Patent Description:
In general, virtual reality (VR) is a virtual space which is created by an artificial technology using an electronic device (e.g., computer or the like), and VR attempts to mimic reality. In addition, AR is a field related to VR, in which computer graphics technology is used to make an object in AR appear to exist in an original real-world environment by combining a virtual item with an actual environment. An AR application has a feature in which the AR can provide a user with enhanced reality by allowing the user to interact with the virtual item as if in the real world.

Hence, the user recognizes the actual environment where the user is and, at the same time, the user also recognizes virtual information that is displayed on an actual screen in the AR. Since a real image and virtual graphics are combined together and displayed in AR, desired objects have been accurately located at a desired position on a screen so as to obtain a realistic and accurate image. Currently, possibilities of associating the virtual item with physical objects and spaces and vice-versa through AR are limited to only entertainment and gaming scenarios.

Thus, it is desired to address the above mentioned difficulties or shortcomings and to provide a useful alternative.

<CIT> discloses configurations for presenting virtual reality and augmented reality experiences to users. A system may comprise an image capturing device to capture one or more images, the one or more images corresponding to a field of the view of a user of a head-mounted augmented reality device, and a processor communicatively coupled to the image capturing device to extract a set of map points from the set of images, to identify a set of sparse points and a set of dense points from the extracted set of map points, and to perform a normalization on the set of map points.

<CIT> relates to a method of online shopping using three-dimensional representations of objects.

The invention provides a method in accordance with claim <NUM> and an apparatus in accordance with claim <NUM>. The disclosure discusses, a method of managing, by an electronic device, content in an AR system is provided. The method includes identifying a digital artifact that is used by a first application of an electronic device, executing and displaying an image capturing application to capture images, displaying the digital artifact on a captured image which includes an object of a real world where the digital artifact is displayed on or around the object, and, while the digital artifact is displayed, receiving an user input on at least one of the digital artifact or the object for performing an action associated with the digital artifact.

In an AR system, the digital artifact is displayed via a capturing application and used for interactions associated with various applications by a user.

Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide are a method and apparatus for managing content in an augmented reality (AR) system.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, a method of managing, by an electronic device, content in an AR system is provided. The method includes identifying a digital artifact that is used by a first application of an electronic device, executing and displaying an image capturing application to capture images, displaying the digital artifact on a captured image which includes an object of a real world where the digital artifact is displayed on or around the object, and, while the digital artifact is displayed, receiving an user input on at least one of the digital artifact or the object for performing an action associated with the digital artifact.

The method further includes performing at least one action based on the at least one digital artifact displayed on the physical space.

The obtaining of the at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact on the electronic device comprises selecting the at least one digital content from another electronic device, projecting the at least one digital content to a physical space through an image capturing device of the other electronic device, and obtaining the at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact on the electronic device.

The obtaining of the at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact on the electronic device comprises selecting the at least one digital content from an environment in which another electronic device is located, projecting the digital content to a physical space through an image capturing device of the other electronic device, and obtaining the at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact on the electronic device.

The at least one digital content is projected to the physical space through the image capturing device by creating an AR application as an overlay on the physical space.

The obtaining of the at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact on the electronic device includes creating an event comprising at least one digital artifact, projecting the at least one digital content to a user of the electronic device through the image capturing device, and obtaining the at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact on the electronic device.

The obtaining of the at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact on the electronic device comprises creating a document having at least one digital artifact, projecting the document including at least one digital content to an object through an image capturing device, and obtaining the at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact, when the electronic device is in the vicinity of the object.

The obtaining of the at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact on the electronic device includes creating a widget comprising at least one digital artifact, projecting the widget comprising at least one digital content into an object, and obtaining the at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact, when the user of the electronic device is pointing towards the object.

The at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact is obtained when the electronic device is in the vicinity of an AR application.

The AR application is modified, and the modified AR application is projected to the physical space.

The digital artifact includes a geographical position and an orientation of the electronic device along with a model view projection (MVP) matrix of the physical space.

