Virtual Shadow Rendering on Transparent Occluding AR Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for rendering shadows in augmented reality applications result in unrealistic 3D shadow properties when virtual objects interact with transparent occluding AR planes, leading to shadows being cast on multiple surfaces or the transparent plane casting shadows on surfaces behind it, making seamless integration of virtual and real-world objects difficult.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for rendering virtual shadows on transparent occluding AR planes using a virtual directional light source, where the shadow is projected onto the plane using a shadow buffer, allowing for realistic shadowing without casting shadows on underlying surfaces, and enabling ambient occlusion and depth of field effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shadow mapping technique is used to render shadows in AR, then shadow casting functionality is achieved, but shadows are cast on multiple surfaces or transparent planes cast shadows on surfaces behind them, resulting in unrealistic 3D shadow properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shadow rendering process into distinct components: transparent occluding planes are separated from background surfaces, and shadow casting is selectively applied only to appropriate surfaces. This segmentation prevents the unrealistic effect of shadows being cast on multiple surfaces or through transparent planes, thereby improving shadow realism while maintaining seamless integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If transparent occluding AR planes are generated onto real-world surfaces, then occlusion functionality is achieved, but shadow rendering becomes unrealistic with shadows appearing on multiple surfaces or the transparent plane casting shadows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different properties to different parts of the scene. Transparent occluding planes have transparency enabled but shadow receiving disabled, while background surfaces have shadow receiving enabled. This localized differentiation allows occlusion functionality to be maintained while preventing unrealistic shadow casting on transparent surfaces, thereby improving shadow realism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual objects are mixed into scenes with real-world objects, then interactivity is enhanced, but shadow rendering produces unrealistic properties making seamless integration difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a shadow buffer that mediates between virtual objects and surfaces. The shadow buffer selectively receives shadow information from virtual objects and projects it only onto appropriate background surfaces, not onto transparent occluding planes. This intermediary prevents unrealistic shadow properties while maintaining enhanced interactivity between virtual and real-world objects.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and processor-readable storage media for rendering a virtual shadow onto a real-world surface in an image are described. Using an augmented reality application running on a computing device having a camera, the method comprises capturing an image of a scene and detecting a real-world surface therein. A transparent occluding virtual plane is rendered onto the real-world surface. A texture associated with a virtual object is then written to a shadow buffer and projected onto the transparent occluding virtual plane.