PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11227494-B1
Application Number: US-201816140211-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Providing transit information in an augmented reality environment

Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to providing transit information in an augmented reality environment. In some embodiments, images are obtained using one or more image sensors, a determination is made whether the obtained images include a map, and, in accordance with a set of one or more conditions being satisfied, transit information is displayed in the augmented reality environment. A location of the displayed transit information in the augmented reality environment may correspond to a respective feature of the map.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A device for providing transit information, comprising:
 one or more processors; and 
 memory storing one or more programs configured to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more programs including instructions for:
 obtaining images of a real environment using one or more image sensors; 
 determining whether the obtained images include predefined content in the real environment; 
 in accordance with a set of one or more conditions being satisfied, the set of one or more conditions including a first condition that is satisfied when the obtained images include the predefined content;
 retrieving transit information associated with a predefined map based on the predefined content; 
 determining a position and orientation of a physical map in the real environment with respect to a position and orientation of the device, the physical map corresponding to the predefined map associated with the transit information; and 
 presenting the transit information at least partially overlaying a view of the physical map based on the position and orientation of the physical map with respect to the position and orientation of the device. 
 
 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the set of one or more conditions include a second condition that is satisfied when a user input is detected. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 in accordance with the set of one or more conditions being satisfied:
 retrieving at least a portion of the transit information from one or more external data sources. 
 
 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 determining a physical location of an electronic device, wherein the transit information is based at least in part on the physical location of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 retrieving at least a portion of the transit information from one or more external data resources based at least in part on the physical location of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 receiving input representing an intended destination, wherein the transit information is based at least in part on the intended destination. 
 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the transit information includes a current location of a transit vehicle, a route to a destination, an estimated time of arrival of a transit vehicle, an estimated time of departure of a transit vehicle, a translation of map text, a price of transit, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the physical map is a physical public transit map. 
     
     
       9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs configured to be executed by one or more processors, the one or more programs including instructions for:
 obtaining images of a real environment using one or more image sensors; 
 determining whether the obtained images include predefined content in the real environment; 
 in accordance with a set of one or more conditions being satisfied, the set of one or more conditions including a first condition that is satisfied when the obtained images include the predefined content:
 retrieving transit information associated with a predefined map based on the predefined content; 
 determining a position and orientation of a physical map in the real environment with respect to a position and orientation of the device, the physical map corresponding to the predefined map associated with the transit information; and 
 presenting the transit information at least partially overlaying a view of the physical map based on the position and orientation of the physical map with respect to the position and orientation of the device. 
 
 
     
     
       10. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 9 , wherein the set of one or more conditions include a second condition that is satisfied when a user input is detected. 
     
     
       11. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 in accordance with the set of one or more conditions being satisfied:
 retrieving at least a portion of the transit information from one or more external data sources. 
 
 
     
     
       12. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 determining a physical location of an electronic device, wherein the transit information is based at least in part on the physical location of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 12 , further comprising:
 retrieving at least a portion of the transit information from one or more external data resources based at least in part on the physical location of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 receiving input representing an intended destination, wherein the transit information is based at least in part on the intended destination. 
 
     
     
       15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 9 , wherein the transit information includes a current location of a transit vehicle, a route to a destination, an estimated time of arrival of a transit vehicle, an estimated time of departure of a transit vehicle, a translation of map text, a price of transit, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
       16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 9 , wherein the physical map is a physical public transit map. 
     
     
       17. A method for providing transit information, the method comprising:
 obtaining images of a real environment using one or more image sensors; 
 determining whether the obtained images include predefined content in the real environment; 
 in accordance with a set of one or more conditions being satisfied, the set of one or more conditions including a first condition that is satisfied when the obtained images include the predefined content:
 retrieving transit information associated with a predefined map based on the predefined content; 
 determining a position and orientation of a physical map in the real environment with respect to a position and orientation of the device, the physical map corresponding to the predefined map associated with the transit information; and 
 presenting the transit information at least partially overlaying a view of the physical map based on the position and orientation of the physical map with respect to the position and orientation of the device. 
 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the set of one or more conditions include a second condition that is satisfied when a user input is detected. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 in accordance with the set of one or more conditions being satisfied:
 retrieving at least a portion of the transit information from one or more external data sources. 
 
 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 determining a physical location of an electronic device, wherein the transit information is based at least in part on the physical location of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 20 , further comprising:
 retrieving at least a portion of the transit information from one or more external data resources based at least in part on the physical location of the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 receiving input representing an intended destination, wherein the transit information is based at least in part on the intended destination.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/565,762, entitled “PROVIDING TRANSIT INFORMATION IN AN AUGMENTED REALITY ENVIRONMENT,” filed on Sep. 29, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to augmented reality environments, and more specifically to providing transit information in augmented reality environments. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A transit map is an example of a map. Transit maps typically illustrate routes and stations within a transit system such as a train system. Transit maps are illustrated using different languages depending on location. 
     SUMMARY 
     Described herein are techniques for providing transit information in an augmented reality environment. In some embodiments, a technique includes obtaining images using one or more image sensors; determining whether the obtained images include a map; in accordance with a set of one or more conditions being satisfied, the set of one or more conditions including a first condition that is satisfied when the obtained images include the map, displaying transit information in the augmented reality environment, wherein a location of the displayed transit information in the augmented reality environment corresponds to a respective feature of the map. 
     In some embodiments, the set of one or more conditions include a second condition that is satisfied when the map corresponds to a predefined map. In some embodiments, the set of one or more conditions include a third condition that is satisfied when an element in the augmented reality environment is activated by a user. In some embodiments, in accordance with the set of one or more conditions being satisfied, the technique includes retrieving at least a portion of the transit information from one or more external data sources. In some embodiments, the technique includes determining a physical location of an electronic device, wherein the displayed transit information is based at least in part on the physical location of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the technique includes retrieving at least a portion of the transit information from one or more external data resources based at least in part on the physical location of the electronic device. In some embodiments, the technique includes receiving input representing an intended destination, wherein the displayed transit information is based at least in part on the intended destination. 
     In some embodiments, the transit information includes a current location of a transit vehicle, a route to a destination, an estimated time of arrival of a transit vehicle, an estimated time of departure of a transit vehicle, a translation of map text, a price of transit, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the map is a public transit map. 
     In some embodiments, a device for providing transit information in an augmented reality environment includes one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs configured to be executed by the one or more processors. The one or more programs include instructions for obtaining images using one or more image sensors; determining whether the obtained images include a map; in accordance with a set of one or more conditions being satisfied, the set of one or more conditions including a first condition that is satisfied when the obtained images include the map, displaying transit information in the augmented reality environment, wherein a location of the displayed transit information in the augmented reality environment corresponds to a respective feature of the map. 
     In some embodiments, a non-transitory (or, optionally, transitory) computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs configured to be executed by one or more processors provides the transit information in the augmented reality environment. The one or more programs include instructions for obtaining images using one or more image sensors; determining whether the obtained images include a map; in accordance with a set of one or more conditions being satisfied, the set of one or more conditions including a first condition that is satisfied when the obtained images include the map, displaying transit information in the augmented reality environment, wherein a location of the displayed transit information in the augmented reality environment corresponds to a respective feature of the map. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and which illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. 
         FIGS. 1A-1B  depict exemplary systems for use in various computer-generated reality technologies, including virtual reality and mixed reality. 
         FIGS. 1C-1E  illustrate embodiments of the system in the form of mobile devices. 
         FIGS. 1F-1H  illustrate embodiments of the system in the form of head-mounted display devices. 
