AR Device Passive Scanning for Power-Efficient Target Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional target-based augmented-reality (AR) devices require user activation to scan and identify image targets, which is inefficient and power-intensive, especially for devices with limited battery capacity, and labeling AR targets defeats the purpose of the technology.

Innovation Solution

Implementing low-power front-end passive scanning in AR devices that autonomously detect user movement patterns to initiate exploratory scans, allowing for preliminary identification of image targets without user intervention, and activating a full capture only when the user is ready to interact with the AR content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If autonomous continuous scanning is implemented to free users from manual activation, then target identification capability is improved, but power consumption increases making it unfeasible for battery-powered devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous target scanningVSAvoidbattery power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic scanning at different resolutions based on user state. During active periods, high-resolution scanning occurs; during idle periods, low-resolution or no scanning occurs. This periodic alternation between scanning intensities resolves the contradiction by providing automated scanning capability while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous high-resolution scanning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The scanning resolution and frequency are dynamically adjusted based on detected user movement patterns and attentiveness states. When user inattention is detected, the system transitions to lower-power scanning modes. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain automated target identification capability while optimizing power consumption according to actual usage conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If user activation is required for target scanning, then power consumption is reduced, but user experience deteriorates as users must manually search for and activate scanning of AR targets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery power consumptionVSAvoiduser interaction convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by autonomously detecting user attentiveness states and automatically initiating or pausing scanning operations based on these detections. This eliminates the need for manual user activation while keeping power consumption low through intelligent state-based control, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from movement pattern detection to control scanning behavior. When user inattention is detected, scanning is paused or reduced; when attention is detected, scanning resumes or intensifies. This feedback loop enables the system to provide convenient automated operation while consuming power only when necessary, resolving the contradiction between user convenience and power efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Use of energy by moving object

If low-resolution imaging is used to save power, then power consumption is reduced, but target identification accuracy may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption during scanningVSAvoidtarget identification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning process is segmented into different resolution stages. Low-resolution scanning is used for initial target detection and continuous monitoring, while high-resolution scanning is reserved for confirmed targets or when user interaction is detected. This segmentation allows the system to maintain low power consumption during most operation while ensuring high identification accuracy when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs partial scanning at low resolution to detect the presence of potential targets, then performs full high-resolution scanning only when necessary. This partial action approach maintains power efficiency while ensuring that complete identification accuracy is achieved for targets that require it, resolving the contradiction between power consumption and identification precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2974270B1Method and system for interaction with an augmented reality target

Publication Date: 2018.11.21 QUALCOMM INC

Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for target-based augmented reality (AR) devices to perform lowpower front-end passive scanning of targets to alert users to AR content linked to any image targets the users may be viewing. Passive scanning by AR devices relieves users of the need to manually activate a camera for AR image target identification, and helps to identify image targets the users may be unknowingly viewing. To conserve power, AR devices may autonomously activate a camera to perform an exploratory scan when the AR devices detect from users' movement patterns that users may be interested in certain targets or is in a state of attentiveness. AR devices may identify one or more image targets from the exploratory scans. If users elect to interact with the AR content, AR devices may activate the camera to perform a full capture or real-time tracking of the image targets to augment the AR content.