110B adjacent to a right side 170B of the frame 105. The corners 110A, 110B can be integrated into the respective sides 170A, 170B of the frame 105 (as shown) or implemented as separate components attached to the respective sides 170A, 170B of the frame 105. Alternatively, the corners 110A, 110B can be integrated into the temples 125A, 125B connected to the frame 105.

[0053] In another example, FIG. 2B The eyewear device 100 shown in FIG. 1 can include two projectors, a left projector (not shown) and a right projector 150. The left optical assembly 180A can include a left display matrix 177A (not shown) or a left optical strip (not shown) configured to interact with light from the left projector. Similarly, the right optical assembly 180B can include a right display matrix (not shown) or right optical strips 155A-N configured to interact with light from the right projector 150. In this example, the eyewear device 100 includes a left display and a right display.

[0054] FIG. 3 is a graphical depiction of a three-dimensional scene 306, a left raw image 302A captured by the left visible light camera 114A, and a right raw image 302B captured by the right visible light camera 114B. As shown, the left field of view 111A can overlap the right field of view 111B. The overlapping field of view 304 represents the portion captured by both cameras 114A, 114B in the images. The term "overlap" when referring to fields of view means that the matrix of pixels in the generated raw images overlap by thirty percent (30%) or more. "Substantially overlap" means that the matrix of pixels in the generated raw images or the matrix of pixels in the infrared image of the scene overlap by fifty percent (50%) or more. As described herein, the two raw images 302A, 302B can be processed to include a timestamp that allows the images to be displayed together as part of a three-dimensional projection.

[0055] To capture stereoscopic images, as FIG. 3 shown, a pair of raw red-green-blue (RGB) images of a real scene 306 are captured at a given moment in time - a left raw image 302A captured by the left camera 114A and a right raw image 302B captured by the right camera 114B. When the pair of raw images 302A, 302B are processed (e.g., by the image processor 412), a depth image is generated. The generated depth image can be viewed on the optical assemblies 180A, 180B of the eyewear device, on another display (e.g., the image display 580 on the mobile device 401), or on a screen.

[0056] The generated depth image is in a three-dimensional spatial domain and can include a matrix of vertices on a three-dimensional positional coordinate system that includes an X-axis for horizontal positioning (e.g., length), a Y-axis for vertical positioning (e.g., height), and a Z-axis for depth (e.g., distance). Each vertex can include a color attribute (e.g., a red pixel light value, a green pixel light value, or a blue pixel light value); a positional attribute (e.g., an X position coordinate, a Y position coordinate, and a Z position coordinate); a texture attribute; a reflectance attribute; or a combination thereof. The texture attribute quantifies the perceived texture of the depth image, such as the spatial arrangement of colors or intensities in a vertex region of the depth image.

[0057] In one example, the interactive augmented reality system 400 FIG. 4 includes an eyewear device 100 that includes a frame 105, a left temple 110A extending from a left side 170A of the frame 105, and a right temple 125B extending from a right side 170B of the frame 105. The eyewear device 100 can further include at least two visible light cameras 114A, 114B having overlapping fields of view. In one example, the eyewear device 100 includes a left visible light camera 114A having a left field of view 111A, as shown in FIG. 3 The left camera 114A is connected to the frame 105 or the left temple 110A to capture a left raw image 302A from the left side of the scene 306. The eyewear device 100 further includes a right visible light camera 114B having a right field of view 111B. The right camera 114B is connected to the frame 105 or the right temple 125B to capture a right raw image 302B from the right side of the scene 306.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of an example interactive augmented reality system 400 that includes a wearable device (e.g., the eyewear device 100), a mobile device 401, and a server system 498 connected via various networks 495, such as the Internet. The interactive augmented reality system 400 includes a low-power wireless connection 425 and a high-speed wireless connection 437 between the eyewear device 100 and the mobile device 401.

[0059] As FIG. 4As shown, the eyewear device 100 includes one or more visible light cameras 114A, 114B that capture still images, video images, or both still and video images, as described herein. The cameras 114A, 114B can have direct memory access (DMA) to the high-speed circuit 430 and function as a stereo camera. The cameras 114A, 114B can be used to capture initial depth images that can be rendered into three-dimensional (3D) models that are texture mapped images of a red-green-blue (RGB) imaged scene. The device 100 can also include a depth sensor 213 that uses infrared signals to estimate the positioning of objects relative to the device 100. In some examples, the depth sensor 213 includes one or more infrared emitters 415 and infrared cameras 410.

[0060] The eyewear device 100 further includes two image displays for each optical assembly 180A, 180B (one associated with the left side 170A and one associated with the right side 170B). The eyewear device 100 also includes an image display driver 442, an image processor 412, a low-power circuit 420, and a high-speed circuit 430. The image displays for each optical assembly 180A, 180B are used to present images, including still images, video images, or both still and video images. The image display driver 442 is coupled to the image displays for each optical assembly 180A, 180B in order to control the display of images.

[0061] The eyewear device 100 also includes one or more speakers 440 (e.g., one associated with the left side of the eyewear device and another associated with the right side of the eyewear device). The speakers 440 can be incorporated into the frame 105, temples 125, or corners 110 of the eyewear device 100. The one or more speakers 440 are driven by an audio processor 443 under the control of the low-power circuit 420, the high-speed circuit 430, or both. The speakers 440 are used to present audio signals, including, for example, a beat track. The audio processor 443 is coupled to the speakers 440 in order to control the presentation of sound.

[0062] FIG. 4 The components shown for the eyewear device 100 are located on one or more circuit boards, e.g., printed circuit boards (PCBs) or flexible printed circuits (FPCs) located in the temples or the frame. Alternatively or additionally, the components depicted can be located in the corners, frame, hinges, or nose bridge of the eyewear device 100. The left and right visible light cameras 114A, 114B can include digital camera elements, such as complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors, charge-coupled devices, lenses, or any other respective visible or light capturing elements that can be used to capture data, including still images or video of a scene with unknown objects.

[0063] As FIG. 4As shown, the high-speed circuit 430 includes a high-speed processor 432, a memory 434, and a high-speed wireless circuit 436. In this example, an image display driver 442 is coupled to the high-speed circuit 430 and operated by the high-speed processor 432 to drive the left and right image displays of each optical assembly 180A, 180B. The high-speed processor 432 can be any processor capable of managing the high-speed communications and operations of any general-purpose computing system required by the eyewear device 100. The high-speed processor 432 includes processing resources required to manage high-speed data transmissions to a wireless local area network (WLAN) using the high-speed wireless circuit 436.

[0064] In some examples, the high-speed processor 432 executes an operating system, such as a LINUX operating system or other such operating system of the eyewear device 100, and the operating system is stored in the memory 434 for execution. Among other responsibilities, the high-speed processor 432 executing the software architecture of the eyewear device 100 is used to manage data transmissions with the high-speed wireless circuit 436. In some examples, the high-speed wireless circuit 436 is configured to implement Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 communication standards, also referred to herein as Wi-Fi. In other examples, the high-speed wireless circuit 436 can implement other high-speed communication standards.