         FIG. 1I  illustrates an embodiment of the system in the form of a head-up display device. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a physical map. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a device displaying a representation of a map. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of a device displaying transit information overlaying the representation of the map. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of a device displaying transit information overlaying the representation of the map. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of a device displaying transit information overlaying the representation of the map. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary technique for providing transit information in an augmented reality environment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments of electronic systems and techniques for using such systems in relation to various computer-generated reality technologies, including virtual reality and mixed reality (which incorporates sensory inputs from a physical environment), are described. In particular, the present disclosure provides techniques for providing transit information in an augmented reality environment. A physical map (e.g., a transit map located at a transit station) is identified, and then additional transit information associated with the map is displayed in the augmented reality environment. In some embodiments, the transit information is displayed in the augmented reality environment such that the information appears to overlay the physical map. In this way, updated transit information, and/or transit information of relevance to the user, is provided along with the physical map. 
     A physical environment (or real environment) refers to a physical world that people can sense and/or interact with without aid of electronic systems. Physical environments, such as a physical park, include physical articles (or physical objects or real objects), such as physical trees, physical buildings, and physical people. People can directly sense and/or interact with the physical environment, such as through sight, touch, hearing, taste, and smell. 
     In contrast, a computer-generated reality (CGR) environment refers to a wholly or partially simulated environment that people sense and/or interact with via an electronic system. In CGR, a subset of a person&#39;s physical motions, or representations thereof, are tracked, and, in response, one or more characteristics of one or more virtual objects simulated in the CGR environment are adjusted in a manner that comports with at least one law of physics. For example, a CGR system may detect a person&#39;s head turning and, in response, adjust graphical content and an acoustic field presented to the person in a manner similar to how such views and sounds would change in a physical environment. In some situations (e.g., for accessibility reasons), adjustments to characteristic(s) of virtual object(s) in a CGR environment may be made in response to representations of physical motions (e.g., vocal commands). 
     A person may sense and/or interact with a CGR object using any one of their senses, including sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. For example, a person may sense and/or interact with audio objects that create a 3D or spatial audio environment that provides the perception of point audio sources in 3D space. In another example, audio objects may enable audio transparency, which selectively incorporates ambient sounds from the physical environment with or without computer-generated audio. In some CGR environments, a person may sense and/or interact only with audio objects. 
     Examples of CGR include virtual reality and mixed reality. 
     A virtual reality (VR) environment (or virtual environment) refers to a simulated environment that is designed to be based entirely on computer-generated sensory inputs for one or more senses. A VR environment comprises a plurality of virtual objects with which a person may sense and/or interact. For example, computer-generated imagery of trees, buildings, and avatars representing people are examples of virtual objects. A person may sense and/or interact with virtual objects in the VR environment through a simulation of the person&#39;s presence within the computer-generated environment, and/or through a simulation of a subset of the person&#39;s physical movements within the computer-generated environment. 
     In contrast to a VR environment, which is designed to be based entirely on computer-generated sensory inputs, a mixed reality (MR) environment refers to a simulated environment that is designed to incorporate sensory inputs from the physical environment, or a representation thereof, in addition to including computer-generated sensory inputs (e.g., virtual objects). On a virtuality continuum, a mixed reality environment is anywhere between, but not including, a wholly physical environment at one end and virtual reality environment at the other end. 
     In some MR environments, computer-generated sensory inputs may respond to changes in sensory inputs from the physical environment. Also, some electronic systems for presenting an MR environment may track location and/or orientation with respect to the physical environment to enable virtual objects to interact with real objects (that is, physical articles from the physical environment or representations thereof). For example, a system may account for movements so that a virtual tree appears stationary with respect to the physical ground. 
