AR Media Processing for Low-Latency Augmented Reality Calls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication technologies lack effective integration of augmented reality (AR) into voice and video calls, which limits user experience and potential enhancements.

Innovation Solution

An AR communication method and system that integrates AR into voice and video calls using AR media processing network elements, including AR media and control network elements, to superimpose virtual objects and information onto real-world scenes, enabling real-time interaction and three-dimensional registration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If AR is integrated into voice and video calls, then user experience is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an AR media processing network element as an intermediary component that handles AR-specific processing tasks separately from the core communication system. This mediator architecture allows AR functionality to be integrated into voice and video calls without directly complicating the core communication infrastructure, as the AR processing is handled by a dedicated intermediate component that interfaces with both the communication system and AR resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into distinct functional modules: the core communication system (voice/video calling), the AR media processing network element, and AR resources. This segmentation allows each component to be developed, managed, and optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while enabling integrated AR communication functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If AR media processing network elements are introduced, then AR integration capability is enhanced, but network architecture complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAR integration capabilityVSAvoidnetwork architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The AR media processing network element is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple AR-related tasks including virtual object rendering, spatial audio processing, and gesture recognition. This multi-functional design enhances AR integration capability while avoiding the need for separate specialized components for each AR function, thereby limiting the increase in network architecture complexity.

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

3Loss of information

If virtual information is superimposed on real-world scenes, then information richness is improved, but processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation richnessVSAvoidprocessing requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary processing of virtual information before superimposition, including pre-rendering virtual objects, pre-processing spatial audio, and pre-aligning AR content with the real-world scene. This preliminary action reduces the computational burden during real-time execution, allowing rich information display while managing processing requirements efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4304166B1Augmented reality communication method
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4304166B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP4304166B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C
  • EP4304166B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An augmented reality communication method, apparatus, and system are provided, to provide an implementation in which AR is integrated into voice and video calls, thereby improving user experience. An auxiliary data channel and a media stream channel are established between a terminal device and an AR media processing network element, so that the AR is effectively integrated into the voice and video call. In addition, AR auxiliary data and a media stream have a same transmission path, so that a latency can be reduced. The AR media processing network element may be an IMS access gateway having an AR processing capability or a media resource function MRF.