[0065] The low-power circuit 420 includes a low-power processor 422 and a low-power wireless circuit 424. The low-power wireless circuit 424 and the high-speed wireless circuit 436 of the eyewear device 100 can include short-range transceivers (Bluetooth TM or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)) and wireless wide area, local area, or wide area network transceivers (e.g., cellular or Wi-Fi). The mobile device 401, including the transceivers that communicate via the low-power wireless connection 425 and the high-speed wireless connection 437, can be implemented using the details of the architecture of the eyewear device 100, as can other elements of the network 495.

[0066] Memory 434 includes any storage device capable of storing various data and applications, including camera data generated by the left and right visible light cameras 114A, 114B, the infrared camera 410, the image processor 412, and images generated by the image display driver 442 for display on the image display of each optical component 180A, 180B. While memory 434 is shown as integrated with high-speed circuitry 430, in other examples, memory 434 may be a separate, independent component of the eye-wearing device 100. In some such examples, electrical wiring may provide a connection from the image processor 412 or the low-power processor 422 through a chip including the high-speed processor 432 to memory 434. In other examples, the high-speed processor 432 may manage addressing of memory 434 such that the low-power processor 422 will initiate the high-speed processor 432 whenever a read or write operation involving memory 434 is required.

[0067] like FIG. 4 As shown, the high-speed processor 432 of the eye-wearing device 100 can be coupled to a camera system (visible light cameras 114A, 114B), an image display driver 442, a user input device 491, and a memory 434. FIG. 5 As shown, the CPU 540 of the mobile device 401 can be coupled to the camera system 570, the mobile display driver 582, the user input layer 591, and the memory 540A.

[0068] Server system 498 may be one or more computing devices as part of a service or network computing system, such as computing devices including a processor, memory, and network communication interface for communicating with eye-wearing device 100 and mobile device 401 via network 495.

[0069] The output components of the eye-wearing device 100 include visual elements, such as left and right image displays associated with each lens or optical assembly 180A, 180B, such as FIG. 2A and FIG. 2BThe output components of the eyewear device 100 can include a display (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, a projector, or a waveguide), an indicator (e.g., an LED, a speaker, or a vibrating actuator) facing the user, or a signal (e.g., an LED, a speaker) facing outward. The image display of each optical assembly 180A, 180B is driven by an image display driver 442. In some example configurations, the output components of the eyewear device 100 further include additional indicators, such as audible elements (e.g., speakers), haptic components (e.g., actuators, such as vibrating motors for generating haptic feedback), and other signal generators. For example, the device 100 can include a set of indicators facing the user or a set of signals facing outward. The indicators facing the user are configured to be seen or otherwise perceived by the user of the device 100. For example, the device 100 can include an LED display positioned so that it can be seen by the user, one or more speakers positioned to generate sounds that can be heard by the user, or an actuator that provides haptic feedback that can be felt by the user. The set of signals facing outward are configured to be seen or otherwise perceived by observers in the vicinity of the device 100. Similarly, the device 100 can include an LED, a speaker, or an actuator configured to be perceived by an observer.

[0070] The input components of the eyewear device 100 can include alphanumeric input components (e.g., a touchscreen or touchpad configured to receive alphanumeric input, a photographic optical keyboard, or other alphanumeric configured elements), point-based input components (e.g., a mouse, a touchpad, a trackball, a joystick, a motion sensor, or other pointing instrument), tactile input components (e.g., a button switch, a touchscreen or touchpad that senses the position, force, or position and force of a touch or touch gesture, or other tactile configured elements), and audio input components (e.g., a microphone), among others. The mobile device 401 and the server system 498 can include alphanumeric, point-based, tactile, audio, and other input components.

[0071] In some examples, the eyewear device 100 includes a collection of motion-sensing components, referred to as an inertial measurement unit 472. The motion-sensing components can be micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) with microscopic moving parts that are typically small enough to be part of a microchip. In some example configurations, the inertial measurement unit (IMU) 472 includes an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer. The accelerometer can sense linear acceleration of the device 100 relative to three orthogonal axes (x, y, z), including acceleration due to gravity. The gyroscope senses angular rate of rotation of the device 100 about three rotational axes (pitch, roll, yaw). Together, the accelerometer and gyroscope can provide data about the position, orientation, and motion of the device relative to six axes (x, y, z, pitch, roll, yaw). If present, the magnetometer senses the heading of the device 100 relative to magnetic north. The position of the device 100 can be determined by a position sensor such as a GPS unit 473, one or more transceivers for generating relative position coordinates, an altitude sensor or barometer, and other orientation sensors. Such position system coordinates can also be received from a mobile device 401 via a low-power wireless circuit 424 or a high-speed wireless circuit 436 over a wireless connection 425 and 437.

[0072] The IMU 472 can include or cooperate with a digital motion processor or program that gathers raw data from the components and computes a number of useful values about the position, orientation, and motion of the device 100. For example, acceleration data gathered from the accelerometer can be integrated to obtain velocity relative to each axis (x, y, z); and again to obtain the position of the device 100 (in linear coordinates x, y, and z). Angular rate data from the gyroscope can be integrated to obtain the position of the device 100 (in spherical coordinates). The program for computing these useful values can be stored in the memory 434 and executed by the high-speed processor 432 of the eyewear device 100.

[0073] The eyewear device 100 can optionally include additional peripheral sensors, such as biometric sensors, property sensors, or display elements integrated with the eyewear device 100. For example, the peripheral device elements can include any I / O components, including output components, motion components, positioning components, or any other such elements described herein. For example, biometric sensors can include components that detect expressions (e.g., hand or body gestures, facial expressions, voice expressions, body poses, or eye tracking), measure biosignals (e.g., blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, perspiration, or brain waves), or identify a person (e.g., voice identification, retinal identification, facial feature identification, fingerprint identification, or electro- biological identification based on, for example, brain waves).

[0074] Mobile device 401 may be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, access point, or any other such device capable of connecting to eye-wearing device 100 using both low-power wireless connection 425 and high-speed wireless connection 437. Mobile device 401 connects to server system 498 and network 495. Network 495 may include any combination of wired and wireless connections.

[0075] like FIG. 4 The illustrated interactive augmented reality system 400 includes a computing device, such as a mobile device 401, coupled via a network to an eye-worn device 100. The interactive augmented reality system 400 includes a memory for storing instructions and a processor for executing the instructions. The processor 432 executes the instructions of the interactive augmented reality system 400 to configure the eye-worn device 100 to cooperate with the mobile device 401. The interactive augmented reality system 400 may utilize the memory 434 of the eye-worn device 100 or the memory elements 540A, 540B, 540C of the mobile device 401. FIG. 5 Furthermore, the interactive augmented reality system 400 may utilize the processor elements 432, 422 of the eye-wearing device 100 or the central processing unit (CPU) 530 of the mobile device 401. FIG. 5 Furthermore, the interactive augmented reality system 400 may further utilize the memory and processor elements of the server system 498. In this respect, the memory and processing capabilities of the interactive augmented reality system 400 may be shared or distributed across the eye-wearing device 100, the mobile device 401, and the server system 498.