     Examples of mixed realities include augmented reality and augmented virtuality. 
     An augmented reality (AR) environment refers to a simulated environment in which one or more virtual objects are superimposed over a physical environment, or a representation thereof. For example, an electronic system for presenting an AR environment may have a transparent or translucent display through which a person may directly view the physical environment. The system may be configured to present virtual objects on the transparent or translucent display, so that a person, using the system, perceives the virtual objects superimposed over the physical environment. Alternatively, a system may have an opaque display and one or more imaging sensors that capture images or video of the physical environment, which are representations of the physical environment. The system composites the images or video with virtual objects, and presents the composition on the opaque display. A person, using the system, indirectly views the physical environment by way of the images or video of the physical environment, and perceives the virtual objects superimposed over the physical environment. As used herein, a video of the physical environment shown on an opaque display is called “pass-through video,” meaning a system uses one or more image sensor(s) to capture images of the physical environment, and uses those images in presenting the AR environment on the opaque display. Further alternatively, a system may have a projection system that projects virtual objects into the physical environment, for example, as a hologram or on a physical surface, so that a person, using the system, perceives the virtual objects superimposed over the physical environment. 
     An augmented reality environment also refers to a simulated environment in which a representation of a physical environment is transformed by computer-generated sensory information. For example, in providing pass-through video, a system may transform one or more sensor images to impose a select perspective (e.g., viewpoint) different than the perspective captured by the imaging sensors. As another example, a representation of a physical environment may be transformed by graphically modifying (e.g., enlarging) portions thereof, such that the modified portion may be representative but not photorealistic versions of the originally captured images. As a further example, a representation of a physical environment may be transformed by graphically eliminating or obfuscating portions thereof. 
     An augmented virtuality (AV) environment refers to a simulated environment in which a virtual or computer generated environment incorporates one or more sensory inputs from the physical environment. The sensory inputs may be representations of one or more characteristics of the physical environment. For example, an AV park may have virtual trees and virtual buildings, but people with faces photorealistically reproduced from images taken of physical people. As another example, a virtual object may adopt a shape or color of a physical article imaged by one or more imaging sensors. As a further example, a virtual object may adopt shadows consistent with the position of the sun in the physical environment. 
     There are many different types of electronic systems that enable a person to sense and/or interact with various CGR environments. Examples include head mounted systems, projection-based systems, heads-up displays (HUDs), vehicle windshields having integrated display capability, windows having integrated display capability, displays formed as lenses designed to be placed on a person&#39;s eyes (e.g., similar to contact lenses), headphones/earphones, speaker arrays, input systems (e.g., wearable or handheld controllers with or without haptic feedback), smartphones, tablets, and desktop/laptop computers. A head mounted system may have one or more speaker(s) and an integrated opaque display. Alternatively, a head mounted system may be configured to accept an external opaque display (e.g., a smartphone). The head mounted system may incorporate one or more imaging sensors to capture images or video of the physical environment, and/or one or more microphones to capture audio of the physical environment. Rather than an opaque display, a head mounted system may have a transparent or translucent display. The transparent or translucent display may have a medium through which light representative of images is directed to a person&#39;s eyes. The display may utilize digital light projection, OLEDs, LEDs, uLEDs, liquid crystal on silicon, laser scanning light source, or any combination of these technologies. The medium may be an optical waveguide, a hologram medium, an optical combiner, an optical reflector, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the transparent or translucent display may be configured to become opaque selectively. Projection-based systems may employ retinal projection technology that projects graphical images onto a person&#39;s retina. Projection systems also may be configured to project virtual objects into the physical environment, for example, as a hologram or on a physical surface. 
       FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  depict exemplary system  100  for use in various computer-generated reality technologies, including virtual reality and mixed reality. 
