Augmented Reality Proximity Control for Accessible Physical Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional augmented reality devices lack the ability to dynamically adjust physical environments to enhance user accessibility and accommodate user-specific needs, such as visual impairments, by modifying the configuration of physical apparatus like handrails, shelves, and signage in real-time.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality device that communicates with configurable physical apparatuses to change their configurations, such as adjusting the height of handrails, altering the colors of signage, and illuminating paths, based on user proximity and profile data to facilitate easier navigation and recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional augmented reality devices are used, then basic AR functionality is provided, but the ability to dynamically adjust physical environments for accessibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of wearable devices, mobile devices, or server systems that act as mediators between users and configurable physical apparatus. These intermediaries detect user needs, process information, and transmit control signals to adjust physical apparatus configurations, thereby enabling environmental adaptation without requiring direct user interaction with each device
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring accessibility settings and preferences in advance based on user profiles stored in the wearable device, mobile device, or server. When a user approaches a configurable physical apparatus, the system has already prepared the appropriate configuration parameters, enabling immediate adaptation upon detection of user proximity or need
2Ease of operation
If physical apparatus configurations are manually adjusted, then individual user needs can be met, but real-time dynamic adjustment capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where wearable devices continuously monitor user characteristics, position, and needs, and this information is fed back to the configurable physical apparatus through mobile devices or server systems. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic real-time adjustment of apparatus configurations without manual intervention, reducing time loss while maintaining ease of operation for individual users
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing configurable physical apparatus to automatically adjust their own configurations based on signals received from wearable devices or mobile devices. The apparatus autonomously changes settings such as height, color, or illumination without requiring manual operation, thereby eliminating configuration adjustment time while maintaining user-specific customization
3Ease of manufacture
If standard physical apparatus are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing configurable physical apparatus that can serve multiple functions and adapt to different user needs through software-controlled adjustments. The apparatus maintain simple manufacturing by using standard components with integrated controllers that enable multi-functionality through firmware or software configuration rather than hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability through parameter changes by modifying operational parameters of physical apparatus such as height, color, illumination intensity, or configuration state through electronic control. This allows standard apparatus to be dynamically reconfigured for different accessibility needs without changing their physical structure or manufacturing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A determination can be made as to whether a user of an augmented reality device is within a threshold distance from a configurable physical apparatus including at least one display configured to emit light. Responsive to determining that the user is within the threshold distance from the configurable physical apparatus, a communication link can be established between the augmented reality device and a controller of the configurable physical apparatus. The controller can be initiated to change the configurable physical apparatus from a first configuration to a second configuration. In the first configuration the at least one display can visually depict textures causing the physical apparatus to look like a first type of ceiling or a first type of floor. In the second configuration the at least one display can visually depict textures causing the physical apparatus to look like a second type of ceiling or a second type of floor.