Multi-device AR Mapping via Shared Coordinate Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented reality (AR) systems face challenges in efficiently synchronizing and mapping multiple user perspectives of a shared real-world environment, leading to inefficiencies in tracking objects and creating immersive experiences across different devices.
Innovation Solution
A method involving multiple computing devices that receive and process image information to relocalize within a shared AR environment by defining coordinate spaces and combining them to determine shared points, allowing for synchronized rendering of AR content items and improved mapping of real-world environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple computing devices independently track and map the same real-world environment, then each device can provide its own perspective view, but the time and effort required to map large environments increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mapping data from multiple computing devices by identifying shared points between their respective coordinate spaces and merging them into a unified shared coordinate space. This allows the system to leverage contributions from multiple devices simultaneously, reducing the overall time required to map large environments compared to a single device working alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the environment mapping task across multiple computing devices, where each device independently captures and processes its own perspective view and identifies points within its field of view. This segmentation allows parallel processing of mapping data from different devices, improving efficiency while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
2Measurement precision
If multiple devices create separate coordinate spaces for their perspective views, then each device maintains accurate local tracking, but synchronization and collaboration between devices becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shared coordinate space as an intermediary that mediates between multiple device-specific coordinate spaces. Each device maintains its own accurate local coordinate space for precise tracking, while the shared coordinate space provides a common reference frame for synchronization and collaboration, reducing the complexity of direct multi-device coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the coordination problem by adding a new dimensional layer - the shared coordinate space - that sits above and connects multiple device coordinate spaces. This dimensional addition allows devices to maintain their independent accurate local frames while enabling seamless collaboration through the shared reference frame.
3Ease of manufacture
If AR content items are placed in individual device coordinate spaces, then placement is simple for each device, but synchronized rendering across devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the shared coordinate space universal across all computing devices, allowing AR content items to be placed once in the shared space and automatically rendered consistently across all devices. This universal reference frame eliminates the need for separate content placement operations on each device while maintaining synchronized rendering.
4Speed
If devices independently identify points within their own images, then each device processes data locally with low latency, but collaboration and shared environment understanding is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where devices share their identified points and coordinate space information with each other. Each device continues to process data locally for speed, but the shared information provides feedback that enables collaborative environment understanding, allowing devices to correlate their findings and build a comprehensive shared model.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving first information from a sensor associated with a first computing device, wherein the first information comprises information associated with first images captured at the first sensor; receiving second information from a second computing device, wherein the second information comprises information associated with second images captured at a sensor associated with the second computing device; identifying first points within the first images; identifying second points within the second images; and relocalizing the first and second computing devices within a shared augmented- reality environment by defining coordinate spaces based on the images and combining the coordinate spaces based on identified shared points.