     In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 1A , system  100  includes device  100   a . Device  100   a  includes various components, such as processor(s)  102 , RF circuitry(ies)  104 , memory(ies)  106 , image sensor(s)  108 , orientation sensor(s)  110 , microphone(s)  112 , location sensor(s)  116 , speaker(s)  118 , display(s)  120 , and touch-sensitive surface(s)  122 . These components optionally communicate over communication bus(es)  150  of device  100   a.    
     In some embodiments, elements of system  100  are implemented in a base station device (e.g., a computing device, such as a remote server, mobile device, or laptop) and other elements of the system  100  are implemented in a head-mounted display (HMD) device designed to be worn by the user, where the HMD device is in communication with the base station device. In some examples, device  100   a  is implemented in a base station device or a HMD device. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1B , in some embodiments, system  100  includes two (or more) devices in communication, such as through a wired connection or a wireless connection. First device  100   b  (e.g., a base station device) includes processor(s)  102 , RF circuitry(ies)  104 , and memory(ies)  106 . These components optionally communicate over communication bus(es)  150  of device  100   b . Second device  100   c  (e.g., a head-mounted device) includes various components, such as processor(s)  102 , RF circuitry(ies)  104 , memory(ies)  106 , image sensor(s)  108 , orientation sensor(s)  110 , microphone(s)  112 , location sensor(s)  116 , speaker(s)  118 , display(s)  120 , and touch-sensitive surface(s)  122 . These components optionally communicate over communication bus(es)  150  of device  100   c.    
     In some embodiments, system  100  is a mobile device, such as in the embodiments described with respect to device  100   a  in  FIGS. 1C-1E . In some embodiments, system  100  is a head-mounted display (HMD) device, such as in the embodiments described with respect to device  100   a  in  FIGS. 1F-1H . In some embodiments, system  100  is a wearable HUD device, such as in the embodiments described with respect to device  100   a  in FIG. H. 
     System  100  includes processor(s)  102  and memory(ies)  106 . Processor(s)  102  include one or more general processors, one or more graphics processors, and/or one or more digital signal processors. In some embodiments, memory(ies)  106  are one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums (e.g., flash memory, random access memory) that store computer-readable instructions configured to be executed by processor(s)  102  to perform the techniques described below. 
     System  100  includes RF circuitry(ies)  104 . RF circuitry(ies)  104  optionally include circuitry for communicating with electronic devices, networks, such as the Internet, intranets, and/or a wireless network, such as cellular networks and wireless local area networks (LANs). RF circuitry(ies)  104  optionally includes circuitry for communicating using near-field communication and/or short-range communication, such as Bluetooth®. 
     System  100  includes display(s)  120 . In some examples, display(s)  120  include a first display (e.g., a left eye display panel) and a second display (e.g., a right eye display panel), each display for displaying images to a respective eye of the user. Corresponding images are simultaneously displayed on the first display and the second display. Optionally, the corresponding images include the same virtual objects and/or representations of the same physical objects from different viewpoints, resulting in a parallax effect that provides a user with the illusion of depth of the objects on the displays. In some examples, display(s)  120  include a single display. Corresponding images are simultaneously displayed on a first area and a second area of the single display for each eye of the user. Optionally, the corresponding images include the same virtual objects and/or representations of the same physical objects from different viewpoints, resulting in a parallax effect that provides a user with the illusion of depth of the objects on the single display. 
     In some embodiments, system  100  includes touch-sensitive surface(s)  122  for receiving user inputs, such as tap inputs and swipe inputs. In some examples, display(s)  120  and touch-sensitive surface(s)  122  form touch-sensitive display(s). 
     System  100  includes image sensor(s)  108 . Image sensors(s)  108  optionally include one or more visible light image sensor, such as charged coupled device (CCD) sensors, and/or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors operable to obtain images of physical objects from the real environment. Image sensor(s) also optionally include one or more infrared (IR) sensor(s), such as a passive IR sensor or an active IR sensor, for detecting infrared light from the real environment. For example, an active IR sensor includes an IR emitter, such as an IR dot emitter, for emitting infrared light into the real environment. Image sensor(s)  108  also optionally include one or more event camera(s) configured to capture movement of physical objects in the real environment. Image sensor(s)  108  also optionally include one or more depth sensor(s) configured to detect the distance of physical objects from system  100 . In some examples, system  100  uses CCD sensors, event cameras, and depth sensors in combination to detect the physical environment around system  100 . In some examples, image sensor(s)  108  include a first image sensor and a second image sensor. The first image sensor and the second image sensor are optionally configured to capture images of physical objects in the real environment from two distinct perspectives. In some examples, system  100  uses image sensor(s)  108  to receive user inputs, such as hand gestures. In some examples, system  100  uses image sensor(s)  108  to detect the position and orientation of system  100  and/or display(s)  120  in the real environment. For example, system  100  uses image sensor(s)  108  to track the position and orientation of display(s)  120  relative to one or more fixed objects in the real environment. 