The electronic device is configured to prioritize data, which a user is to be reminded of, on the digital artifact.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method of managing content in an AR system is provided. The method includes selecting the at least one digital content from at least one of the electronic device and an environment in which the electronic device is located, projecting the at least one digital content onto a physical space through an image capturing device of the electronic device, and sending at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact to another electronic device.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method of managing content in an AR system performed by an electronic device is provided. The method includes creating a data item comprising at least one digital artifact, projecting the at least one digital content to a user of the electronic device through the image capturing device, and obtaining the at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact on the electronic device.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device for managing content in an AR system is provided. The electronic device includes an AR content processing engine coupled to a memory and a processor. The AR content processing engine is configured to obtain at least one notification including at least one digital artifact. The AR content processing engine is configured to access the at least one notification through an image capturing device in an AR mode. The AR content processing engine is configured to display the at least one digital artifact on a physical space.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device for managing content in an augmented reality system is provided. The electronic device includes an AR content processing engine coupled to a memory and a processor. The AR content processing engine is configured to select the at least one digital content from at least one of the electronic device and an environment in which the electronic device is located. Further, the AR content processing engine is configured to project the at least one digital content to a physical space through an image capturing device of the electronic device. Further, the AR content processing engine is configured to send at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact to another electronic device.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device for managing content in an AR system is provided. The electronic device includes an AR content processing engine coupled to a memory and a processor. The AR content processing engine is configured to create a data item comprising at least one digital artifact. Further, the AR content processing engine is configured to display the at least one digital content to a user of the electronic device through the image capturing device. Further, the AR content processing engine is configured to obtain the at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact on the electronic device.

These and other aspects of the disclosure will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the various embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

As used herein, the terms "1st" or "first" and "2nd" or "second" may use corresponding components regardless of importance or order and are used to distinguish one component from another without limiting the components.

Accordingly, embodiments herein provide an electronic device and method for managing content in an augmented reality (AR) system. The method, performed by the electronic device, includes obtaining at least one notification including at least one digital artifact, accessing the at least one notification using an image capturing device in an AR mode and controlling display of the at least one digital artifact on a physical space.

Unlike conventional methods and systems, the proposed method can be used to enhance the interaction between a user's digital content, physical objects and spaces that help the user to perform the tasks in a convenient and utilitarian manner.

The method can be used to enhance interaction between the user's environment and the digital content using the image capturing device (e.g., camera, digital camera, or the like), to enhance the sense of intuition that the camera already happens to bring to the user's life.

The method can be used to select the digital content from the electronic device and display the digital content on the physical objects and spaces visible to the camera (i.e. superimpose digital content over a digital representation of the physical objects that captured by the camera). Further, the method can be used to retrieve the digital content on the camera of another electronic device through an AR mode to perform specific tasks or actions (e.g., a voice command by a user, a gesture performed by the user, or the like) based on the user requirement.

The method can be used to select the physical object from the user's environment and display the digital content on the physical objects and spaces visible to the camera. Further, the method can be used to retrieve the digital content from the camera of another electronic device using the AR mode to perform specific tasks based on the user requirement.

The method can be used to select the physical object from the user's environment and display the digital content onto the physical objects and spaces visible to the camera. Further, the method can be used to retrieve the digital content from the camera of the same electronic device using the AR mode to perform specific tasks based on the user requirement.

The method can be used to create a virtual memo on a real-world space or object using AR technology, and grant authority to access the virtual memo to a user (e.g., a desired user, a designated person, or the like).

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to <FIG>, embodiments of the disclosure will be described.

<FIG> illustrates an electronic device for managing content in an AR environment according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may be, for example, but is not limited to, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a personal computer (PC), a virtual reality (VR) headset, a dual screen mobile device, or the like.

The content provided for a scene may include information about businesses within the scene, such as hours of operation, menus and specials for restaurants and bars, sales at grocery and retail stores, upcoming events, and/or customer ratings of the businesses. The content may also include information about the city or neighborhood included in the scene, such as public transportation timetables, public park information, historic sites and events, tourist information, and/or locations of police and emergency services. In addition, the content may include translations of foreign language signs included in the scene. The content may further include identification of people included in the scene, such as whether and how a person is connected to the user via a social networking service (SNS). The content may also include environmental information such as temperature, weather forecasts, and/or pollution and allergen levels. The above list of types of content is merely exemplary and does not provide an exhaustive list of the types of information that may be provided in a scene of an AR application.

When a user accesses an image capturing device <NUM> of an electronic device <NUM> in an AR mode, the image capturing device <NUM> detects an image in a camera preview mode. In an embodiment, the planar surface in the image is detected using a combination of rectangle tracking techniques, finger tracking techniques, and/or eye gaze tracking techniques that utilize input received via the image capturing device <NUM>.

In an example, the image capturing device <NUM> receives an input of an image of a scene. Subsequently, the image capturing device <NUM> identifies or detects at least one reference physical object in the image of the scene based on detecting one or more rectangles in the received input. Further, the image capturing device <NUM> may receive input that defines a surface segment relative to at least one reference object.

In an embodiment, the planar surface is detected based on a surface segment arrangement relative to a current perspective of the scene.

