Portable Devices Shared Reference Frame for Position Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented and virtual reality systems lack effective methods for accurately relating virtual environment elements to the real environment, limiting interaction modes and precision in shared experiences between portable electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing pairs of portable electronic devices equipped with displays, video cameras, motion sensors, and wireless communication, where devices establish a shared virtual environment by tracking movements relative to a common reference position, allowing synchronized virtual interactions through shared virtual features and coordinated motion tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional augmented reality systems combine virtual environment elements with real environment representations, then virtual interaction capability is provided, but the precision of relating virtual elements to real positions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shared reference frame as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between multiple portable electronic devices and the real environment. This reference frame acts as a common coordinate system that all devices agree upon, enabling precise position mapping without requiring complex individual device calibration or absolute positioning systems. The shared reference frame simplifies the complexity of coordinating multiple devices while achieving high precision in virtual-real element registration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple portable electronic devices operate independently, then device autonomy is maintained, but coordinated virtual interaction and shared experience are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal shared reference frame that serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a common coordinate system for position mapping, enables synchronization of virtual environment elements across devices, and maintains device autonomy. This multi-functional reference frame allows each portable electronic device to operate independently while still coordinating seamlessly in the shared virtual space, eliminating the need for complex inter-device communication protocols.
3Reliability
If virtual environment elements are related to real environment through device position tracking, then interaction modes are provided, but interaction fidelity and immersion are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms where the shared reference frame constantly updates position information from all portable electronic devices. This feedback loop ensures that virtual environment elements remain accurately registered with real-world positions as devices move, maintaining high interaction fidelity. The system automatically adjusts virtual element positions based on real-time device tracking, creating an immersive experience without requiring manual user intervention to maintain synchronization.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for virtual interaction, comprising two or more portable electronic devices, each device comprising in turn, coordinate referencing means operable to define a coordinate system common to the portable electronic devices with respect to a physically defined reference position, position estimation means operable to detect a the physical position of its respective portable electronic device with respect to the reference position, virtual environment generation means operable to generate a virtual environment, and communication means operable to transmit positional data using the common coordinate system from that portable electronic device to another portable electronic device, and in which the virtual environment is shared in common between the portable electronic devices, the virtual environment using the common co-ordinate system within which each portable electronic device defines a position for itself responsive to its physical position with respect to the reference position.