AR Marker Localization Using Relative Position Files

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing augmented reality (AR) systems rely on line-of-sight to physical markers for positioning, leading to loss of context when markers are not visible, and area description files (ADF) are cumbersome to create and large, complicating multi-device coordination.

Innovation Solution

A method using relative description files (RDFs) to define relative positions of physical markers, allowing devices to localize and recognize markers without direct line-of-sight, and share these files for consistent AR experiences across devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If AR systems rely on line-of-sight to physical markers for positioning, then marker recognition is straightforward, but positional context is lost when markers are not visible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarker recognition accuracyVSAvoidpositional context
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-establishes a coordinate system and stores positional relationships of multiple markers relative to each other before AR operation begins. When a marker is recognized, the system can calculate positions of other markers even if they are not currently visible, preventing loss of positional context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If area description files (ADF) are used to define marker positions, then comprehensive spatial information is provided, but the files are cumbersome to create and large in size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial information completenessVSAvoidfile creation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single comprehensive ADF containing all marker positions, the system segments the spatial information into relative position data between markers. Each marker's position is defined relative to others, creating smaller, more manageable data units that are easier to create and distribute.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter representation from absolute coordinates in large ADF files to relative position relationships between markers. This parameter transformation reduces file size and simplifies creation while maintaining the ability to reconstruct complete spatial information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If large ADFs are distributed to multiple devices, then consistent AR experiences can be achieved, but distribution and coordination become complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-device coordinationVSAvoiddistribution complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of distributing complete spatial information to all devices, each device receives only the relative position data it needs based on which markers it can observe. This localizes the information each device must handle, reducing distribution complexity while maintaining multi-device consistency through shared coordinate system definitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3714396B1Positional recognition for augmented reality environment
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP3714396B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3714396B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3714396B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~2D

AI summary

A method includes: receiving, in a first device, a relative description file for physical markers that are positioned at locations, the relative description file defining relative positions for each of the physical markers with regard to at least another one of the physical markers; initially localizing a position of the first device among the physical markers by visually capturing any first physical marker of the physical markers using an image sensor of the first device; and recognizing a second physical marker of the physical markers and a location of the second physical marker without a line of sight, the second physical marker recognized using the relative description file.