In an embodiment, the planar surface is dynamically determined based on a planar surface segment and determining that the current perspective of the image of the scene has changed.

Further, the image capturing device <NUM> lists all the detected planar surfaces. Further, the image capturing device <NUM> calculates respective model view projection (MVP) matrices for the detected planar surfaces. Further, the user may select at least one planar surface where the user would like to drop a digital artifact. Each of the planar surfaces may correspond to each of physical objects displayed on the image of the scene.

Once the user selects the planar surface, the user is prompted to select the type of artifact and enter artifact information. After the user provides the artifact information, the electronic device <NUM> bundles and collect information regarding an electronic device's real world geographical position and orientation, along with an MVP matrix of the surface selected and artifact information in a file format (e.g., a JavaScript object notation (JSON) file format or the like). The file format may be notified to the user, when the digital artifact is triggered. If the user accesses the notification, the electronic device <NUM> utilizes the information of the digital artifact or the information included in the digital artifact to display the digital artifact on a display (not shown).

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> is configured to create a document including at least one digital artifact. The image capturing device <NUM> is configured to display the document including at least one digital content to an object (e.g., a physical object). Further, the electronic device <NUM> is configured to obtain the at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the vicinity of the object. Further, the electronic device <NUM> is configured to access the at least one notification using the image capturing device <NUM> in the AR mode. The image capturing device <NUM> is configured to display the at least one digital artifact on the physical space. Based on the at least one digital artifact displayed on the physical space, the image capturing device <NUM> is configured to perform at least one action or task. The action or task can be, for example, but is not limited to, a call to another user, sending a message, inquiring about a location, or the like.

In an example, a portable document format (PDF) document is displayed on a house that is in view (e.g., in the distance, as seen from an office) by pointing the camera at the house from the office. On arriving at the house (or in the vicinity of the house), the user is notified to remind him that the user has left something to read at this location, and the PDF document can be retrieved with the AR mode from a space in the house. It may be determined whether the user or the electronic device of the user is in the vicinity of the house based on global positioning system (GPS) information of the electronic device.

In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> is configured to create a widget including at least one digital artifact. Further, the electronic device <NUM> is configured to display the widget including at least one digital content to the object. Further, the electronic device <NUM> is configured to obtain the at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact, when the user of the electronic device <NUM> is pointing towards the object. Further, the electronic device <NUM> is configured to access the at least one notification using the image capturing device <NUM> in the AR mode. The image capturing device <NUM> is configured to display the at least one digital artifact on the physical space. Based on the at least one digital artifact displayed on the physical space, the image capturing device <NUM> is configured to perform at least one action.

In an embodiment, a weather widget displayed on a user's device displayed on the user's device pointed at the sky. The user receives the weather forecast based on an angle at which the camera of a smart phone is held, whenever the camera is pointed at the sky.

In another example, a video content displayed on a physical space (e.g., computer or a TV) by pointing the camera at the computer or the TV in a living room. When the user returns home and is notified that the video content has been left to watch later in the living room in the AR mode, user can resume watching the video content from a point where it was paused.

In another embodiment, a note with password(s) is displayed on a secret space by pointing the camera over the secret space. Only the user can retrieve the password in the same space by pushing a user interface (UI) that needs the password to be entered at the UI.

In another example, multiple bills or receipts are displayed on a common space by pointing the camera at the common space. The bill amounts get added in the background and various calculations/statistics (e.g., monthly expenditure tracking, money management advice or the like) can be retrieved from the common space by pointing the camera over the common space.

In an embodiment, the at least one digital content is displayed on the physical space by creating an AR application as an overlay on the physical space.

In an embodiment, the at least one notification comprising the at least one digital artifact is obtained when the electronic device <NUM> is in the vicinity of the AR application. In an embodiment, when the AR application is modified, the modified AR application is displayed on the physical space.

In an embodiment, the digital artifact includes a geographical position and an orientation of the electronic device <NUM> along with an MVP matrix of the physical space.

In an embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> is configured to prioritize data, which a user is to be reminded of, on the digital artifact. In an example, if the user receives the multiple notifications related to the digital artifact, the electronic device <NUM> prioritizes the notification to be indicated on the digital artifact.

<FIG> illustrates an AR system for managing the content in an AR environment according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the AR system <NUM> may include a set of electronic devices <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> (hereafter, referred to as the electronic device <NUM>, collectively). The functionalities and operations of the electronic device <NUM> are explained referring to <FIG>.

The electronic device <NUM> may have one or more modules which permit communication such as wireless communication among the electronic devices <NUM>-<NUM> with or without a server. The wireless communication among the electronic devices <NUM>-<NUM> may include short-range communication including Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), ZigBee, near field communication (NFC), wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, wireless universal serial bus (USB), miracast technique, or the like.