[0076] Memory 434 includes song file 482 and virtual object 484. Song file 482 includes rhythm (e.g., beat track) and optional note sequences and note values. A note is a symbol representing a specific pitch or other musical sound. Note values ​​include the duration of a played note relative to the rhythm and may include other qualities such as loudness, emphasis, articulation clarity, and phrasing relative to other notes. In some embodiments, the rhythm includes a default value and a user interface through which a user can select a specific rhythm to use during song playback. Virtual object 484 includes image data for identifying objects or features in images captured by camera 114. These objects may be physical features, such as known paintings or physical markers used to locate the eye-wearing device 100 within an environment.

[0077] The memory 434 additionally includes a position detection tool 460, a marker registration tool 462, a position tool 464, a virtual object rendering tool 466, a physics engine 468, and a prediction engine 470 executed by the processor 432. The position detection tool 460 configures the processor 432 to determine a position (location and orientation) within an environment, e.g., using the position tool 464. The marker registration tool 462 configures the processor 432 to register a marker within an environment. The marker can be a predefined physical marker having a known location within the environment or designated by the processor 432 to a particular location relative to the environment in which the eyewear device 100 is operating or relative to the eyewear itself. The position tool 464 configures the processor 432 to obtain position data for determining a position of the eyewear device 100, a virtual object presented by the eyewear device, or a combination thereof. The position data can be derived from a series of images, an IMU unit 472, a GPS unit 473, or a combination thereof. The virtual object rendering tool 466 configures the processor 432 to render virtual images for display by the image display 180 under the control of the image display driver 442 and the image processor 412. The physics engine 468 configures the processor 432 to apply physical laws, such as gravity and friction, to a virtual world between, e.g., virtual games. The prediction engine 470 configures the processor 432 to predict an expected movement of an object, such as the eyewear device 100, based on a current heading of the object, input from a sensor such as the IMU 472, images of the environment, or a combination thereof.

[0078] FIG. 5 is a high-level functional block diagram of an example mobile device 401. The mobile device 401 includes a flash memory 540A that stores programs executed by a CPU 540 to run all of the functionality or a subset of the functionality described herein.

[0079] The mobile device 401 can include a camera 570 that includes at least two visible light cameras (first and second visible light cameras with overlapping fields of view) or at least one visible light camera and a depth sensor with substantially overlapping fields of view. The flash memory 540A can further include a plurality of images or videos generated via the camera 570.

[0080] As shown, the mobile device 401 includes an image display 580, a mobile display driver 582 that controls the image display 580, and a display controller 584. In FIG. 5 In an example of the image display 580, the image display 580 includes a user input layer 591 (e.g., a touch screen) that is on top of or otherwise integrated into a screen used by the image display 580.

[0081] Examples of touch-screen mobile devices that can be used include, but are not limited to, smartphones, palmtop computers (PDA), tablet computers, notebook computers, or other portable devices. However, the structure and operation of touch-screen devices are provided by way of example; the subject technology as described herein is not intended to be limited thereto. For purposes of this discussion, FIG. 5 A block diagram illustration of an exemplary mobile device 401 is thus provided with a user interface that includes a touch screen input layer 591 for receiving input (touch, multi-touch, or gestures by hand, stylus, or other implement, etc.) and an image display 580 for displaying content.

[0082] As FIG. 5 shown, the mobile device 401 includes at least one digital transceiver (XCVR) 510 for digital wireless communication via a wide area wireless mobile communication network, shown as a WWAN XCVR. The mobile device 401 also includes additional digital or analog transceivers, such as a short-range transceiver (XCVR) 520 for short-range network communication, such as via NFC, VLC, DECT, ZigBee, Bluetooth™, or Wi-Fi. For example, the short-range XCVR 520 can take the form of any available two-way wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver of a type compatible with one or more standard communication protocols implemented in a wireless local area network, e.g., one of the Wi-Fi standards conforming to IEEE 802.11.

[0083] To generate location coordinates for positioning the mobile device 401, the mobile device 401 can include a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. Alternatively or additionally, the mobile device 401 can utilize either or both of the short-range XCVR 520 and the WWAN XCVR 510 to generate location coordinates for positioning. For example, cellular network, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth™ based positioning systems can generate very accurate location coordinates, especially when used in combination. Such location coordinates can be transmitted via the XCVRs 510, 520 through one or more network connections to the eyewear device.

[0084] The transceivers 510, 520 (i.e., network communication interfaces) are compliant with one or more of the various digital wireless communication standards utilized by modern mobile networks. Examples of WWAN transceivers 510 include, but are not limited to, transceivers configured to operate according to Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network technologies, including, for example, but not limited to, 3GPP Type 2 (or 3GPP2) and LTE, sometimes referred to as "4G." For example, the transceivers 510, 520 provide for bi-directional wireless communication of information including digitized audio signals, still and video images, web information for displays and web-related input, as well as various types of mobile messaging to / from the mobile device 401.

[0085] The mobile device 401 further includes a microprocessor for use as a central processing unit (CPU); as shown by the CPU 540 in FIG. 6 The processor is an electric circuit having components structured and arranged to perform one or more processing functions, typically various data processing functions. While discrete logic components can be utilized, these examples utilize components forming a programmable CPU. The microprocessor includes, for example, one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips that incorporate electronic elements that perform the functions of the CPU 540. For example, the CPU 540 can be based on any known or available microprocessor architecture, such as a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) using the ARM architecture, as is commonly used in mobile devices and other portable electronic devices today. Of course, other arrangements of processor circuitry can be used to form the CPU 540 or processor hardware in smart phones, notebook computers, and tablet computers.

[0086] The CPU 540 functions as a programmable host controller for the mobile device 401 by configuring to perform various operations on the mobile device 401, for example, according to instructions or programming that the CPU 540 can execute. For example, such operations can include various general operations of the mobile device, as well as operations related to programs for applications on the mobile device. While the processor can be configured using hardwired logic, typical processors in mobile devices are general-purpose processing circuitry that are configured by executing programs.

[0087] The mobile device 401 includes a memory or storage system for storing programs and data. In examples, the memory system can include flash memory 540A, random access memory (RAM) 540B, and other memory components 540C, as needed. The RAM 540B functions as short-term storage for instructions and data processed by the CPU 540, for example, as working data processing memory. The flash memory 540A generally provides long-term storage.

[0088] Accordingly, in the example of mobile device 401, flash memory 540A is used to store programs or instructions executed by CPU 540. Depending on the type of device, mobile device 401 stores and runs a mobile operating system, through which specific applications are executed. Examples of mobile operating systems include Google's Android, Apple's iOS (for iPhone or iPad devices), Microsoft's Windows Mobile, Amazon's Fire OS, RIM's BlackBerry OS, etc.

[0089] Processor 432 within eyewear device 100 constructs a map of the environment surrounding eyewear device 100, determines the position of the eyewear device within the mapped environment, and determines the relative positioning of the eyewear device with respect to one or more objects in the mapped environment. In one example, processor 432 constructs a map and determines position and positioning information using a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm applied to data received from one or more sensors. In the context of augmented reality, a SLAM algorithm is used to construct and update a map of an environment while tracking and updating the position of the device (or user) in the mapped environment. The mathematical solution can be approximated using various statistical methods, such as particle filtering, Kalman filtering, extended Kalman filtering, and covariance intersection.

