Invisible Light Identification Patterns for AR Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented reality and mixed reality systems struggle to uniquely identify real objects that are visually indistinguishable from one another, particularly for mobile objects, small stationary objects near each other, and objects not tracked in a location database.
Innovation Solution
The system employs an invisible light sensing device that detects invisible light emitted by objects with unique identification patterns. Each object has an invisible light source and an opaque substrate with defined apertures that form distinct identification patterns, allowing the device to sense and decode these patterns to determine a unique identifier for each object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS technology is used to identify objects, then location-based identification is achieved, but objects that are visually indistinguishable or located close together cannot be uniquely identified
Solution Approach 1:
The identification system segments the identification task into two parts: location-based identification for general objects and pattern-based identification for visually indistinguishable objects. The opaque substrate with apertures creates segmented light patterns that uniquely identify each object, allowing the system to handle both location-based and appearance-based identification needs simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary identification pattern (visible light pattern through apertures) that mediates between the invisible infrared light source and the sensor. This intermediary pattern serves as a bridge that allows visual distinction without altering the object's appearance to human users, resolving the contradiction between identification precision and aesthetic requirements.
2Measurement precision
If visible identification markers are added to objects, then unique identification is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance of objects is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The identification pattern is localized to a specific region (the opaque substrate with apertures) rather than requiring visible markers across the entire object. The pattern is created locally through the aperture configuration, allowing unique identification while maintaining the overall aesthetic appearance of the object's visible surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the invisible spectrum (infrared to visible light conversion through the aperture pattern) to create identification markers that are detectable by sensors but invisible to human users. This allows the object to maintain its intended aesthetic appearance while providing robust identification capability through optical property changes in the infrared spectrum.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple objects are placed close together, then space utilization is improved, but GPS-based identification cannot distinguish between nearby objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional spatial separation (GPS coordinates) to two-dimensional pattern recognition. By projecting identification patterns through apertures onto a surface, the system creates distinct visual signatures that can be detected even when objects are located at the same GPS coordinates, effectively adding a pattern dimension to the identification process.
4Ease of operation
If invisible light sources are integrated into objects, then unique identification without visual markers is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opaque substrate with apertures serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural component of the object, provides aesthetic surface coverage, and simultaneously functions as the identification pattern generator. The infrared light source is integrated into the object's existing structure, allowing the same components to serve both structural and identification purposes, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables the unique identification of visually indistinguishable objects, overcoming the limitations of traditional GPS-based identification methods, and providing a method that is aesthetically pleasing and non-intrusive.
Implementation Method 1
The first object includes a first invisible light source configured to emit infrared light
Implementation Method 2
The first opaque substrate includes a first identification pattern based on a first plurality of defined apertures through which the emitted infrared light forms the first identification pattern
Implementation Method 3
The sensor senses the infrared light emitted by the object and determines a unique identifier of the object based on the first identification pattern of the sensed infrared light
Data Source
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AI summary
An invisible light sensing device senses invisible light from a plurality of invisible light emitting objects in which each of the invisible light emitting objects emits invisible light in an identification pattern that is distinct from other identification patterns. An identification pattern is based on one or more apertures through which invisible light is emitted to form the identification pattern. An identification pattern is also based on a plurality of invisible light emitters in which at least a portion of the invisible light emitters are positioned and activated to form the identification pattern.