Camera-Based Device Identification for AR Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Augmented Reality (AR) technologies face challenges in intuitively sharing and controlling content between devices, particularly in distinguishing real and virtual environments, which can lead to disordered information display and hinder efficient remote control operations.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize an electronic device with a camera and storage for image recognition, allowing users to identify and control content reproducing devices by comparing captured images with stored information, displaying content information, and transmitting commands to reproduce the content on the identified device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If AR technology displays virtual objects overlapping with real environment, then additional information is provided to user, but distinction between real and virtual environments becomes vague

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation displayVSAvoidenvironment distinction
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a camera-captured real environment image as an intermediary layer between the pure virtual AR display and the user's actual surroundings. This intermediary real-world visual reference helps users maintain clear distinction between virtual content and physical environment while still receiving the benefit of overlaid information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The display is segmented into distinct regions: camera-captured real environment portions and virtual object portions. This spatial segmentation allows users to clearly differentiate between what is real and what is virtual, resolving the confusion caused by overlapping displays while preserving information delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of information

If information specific to device is displayed indiscriminately, then complete information is provided, but screen disorderliness increases and remote control efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice information displayVSAvoidremote control efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by selectively suspending device information display in specific screen regions where it would cause disorder, while maintaining information display in other appropriate regions. This localized control of information presentation prevents screen clutter in critical areas while preserving complete information availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The information display is made dynamic and adaptive based on device state. The system automatically suspends or modifies information display according to current device conditions, transforming the static indiscriminate display into a dynamic context-aware presentation that maintains efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2666285B1Method and apparatus for controlling a device
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP2666285B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2666285B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b
  • EP2666285B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6a

AI summary

A method of controlling a device is provided including identifying a registered device from a screen input by a camera, receiving a user input for the identified device, and transmitting a control command corresponding to the input to the identified device.