AR Projection to Obscure Physical Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
In augmented reality (AR) environments, there is a need to effectively obscure and unobscure physical objects to enhance the user experience by seamlessly integrating digital and physical elements, while existing methods lack precision in managing the transition and focus between virtual and real-world representations.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses cameras and projectors to determine the location and attributes of physical objects and their surroundings within the AR environment, projecting light to obscure or modify the appearance of physical objects based on their attributes and the viewer's location, allowing for dynamic changes in lighting to blend the physical object into its environment or change its appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical objects are obscured using projection in AR environments, then user immersion and focus on virtual elements are improved, but the precision of tracking and managing transitions between physical and virtual representations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by projecting obscuring displays onto physical objects before fully transitioning to virtual representations. This preparatory obscuring helps guide user attention and smooths the transition experience, while the system maintains precise tracking data in the background to manage the transition accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection display serves as an intermediary element between the physical object and the virtual representation. It mediates the transition by gradually obscuring the physical object while introducing virtual elements, allowing the system to maintain tracking precision through the intermediate state without compromising user immersion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If projection is used to obscure physical objects, then distractions are reduced and immersion increases, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection system is designed to perform multiple functions: it obscures physical objects, displays virtual representations, and manages transitions between physical and virtual states. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while enhancing immersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the physical object, projection display, and virtual representation into an integrated AR experience. By combining these elements into a unified system rather than separate components, the overall system complexity is managed more effectively while achieving the desired immersion effect.
3Stability of the object's composition
If dynamic lighting changes are applied to blend physical objects into the environment, then visual integration is improved, but the precision of object attributes and location management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes lighting parameters (intensity, color, direction) to blend physical objects into the virtual environment. These parameter changes are applied in a controlled manner that maintains visual integration while the system continuously monitors and maintains precise tracking of object attributes and locations through coordinate mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates accurate digital copies or representations of physical object attributes and locations in the virtual environment. These copies maintain precise attribute data while allowing visual integration through projection, separating the precision requirements from the visual blending requirements.
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
This solution enhances the AR experience by ensuring smooth transitions between virtual and physical objects, reducing distractions and increasing immersion by accurately managing the visibility and appearance of physical objects within the mixed reality setting.
Implementation Method 1
project a display onto the physical object or on a portion of an area within the mixed reality environment proximate to the physical object
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to systems, apparatuses, and processes that provide mixed reality and/or augmented reality interactive environments. Disclosed embodiments include mechanisms to determine a location of a physical object within a mixed reality environment, determine a location of a viewer within the mixed reality environment, and project a display onto the physical object or on a portion of an area within the mixed reality environment proximate to the physical object to obscure the physical object from the viewer, based upon at least the location of the physical object with respect to the location of the viewer. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed.