Augmented Reality Movable Object Control System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aquariums are expensive to maintain and lack interactive experiences for tourists, particularly for younger children, as they require large spaces and few interactions with the aquatic inhabitants.

Innovation Solution

An augmented reality system that allows remote control and interaction with objects in a space using a combination of object hardware components, control hardware components with displays, and software components for wireless communication, enabling users to control and navigate virtual objects, such as robotic fish, in real-time through a network, using GPS and sonar for spatial data and collision avoidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional aquarium facility is used, then tourists can observe aquatic inhabitants, but the facility requires large amounts of land and many employees for maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractive experienceVSAvoidland requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the aquarium environment using augmented reality technology. Instead of requiring physical water tanks and aquatic animals, the system projects virtual aquatic inhabitants into the real-world environment through mobile device cameras and displays. This virtual replication allows tourists to interact with aquatic life without needing large physical aquarium facilities, directly resolving the contradiction between interactive experience and land requirement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions the aquarium experience from a purely physical three-dimensional space to an augmented reality dimension that overlays virtual elements onto the real world. By using mobile device cameras to capture the physical environment and superimposing virtual aquatic inhabitants, the system creates a new dimensional layer of interaction that eliminates the need for extensive physical space while maintaining immersive engagement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional aquarium facility is used, then tourists can observe aquatic inhabitants, but there is virtually no interaction between tourists and the inhabitants

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractive experienceVSAvoidpersonnel requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system empowers tourists to directly control and interact with virtual aquatic inhabitants using their own mobile devices. The augmented reality application allows users to manipulate virtual animals, feed them, and observe their behaviors without requiring trained staff members. This self-service approach transforms tourists from passive observers into active participants, resolving the contradiction between interactive experience and personnel requirement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device serves as an intermediary between the tourist and the virtual aquatic inhabitants. The device's camera captures the environment, the processor generates and renders virtual animals, and the display presents the augmented reality view to the user. This intermediary technology enables direct interaction without requiring human mediators or trained personnel, eliminating the need for extensive staff while enhancing tourist engagement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an augmented reality system is implemented, then interactive experience is enhanced, but the system requires wireless communication infrastructure and software components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractive experienceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system leverages the mobile device's existing multi-functionality to achieve augmented reality aquarium experiences. The device's camera, processor, display, and wireless communication capabilities are all utilized for their intended purposes while simultaneously enabling the AR application. This approach avoids adding dedicated specialized hardware, reducing system complexity while maintaining enhanced interactive experience

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

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

Enhances the interactive experience for tourists by providing immersive and engaging virtual interactions within the space, reducing the need for extensive physical space and personnel, while maintaining the appeal of an aquarium environment.

Implementation Method 1

a video camera is positioned on the object in communication with the object hardware component for streaming video to the display of the control hardware component via the communication link

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVideo streaming:

Implementation Method 2

at least one positioning component is in operable communication with the object hardware component for providing spatial data relative to the object's surroundings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGlobal positioning:

Implementation Method 3

Positioning components include, but are not limited to, sonar devices and global positioning devices (GPS)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSonar: Sonar

Data Source

PatentUS9934613B2Systems for controlling a movable object
Publication Date: 2018.04.03 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
  • US9934613B2 patent drawing
  • US9934613B2 patent drawing
  • US9934613B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An augmented reality system is described that comprises a movable object comprising an object hardware component; a control hardware component for wirelessly transmitting and receiving signals via a communication link to the object hardware component; and a software component stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium and in operable communication with the control hardware component. An application user interface is provided for enabling a user to provide command input for controlling the movement of the movable object via the object hardware component.