     In some embodiments, system  100  includes microphones(s)  112 . System  100  uses microphone(s)  112  to detect sound from the user and/or the real environment of the user. In some examples, microphone(s)  112  includes an array of microphones (including a plurality of microphones) that optionally operate in tandem, such as to identify ambient noise or to locate the source of sound in space of the real environment. 
     System  100  includes orientation sensor(s)  110  for detecting orientation and/or movement of system  100  and/or display(s)  120 . For example, system  100  uses orientation sensor(s)  110  to track changes in the position and/or orientation of system  100  and/or display(s)  120 , such as with respect to physical objects in the real environment. Orientation sensor(s)  110  optionally include one or more gyroscopes and/or one or more accelerometers. 
       FIGS. 1C-1E  illustrate examples of system  100  in the form of device  100   a . In  FIGS. 1C-1E , device  100   a  is a mobile device, such as a cellular phone.  FIG. 1C  illustrates device  100   a  carrying out a virtual reality technique. Device  100   a  is displaying, on display  120 , a virtual environment  160  that includes virtual objects, such as sun  160   a , birds  160   b , and beach  160   c . Both the displayed virtual environment  160  and virtual objects (e.g.,  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ) of the virtual environment  160  are computer-generated imagery. Note that the virtual reality environment depicted in  FIG. 1C  does not include representations of physical objects from the real environment  180 , such as physical person  180   a  and physical tree  180   b , even though these elements of real environment  180  are within the field of view of image sensor(s)  108  of device  100   a.    
       FIG. 1D  illustrates device  100   a  carrying out a mixed reality technique, and in particular an augmented reality technique, using pass-through video. Device  100   a  is displaying, on display  120 , a representation  170  of the real environment  180  with virtual objects. The representation  170  of the real environment  180  includes representation  170   a  of person  180   a  and representation  170   b  of tree  180   b . For example, the device uses image sensor(s)  108  to capture images of the real environment  180  that are passed through for display on display  120 . Device  100   a  overlays hat  160   d , which is a virtual object generated by device  100   a , on the head of the representation  170   a  of person  180   a . Device  100   a  tracks the location and/or orientation of physical objects with respect to the position and/or orientation of device  100   a  to enable virtual objects to interact with physical objects from the real environment in the augmented reality environment. In this example, device  100   a  accounts for movements of device  100   a  and person  180   a  to display hat  160   d  as being on the head of the representation  170   a  of person  180   a , even as device  100   a  and person  180   a  move relative to one another. 
       FIG. 1E  illustrates device  100   a  carrying out a mixed reality technique, and in particular an augmented virtuality technique. Device  100   a  is displaying, on display  120 , a virtual environment  160  with representations of physical objects. The virtual environment  160  includes virtual objects (e.g., sun  160   a , birds  160   b ) and representation  170   a  of person  180   a . For example, device  100   a  uses image sensor(s)  108  to capture images of person  180   a  in real environment  180 . Device  100   a  places representation  170   a  of person  180   a  in virtual environment  160  for display on display  120 . Device  100   a  optionally tracks the location and/or orientation of physical objects with respect to the position and/or orientation of device  100   a  to enable virtual objects to interact with physical objects from real environment  180 . In this example, device  100   a  accounts for movements of device  100   a  and person  180   a  to display hat  160   d  as being on the head of representation  170   a  of person  180   a . Notably, in this example, device  100   a  does not display a representation of tree  180   b  even though tree  180   b  is also within the field of view of the image sensor(s) of device  100   a , in carrying out the mixed reality technique. 
