Augmented Reality Barcode Visualization Overlay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional augmented reality clients disrupt the user experience by treating barcodes and target objects differently, causing inconsistent behavior when both are detected in the same image frame, leading to user frustration and potential obstruction of the real-world view.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows visualization of text encoded in optically machine-readable barcodes within augmented reality, enabling the user to view associated content without exiting camera mode, while simultaneously detecting and rendering information for target objects, maintaining a consistent user experience by overlaying augments in real-time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the system exits camera mode to display barcode content, then the user can view barcode information, but the real-world view is obstructed and user experience is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarcode information visibilityVSAvoiduser experience continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from 2D screen display to 3D spatial overlay by rendering barcode content as a virtual object positioned in the augmented reality scene. The barcode content is displayed as a floating card or panel in 3D space above the real-world barcode, allowing users to view information without exiting camera mode or blocking the real-world view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an augmented reality overlay as an intermediary between the user and the barcode content. Instead of directly switching to a full-screen barcode viewer, the system superimposes the barcode content as a translucent or semi-transparent layer over the camera view, mediating between the need to display information and maintain real-world visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system treats barcodes and target objects differently, then specific processing can be applied to each, but inconsistent behavior occurs when both are detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedifferential processing capabilityVSAvoidbehavior consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal augmented reality display framework that can handle both barcodes and target objects through the same rendering pipeline. Both types of content are processed as detectable objects in the scene, with their information displayed as augmented reality overlays, unifying the treatment of different object types while maintaining the ability to apply specific processing logic for each type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having barcodes and target objects trigger different application modes or screen transitions, the patent inverts the approach by having both types of objects trigger the same augmented reality overlay behavior. The system no longer switches between different operational states but maintains a consistent augmented reality state for all detected objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If the system overlays augment content in real-time, then the user experience remains continuous, but computing resources and processing power are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experience continuityVSAvoidcomputing resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by selectively rendering only the necessary augment content based on what is currently detected in the scene. When a barcode or target object is detected, only the relevant information overlay is rendered, rather than continuously rendering all possible content types. The system also uses partial rendering by displaying only the essential information fields in the augment content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS9946963B2Barcode visualization in augmented reality

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 LAYAR

AI summary

Disclosed herein is an improved method for providing content associated with barcodes in augmented reality in addition or in combination with providing content associated with target objects in augmented reality. The improved method advantageously provides a augmented reality client that a user may use to view the respective content associated with barcodes and target objects while in camera view to improve usability. Advantageously, the user is not unexpectedly taken out of camera view to view the content associated with the barcode and the user experience provided is consistent between barcodes and target objects. Furthermore, the improved method integrates barcodes and a visualization of the barcode within augmented reality, without disrupting the real-time augmented reality experience.