[0090] Sensor data includes images received from one or both of cameras 114A, 114B, distances received from a laser rangefinder, positioning information received from GPS unit 473, or a combination of two or more such sensor data, or data from other sensors that provide data used to determine positioning information, such as IMU 472.

[0091] FIG. 6 An example environment 600 is depicted, along with elements for natural feature tracking (NFT; e.g., tracking applications using a SLAM algorithm). A user 602 of eyewear device 100 is present in the example physical environment 600 (in this case, a room) and is wearing eyewear device 100. The user 602 is looking at a physical object 604 in the environment 600, such as a book or a painting. The user 602 is also looking at a virtual object 606 in the environment 600, such as a virtual object that is displayed on a display of eyewear device 100. FIG. 6In the interior room (where the image is located in the center), the processor 432 of the eye-wear device 100 uses the captured images to determine its location relative to one or more objects 604 within the environment 600, constructs a map of the environment 600 using the coordinate system (x, y, z) of the environment 600, and determines its location within the coordinate system. Additionally, the processor 432 determines the head pose (roll, pitch, and yaw) of the eye-wear device 100 within the environment by using two or more location points (e.g., three location points 606a, 606b, and 606c) associated with a single object 604a, or by using one or more location points 606 associated with two or more objects 604a, 604b, and 604c. In one example, the processor 432 of the eye-wear device 100 locates a virtual object 608 (such as...) within the environment 600. FIG. 7 The key shown is viewed in augmented reality via an image display 180.

[0092] FIG. 7 This is a flowchart 700 depicting a method for implementing the augmented reality applications described herein on a wearable device (e.g., an eye-wearing device). Although these steps are described herein with reference to an eye-wearing device 100, those skilled in the art will understand from the description herein that the described steps are for other embodiments of other types of devices. Additionally, it is conceivable that in FIG. 6 One or more steps shown in the figures and described herein may be omitted, performed simultaneously or sequentially, performed in a different order than those shown and described, or performed in combination with additional steps.

[0093] At frame 702, the eye-wearing device 100 captures one or more input images of the physical environment 600 in the vicinity of the eye-wearing device 100. The processor 432 can continuously receive input images from the visible light camera 114 and store these images in memory 434 for processing. Additionally, the eye-wearing device 100 can capture information from other sensors (e.g., location information from the GPS unit 473, orientation information from the IMU 472, or distance information from a laser distance sensor).

[0094] At frame 704, the eye-wearing device 100 compares objects in the captured image with objects stored in an image library to identify matches. In some embodiments, the processor 432 stores the captured image in memory 434. The image library of known objects is stored in a virtual object database 484.

[0095] In one example, the processor 432 is programmed to identify a predefined specific object (e.g., a particular photograph 604a hanging at a known location on a wall, a window 604b on another wall, or an object positioned on the floor such as a safe 604c). Other sensor data such as GPS data can be used to narrow the number of known objects used in the comparison (e.g., only images associated with a room identified through GPS coordinates). In another example, the processor 432 is programmed to identify a predefined general object (such as one or more trees within a park).

[0096] At block 706, the eyewear device 100 determines its positioning relative to the object. The processor 432 can determine its positioning relative to the object by comparing and processing distances between two or more points in the captured image (e.g., between two or more location points on one object 604 or between location points 606 on each of two objects 604) with known distances between corresponding points in the identified object. An indication that the distances between points of the captured image are greater than the distances between points of the identified object indicates that the eyewear device 100 is closer to the identified object than the imager that captured the image including the identified object. On the other hand, an indication that the distances between points of the captured image are less than the distances between points of the identified object indicates that the eyewear device 100 is farther from the identified object than the imager that captured the image including the identified object. By processing the relative distances, the processor 432 is able to determine the positioning relative to the object. Alternatively or additionally, other sensor information such as laser distance sensor information can be used to determine the positioning relative to the object.

[0097] At block 708, the eyewear device 100 constructs a map of the environment 600 surrounding the eyewear device 100 and determines its location within the environment. In one example, where the identified object (block 704) has a predefined coordinate system (x, y, z), the processor 432 of the eyewear device 100 uses this predefined coordinate system to construct the map and determines its positioning within this coordinate system based on the determined positioning relative to the identified object (block 706). In another example, the eyewear device uses images of permanent or semi-permanent objects 604 within the environment (e.g., a tree within a park or a park bench) to construct the map. According to this example, the eyewear device 100 can define a coordinate system (x', y', z' ) for the environment.

[0098] At block 710, the eyewear device 100 determines the head pose (roll, pitch, and yaw) of the eyewear device 100 within the environment. The processor 432 determines the head pose by using two or more location points (e.g., three location points 606a, 606b, and 606c) on one or more objects 604 or by using one or more location points 606 on two or more objects 604. Using conventional image processing algorithms, the processor 432 determines the roll, pitch, and yaw by comparing the angles and lengths of lines extending between location points of captured images and known images.

[0099] At block 712, the eyewear device 100 presents visual images to the user. The processor 432 presents images to the user on the image display 180 using the image processor 412 and the image display driver 442. The processor forms and presents visual images through the image display in response to the location of the eyewear device 100 within the environment 600.

[0100] At block 714, as the user moves within the environment 600, the steps described above with reference to blocks 706-712 are repeated to update the positioning of the eyewear device 100 and the content viewed by the user 602.

[0101] Referring again to FIG. 6 In this example, the method of implementing the augmented reality virtual guidance application described herein includes virtual markers (e.g., virtual marker 610a) associated with physical objects (e.g., painting 604a) and virtual markers associated with virtual objects (e.g., key 608). In one example, the eyewear device 100 uses markers associated with physical objects to determine the positioning of the eyewear device 100 within the environment and uses markers associated with virtual objects to generate overlay images that present the associated virtual object 608 in the environment 600 at the virtual marker positioning on the display of the eyewear device 100. For example, the locations of the markers in the environment are registered for tracking and updating the locations of the user, the device, and the objects (virtual and physical) in the mapped environment. The markers are sometimes registered to high-contrast physical objects (such as the relatively dark object 604a mounted on a lighter-colored wall) to assist the cameras and other sensors in the task of detecting the markers. The markers can be pre-designated or can be designated by the eyewear device 100 upon entering the environment. The markers are also registered at locations in the environment for presenting virtual images at those locations in the mapped environment.

