Augmented Reality Activity Mapping for Real-Time Physical Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for new systems and methods that utilize augmented reality to enable interactive activities involving both real-world and virtual elements, allowing users to interact with virtual objects in a physical environment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a processing circuitry coupled to an imaging device that maps physical elements to a virtual activity world, adds virtual objects, detects interactions, determines outcomes, and displays the virtual world, with optional features such as dynamic virtual object generation and coordinate system manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical space is expanded to accommodate more interactive elements, then user activity versatility is improved, but physical space availability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by overlaying virtual objects and activity zones onto the existing physical space through augmented reality. Instead of expanding physical space horizontally, the system adds a virtual layer that coexists with the physical environment, allowing multiple interactive elements to occupy the same physical footprint simultaneously. This resolves the contradiction by enabling versatile user activities without requiring additional physical area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual objects are added to enhance interaction, then user engagement is improved, but system complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates simplified virtual representations (copies) of physical elements and interactions. Rather than building complex physical prototypes for every interactive element, the patent uses virtual copies that can be easily generated, modified, and managed through software. This reduces system complexity while maintaining rich user engagement, as virtual objects can be instantiated without physical manufacturing complexity.
3Speed
If real-time interaction detection is implemented, then activity responsiveness is improved, but processing requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial action by detecting and processing only the specific interactions that are relevant to the current activity state. Rather than continuously analyzing all possible interactions in the environment, the patent selectively monitors user actions that trigger virtual object responses. This reduces processing requirements while maintaining real-time responsiveness for critical interactions.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods enable providing various virtual activities. One of the methods comprises obtaining images of a physical area acquired by an imaging device, generating a virtual activity world representative of the physical area, the generating comprising using at least part of the images to map physical elements of a plurality of physical elements, to the virtual activity world, wherein the physical elements include a given physical element movable by the user, and adding one or more virtual objects to the virtual activity world, using the virtual activity world to detect an interaction between the given physical element mapped to the virtual activity world, and a given virtual object, responsive to a detected interaction, determining an outcome of the interaction, applying a change in the virtual activity world corresponding to the outcome, and displaying a representation of the virtual activity world on a display device.