Abstract:
A museum augmented reality platform that interacts between computer devices and a server via a communication network. The augmented reality platform includes a multimedia recognition application located on the computer device, which receives live, real-time content and converts it into coordinates, and a client application located on the computer devices that transmit raw data packets including the coordinates. A server application provided on the server receives the data packets from the client application, recognizes content, and sends the content or other information to the computer devices in accordance with the source.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to augmented reality platforms, and more particularly, to augmented reality platforms incorporated in museum environments. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art Augmentation of reality has gone through trial and error over the last few decades, unable to locate a proper niche market regardless of the promising and profound technical boundaries it widens. Conventional solutions adopted for the recognition of multimedia content comprises use of images as multimedia sources and proprietary libraries for processing information. It implies that the speed of recognition depends on a user&#39;s computer. In addition, conventional solutions adopt a recognition that is obtained by comparing results with original source and the quality of results depends by first processing. 
         [0004]    Other art describing the closest subject matter provide for a number of more or less complicated features that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. Applicant is not aware of any art that suggests the novel features of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention comprises innovative hardware to enable high performance and security. Thus, permitting museums the ability to provide enhanced content without error during recognition, while safeguarding proprietary software of the present invention comprising algorithms against hacking activities. An augmented reality platform electronically channels the enrichment of sensory perception using video, graphic, and text elements in a museum environment by incorporating augmented reality technology into computer devices such as smart phones, mobile devices, and/or tablets. The innovative hardware provides an improved solution to speed up recognition objects for augmented reality. In particular, the innovative hardware comprises filters for improved multimedia recognition. Specifically, boards are interconnected through a bus for parallel processing, allowing an application of different filters in combination. Thus, obtaining optimal performance with parallel processing. These boards use personalized filters in function of a condition of the content including parameters as contrast, saturation, brightness, exposure, highlights, shadows, sharpness, noise and others to improve the performance of the recognition and full scalability enabled by interconnected cards with the option to add new filters based on a type of content to be processed. 
         [0006]    The augmented reality platforms of the present invention enhance experiences with artwork including, but not limited to, paintings, sculptures, relics, and photos, and/or cultural sites, making didactical and educational moments fun and interactive. In a preferred embodiment, a ticket is purchased providing entrance to the museum. By means of a barcode, such as a quick response “QR” code, a visitor has access to download an augmented reality platform software application onto his/her computer device. Once downloaded, the visitor may experience the enrichment of sensory perception using video, graphic, and text elements. As an example, the visitor may learn about hidden stories behind each artwork and/or cultural site in a completely new interactive way. Furthermore, the augmented reality platform software offers visitors thematic paths, videos, details, games, and gift shop management. With gift shop management, a visitor may be prompted to preselect, or may otherwise search for replica goods and/or memorabilia of desired works for purchase at a museum gift shop. The present invention also comprises functionalities, including content and information provided by sign language, to increase a visitor&#39;s involvement, making their visit to a museum unique. 
         [0007]    More specifically, the present invention as an augmented reality platform, is in the technical field of multimedia processing for recognition contents. The present invention comprises a unique and innovative recognition system based on comparison between an original sample and a current data packet processed in different conditions through filters, whereby the present invention additionally saves and uses processed data in further processing. It is noted that conditions for acquiring media may change over time. As an example, in a museum environment, there are different positions of a visitor, also defined as an observer, for images, or ambient noise for sounds considering the computer used and a desired signal-to-noise ratio. The present invention comprises filters to improve the quality of information received prior to recognition. 
         [0008]    The process is comprised of a series of stages: 
         [0009]    A) acquiring real-time multimedia content; 
         [0010]    B) decoding of the real-time multimedia content; 
         [0011]    C) applying filters to improve the real-time multimedia content; 
         [0012]    D) elaborating of preprocessed data to recognize a target; and 
         [0013]    E) transmitting information to a module used to recognize the same, whereby the real-time multimedia content can be audio, video, text, image, and/or three-dimensional objects. 
         [0014]    The present invention therefore revolutionizes the way visitors experience museums. It provides visitors with multiple perspectives on artwork and/or cultural sites, bringing them closer. The present invention shifts the focus to the education of the visitors, while creating a new business model for museums to increase their revenue. 
         [0015]    It is therefore one of the main objects of the present invention to provide augmented reality platforms in museum environments. 
         [0016]    It is another object of this invention to provide augmented reality platforms comprising hardware to enable high performance and security during a visitor&#39;s experience at a museum. 
         [0017]    It is another object of this invention to provide augmented reality platforms that electronically channel the enrichment of sensory perception using video, graphic, and text elements in a museum environment. 
         [0018]    It is another object of this invention to provide augmented reality platforms that incorporate augmented reality technology into computer devices such as smart phones, mobile devices, and/or tablets. 
         [0019]    It is another object of this invention to provide augmented reality platforms comprising filters for improved multimedia recognition, whereby boards are interconnected through a bus for parallel processing, allowing an application of different filters in combination. 
         [0020]    It is another object of this invention to provide augmented reality platforms that obtain optimal performance with parallel processing, whereby boards use personalized filters in function of a condition of the content including parameters as contrast, saturation, brightness, exposure, highlights, shadows, sharpness, noise and others to improve the performance of recognition, full scalability enabled by interconnect cards, and the option to add new filters based on a type of content to be processed. 
         [0021]    It is yet another object of this invention to provide such augmented reality platforms that are inexpensive to implement and maintain while retaining their effectiveness. 