[0102] The marker can be encoded with or otherwise linked to information. The marker can include positioning information, a physical code (such as a barcode or QR code; visible to the user or hidden), or a combination thereof. A set of data associated with the marker is stored in the memory 434 of the eyewear device 100. The set of data includes information about the marker 610a, the marker's position (location and orientation), one or more virtual objects, or a combination thereof. The marker position can include three-dimensional coordinates of one or more marker landmarks 616a, such as the corners of the generally rectangular marker 610a shown. The marker position can be expressed relative to real-world geographic coordinates, a marker coordinate system, a position of the eyewear device 100, or other coordinate systems. The one or more virtual objects associated with the marker 610a can include any of a variety of materials, including still images, videos, audio, haptic feedback, executable applications, interactive user interfaces and experiences, and combinations or sequences of such materials. In this context, any type of content that can be stored in memory and retrieved when the marker 610a is encountered or associated with a designated marker can be classified as a virtual object. For example, FIG. 6 The key 608 shown is a virtual object that is displayed as a 2D or 3D still image at the marker location. FIG. 6

[0103] In one example, the marker 610a can be registered in memory as being located near and associated with the physical object 604a (e.g., a framed artwork) shown. In another example, the marker can be registered in memory as being relative to a particular position of the eyewear device 100. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8E

[0104] FIG. 8A are flowcharts 800, 850, 860, 870, and 890 that list steps in example methods of augmented reality guided experiences. As described herein, although these steps are described with reference to the eyewear device 100, as described herein, other embodiments of the steps will be understood by those skilled in the art in light of the descriptions herein, for other types of wearable mobile devices. Additionally, it is contemplated that one or more of the steps shown in FIGS. 8A-8E and in other figures and described herein can be omitted, performed simultaneously or sequentially, performed in an order different from that shown and described, or performed in conjunction with additional steps. FIG. 8A

[0105] In FIG. 9A ​​​In an example, at block 802, the processor 432 captures an image of the environment. In an example, the image is a series of video data frames captured by the cameras 114A, 114B coupled to or as part of the eyewear device 100. In some embodiments, the cameras 114A, 114B include one or more high-resolution digital cameras equipped with a CMOS image sensor capable of capturing high-definition still images and high-definition video. Each digital video frame includes depth information for a plurality of pixels in the image. In this regard, the cameras 114A, 114B function as a high-definition scanner by capturing detailed input images of the environment. In some embodiments, the cameras 114A, 114B include a pair of high-resolution digital cameras 114A, 114B coupled to the eyewear device 100 and spaced apart to acquire left and right camera raw images. When combined, the raw images form an input image that includes a matrix of three-dimensional pixel locations. In some embodiments, the method at step 802 includes at least temporarily storing the series of captured video data frames in the memory 434 on the eyewear device 100 so that the frames are available for analysis.

[0106] At block 804, the processor 432 determines the positioning (e.g., location and orientation) of the eyewear device 100 relative to other objects in the environment. In an example, the processor 432 uses the series of video data frames to locate the position of the eyewear device 100 within the environment by applying a SLAM algorithm or other computer vision algorithm.

[0107] Additionally, the processor 432 determines the field of view of the eyewear device 100. The field of view of the eyewear device 100 is the field of vision through the optical element (assuming a see-through display). The field of view can be determined based on an angular value associated with the optical assembly (e.g., a cone of 30 degrees pointing in the direction around the central axis of the optical assembly). In one example, the mobile device is a tablet and the field of view is an image viewed on the screen that is substantially simultaneously captured by the visible light camera of the tablet.

[0108] The eyewear device 100 determines and monitors its position and orientation in three-dimensional space (e.g., two axes X and Y or three axes X, Y, and Z) and rotation about one or more axes (e.g., pitch, yaw, and roll). The eyewear device 100 can use a SLAM algorithm, other computer vision algorithms, various sensors (e.g., a compass for determining direction and an IMU 472 for determining orientation), or a combination thereof to determine and monitor the position and orientation of the eyewear device 100.

[0109] At block 806, the processor 432 monitors the current position of the eyewear device 100 as the eyewear device moves in the environment. Movement of the eyewear device 100 changes the position and orientation from which a series of video data frames are captured by the camera. The processor 432 (implementing the position detection program 460 and the position program 464) uses the series of video data frames to update the position as the wearer / user moves in the environment, for example, by applying a SLAM algorithm, other computer vision algorithms. In this regard, the method continuously updates the current local position of the eyewear device 100 as the wearer moves relative to the physical environment, such that the presented virtual object is persistently visible in a logically true position relative to the physical environment.

[0110] At block 808, the processor 432 identifies a first marker position that is within a predefined threshold (limit or range) of the current position. To identify the first marker position, according to one example, the processor 432 identifies a range of coordinates around the current position coordinates of the eyewear device 100 that includes, for example, all coordinates within ten feet of the current position coordinates of the eyewear device 100 or all coordinates that are greater than one foot and less than ten feet.

[0111] After the processor 432 identifies the environment, the markers within the environment can be stored in a lookup table that is retrieved by the eyewear device 100 from the server 498. The processor 432 sends its position coordinates to the server 498, for example, through the network 495 and optionally through the mobile device 401. The processor 432 then receives the lookup table corresponding to its position / current environment from the server 498, for example, through the network 495 and optionally through the mobile device 401. The processor 432 stores the lookup table in memory, for example, the memory 434.

[0112] In one example, the processor 432 identifies the first marker position from a subset of the marker positions that includes all marker positions within the environment that have coordinates within a range of coordinates around the position coordinates of the eyewear device 100. The processor 432 can identify the first marker position by querying the lookup table that includes all markers within the environment in the memory 434, identifying all marker positions within the range of coordinates from the lookup table, and selecting the marker that is closest to the current position of the eyewear device 100 from the identified marker positions as the first marker position.

[0113] In another example, the processor 432 identifies the first marker location from a subset of the marker locations that includes all marker locations whose coordinates are within a coordinate range around the location coordinates of the eyewear device 100 and also within the field of view of the eyewear device 100. The processor 432 can identify the first marker location by querying a lookup table in the memory 434 that includes all markers within the environment, identifying from the lookup table all marker locations that are both within the coordinate range and within the field of view of the eyewear device 100, and selecting from the identified marker locations the marker that is within the field of view and closest to the current location of the eyewear device 100 as the first marker location.

[0114] At block 810, the processor 432 registers the first marker location. The processor 432 selects and registers the marker location relative to the environment around the eyewear device 100 using the marker registration program 462. The marker registration includes storing the marker location in a memory (e.g., the memory 434). In one example, the marker location includes a set of three-dimensional marker coordinates based on or related to depth information obtained from a digital image or digital video frame. In another example, the marker location includes a set of three-dimensional marker coordinates based on or related to GPS information or other location information obtained by the processor 432.

[0115] In some embodiments, the marker location coincides with the origin (0, 0, 0) of the marker coordinate system. The marker coordinate system can be used as a reference for the marker location as well as various other locations in the vicinity of where the marker is placed. In one example, the origin corresponds to the environment, and all marker locations are defined relative to the environment.

[0116] At block 812, the processor 432 generates an overlay image that includes a first guide marker for display at the first marker location. The processor 432 can generate the overlay image using a display system that executes the rendering program 466 and includes the image processor 412, the image display driver 442, and the image display 180. The first guide marker includes a plurality of attributes (e.g., shape, size, color). The attributes can be stored in a marker location lookup table or another table. In one example, the processor 432 generates the overlay image in response to the location of the eyewear device 100 relative to the first marker location, for example, by adjusting attributes such as size based on distance, so that the apparent size of the marker increases as the eyewear device 100 approaches the marker.

