Hands-Free AR Headset Using Printed Media Targets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing augmented and virtual reality systems require users to hold smartphones, limiting hands-free interaction, and often necessitate active searching for AR targets, which can disrupt the experience.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilizes a printed media member with image targets and a head-mounted device secured with a mobile device, allowing users to engage in augmented reality experiences hands-free by orienting the camera lens towards the media, recognizing targets, and displaying linked content through the device's lenses, with optional instruments and audio instructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users hold smartphones for AR experiences, then they can view content, but hands-free interaction is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free interactionVSAvoiddevice configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The smartphone is nested within the head-mounted device, with the device housing the smartphone in a secure compartment. This allows the smartphone to be carried hands-free while maintaining access to its functionality for AR experiences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the smartphone with the head-mounted device by integrating the smartphone into the device structure. The camera lens of the smartphone is positioned to work with the device's optical system, combining two separate functions into one integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If users actively search for AR targets, then they can find content, but the experience is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experience continuityVSAvoidtarget recognition

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic target recognition without requiring user intervention. The smartphone's camera continuously captures images, and the software automatically detects and recognizes AR targets in the field of view, allowing the experience to flow without user searching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback by displaying recognized targets and their associated content directly in the user's field of view through the head-mounted device. This immediate feedback confirms target recognition and guides the user naturally through the experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If smartphone camera is covered, then device is secure, but AR content cannot be captured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice securityVSAvoidAR content capture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The camera lens cover is made dynamic rather than static. It can be automatically opened or removed when AR content needs to be captured, and closed or secured when not in use. This dynamic behavior allows the system to switch between security and functionality as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10565452B2Virtual reality system and kit

Publication Date: 2020.02.18 RAD STEVE

AI summary

A virtual reality system that includes a printed media member that has at least a first image target, a head mounted device that includes a mobile device securing member, and software that is configured to run on a mobile device that includes a camera that has a camera lens. The software is in communication with a target database (either on a remote server or within the software) that includes information related to the first image target, and wherein the software includes first virtual reality content that is associated with the first image target.