         [0022]    Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an augmented reality board of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a process flowchart of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a schema view of data packet communications. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is an embodiment illustrational flowchart of the present invention as utilized by a user in a museum environment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0028]    Referring now to the drawings, the present invention is a museum augmented reality platform, and is generally referred to with numeral  10 . It can be observed that it basically includes augmented reality board  20 . 
         [0029]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , augmented reality board  20  comprises at least one filter module  30  that can be differentiated based on Field Programmable Gate Array “FPGA” technology module  32  where filter module  30  is synthesized to process data. After processing the data, it is transmitted to core module  40  composed of microcontrollers that manage information and compares a result with contents in its database. 
         [0030]    A plurality of augmented reality boards  20  can be connected together with bus modules  50 . An interconnection with the outside is possible via base module  60  that provides Ethernet interface  62  and electronics for a power supply to each augmented reality board  20 . Advantages of augmented reality boards  20  are the possibility of adding specific filter modules  30 , depending on content type, which can act simultaneously. The use of FPGA technology module  32  allows much higher performance with the ability to provide real-time results. The use of different filter modules  30  adds an advantage of processing data even in non-optimal conditions. 
         [0031]    As seen in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , step  160  defines a starting point of operation, whereby at step  162  bus module  50  receives a raw data packet and transmits it via hub  52 . 
         [0032]    After receiving the raw data packet, at step  164  augmented reality board  20  decodes the raw data packet and applies a respective filter module  30 . 
         [0033]    The raw data packet is processed in filter module  30 , whereby it contains FPGA technology module  32  where filter module  30  is synthesized. 
         [0034]    At step  166  if the processing in filter module  30  is successful, at step  168  there is collecting of processed data, whereby memory cell  34  contains expandable logic cells to implement static memory for FPGA technology module  32 . After processing the data, at step  170  results are sent to core module  40  that communicates strictly with application server  70  comprising Ethernet peripheral  72 , seen in  FIG. 3 , and at step  174  end. After that, application server  70  receives results from core module  40 , application server  70  sends multimedia content relating to the recognized target T to computer devices  250 ,  260 , and  270 , seen in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0035]    At step  166  if the processing in filter module  30  is not successful, at step  172  a report is issued and application server  70 , seen in  FIG. 3 , can evaluate the results to recognize content and at step  174  end. 
         [0036]    As seen in  FIG. 3 , present invention  10  in a recognition process at museum M, adopts different formats of raw data packets including images and streaming of data of target T as multimedia sources transmit the raw data packets via a wired or wireless network  80  to analyze content in real time using augmented reality board  20 . Target T is artwork including, but not limited to, a painting, sculpture, relic, and photo, and/or cultural site. For purposes of example, only three computer devices  250 ,  260 , and  270  are illustrated. It is understood that present invention  10  is capable of handling multitudes of visitors with their respective computer devices attending museums M on any given day. Computer devices  250 ,  260 , and  270  can be any computer such as a smart phone, mobile device, and/or tablet. 
         [0037]    Each computer device  250 ,  260 , and/or  270  receives content via its respective input source, such as a microphone and/or camera, and sends raw data packets via wired or wireless network  80  to augmented reality board  20 . Augmented reality board  20  processes the raw data packets and sends the results to application server  70  to manage them. Furthermore, augmented reality board  20  receives the raw data packets from computer devices  250 ,  260 , and  270  via the wired or wireless network  80 , whereby computer devices  250 ,  260 , and  270  use video cameras as an input source that processes images and/or data streaming before sending it to augmented reality board  20 . 
         [0038]    Seen in  FIG. 4 , is an example illustrational flowchart of present invention  10  as utilized in a museum environment. 
         [0039]    At step  100 , a user is outside of a museum M. For purposes of this example, the user is named “John” and he is thinking about how many things he can learn by visiting such a stimulating environment! 
         [0040]    At step  110 , while John is in queue to enter museum M, he reads promotional panels describing the enhanced experience everyone can live by downloading a special mobile application of present invention  10 . 
         [0041]    At step  120 , he is now at the ticket office. There, John is asked if he wants the mobile application of present invention  10  and earphones by paying an additional monetary amount, $10 as an example. 
         [0042]    At step  130 , John accepts. The museum box office employee gives John a museum entrance ticket and a QR code to download the mobile application of present invention  10 . 
         [0043]    At step  140 , John goes to a hotspot at museum M to complete the download and launch the mobile application of present invention  10 . 
         [0044]    At step  150 , John can now start his enhanced experience. He wears his earphones and starts a walking path of his choice. 
         [0045]    At step  160 , if John desires to use present invention  10 , then he just needs to utilize his computer device  250 , seen in  FIG. 3 , and scans a desired target T being artwork including, but not limited to, a painting, sculpture, relic, and photo, and/or cultural site. 
         [0046]    At step  161 , John can choose different kinds of content to augment his experience, including but not limited to: audios, videos, photos, and sign language translations. 
         [0047]    At step  180 , John wants to take some keepsakes home, so he takes a look at a shop within the mobile application of present invention  10 . 
         [0048]    At step  190 , John is prompted to add goods and/or services to his virtual cart. He is informed that he will be able to collect his purchases at the end of his visit. 
         [0049]    At step  200 , John arrives near the giftshop, the mobile application of present invention  10  reminds him that he can purchase the goods and/or services he has put in his shopping cart. 
         [0050]    At step  210 , John completes his purchases from the gift shop. And a large group of young students is contemporary running the mobile application of present invention  10 , with the aim to win a prize that museum M is donating. 
         [0051]    At step  220 , interactions between visitors and the museum help museum management make decisions on flow control and on division of labor. 
         [0052]    The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.