[0117] At block 814, the processor 432 renders the overlay image. The image processor 412 renders the overlay image including the first guide marker on the image display 180A-B using the image display driver 442 such that the first guide marker appears at the first marker location. For example, using the position and orientation results obtained from the localization using the captured video data frames (step 802) and the virtual object rendering program 466, the eyewear device 100 performs the step 814 of rendering the overlay image with the first guide marker on the display with a size, shape, and orientation related to the marker location. The first guide marker is rendered on the lens of the eyewear device 100, thereby facilitating viewing of both the first guide marker and the physical environment. For example, the right lens (right optical assembly 180B) includes a right display matrix 177B configured to interact with light from a right projector 150 positioned to project images onto the inner surface of the lens 180B. In this regard, the first guide marker is rendered as part of an overlay with respect to the physical environment such that the first virtual marker is persistently visible. FIG. 9A An example eyewear device 100 is depicted with an overlay image including a first guide marker 902 (with a first color attribute; e.g., green) positioned at a first marker location within the environment 904.

[0118] At block 816, the processor 432 identifies a second marker location within a predefined threshold (limit or range) of the current location. The second marker location can be identified substantially as described above for the first marker (block 808) — modified to look at the next closest marker. In one example, the processor 432 can identify the second marker location by querying a lookup table including all markers within the environment in the memory 434, identifying all marker locations within the coordinate range from the lookup table, and selecting the next closest marker to the current location of the eyewear device 100 from the identified marker locations after the first marker location. In another example, the processor 432 can identify the second marker location by querying a lookup table including all markers within the environment in the memory 434, identifying all marker locations within both the coordinate range and within the field of view of the eyewear device 100 from the lookup table, and selecting the next closest marker to the current location of the eyewear device 100 within the field of view and after the first marker location from the identified marker locations.

[0119] At blocks 818 and 820, the processor 432 registers the second marker location and generates another overlay image including the second marker location. The processor 432 registers the second marker location and generates another overlay image using the same process described above for the first marker location (blocks 810 and 812). The generated another overlay image can include only the second guide marker or both the first and second guide markers.

[0120] At block 822, the processor 432 presents another overlay image. The image processor 412 presents another overlay image including the second guide marker (and optionally, the first guide marker) using the image display driver 442 on the image display 180A-B such that the second guide marker appears at the second marker location. The processor 432 presents another overlay image using the same process described above for the overlay image (block 814). FIG. 9A An example eyewear device 100 is depicted with an overlay image including a second guide marker 906 (having a second color attribute; e.g., light green) positioned at a second marker location within the environment 904.

[0121] At block 824, the processor 432 identifies other marker locations within a predefined threshold (limit or range) of the current location. The other marker locations can be identified and registered based on the description above for the first and second markers (blocks 808, 810, 816, and 818). The overlay image for registered marker locations can then be presented and generated with reference to the blocks 812, 814, 820, and 822 described above. FIG. 9B An example eyewear device 100 is depicted with an overlay image including another guide marker (third guide marker 908; having a third color attribute; e.g., red) positioned at a third marker location within the environment 904.

[0122] At block 826, the processor 432 suppresses display of guide markers that are less than a predefined threshold. For example, if a marker location of a guide marker is within one foot of the current location of the eyewear device 100, the processor 432 prevents the corresponding guide marker from being included during generation of the overlay image. Thus, to avoid cluttering the field of view, guide markers that have been used to guide the wearer of the eyewear device 100 are not displayed. FIG. 9A An example eyewear device 100 is depicted with an overlay image including the third guide marker 908 positioned within the environment, but no longer displaying the first guide marker 902 and the second guide marker 904 (see FIG. 8B ).

[0123] In FIG. 9D , the flowchart 850 depicts an example of steps for creating and displaying dynamic guide markers. At block 852, the processor 432 monitors a counter. The counter can be implemented by the processor 432.

[0124] At block 854, the processor 432 generates a successive overlay image that includes the guide marker at a different orientation (e.g., each image corresponds to an increment of the counter). The processor 432 can use the display system to generate the successive overlay image. In one example, the dynamic guide marker includes a plurality of guide markers that have the same shape but have different orientations. For each increment of the counter, a different guide marker of the plurality of guide markers is selected to display in the overlay image. By speeding up and slowing down the counter, the processor 432 is able to increase and decrease the rate of change (e.g., rotation of the guide marker about an axis). FIG. 8C - F depicts a dynamic guide marker (final guide marker 910) that has a different orientation in each frame (e.g., transitioning from guide marker 910a to guide marker 910b to guide marker 910c).

[0125] In FIG. 9B , the flowchart 860 depicts an example of steps for changing the appearance of a guide marker based on distance. At block 862, the processor 432 determines a distance between the marker location of the guide marker and the eyewear device 100. For example, the processor 432 can calculate a difference between the marker location of the guide marker and a current location of the eyewear device 100 and use an absolute value of the difference and the distance. At block 864, the image processor 412 adjusts visual properties of the guide marker in response to the determined distance under control of the processor 432. For example, the image processor 412 can increase a size of the guide marker as the distance decreases and increase the size of the guide marker as the distance increases. FIG. 9C depicts the guide marker 914a having a first size, and FIG. 8D depicts the guide marker 914b having a second, larger size. Other properties, such as color, can also be adjusted based on distance. At block 866, the processor 432 generates another overlay image that includes the adjusted guide marker. The overlay image can be generated as described above with reference to blocks 812 and 820.

[0126] In FIG. 9B , the flowchart 870 depicts another example of steps for changing the appearance of a guide marker based on distance. At block 872, the processor 432 determines a distance between the marker location of the guide marker and the eyewear device 100. For example, the processor 432 can calculate the distance as described above with reference to block 862.

[0127] At decision block 874, the processor 432 compares the determined distance (block 872) to a threshold distance (e.g., 4 feet). If the distance is greater than the threshold distance, the process continues at block 876 to select a first visual image for the guide marker (e.g., FIG. 9CThe first guide marker 914a has a first size. At block 878, the processor 432 selects a second visual image of the guide marker (e.g., a second guide marker 914b having a second, larger size) if the distance is less than or equal to a threshold distance. Images having other attribute differences (such as color) can also be selected based on distance. FIG. 8E The first guide marker 914a has a first size. At block 878, the processor 432 selects a second visual image of the guide marker (e.g., a second guide marker 914b having a second, larger size) if the distance is less than or equal to a threshold distance. Images having other attribute differences (such as color) can also be selected based on distance.

[0128] At block 880, the processor 432 generates another overlay image that includes the selected guide marker. The overlay image can be generated as described above with reference to blocks 812 and 820.

[0129] At FIG. 9C In some implementations, the flowchart 890 depicts an example for adjusting guide markers based on characteristics of the environment. At block 892, the processor 432 senses a characteristic of the environment (e.g., a width of the hallway). The processor 432 can sense the characteristic by applying a CV algorithm to images captured by the camera (block 802). At block 894, the processor 432 adjusts a visual attribute of the guide marker in response to the sensed characteristic. For example, the size of the guide marker can be adjusted to fill the width of the hallway (see FIG. 9A ). The processor 432 can adjust the visual attribute via the image processor 412 executing the rendering program 466.

