Portable AR Anchor Positioning for Accurate Object Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing augmented reality systems face limitations in maintaining accuracy of displayed information as the distance from fixed anchors increases, requiring numerous anchors and time-consuming programming, which is infeasible in dynamic environments.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of active portable anchors that can dynamically update their position relative to an object, allowing augmented reality devices to maintain accuracy by recalibrating with these anchors as needed, using an external tracking system to relay this information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If permanent anchors are used to maintain accuracy of augmented reality information, then accuracy is improved, but the number of anchors required increases and programming time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of augmented reality informationVSAvoidprogramming time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the anchor portable and movable rather than permanent. The active portable anchor can be repositioned to different locations around the object, allowing the system to maintain accuracy without requiring multiple fixed anchors to be pre-programmed. The anchor's position is dynamically updated and communicated to the augmented reality device, enabling flexible reconfiguration without programming overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of anchor permanence to portability. By transforming the anchor from a fixed, permanent installation to a movable, active portable unit, the system eliminates the need for extensive programming while maintaining measurement precision. The anchor's position parameters are dynamically communicated to the augmented reality device, replacing the need for pre-programming multiple fixed anchor locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If permanent anchors are used to maintain accuracy of augmented reality information, then accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of augmented reality informationVSAvoidnumber of anchors
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The active portable anchor serves multiple functions: it acts as a reference point for accuracy, a portable positioning device, and a dynamic coordinate system origin. This single multi-functional anchor replaces the need for multiple specialized fixed anchors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision across different locations and orientations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

By making the anchor portable and dynamically repositionable, the system reduces the number of anchors needed from multiple fixed units to a single versatile unit that can be moved to any required position. The dynamic nature of the anchor allows it to adapt to different measurement and display requirements without increasing the total number of anchor devices in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the distance from the anchor increases, then operational flexibility is improved, but accuracy of augmented reality information decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidaccuracy of augmented reality information
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The active portable anchor enables dynamic adjustment of the distance between the anchor and the augmented reality device. Operators can move the anchor to optimal positions that maintain both operational flexibility and accuracy. The system adapts to varying distances by actively managing the anchor's position and communicating updated coordinates, rather than being constrained by fixed anchor locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously tracking the position of the active portable anchor and communicating this information to the augmented reality device. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain accuracy even when the distance between the anchor and device varies, as the augmented reality device receives real-time position updates to adjust its display accordingly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3594784B1Augmented reality system with an active portable anchor
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 THE BOEING CO
  • EP3594784B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3594784B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3594784B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method, apparatus, and augmented reality system (202) comprising a network (102) and a communications port (103) in the network. The communications port (103) is configured to communicate with a portable active anchor (130) and send a current physical anchor position (220) of the active portable anchor (130) relative to an object (206) to the active portable anchor (130) in which the current physical anchor position (220) of the active portable anchor (130) relative to the object (206) is determined using a physical anchor position (222) of the active portable anchor (130) and a physical object position (224) of the object (206).