AR Kiosk Proximity Detection for Mobile Content Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kiosks lack the capability to generate customizable augmented reality images and promotions on mobile computing devices in proximity, limiting interactive and advertising opportunities.

Innovation Solution

A kiosk system that detects mobile devices in proximity using wireless communication protocols, displays specific images, and transfers augmented reality images to combine with live camera feeds, allowing users to select and interact with virtual content for personalized experiences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a kiosk displays static images only, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability and user engagement are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomizable augmented reality contentVSAvoidkiosk system architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a remote content server as an intermediary that stores and manages augmented reality content, separating the content storage function from the kiosk hardware. This allows the kiosk to provide complex AR experiences without requiring large local storage or processing capabilities, thus improving adaptability while managing device complexity through functional distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The kiosk system is designed to perform multiple functions: displaying static images, detecting mobile devices via wireless protocols, transferring augmented reality content, and coordinating with remote servers. This multi-functionality allows a single kiosk platform to serve diverse purposes from simple information display to complex interactive AR experiences.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a kiosk provides basic information display, then the ease of operation is high, but the marketing opportunities and revenue streams are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractive augmented reality experiencesVSAvoiduser interaction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to autonomously interact with augmented reality content by detecting their mobile computing devices and allowing them to select and view AR images related to displayed products or services. This self-service interaction model provides complex marketing experiences without requiring attendant assistance, maintaining ease of operation while enhancing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If a kiosk uses simple display technology, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the user engagement and data collection capabilities are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction dataVSAvoidwireless communication and image processing systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The kiosk system performs preliminary actions by detecting mobile computing devices in proximity and pre-loading or pre-positioning relevant augmented reality content before user interaction occurs. This anticipatory approach enables comprehensive data collection about user preferences and interactions while maintaining a responsive user experience, addressing information loss concerns without requiring overly complex real-time processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables users to create interactive and engaging experiences by superimposing augmented reality images onto live views, providing marketing opportunities and revenue streams while collecting data for analytics.

Implementation Method 1

Radio-based and induction-based wireless communication protocols enable high speed networking between devices such as mobile computing devices, remote servers, and kiosks.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWireless communication protocols: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10565760B2Augmented reality kiosk system and method
Publication Date: 2020.02.18 TOSHIBA AMERICA BUSINESS SOLUTIONS INC
  • US10565760B2 patent drawing
  • US10565760B2 patent drawing
  • US10565760B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system for generating an augmented reality image includes a kiosk and mobile computing device executing an application for interacting with the kiosk. The kiosk switches from a first set of images to a second set of image when the mobile computing device is proximate to the kiosk. A user selects one of the second set of images and the mobile computing device receives an augmented reality image according to the user selection. The mobile computing device combines the augmented reality image with a live image from a camera of the mobile computing device.