[0130] FIG. 9A -F shows a guided augmented reality experience in which a user of the eyewear device 100 is guided to a destination (e.g., a paper shredder 920) in an environment 904. FIG. 9B shows an overlay image rendered on the display 180 of the eyewear device 100 that includes a first guide marker 902, a second guide marker 906, and a third guide marker 908 located at marker positions within an environment (e.g., an office or a museum). The guide markers are shaped to guide the user in a guide direction (straight ahead in the illustrated example). FIG. 9B shows an overlay image in which a third guide marker 908, a fourth guide marker 912, and a fifth guide marker 914 are included in the overlay (and the first guide marker 902 and the second guide marker 904 are no longer visible) as the user of the eyewear device 100 moves in the environment 904.

[0131] FIG. 9C , FIG. 9D-9F shows an example in which a characteristic (size in the illustrated example) of the guide markers changes based on a distance between the eyewear device 100 and the marker positions of the guide markers. As the eyewear device 100 approaches the marker positions, the corresponding guide markers transition from a relatively small guide marker 914a to a relatively large guide marker 914b.

[0132] ​Additional guide markers 916 and 918 that continuously transition (e.g., rotate) when within the field of view of the eyewear device 100 are shown, as is the dynamic guide marker 910. In the illustrated embodiment, the dynamic guide marker 910 is the final guide marker that identifies a feature / location in the physical world, in this case the paper shredder bin 920.

[0133] As described herein, any of the functionality of the eyewear device 100, the mobile device 401, and the server system 498 can be embodied in one or more computer software applications or sets of programming instructions. According to some examples, a "functionality," "application," "instructions," or "program" is a program that performs the functionality defined in the program. Various programming languages can be employed to develop one or more of the applications structured in a variety of ways, such as an object-oriented programming language (e.g., Objective-C, Java, or C++) or a procedural programming language (e.g., C or assembly language). In a particular example, a third-party application (e.g., an application developed using the ANDROID™ or IOS™ software development kit (SDK) by an entity other than the vendor of the particular platform) can include mobile software running on a mobile operating system (such as IOS™, ANDROID™, WINDOWS® Phone, or another mobile operating system). In this example, the third-party application can invoke API calls provided by the operating system to facilitate the functionality described herein.

[0134] Accordingly, a machine readable medium can take many forms of tangible storage media. Non-volatile storage media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as any of the storage devices in any computer(s) or the like, such as can be used to implement the client device, media gateway, transcoder, etc. shown in the drawings. Volatile storage media include dynamic memory, such as the main memory of such a computer platform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables; copper wire and fiber optic cables, including the wires that comprise a bus within a computer system. Carrier-wave transmission media can take the form of electric or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media therefore include for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical storage medium that can be used to store or transfer data or information, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave transporting data or instructions, cables or links transporting such a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read or download a computer program or data. Many of these forms of computer readable media can be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.

[0135] In addition to what has just been stated above, whether or not it is stated in the claims, the stated or described content is not intended or should not be construed as causing any part, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage or equivalent to be offered to the public.

[0136] It should be understood that, unless otherwise specified herein, the terms and expressions used herein have the general meaning consistent with those in the corresponding fields of investigation and research. Relational terms such as “first” and “second” are used only to distinguish one entity or action from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or order between these entities or actions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “having,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes or comprises a list of elements or steps includes not only those elements or steps, but may also include other elements or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element prefixed with “a” or “an” does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0137] Unless otherwise stated, any and all measurements, values, ratings, positions, quantities, dimensions, and other specifications set forth in this specification, including those in the appended claims, are approximate, not precise. Such quantities are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions they relate to and the conventions in the fields to which they pertain. For example, unless otherwise expressly stated, parameter values, etc., can vary from said quantity or range by up to plus or minus ten percent.

[0138] Furthermore, as can be seen in the foregoing embodiments, various features have been combined in various examples for the purpose of simplifying this disclosure. The disclosed method should not be construed as reflecting an intention to require more features than expressly recited in each claim in the claimed examples. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the claimed subject matter lies in fewer features than any single disclosed example. Therefore, the following claims are thereby incorporated into the embodiments, wherein each claim exists independently as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0139] While examples considered to be best practices and other examples have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications may be made therein, and the subject matter disclosed herein can be implemented in various forms and examples, and is applicable to many applications, of which only some have been described herein. The appended claims are intended to claim protection for any and all modifications and variations falling within the true scope of the inventive concept.

Claims

1. An augmented reality guidance system for guiding a user in an environment, the system comprising: a position detection system; a display system; an eyewear device, the eyewear device comprising the position detection system, the display system, a processor, and a memory; and a program in the memory, wherein execution of the program by the processor installed on the eyewear device implements functions, including functions for: monitoring, with the position detection system, a current position of the eyewear device within the environment; identifying, in the environment, a first virtual marker position within a predefined threshold of the current position, the first virtual marker position being defined relative to the environment and being associated with a first guidance virtual marker for guiding a user through the environment; registering, with the position detection system, a location of the first virtual marker position relative to the environment; generating, with the display system, a first overlay image in response to the current position of the eyewear device, the first overlay image comprising the first guidance virtual marker for display at the first virtual marker position; presenting, by the display system, the first overlay image; identifying, in the environment, a second virtual marker position within the predefined threshold of the current position, the second virtual marker position being defined relative to the environment and being associated with a second guidance virtual marker for guiding a user through the environment; registering, with the position detection system, a location of the second virtual marker position relative to the environment; generating, with the display system, a second overlay image in response to the current position of the eyewear device, the second overlay image comprising the second guidance virtual marker for display at the second virtual marker position; and presenting, by the display system, the second overlay image.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the second guidance virtual marker is a final destination virtual marker, and the second virtual marker position is associated with a physical destination in the environment.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the final destination virtual marker is a dynamic image, and wherein the functions for generating the second overlay image include functions for: monitoring a counter; in response to the counter and the current position of the eyewear device, generating a successive overlay image comprising the second guidance virtual marker for display at the second virtual marker position, the second guidance virtual marker having a different orientation in successive images of the successive overlay image.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the second overlay image further comprises the first guidance virtual marker for display at the first virtual marker position and the second virtual marker position.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the second guidance virtual marker has a plurality of visual attributes, and wherein the functions for generating the second overlay image include functions for: determining a distance between the second virtual marker position and the current position of the eyewear device; ​ adjusting at least one of a plurality of visual properties in response to the determined distance; and generating, with the display system responsive to the current position of the eyewear device, the second overlay image, the second overlay image including the second guide virtual marker adjusted according to the determined distance.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the at least one property includes a size of the second guide virtual marker.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein the second guide virtual marker is associated with a first visual image and with a second visual image, and wherein the functionality for generating the second overlay image includes functionality for: determining a distance between the second virtual marker position and the current position of the eyewear device; if the determined distance is less than a first predefined distance and greater than a second predefined distance, then selecting the first visual image; if the determined distance is less than the second predefined distance, then selecting the second visual image; and generating, with the display system responsive to the current position of the eyewear device, the second overlay image, the second overlay image including the selected first or second visual image for the second guide virtual marker.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein execution of the program by the processor further configures the eyewear device to perform additional functionality including functionality for: identifying, in the environment, a third virtual marker position within the predefined threshold of the current position, the third virtual marker position defined relative to the environment and associated with a third guide virtual marker for guiding a user through the environment; and registering, with the position detection system, a location of the third virtual marker position relative to the environment; wherein the functionality for generating the second overlay image includes functionality for generating, with the display system responsive to the current position of the eyewear device, the second overlay image including the third guide virtual marker for display at the third virtual marker position and the first and second guide virtual markers.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the functionality for generating the second overlay image includes functionality for: identifying when the first virtual marker position is within a third predefined distance, the third predefined distance less than the second predefined distance; wherein the functionality for generating the second overlay image includes functionality for generating, with the display system responsive to the current position of the eyewear device, the second overlay image including the second guide virtual marker for display at the second virtual marker position and the third guide virtual marker for display at the third virtual marker position, while suppressing the first guide virtual marker.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the first guide virtual marker includes a plurality of visual attributes, and wherein execution of the program by the processor further configures the eyewear device to perform additional functions, including functions for: sensing environmental characteristics proximate the first virtual marker location; and adjusting at least one of the plurality of visual attributes in response to the sensed characteristics; wherein the function for generating the second overlay image includes a function for generating the second overlay image with the display system in response to the current location of the eyewear device, the second overlay image including the first guide virtual marker adjusted in response to the sensed characteristics as well.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the display system comprises: a see-through display supported by the eyewear device for displaying the first and second guide virtual markers.

