AR Document Search via Projection and Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face discomfort when using AR glasses for augmented reality experiences, and there is a need to access digital search functions for physical documents without manually inspecting them.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that use a Projection with Interactive Capture (PIC) device to create a digital copy of a physical document, allowing users to search for points of interest and project visual aids onto the document to highlight the location, eliminating the need for AR glasses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If AR glasses are used to provide augmented reality experience for document processing, then users can access digital search functions and visual aids, but users experience physical discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to digital search functionsVSAvoiduser discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a camera and projector as intermediary devices between the user and the physical document. The camera captures the document image, digital search is performed on the captured image, and the projector displays visual aids back onto the physical document surface, eliminating the need for AR glasses while maintaining the augmented reality functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the physical document by capturing its image with a camera. This copy is then used for digital search operations, and the results are overlaid back onto the physical document through projection, replacing the need for wearable AR displays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If users manually inspect physical document content to locate points of interest, then no additional devices are needed, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocument search efficiencyVSAvoidtime to locate points of interest

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical inspection process with an automated digital system. A camera captures the document image, computerized search algorithms automatically locate points of interest in the digital copy, and a projector highlights the results on the physical document, dramatically reducing the time required compared to manual inspection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically capturing the document image, conducting the search, and projecting the results without requiring continuous manual intervention. Once the document is imaged, the system independently completes the search and highlights the findings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11080547B2Augmented reality document processing

Publication Date: 2021.08.03 KONICA MINOLTA SYSTEMS LABORATORY INC

AI summary

A method for processing an image of a physical document to enable digital searching of the physical document includes: obtaining a digital copy of the physical document; receiving an instruction to search for a point of interest in the physical document; imaging the physical document and determining that the point of interest is on a surface of the physical document; and projecting, using a projector and onto the surface of the physical document, a visual-aid component that physically overlaps with the point of interest to highlight the point of interest on the surface of the physical document.