Augmented Reality Interface Authoring With Self-Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current augmented reality interfaces and human-machine interfaces lack flexibility and calibration, failing to effectively guide and assist operators in dynamic work environments, and there is a need for systems that can easily integrate and calibrate projector and sensor devices for real-time interaction and feedback.

Innovation Solution

The development of a system that includes a projector-sensor apparatus with integrated calibration methods, touch detection, and a cloud-local hybrid architecture, allowing for direct and indirect authoring of augmented reality interfaces through gestures, enabling quick setup and operation without requiring extensive knowledge of the workspace environment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If projection devices and sensor devices are manually calibrated before use, then calibration accuracy can be achieved, but setup time and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs calibration actions automatically during the setup phase without requiring manual intervention. The projector and sensor devices self-calibrate using predefined algorithms and patterns, eliminating the need for operators to perform time-consuming manual calibration procedures while ensuring accurate alignment between the projection and sensing systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration system is self-sufficient and does not require external manual calibration tools or expert intervention. The projector-sensor apparatus automatically detects its own parameters, computes calibration transformations, and adjusts its operation to achieve precise alignment, making the system self-calibrating and reducing dependency on manual processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If commercial off-the-shelf projection and sensor systems are used, then system availability and cost-effectiveness improve, but integrated calibration capability and ready-to-use functionality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidintegrated calibration capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate projector and sensor devices into an integrated apparatus where both components work together as a unified system. This merging enables automatic calibration between the projection and sensing subsystems, allowing COTS components to function together seamlessly with built-in coordination and calibration capabilities that neither component would have independently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated projector-sensor apparatus serves multiple functions: it projects augmented reality content, detects user interactions through the sensor, performs self-calibration, and provides real-time feedback. This multi-functionality allows a single system to replace multiple separate devices while maintaining adaptability to different application scenarios through its coordinated operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If existing human-machine interfaces are designed for machine automation and control, then machine control efficiency improves, but flexibility and ability to guide human operators deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine control efficiencyVSAvoidinterface flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The interface system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the operator's actions and the workspace context. Rather than presenting fixed controls, the system projects contextual information and guidance directly into the workspace, allowing the interface to evolve and respond to operator needs in real-time, thereby enhancing both flexibility and operator support while maintaining control efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3284078B1Augmented interface authoring
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 TULIP INTERFACES INC
  • EP3284078B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3284078B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3284078B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatuses relating to augmented-reality interfaces. Features of the present invention rely on robust touch detection methods, touch detection methods, calibration methods, and integrated projector and sensor apparatuses.