12. An augmented reality guidance method for guiding a user in an environment using an eyewear device having a location detection system and a display system, the method comprising: monitoring a current location of the eyewear device within the environment with the location detection system; identifying in the environment a first virtual marker location within a predefined threshold of the current location, the first virtual marker location being defined relative to the environment and associated with a first guide virtual marker for guiding the user through the environment; registering a location of the first virtual marker location relative to the environment with the location detection system; generating a first overlay image with the display system in response to the current location of the eyewear device, the first overlay image including the first guide virtual marker for display at the first virtual marker location; presenting the first overlay image by the display system; identifying in the environment a second virtual marker location within the predefined threshold of the current location, the second virtual marker location being defined relative to the environment and associated with a second guide virtual marker for guiding the user through the environment; registering a location of the second virtual marker location relative to the environment with the location detection system; generating a second overlay image with the display system in response to the current location of the eyewear device, the second overlay image including the second guide virtual marker for display at the second virtual marker location; and presenting the second overlay image by the display system.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the second guide virtual marker is a final destination virtual marker, the second virtual marker location is associated with a physical destination in the environment, and the final destination virtual marker is a dynamic image, and wherein the generating the second overlay image includes: monitoring a counter; generating a successive overlay image with the display system in response to the counter and the current location of the eyewear device, the successive overlay image including the second guide virtual marker for display at the second virtual marker location, the second guide virtual marker having a different orientation in an adjacent image of the successive overlay image.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the second overlay image further includes the first guide virtual marker for display at the first virtual marker location and the second virtual marker location, the second guide virtual marker having a plurality of visual attributes, and the generating the second overlay image includes: determining a distance between the second virtual marker location and the current location of the eyewear device; adjusting at least one of the plurality of visual attributes in response to the determined distance; and generating the second overlay image, with the display system responsive to the current location of the eyewear device, the second overlay image including the second guide virtual marker adjusted in response to the determined distance.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the second overlay image further includes the first guide virtual marker for display at the first virtual marker location and the second virtual marker location, the second guide virtual marker associated with a first visual image and associated with a second visual image, and the generating the second overlay image includes: determining a distance between the second virtual marker location and the current location of the eyewear device; selecting the first visual image if the determined distance is less than a first predefined distance and greater than a second predefined distance; selecting the second visual image if the determined distance is less than the second predefined distance; and generating the second overlay image, with the display system responsive to the current location of the eyewear device, the second overlay image including the selected first or second visual image for the second guide virtual marker.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the second overlay image further includes the first guide virtual marker for display at the first virtual marker location and the second virtual marker location, and wherein the method further includes: identifying, in an environment, a third virtual marker location within the predefined threshold of the current location, the third virtual marker location defined relative to the environment and associated with a third guide virtual marker for guiding a user through the environment; and registering, with the location detection system, a location of the third virtual marker location relative to the environment; wherein the generating the second overlay image includes generating the second overlay image, with the display system responsive to the current location of the eyewear device, the second overlay image including the third guide virtual marker for display at the third virtual marker location and the first and second guide virtual markers.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the generating the second overlay image includes: identifying when the first virtual marker location is within a third predefined distance, the third predefined distance less than the second predefined distance; wherein said generating said second overlay image comprises: generating said second overlay image, with said display system responsive to said eyewear device current positioning, said second overlay image including said second guide virtual marker for display at said second virtual marker positioning and said third guide virtual marker for display at said third virtual marker positioning while blocking said first guide virtual marker.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein said first guide virtual marker comprises a plurality of visual attributes, and wherein the method further comprises: sensing an environmental characteristic proximate said first virtual marker positioning; and adjusting at least one of said plurality of visual attributes responsive to said sensed characteristic; wherein said generating said second overlay image comprises: generating said second overlay image, with said display system responsive to said eyewear device current positioning, said second overlay image including said first guide virtual marker adjusted also responsive to said sensed characteristic.

19. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing program code for guiding a user in an environment when executed by an eyewear device having a positioning detection system and a display system, the program code when executed operates to cause an electronic processor to perform the following steps: monitoring, with said positioning detection system, a current positioning of said eyewear device within said environment; identifying in an environment a first virtual marker positioning within a predefined threshold of said current positioning, said first virtual marker positioning being defined relative to said environment and associated with a first guide virtual marker for guiding a user through an environment; registering, with said positioning detection system, a location of said first virtual marker positioning relative to an environment; generating, with said display system responsive to said current positioning of said eyewear device, a first overlay image, said first overlay image including said first guide virtual marker for display at said first virtual marker positioning; presenting, by said display system, said first overlay image; identifying in an environment a second virtual marker positioning within said predefined threshold of said current positioning, said second virtual marker positioning being defined relative to said environment and associated with a second guide virtual marker for guiding a user through an environment; registering, with said positioning detection system, a location of said second virtual marker positioning relative to an environment; generating, with said display system responsive to said eyewear device current positioning, a second overlay image, said second overlay image including said second guide virtual marker for display at said second virtual marker positioning; and presenting, by said display system, said second overlay image.

20. The non-transitory computer readable medium storing said program code of claim 19, wherein said first guide virtual marker has a plurality of visual attributes, and wherein the program code when executed operates to cause an electronic processor to perform the following additional steps: sensing an environmental characteristic proximate a location of the first virtual marker; and adjusting at least one of said plurality of visual attributes responsive to said sensed characteristic; wherein the generating the second overlay image includes generating the second overlay image with the display system responsive to a current positioning of the eyewear device, the second overlay image including the first guide virtual marker adjusted responsive to the sensed characteristic as well.

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