Imaging System for AR Input Device Functional Annotation

The patent introduces an imaging system as an intermediary between the user and the extended-reality environment. This system captures images of the real-world environment, processes them to identify input devices and actionable areas, and generates extended-reality images with functionally annotated input devices. This intermediary layer enables users to see and understand the functionality of input devices without adding complexity to the input devices themselves.

The patent creates a virtual copy of the real-world environment by capturing images and generating extended-reality images. In this virtual copy, input devices are annotated with functional information overlays that indicate their purposes and status. This copying approach allows users to interact with the environment while having enhanced information about input devices without modifying the actual physical devices.

The patent segments the image processing task into distinct stages: capturing images of the real-world environment, processing images to identify input devices and actionable areas, and generating extended-reality images with functional annotations. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently and reduces the overall complexity by breaking down the complex task of enhancing input device visibility into manageable steps.

The patent adds a new dimension to the display by superimposing functional information overlays on top of the captured images. This creates a multi-layered visual output where the original image remains visible but is enhanced with additional functional annotations. This dimensional approach to information presentation improves input device visibility without requiring complex modifications to the input devices themselves.