Augmented Reality Location Overlay Using Magnetometer and Range Finder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile devices struggle to accurately and timely display location information, such as direction and distance, of objects in their surroundings, as they rely on GPS which is limited in immediate environmental sensing and may not reflect the current view captured by the camera.
Innovation Solution
A method for a mobile device to capture images, determine the facing direction using a magnetometer, and overlay direction and distance indicators of selected objects onto the image using a range finder, providing real-time location information updates as the device changes orientation or position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If GPS is used to display location information, then location data can be obtained, but the data does not reflect immediate environmental surroundings and current camera view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing technologies (camera, magnetometer, range finder, accelerometer, GPS) into a unified system that processes environmental data and object location information together, rather than relying on GPS alone. This integration allows the system to capture both immediate surroundings via camera and positional data via GPS, merging them into a comprehensive location display that reflects both current view and geographic position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate processing components that bridge GPS data with camera imagery. The system uses the camera to capture current surroundings, the magnetometer to determine orientation, and the range finder to measure distances, creating an intermediary layer that translates GPS coordinates into visual overlays on the captured image, thereby making location information immediately relevant to the current view.
2Loss of information
If camera photos are used to gather information about surroundings, then visual data can be obtained, but the photos may not reflect the current view and display is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous real-time processing of camera imagery and sensor data. Instead of relying on discrete photos that may not reflect current view, the system continuously captures and processes visual information, updating the display in real-time as the camera view changes. This continuous action ensures the displayed information always reflects the current surroundings and orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors camera orientation via magnetometer and accelerometer data, then adjusts the displayed information accordingly. The real-time feedback loop ensures that location indicators are accurately positioned and oriented relative to the current camera view, maintaining synchronization between the physical surroundings and the displayed information.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated to improve location accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each sensor serve multiple functions within the system. The camera not only captures images but also provides visual reference for location overlay. The magnetometer determines both device orientation and object bearing. The range finder measures both distance to objects and scale for displayed indicators. The accelerometer provides both motion detection and orientation data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each measurement type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the location determination task into distinct functional modules: camera for visual capture, magnetometer for orientation, range finder for distance, and a processing unit that integrates these data streams. Each module handles a specific aspect of location measurement, and their results are combined to produce the final location information. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each sensor while maintaining overall system coherence.
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 effective and real-time display of location information of objects surrounding the mobile device, enhancing situational awareness by providing accurate and immediate data on the objects within view.
Implementation Method 1
The facing direction finder may be in communication with a magnetometer of the mobile device
Implementation Method 2
A distance between the mobile device and the first object may also be determined. Then, displayed, overlaid on the image, is at least a direction indicator of the first object and the distance
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and a method are provided for displaying location information on a mobile device. The location information can include direction, distance, positional coordinates, etc. The mobile device's display displays an image captured using the mobile device's camera. A selection input is received to identify an object in the image. A facing direction of the mobile device is detected using the mobile device's magnetometer. The mobile device determines a bearing to the object relative to the mobile device's facing direction. The mobile device then determines a distance between the mobile device and the object. The obtained or computed location data is overlaid on the image, thereby augmenting the image. The location data can include at least a direction indicator of the object and the distance between the mobile device and the object, whereby the direction indicator can be determined using the bearing.