Augmented Reality Virtual Image Offset Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Augmented reality applications face challenges in accurately overlaying virtual images onto real-world environments, especially in cluttered or angled settings, making it difficult for users to read or interpret the information due to visual clutter and sharp viewing angles.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using markers to detect the environment and overlay virtual images at an offset from the marker, ensuring the virtual images are displayed in a plane parallel to the device's display, allowing for clear viewing and reading, even when markers are at sharp angles or partially obscured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If virtual images are overlaid directly on markers in augmented reality applications, then the virtual information is precisely positioned relative to the marker, but the virtual images become difficult to read and interpret due to visual clutter and sharp viewing angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning the virtual image display from the two-dimensional marker plane to a three-dimensional offset position in space. The virtual image is rendered at a offset distance from the marker along the camera's optical axis, creating a new viewing dimension that separates the virtual information from the cluttered marker environment, thereby improving readability while maintaining precise spatial relationship through 3D positioning
2Ease of operation
If virtual images are displayed at an offset from markers, then the virtual images are displayed clearly and are easy to read, but the positioning accuracy relative to the marker may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the camera's optical axis and offset distance as an intermediary mechanism to maintain the relationship between marker and virtual image. The virtual image is positioned at a calculated offset along the optical axis, serving as a mediator that preserves the spatial relationship while creating visual separation. This intermediary positioning allows the virtual image to be clearly visible while still being accurately associated with its corresponding marker through the established offset relationship
3Adaptability or versatility
If markers are placed in cluttered environments to enable augmented reality functionality, then the system can identify and track targets, but the virtual images become obscured and difficult to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the information loss in cluttered environments by moving the virtual image display to a different spatial dimension - specifically, an offset position along the optical axis from the marker plane. This dimensional separation extracts the virtual information from the visually cluttered 2D marker environment, allowing users to clearly interpret information even when markers are placed in complex or crowded physical settings
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided to implement augmented reality using markers. An image is captured of an environment. An image of a marker is detected in the image of the environment. A virtual image is displayed overlaid on the image of the environment at an offset from the marker, wherein the virtual image is based on the marker.