When the user accesses the image capturing device of the electronic device <NUM> in the AR mode, the image capturing device detects a planar surface in the camera preview mode. Further, the image capturing device lists all the detected planar surfaces. Further, a processor included in the image capturing device calculates the respective MVP matrices for the detected planar surfaces. Further, the user selects the planar surfaces where the user would like to drop the digital artifact.

Once the user selects the planar surface, the user will be prompted to select the type of artifact and input the artifact information. After the user inputs the artifact information, the electronic device <NUM> will bundle or collect information regarding the electronic device's real world geographical position and orientation, along with the MVP matrix of the surface selected and artifact information in a file format (e.g., a JSON file format or the like). In an embodiment, the file format is shared with another electronic device <NUM>.

Further, the electronic device <NUM> receives the file format. If the user of the other electronic device <NUM> accesses the file format in the form of a notification then, the other electronic device <NUM> utilizes the information of the digital artifact to display the digital artifact on the display screen.

In an embodiment, once the other electronic device <NUM> receives the artifact information, the artifact information is parsed and a GPS location of the other electronic device <NUM> is tracked. In the other electronic device <NUM>, a tap interaction is performed on the digital artifact visible using the image capturing device of the other electronic device <NUM> in the AR mode. Further, the image capturing device of the other electronic device <NUM> invokes a relevant application (e.g., a social networking application, a contact application, or the like) for further action (e.g., making a call, sending a message, or the like) in the AR mode.

In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> including the image capturing device is configured to select at least one digital content. The at least one digital content may include a digital artifact launched on an application displayed on the electronic device <NUM>. The electronic device <NUM> is configured to display the at least one digital content to a physical space using the image capturing device. The physical space may be observed on a screen displayed by an image capturing application executed on the electronic device <NUM>. Further, another electronic device <NUM> is configured to obtain the at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact. The other electronic device <NUM> is configured to access the at least one notification using the image capturing device of the other electronic device <NUM> in the AR mode. The image capturing device of the other electronic device <NUM> is configured to display the at least one digital artifact on the physical space. Based on the at least one digital artifact displayed on the physical space, the image capturing device of the other electronic device <NUM> is configured to perform at least one action.

In an example, a note application is displayed on a physical space by pointing the camera at a desk of a colleague. Further, the colleague is notified based on coordinates of the desk/work space that the user has sent a note for the colleague. If the colleague accesses the note, the colleague receives the notification.

In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> including the image capturing device is configured to select and/or detect at least one digital content from the environment in which the electronic device <NUM> is located. The at least one digital content may include a digital artifact launched on an image capturing application. The electronic device <NUM> is configured to display the digital content on a physical space using the image capturing device of the electronic device <NUM>. The physical space may be observed using a screen displayed by an image capturing application of the image capturing device. Further, another electronic device <NUM> is configured to obtain the at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact. Further, the other electronic device <NUM> is configured to access the at least one notification using the image capturing device of the other electronic device <NUM> in the AR mode. The image capturing device of the other electronic device <NUM> is configured to display the at least one digital artifact on the physical space. Based on the at least one digital artifact displayed on the physical space, the image capturing device of the other electronic device <NUM> is configured to perform at least one action.

In an example, personal contact information (e.g., mother's contact information or the like) is displayed on the physical object (e.g., bedside table or the like) by pointing the camera at the physical object. When the user comes home, the user is notified, when going to bed, to remind him/her to check his/her bedside table, which prompts the user to make an audio call or a video call to his/her mother by pointing the camera at the bedside table.

In another embodiment, the electronic device <NUM> is configured to create an event (e.g., birthday event or the like) including at least one digital artifact. The image capturing device <NUM> is configured to display at least one digital content to the user of another electronic device <NUM>. Further, the other electronic device <NUM> is configured to obtain the at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact. Further, the other electronic device <NUM> is configured to access the at least one notification using the image capturing device of the other electronic device <NUM> in the AR mode. The image capturing device of the other electronic device <NUM> is configured to display the at least one digital artifact on a physical space. Based on the at least one digital artifact displayed on the physical space, the image capturing device of the other electronic device <NUM> is configured to perform at least one action (e.g., attend the birthday party, send birthday wishes, or the like).

In an embodiment, a calendar event (e.g., a birthday invitation) is created and displayed to a person in view or to a group of people in view (by pointing the camera at him or them) for him or them to receive an invitation to the calendar event.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the electronic device <NUM> may include the image capturing device <NUM>, an AR content processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and a communicator <NUM>. The AR content processor <NUM> communicates with the image capturing device <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, the processor <NUM>, the display <NUM>, and the communicator <NUM>. The AR content processor <NUM>, the processor <NUM>, and the communicator <NUM> may be implemented as at least one hardware processor.

