Geolocation-Aware AR Search Overlay for Mobile Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile devices lack effective methods to seamlessly integrate location-based data with network content searches, limiting the ability to provide relevant and optimized web content to users based on their physical location.

Innovation Solution

A system that merges location data from mobile devices with network data, using GPS, digital compasses, and cameras to overlay search results onto the device's image, providing location-aware content and enhancing user experience through 2D and 3D visualizations and audio cues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mobile devices integrate location sensors and network connectivity to provide location-based content, then the relevance and value of web content to users is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocation-based content deliveryVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the location-based content delivery system into separate functional modules: location detection module, network communication module, and content display module. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, managing complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device is designed to perform multiple functions: standard web browsing, location detection via GPS, network communication, and augmented reality display. This multi-functionality enables the device to deliver location-based content without requiring specialized dedicated hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If mobile devices continuously access location data and network content to provide real-time location-aware information, then the user experience is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic location updates and content refreshes rather than continuous monitoring. The mobile device checks location at intervals and updates displayed content periodically, reducing energy consumption while maintaining acceptable user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages energy consumption by detecting when location-based content updates are necessary and when the device can enter lower-power states. The mobile device self-regulates its location polling and network communication based on activity patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If the system overlays multiple layers of information (image, search results, location data) on the mobile device display, then the information density and user utility are improved, but the display clarity and processing requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation densityVSAvoidprocessing requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different visual qualities and detail levels to different regions of the display. Location markers and search results are rendered with varying opacity and detail based on their relevance and distance, allowing important information to stand out while reducing overall processing load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from two-dimensional display to three-dimensional augmented reality visualization. By rendering location data and search results as spatial overlays in the camera view, the system provides richer information density while distributing processing across depth perception channels.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If the system provides comprehensive location-based search results with multiple visualization options (2D, 3D, audio), then the user interaction capabilities are improved, but the device complexity and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction capabilitiesVSAvoidresource requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the type and amount of information presented based on user context, device capabilities, and environmental conditions. Users can switch between 2D map views, 3D augmented reality overlays, and audio guidance, with the system optimizing resource usage for each mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that manages multiple visualization formats and output channels. This mediator coordinates between location data, search results, and various display modalities (visual and audio), reducing the complexity burden on individual components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3702733B1Displaying network objects in mobile devices based on geolocation
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3702733B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3702733B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3702733B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Displaying content searches on mobile devices involves obtaining results (208) of a content request (202) via a mobile device (200). A geolocation of at least one object (402) associated with the results (208) of the content request (202) is also obtained. A scene is viewed in a camera view (212) of the mobile device (200). A virtual location is determined in the camera view (212). The virtual location represents the actual location of the object (402) relative to the scene contained in the camera view (212). A graphic (214, 216) representing the object (402) is then displayed at the virtual location in the camera view (212).