AR Virtual Assistant for Real-Time Task Mentoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems lack effective methods for training and mentoring users in completing complex physical tasks, as augmented reality (AR) technology has not been applied in this context, with existing solutions relying on pure simulations or interactive voice response (IVR) systems that are limited in interaction and feedback.
Innovation Solution
An AR-based virtual assistant that captures real-time video and audio feeds from users performing tasks, correlates this data to determine the task and user state, and provides interactive guidance through augmented reality overlays and verbal feedback, using a combination of scene analysis, natural language processing, and reasoning modules to offer step-by-step instructions and performance analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pure simulations or virtual reality systems are used for task training, then users can practice tasks in a controlled environment, but users receive no physical feedback and the experience is hands-off without real-world interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an augmented reality system as an intermediary between pure simulation and direct physical task execution. The AR overlay provides virtual guidance and feedback while the user interacts with the actual physical environment, combining the benefits of controlled training with real-world physical feedback and hands-on experience.
2Ease of operation
If interactive voice response systems are used for task guidance, then users can receive verbal instructions, but users are limited to a constrained set of questions and answer formats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic interaction system where the AR assistant can respond to various user inputs including natural language questions, gestures, and contextual cues. The system adapts its responses based on the user's needs, task progress, and environment, moving beyond fixed IVR scripts to provide flexible, context-aware guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The AR assistant integrates multiple interaction modalities including voice commands, natural language queries, visual overlays, and gesture recognition into a single universal interface. This multi-functional approach allows users to interact through their preferred method while maintaining consistent task guidance and support.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional instruction manuals are used for task completion, then users can reference step-by-step procedures, but users lack real-time guidance and contextual feedback during task execution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional static instruction manuals to three-dimensional augmented reality overlays that are superimposed on the user's actual field of view. This dimensional transformation allows instructions to be spatially anchored to relevant objects and surfaces, providing contextually relevant guidance exactly where needed without requiring users to search through manual pages or switch between reference materials and the task environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The AR system prepares and displays task-related information, warnings, and guidance in advance before the user needs them. By anticipating required information and presenting it proactively in the user's field of view, the system eliminates delays associated with searching manuals or recalling procedures, allowing users to execute tasks more efficiently with guidance already in place.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for training and guiding users comprising generating a scene understanding based on video and audio input of a scene of a user performing a task in the scene, correlating the scene understanding with a knowledge base to produce a task understanding, comprising one or more goals, of a current activity of the user, reasoning, based on the task understanding and a user's current state, a next step for advancing the user towards completing one of the one or more goals of the task understanding and overlaying the scene with an augmented reality view comprising one or more visual and audio representation of the next step to the user.