Augmented Reality Depth Sensing for Marker-Free Spatial Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented reality technologies require users and developers to adapt to cumbersome methods, such as placing markers or using unnatural interfaces, to interact with digital and real-world environments, leading to a digital-reality divide and inefficient application of digital resources in real-world situations.
Innovation Solution
Systems and methods that enable passive and semi-active application of digital resources by using depth sensors and cameras to create high-fidelity three-dimensional models of environments, allowing virtual objects to persist and interact naturally with real-world settings, without the need for cumbersome preparations or markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional augmented reality methods use markers or patterns on surfaces, then virtual objects can be projected and positioned, but the real-world environment must be adapted to technology requirements and preparation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the requirement for artificial markers and patterns from the augmented reality system. Instead of needing these external references, the system uses the natural geometric features and depth information of real-world surfaces captured by the imaging device to directly position and anchor virtual objects, eliminating the cumbersome preparation step while maintaining positioning reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the real-world environment to serve itself for positioning purposes. By using depth sensors and cameras to capture and analyze the natural geometry of surfaces, the environment provides its own reference framework without requiring external markers or human intervention for preparation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating adaptive preparation
2Power
If digital interfaces require unnatural interactions like keyboards and mice, then digital systems can process information, but users must adapt their natural behavior to technology
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring users to adapt to digital interfaces, the patent inverts the approach by making the digital system adapt to the user's natural environment and behavior. The system captures the user's real-world context through cameras and depth sensors, then overlays digital information that naturally integrates with their physical actions and surroundings, allowing users to interact with digital content through their natural movements and perspectives
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal interface that works across different real-world contexts without requiring users to learn different interaction methods. The augmented reality system adapts to various environments, objects, and user actions, providing consistent natural interaction whether the user is viewing furniture in a room, examining products, or navigating spaces, eliminating the need for specialized digital interfaces
3Device complexity
If video games are designed exclusively within artificial device confines, then game mechanics can be controlled, but developers have no means to identify the user's real-world environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to game design by integrating spatial and environmental data from the real world with traditional game mechanics. Depth sensors and cameras capture three-dimensional environmental information, allowing games to be designed that respond to and incorporate the user's physical surroundings, transforming games from confined two-dimensional experiences to immersive three-dimensional interactions with the real environment
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary capture and processing of environmental data before game elements are introduced. By pre-mapping the user's real-world space using depth sensors and cameras, the system prepares the environmental framework in advance, allowing game developers to design mechanics that naturally integrate with the captured space without requiring real-time adaptation, thus maintaining control precision while gaining environmental versatility
4Measurement precision
If measurements are taken by hand and compared with online listings, then furniture can be evaluated, but the process is inefficient and separates digital information from physical reality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges digital measurement capabilities with physical evaluation in real-time. The augmented reality system uses depth sensors and cameras to capture precise three-dimensional measurements of the user's environment and simultaneously overlays virtual furniture models with accurate spatial relationships, combining digital information and physical reality into a unified evaluation process that is both precise and efficient
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual measurement mechanics with optical and computational methods. Instead of physically measuring spaces with tools and manually comparing dimensions, the patent uses depth cameras and image processing to automatically capture and analyze spatial data, substituting mechanical measurement with automated visual recognition and calculation, dramatically improving efficiency while maintaining precision
Data Source
AI summary
Various of the disclosed embodiments provide systems and methods for acquiring and applying a depth determination of an environment in e.g., various augmented reality applications. A user may passively or actively scan a device (e.g., a tablet device, a mobile phone device, etc.) about the environment acquiring depth data for various regions. The system may integrate these scans into an internal three-dimensional model. This model may then be used in conjunction with subsequent data acquisitions to determine a device's location and orientation within the environment with high fidelity. In some embodiments, these determinations may be accomplished in real-time or near-real-time. Using the high-fidelity orientation and position determination, various augmented reality applications may then be possible using the same device used to acquire the depth data or a new device.