AR Spatial Anchors for Angle-Independent Smart Device Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling smart devices are inefficient, requiring users to search one by one or are affected by the shooting angle of the device image, and unable to efficiently control the device efficiently.

Innovation Solution

The device employs an AR anchor in an image is acquired, the target device is determined according to the spatial location anchored by the AR anchor, and the control menu is displayed, and the target device is controlled through the control menu is displayed, and the target device is controlled through the control menu. The target device is controlled through the control menu. The target device is controlled through the control menu. The target device is controlled through the control menu. The target device is controlled through the target device is controlled through the target device is controlled through the target device, and the target device is controlled through the control menu.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If device image identification is used to control smart devices, then device control can be achieved, but the identification is affected by the shooting angle and cannot efficiently control devices with similar features or less feature information

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice control efficiencyVSAvoiddevice identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional image recognition to three-dimensional spatial anchor-based identification. By introducing depth information and spatial coordinates through AR anchors, the system can accurately identify devices regardless of shooting angle, effectively adding a dimensional layer to the identification process that resolves the angle-dependent limitation of traditional image recognition.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces AR anchors as intermediary elements that mediate between the camera and the target device. These anchors serve as reliable identification markers that are independent of the device's visual appearance, providing a stable reference point for device identification that works consistently across different angles and lighting conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If users search for control menu one by one through mobile phone APP, then all devices can be controlled, but it is inefficient when there are many devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol coverageVSAvoidcontrol efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic device identification and control menu display without requiring users to manually search through device lists. The camera automatically detects AR anchors, identifies the corresponding device, and presents the appropriate control menu, allowing the system to serve itself in the identification process and eliminating manual searching effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

AR anchors are pre-positioned on or near devices during device setup or manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when users point the camera at a device, the identification process can immediately proceed without requiring users to search through menus or configure settings, significantly reducing the time needed to access control functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3971688B1Device control method and apparatus, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3971688B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3971688B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3971688B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a device control method and apparatus, and a storage medium, which solves the problem that the device is affected by the angle of the device image when the device is controlled in the related art which cause that the device cannot be controlled quickly and accurately. The method includes: acquiring (S110) an AR anchor in an image captured by the camera, in which the AR anchor is created in advance according to a spatial location of a target device; determining (S120) the target device bound to the spatial location anchored by the AR anchor; displaying (S130) a control menu of the target device; generating (S140) a control instruction in response to an operation on the control menu, and controlling the target device according to the control instruction.