When the user accesses the image capturing device <NUM> in the AR mode, the image capturing device <NUM> detects a planar surface in the camera preview mode. Further, the image capturing device <NUM> lists all the detected planar surfaces and the AR content processor <NUM> calculates respective MVP matrices for the detected planar surfaces. Furthermore, the user selects the planar surfaces of the image where the user would like to drop a digital artifact. In an embodiment, an MVP matrix combines all the transformations into a single 4X4 matrix. The MVP matrix multiplies homogeneous coordinates that describe a three dimensional (3D) model's vertices.

Once the user selects the planar surface, the user will be prompted to select the type of artifact and enter or input artifact information. After the user provides the artifact information, the AR content processor <NUM> will bundle the electronic device's real world geographical position and orientation, along with the MVP matrix of the surface selected and artifact information in a file format (e.g., a JSON file format or the like). In an embodiment, the file format is notified to the user when the digital artifact is triggered. If the user accesses the notification, the AR content processor <NUM> utilizes the information of the digital artifact to display the digital artifact on the display <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the AR content processor <NUM> is configured to create a document including at least one digital artifact. The image capturing device <NUM> is configured to display the document including at least one digital content to a physical object. Further, the AR content processor <NUM> is configured to obtain at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact, when the electronic device <NUM> is in the vicinity of the object. Further, the AR content processor <NUM> is configured to access the at least one notification using the image capturing device <NUM> in the AR mode. The display <NUM> is configured to display the at least one digital artifact on the physical space. Based on the at least one digital artifact displayed on the physical space, the image capturing device <NUM> is configured to perform at least one action/task. The action/task can be, for example, but is not limited to, making a call, sending a message, inquiring about the location, or the like.

In another embodiment, the AR content processor <NUM> is configured to create a widget including at least one digital artifact. Further, the AR content processor <NUM> is configured to display the widget including at least one digital content to the object, obtain at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact, when the user of the electronic device <NUM> is pointing towards the object, and access the at least one notification using the image capturing device <NUM> in the AR mode. The display <NUM> is configured to display the at least one digital artifact on the physical space. Based on the at least one digital artifact displayed on the physical space, the image capturing device <NUM> is configured to perform at least one action.

In an embodiment, the AR content processor <NUM> is configured to prioritize data, which a user is to be reminded of, on the digital artifact.

The processor <NUM> is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory <NUM> and to perform various processes. The communicator <NUM> is configured to communicate internally between internal hardware components and with external devices via one or more networks. The communicator <NUM> is configured to communicate with the AR content processor <NUM> to manage the content in the AR system <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> also stores instructions to be executed by the processor <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may include non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements may include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, floppy discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memory (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable memory (EEPROM). In addition, the memory <NUM> may, in some examples, be considered a non-transitory storage medium. However, the term "non-transitory" should not be interpreted as meaning that the memory <NUM> is non-movable. In some examples, the memory <NUM> can be configured to store larger amounts of information than the memory. In certain examples, a non-transitory storage medium may store data that can, over time, change (e.g., in random access memory (RAM) or cache memory).

Although <FIG> shows various hardware components of the electronic device <NUM>, it is to be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> may include more or less components. Further, the labels or names of the components are used only for illustrative purpose and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. One or more components can be combined together to perform the same or substantially similar functions to manage the content in the AR system <NUM>.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an AR content processor of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the AR content processor <NUM> includes a planar surface detector <NUM>, an MVP calculator <NUM>, a geographical position tracker <NUM>, a digital artifact information creator and parser <NUM>, and a renderer <NUM>.

The user of the electronic device <NUM> accesses the image capturing device <NUM> in the AR mode. After accessing the image capturing device <NUM> in the AR mode, the planar surface detector <NUM> is configured to detect the planar surface in an image capturing device preview mode and the planar surface detector <NUM> lists all the detected planar surfaces. Further, the MVP calculator <NUM> calculates respective MVP matrices for the detected planar surfaces.

Further, the user of the electronic device <NUM> selects the planar surfaces from the detected planar surfaces, where the user of the electronic device <NUM> would like to drop or plant the digital artifact. Once the user selects the planar surface from the detected planar surfaces, the user of the electronic device <NUM> will be prompted to select the type of artifact and enter artifact information.

