Location-Based AR Using Building Facades Instead of Full 3D Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing augmented reality systems require comprehensive 3D models for accurate content augmentation, which can be resource-intensive and complex.

Innovation Solution

A location-based augmented reality system that uses planar building facades as references to augment 3D data, allowing for the generation and presentation of AR content based on surface models and user perspectives, without the need for full 3D modeling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive 3D models are used for accurate content augmentation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaugmentation accuracyVSAvoidmodeling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex 3D modeling task into two parts: using existing simplified 2D map data (avoiding full 3D modeling) and overlaying AR content based on device location and orientation. This segmentation allows accurate augmentation without requiring comprehensive 3D models of the entire environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses existing 2D map data as a simplified copy or representation of the real-world environment, rather than creating detailed 3D models. This copying approach maintains sufficient accuracy for AR augmentation while dramatically reducing complexity compared to full 3D modeling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive 3D models are used for accurate content augmentation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaugmentation accuracyVSAvoidcomputational energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the computationally intensive 3D modeling operation from the AR rendering operation. By using pre-existing 2D map data and only performing 2D transformations based on device location and orientation, the system avoids the high energy cost of real-time 3D model generation and processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs the environment representation work in advance by using pre-created 2D map data, rather than generating 3D models in real-time. This preliminary action eliminates the need for computationally expensive real-time 3D processing during AR content delivery, significantly reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If planar building facades are used instead of comprehensive 3D models, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodeling complexityVSAvoidlocation-based accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using location-specific 2D map data that corresponds to the device's current position. Rather than requiring global 3D models, the system uses locally relevant map information combined with precise device location and orientation data to achieve accurate AR augmentation for the specific viewpoint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter representation from complex 3D geometric models to simplified 2D coordinates and transformation parameters. By using 2D map coordinates combined with device location (latitude/longitude) and orientation data, the system achieves sufficient precision for AR content placement without the complexity of full 3D modeling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3948797B1Location based augmented-reality system
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 SNAP INC
  • EP3948797B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3948797B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3948797B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A location-based augmented-reality system to generate and cause display of augmented-reality content that includes three-dimensional typography, based on a perspective, and location of a client device.