AR System UWB Appliance Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Augmented reality (AR) systems face challenges in reliably recognizing household appliances, especially in situations with poor visibility, obstructed views, or when appliances appear similar, leading to incorrect identification or failure to recognize them at all.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method using Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication between AR systems and household appliances, enabling precise distance and orientation determination, and matching recognition signals to accurately identify and display device-specific information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If optical detection is used to recognize household appliances, then the system can identify appliances in well-lit conditions with clear visibility, but it fails or makes errors when visibility is poor, appliances are obstructed, or similar appliances are present

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecognition reliabilityVSAvoiddetection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism by having the household appliance itself transmit a detection signal back to the AR system. Instead of the AR system directly detecting the appliance (which fails in poor visibility), the appliance actively responds with its own identification signal, ensuring reliable recognition regardless of optical conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the optical detection mechanism with an electromagnetic signal-based detection system. By using detection signals transmitted via air (electromagnetic waves) rather than relying on optical cameras, the system can detect appliances without line-of-sight visibility, solving the problem of poor lighting or obstructed views.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If the AR system relies on visual recognition, then it can display information for recognized appliances, but it cannot reliably identify appliances behind furniture fronts or among similar devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification precisionVSAvoidrecognition accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the household appliance transmits a detection signal back to the AR system after receiving a request signal. This feedback loop ensures that the AR system receives confirmed identification data from the appliance itself, improving precision in identifying specific appliances even when they appear similar or are partially obscured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If optical detection is used, then the system can recognize appliances in open environments, but it cannot detect appliances with closed furniture fronts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection coverageVSAvoiddetection accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the detection signal as an intermediary that can penetrate through the furniture front closure. Instead of requiring direct optical contact with the appliance, the signal is transmitted through the closing element (furniture front) to reach the appliance's detection unit, enabling detection of closed appliances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the optical detection system with an electromagnetic signal-based system that can pass through non-conductive materials like furniture fronts. This replacement allows the AR system to detect appliances that would be invisible to optical cameras, expanding detection coverage to include closed and obstructed appliances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4484996A1Method for detecting a domestic appliance by means of an ar system

Publication Date: 2025.01.01 MIELE & CO KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for detecting a household appliance (1) using an AR system (3), wherein the household appliance (1) has a UWB communication interface and wherein the AR system (2) has a UWB communication interface, the method comprising at least the following steps: • Detection (100) of a spatial segment using the AR system (3), • Transmission (150) of a query signal (A) via the UWB communication interface of the AR system (3) into the spatial segment, • Receipt (200) of the query signal (A) at least by the household appliance (1) via its UWB communication interface, • In response to the receipt (200) of the query signal (A), transmission (250) of a signal (B) via the UWB communication interface of the household appliance (1) to the UWB communication interface of the AR system (3), • Receipt (300) of the signal (B) by the AR system (3) via its UWB communication interface,• Determine (350) the distance and orientation of the AR system (3) to the household appliance (1) using the received signal (B) and • Assign (400) the household appliance (1) according to distance and orientation in the detected spatial section relative to the AR system (3).