Once the user of the electronic device <NUM> provides the artifact information, the digital artifact information creator and parser <NUM> will bundle the electronic device's real world geographical position and orientation, along with an MVP matrix of the surface selected and artifact information in a file format (e.g., a JSON file format or the like). In an embodiment, the file format is pushed to a server (not shown) to be delivered to another electronic device <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the MVP matrix includes model, view and projection matrices. The MVP is may be required to perform rendering at the first electronic device <NUM> and the second electronic device <NUM>. The model matrix will remain the same at both the electronic device <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM>. Viewing frustrum information for view matrix calculation will remain the same at both the electronic device <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM>.

Further, the electronic device <NUM> only sends the model matrix and the viewing frustrum information instead of the entire MVP matrix to the electronic device <NUM>. A projection matrix will be different at both the electronic device <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM>. The projection matrix is calculated independently at both the electronic device <NUM> and the electronic device <NUM> as the projection matrix is dependent on the hardware and field of view of the image capturing device <NUM>.

Although the <FIG> shows various hardware components of the AR content processor <NUM>, it is to be understood that other embodiments are not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the AR content processor <NUM> may include more or less components. Further, the labels or names of the components are used only for illustrative purpose and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. One or more components can be combined together to perform the same or substantially similar functions to manage the content in the AR system <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method of managing content in an AR system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a flowchart illustrates operations to manage content in the AR system <NUM>. At operation S502, the electronic device <NUM> obtains at least one notification including at least one digital artifact. In an embodiment, the AR content processor <NUM> may obtain the at least one notification including at least one digital artifact on the electronic device <NUM>. At operation S504, the at least one notification is accessed using the image capturing device <NUM> in the AR mode. In an embodiment, the image capturing device <NUM> may access the at least one notification in the AR mode.

At operation S506, the at least one digital artifact is displayed on the physical space. In an embodiment, the display <NUM> may display the at least one digital artifact on the physical space. At operation S508, at least one action is performed based on the at least one digital artifact displayed on the physical space. In an embodiment, the AR content processor <NUM> may perform the at least one action based on the at least one digital artifact displayed on the physical space.

The various actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like in the flowchart <NUM> may be performed in the order presented, in a different order, or simultaneously. Further, in some embodiments, some of the actions, acts, blocks, steps, or the like may be omitted, added, modified, skipped, or the like without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a flowchart <NUM> illustrates a method of managing content in the AR system <NUM>. At operation S512 the processor <NUM> of the electronic device <NUM> may detect or identify a digital artifact used by an application displayed on the electronic device <NUM>. At operation S514, the processor <NUM> may execute an image capturing application to capture images. The image capturing application may be a camera application executable on an electronic device. By launching the image capturing application, the user may observe a physical space on a screen of the display of the electronic device <NUM>.

At operation S516, the processor <NUM> may display the digital artifact on a captured image which includes at least one object. The digital artifact may be displayed on or around the object. The object may be a physical object of a real world in the physical space. At operation S518, the processor <NUM> may receive a user input on at least one of the digital artifact or the object for performing an action associated with the digital artefact on the image capturing application while the digital artifact is displayed.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method of managing content in an AR system <NUM>, when an electronic device sends at least one notification including at least one digital artifact to another electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a flowchart <NUM> illustrating a method of managing content in an AR system, when an electronic device sends at least one notification including at least one digital artifact to another electronic device. Operations S611 to S615 may be performed by the AR content processor <NUM>. At operation S611, the at least one digital content is selected from at least one of the electronic device <NUM> and the environment in which the electronic device <NUM> is located. At operation S613, the at least one digital content is displayed on a physical space by the electronic device <NUM>. At operation S615, at least one notification comprising the at least one digital artifact is sent to the other electronic device <NUM> or <NUM>.

<FIG> is a flowchart illustrating a method of managing content in an AR system, when an electronic device reminds a user of at least one notification including at least one digital artifact, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a flowchart <NUM> illustrates a method of managing content in an AR system, when an electronic device reminds a user of at least one notification including at least one digital artifact. Operations <NUM> to <NUM> may be performed by the AR content processor <NUM>. At operation S621, a data item comprising the at least one digital artifact is generated. The data item can be, for example, but is not limited to, a document, a widget or the like. At operation S623, the at least one digital content is displayed to the user of the AR system <NUM> using the image capturing device <NUM>. At operation S625, the at least one notification including the at least one digital artifact on the electronic device <NUM> is obtained.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> are example illustrations in which a digital artifact is displayed on a physical object according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, when the user of the electronic device <NUM> accesses the camera in the AR mode and the camera pulls a set of contacts to display them on a portion of a camera preview screen, the camera detects a planar surface in the camera preview mode and the camera lists all the detected planar surfaces. Further, the MVP calculator <NUM> calculates respective MVP matrices for the detected planar surfaces. The set of contacts may be displayed along an edge of the camera preview screen in an embodiment. The set of contacts may be displayed on an image capturing application. The user of the electronic device <NUM> may select at least one contact among the set of contacts for display on one of the detected planar surface.

