Augmented Reality Grave Navigation Overlay
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Navigating cemeteries to find specific graves is time-consuming due to the lack of efficient and accessible information systems, as current methods rely on written registries, traditional records, and databases that are cumbersome to use.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality system using a mobile device to overlay computer-generated graphical elements onto a real-world environment, providing geographical location, grave images, ancestor information, and navigation paths, updated in real-time based on device motion and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional written registries and databases are used to store grave information, then information can be preserved, but access to the information becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of grave information (images, names, dates, biographical data) and overlays them directly onto the physical grave location through augmented reality. This allows users to access information at the source without returning to physical registries or databases, eliminating the time loss between locating a grave and accessing its information.
Solution Approach 2:
The augmented reality system acts as an intermediary between the physical grave and the information stored in databases. Instead of requiring users to physically consult registries or access digital databases through traditional interfaces, the AR system mediates by projecting the information directly onto the grave, making it immediately accessible in context.
2Ease of operation
If cemeteries rely on traditional navigation methods without digital assistance, then device complexity remains low, but the ease of operation for finding specific graves deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual overlay that copies navigational information (arrows, paths, grave markers) directly onto the user's view of the cemetery. This eliminates the need for separate maps, guides, or complex navigation devices, as the navigation instructions are projected directly onto the physical environment, simplifying the user interface while maintaining sophisticated navigation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a digital dimension to the physical cemetery environment by overlaying virtual navigational elements onto the real-world view. This allows complex navigation data to be presented in a simple, intuitive spatial context, transforming a two-dimensional map problem into a three-dimensional spatial guidance system that is easier to follow.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive grave information is made accessible, then information completeness improves, but the device complexity for processing and displaying information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system displays information in layers or stages, showing only the most essential grave information (name, dates, basic bio) in the initial view, with additional details available through interaction or at different distances. This partial display approach provides comprehensive information availability without overwhelming the user interface or requiring the device to render all information simultaneously, thus managing complexity while maintaining information completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
Augmented reality is used to display graphical elements overlaid on a continually updating image of an area around an augmented reality device (e.g., a mobile device). The graphical element may contain geographical location information about a grave of an ancestor and/or biographical information about the ancestor. The continually updating image is captured by a camera of the augmented reality device and updates in response to time and motion of the augmented reality device. Based on orientation data and geographical location data collected by the augmented reality device, the graphical element is updated and displayed on the mobile device.