Head-Mounted AR System with Printed Image Targets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing augmented and virtual reality systems require users to hold smartphones, limiting hands-free interaction, and often require active scanning of targets, which can be cumbersome and distracting from the experience.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilizes a printed media member with image targets linked to augmented reality content, combined with a head-mounted device securing a mobile device with a camera, allowing users to engage in hands-free augmented reality experiences by recognizing targets and displaying associated content through the device's lenses, optionally including instruments for interactive tasks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users hold smartphones for AR experiences, then they can view augmented reality content, but hands-free interaction is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehands-free interactionVSAvoiddevice configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the smartphone with a head-mounted device (goggles) by securing the mobile device within the goggles structure. This merging allows the smartphone to function as both a computing device and a head-mounted display, enabling hands-free AR experiences while viewing content through the goggles lenses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The head-mounted device serves multiple functions: it holds the smartphone securely, provides lenses for viewing AR content, and enables hands-free operation. The smartphone similarly serves as both the AR content generator and the display device when viewed through the goggles, reducing the need for separate dedicated AR hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If users actively scan targets in AR experiences, then they can trigger augmented reality content, but the process becomes cumbersome and distracting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget interactionVSAvoidtime for scanning targets

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-loads and displays multiple image targets and their associated augmented reality content in advance. Instead of requiring users to actively scan and trigger content sequentially, the targets are already recognized and the content is prepared for display, reducing the interaction time and cognitive load during the AR experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The augmented reality system automatically detects and processes image targets without requiring manual scanning actions from the user. The software running on the mobile device autonomously recognizes targets in the field of view and triggers the associated AR content, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring active user intervention for each target.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10430658B2Augmented reality system and kit

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 RAD STEVE

AI summary

An augmented reality system that includes a printed media member that has at least a first image target, a head mounted device that includes a mobile device securing member, and software that is configured to run on a mobile device that includes a camera that has a camera lens. The software is in communication with a target database (either on a remote server or within the software) that includes information related to the first image target, and wherein the software includes first augmented reality content that is associated with the first image target.