Further, the user of the electronic device <NUM> selects the planar surfaces from the detected planar surfaces, where the user of the electronic device <NUM> would like to display the digital artifact as shown in <FIG>.

Once the user selects the planar surface from the detected planar surfaces, the user of the electronic device <NUM> displays the contact or the contact information in the form of a digital artifact onto the planar surface and flattens the digital artifact on the planar surface to match the perspective of the physical object (identified by using a 3D map) as shown in <FIG>.

Further, the contact information is shared in an online mode, so as to reflect the contact's status update in a regular time interval. The contact's status update is seen differently from one person to another person. The information is profiled and seen contextually by each member through their respective cameras.

The digital artifact includes the electronic device's real world geographical position and orientation, along with the MVP matrix of the selected planar surface and the artifact information in a JSON file. The JSON file is transferred to the servers (not shown) to be delivered to another electronic device <NUM>.

The other electronic device <NUM> receives the digital artifact information in the form of a notification, when the other electronic device <NUM> is in the vicinity of the transferred digital artifact as shown in <FIG>. Once the notification is accessed by the other electronic device <NUM>, the other electronic device <NUM> retrieves the contact information by a tapping interaction on the other electronic device <NUM>, and provides a relevant application to perform the actions (e.g., launch the call with the contact based on the contact information) as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> are example illustrations in which a digital artifact is displayed on a user, by another user, according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the user (sender) of the electronic device <NUM> performs a 3D-touch interaction on a calendar event <NUM> for a birthday party to invoke a calendar event on the camera. The calendar event <NUM> in the form of the digital artifact is generated and transmitted to another person in view by pointing the camera towards the other person <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

The other person <NUM> receives the notification of the digital artifact received from the user, and the other person <NUM> may access the calendar event <NUM> in a relevant application as shown in <FIG>. Based on accessing the calendar event <NUM>, the other person <NUM> may send the birthday wishes to the corresponding user.

In another example, when the user (sender) of the electronic device <NUM> performs a 3D-touch interaction on the calendar event for a team lunch invitation to invoke the calendar event on the camera, the calendar event in the form of the digital artifact is created and transmitted to a group of people in view by pointing the camera towards them. The group of people receive the notification of the digital artifact, and the group of people may access the calendar event in a relevant application, and accordingly, can schedule the work activity.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are example illustrations in which a digital artifact is displayed on a physical space according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the user (sender) of the electronic device <NUM> performs a 3D-touch interaction on an email and invokes the camera to perform an action (e.g., setting a reminder, alerting about the building, or the like). After invoking the camera in the AR mode, the camera may detect a planar surface including an object corresponding to the building in the camera preview mode and the camera lists all detected planar surfaces. Further, once the user selects the planar surface from the detected planar surfaces, the user of the electronic device <NUM> may push the digital artifact including an email and flattens the digital artifact on the planar surface to match the perspective of the physical object based on depth estimation, distance, direct calculations and/or GPS information of the object as shown in the <FIG> and <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, when the user is in the vicinity of the building, the device of the user may receive the notification of the digital artifact. Referring to <FIG>, the user may access the digital artifact in a relevant application and perform the relevant activity (e.g., enquire about the building, deliver a parcel to a person in the building, or the like).

In another example, the user (sender) of the electronic device <NUM> performs a 3D-touch interaction on an email and invokes the camera to perform an action (e.g., setting a reminder, alerting about a landmark near a building, or the like). After invoking the camera in the AR mode, the camera detects a planar surface corresponding to the building in the camera preview mode and the camera lists all detected planar surfaces. Further, once the user selects the planar surface from the detected planar surfaces, the user of the electronic device <NUM> may push the digital artifact including the email and modify the shape of the digital artifact on the planar surface to match the perspective of the physical object based on depth perception, distance, and direction calculations. Further, the digital artifact is shared with other users (e.g., residents and visitors). Another user receives the notification corresponding to the digital artifact. The other user may access the digital artifact in a relevant application, while he or she is near the location.

In another example, the email may be moved around in interior spaces of the building and edited for view sharing with residents and visitors.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> are example illustrations in which a digital artifact is displayed at an angle to be retrieved by a user at the same angle according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when a touch interaction on a weather widget is performed to cast it onto the sky by the camera, the digital artifact transitions onto the sky and gets planted on the sky for rediscovery via the AR mode. The digital artifact is visible whenever the camera is pointed at the same angle or onto the same space as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In other words, the digital artifact may be displayed on an image including an object such as sky when the camera points in the direction of the sky. The information associated with the digital artifact of the weather widget such as weather information may be displayed.

In an embodiment, once the weather widget is fixed to the sky, a dynamic weather forecast and updates can be visible whenever and wherever the camera is pointing at the sky, as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> are example illustrations in which a digital artifact is displayed on a physical object or space to enable a continue viewing later option according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, when a video content being reproduced is displayed on the physical space by pointing the camera at a TV in a living room, the digital artifact including the video content transitions onto the surface and is flattened on the surface to match the perspective of the physical object or the surface as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. When the user returns home and is notified that the video content in the living room is paused and the video content reproduction is enabled, the user may retrieve the notification in the AR mode and watch the video content reproduced on the same device or on another device such as a TV as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> are example illustrations in which a note with a password is displayed on a locker captured by a camera to be retrieved in a privacy mode according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, when the note with the password is displayed on a secret space (e.g., a locker) by pointing the camera at the secret space, the security information such as password may transition onto the surface and is flattened on it to match the perspective of the secret space. The password is retrieved using a UI to invoke the camera through the UI, and the password is fetched from the secret space through the AR mode, as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are example illustrations in which multiple bills are pushed into a common box to manage expenses according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, when a 3D-touch interaction is performed on price or cost information including bills/receipts, and the multiple bills/receipts are displayed in the common space (e.g., box) by pointing the camera at the box. The bill amounts get added in the background and various calculations/statistics (e.g., monthly expenditure tracking and money management advice) can be retrieved from the box by pointing the camera at the box, as shown in <FIG>.

The notification about the monthly expenditure tracking and the money management advice is pushed to the user's electronic device <NUM> when the electronic device is in the vicinity of the pushed item such as the box and when an update to the expenditure is available, as shown in <FIG>. The user can track his or her expenses by pointing the camera at the box through the AR mode as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are example illustrations in which a shared itinerary is displayed on a physical space to be accessed by multiple users according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, when a 3D-touch interaction is performed on the shared itinerary, the shared itinerary (e.g., a travel plan itinerary or the like) is displayed on a common space (e.g., a refrigerator or the like) by pointing the camera at the common space, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

The notification is pushed to itinerary sharing contacts when the user is in the vicinity of the pushed item, and when any user-specific update has been set by others, or is waiting to be viewed, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. A different UI is seen by each of the sharing contacts, based on items appended thereon, when respective cameras are pointed at the shared space.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are example illustrations in which a digital artifact is displayed on a physical object to be retrieved by another image capturing device according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a note is displayed on a physical space (e.g., a colleague's desk) by pointing the camera at the physical space. When the colleague returns to his or her desk and discovers the note left there using his or her camera, the colleague is also notified based on coordinates of the desk/work space that the user has left the note there for the colleague, as shown in <FIG>. Further, the colleague can perform an action as required.

The example embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented using at least one software program running on at least one hardware device and performing network management functions to control the elements.

The example embodiments herein have been described with reference to specific example embodiments; however, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these example embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the various example embodiments. It is to be also understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of example embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the example embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the claims as described herein.

Claim 1:
A method of managing content in an augmented reality, AR, system comprising a screen, the method comprising:
identifying (S512) a digital artifact that is used by a first application of an electronic device (<NUM>), and selecting, based on a user input, the digital artifact on the screen;
executing (S514) an image capturing application to capture images using an image capturing device of the electronic device in an AR mode;
displaying (S516) the digital artifact on at least one captured image on the screen, wherein the at least one captured image includes an object of a real world and the digital artifact is displayed on the object;
characterised by
the method further comprising calculating model view projection, MVP, matrices for a planar surface of the object;
wherein the displaying (S516) the digital artifact comprises flattening the digital artifact to match a perspective of the planar surface of the object based on the calculated MVP matrix of the object, and superimposing the flattened digital artifact on the planar surface of the object based on the perspective;
transmitting, by the electronic device, the digital artifact to a server for forwarding to a second electronic device;
wherein the digital artifact comprises the geographical position and orientation of the electronic device;
wherein when the second electronic device is located at a distance from of the object on which the digital artifact is superimposed that is less than a first threshold distance, a notification including the digital artifact is transmitted to the second electronic device, and
while the digital artifact is displayed, receiving (S518) a user input on at least one of the digital artifact or the object for performing an action associated with the digital artifact.