       FIGS. 1F-1H  illustrate examples of system  100  in the form of device  100   a . In  FIGS. 1F-1H , device  100   a  is a HMD device configured to be worn on the head of a user, with each eye of the user viewing a respective display  120   a  and  120   b .  FIG. 1F  illustrates device  100   a  carrying out a virtual reality technique. Device  100   a  is displaying, on displays  120   a  and  120   b , a virtual environment  160  that includes virtual objects, such as sun  160   a , birds  160   b , and beach  160   c . The displayed virtual environment  160  and virtual objects (e.g.,  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ) are computer-generated imagery. In this example, device  100   a  simultaneously displays corresponding images on display  120   a  and display  120   b . The corresponding images include the same virtual environment  160  and virtual objects (e.g.,  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ) from different viewpoints, resulting in a parallax effect that provides a user with the illusion of depth of the objects on the displays. Note that the virtual reality environment depicted in  FIG. 1F  does not include representations of physical objects from the real environment, such as person  180   a  and tree  180   b  even though person  180   a  and tree  180   b  are within the field of view of the image sensor(s) of device  100   a , in carrying out the virtual reality technique. 
       FIG. 1G  illustrates device  100   a  carrying out an augmented reality technique using pass-through video. Device  100   a  is displaying, on displays  120   a  and  120   b , a representation  170  of real environment  180  with virtual objects. The representation  170  of real environment  180  includes representation  170   a  of person  180   a  and representation  170   b  of tree  180   b . For example, device  100   a  uses image sensor(s)  108  to capture images of the real environment  180  that are passed through for display on displays  120   a  and  120   b . Device  100   a  is overlaying a computer-generated hat  160   d  (a virtual object) on the head of representation  170   a  of person  180   a  for display on each of displays  120   a  and  120   b . Device  100   a  tracks the location and/or orientation of physical objects with respect to the position and/or orientation of device  100   a  to enable virtual objects to interact with physical objects from real environment  180 . In this example, device  100   a  accounts for movements of device  100   a  and person  180   a  to display hat  160   d  as being on the head of representation  170   a  of person  180   a.    
       FIG. 1H  illustrates device  100   a  carrying out a mixed reality technique, and in particular an augmented virtuality technique, using pass-through video. Device  100   a  is displaying, on displays  120   a  and  120   b , a virtual environment  160  with representations of physical objects. The virtual environment  160  includes virtual objects (e.g., sun  160   a , birds  160   b ) and representation  170   a  of person  180   a . For example, device  100   a  uses image sensor(s)  108  to capture images of person  180   a . Device  100   a  places the representation  170   a  of the person  180   a  in the virtual environment for display on displays  120   a  and  120   b . Device  100   a  optionally tracks the location and/or orientation of physical objects with respect to the position and/or orientation of device  100   a  to enable virtual objects to interact with physical objects from real environment  180 . In this example, device  100   a  accounts for movements of device  100   a  and person  180   a  to display hat  160   d  as being on the head of the representation  170   a  of person  180   a . Notably, in this example, device  100   a  does not display a representation of tree  180   b  even though tree  180   b  is also within the field of view of the image sensor(s)  108  of device  100   a , in carrying out the mixed reality technique. 
       FIG. 1I  illustrates an example of system  100  in the form of device  100   a . In  FIG. 1I , device  100   a  is a HUD device (e.g., a glasses device) configured to be worn on the head of a user, with each eye of the user viewing a respective heads-up display  120   c  and  120   d .  FIG. 1I  illustrates device  100   a  carrying out an augmented reality technique using heads-up displays  120   c  and  120   d . The heads-up displays  120   c  and  120   d  are (at least partially) transparent displays, thus allowing the user to view the real environment  180  in combination with heads-up displays  120   c  and  120   d . Device  100   a  is displaying, on each of heads-up displays  120   c  and  120   d , a virtual hat  160   d  (a virtual object). The device  100   a  tracks the location and/or orientation of physical objects in the real environment with respect to the position and/or orientation of device  100   a  and with respect to the position of the user&#39;s eyes to enable virtual objects to interact with physical objects from real environment  180 . In this example, device  100   a  accounts for movements of device  100   a , movements of the user&#39;s eyes with respect to device  100   a , and movements of person  180   a  to display hat  160   d  at locations on displays  120   c  and  120   d  such that it appears to the user that the hat  160   d  is on the head of person  180   a.    
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a physical map  200 . Map  200  depicted in  FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a light rail transit map, including the routes of four different rail lines (e.g., “Line A”, “Line B”, “Line C”, and “Line D”). However, it should be understood that map  200  may be any type of map illustrating the layout and/or features of an area, such as a road map, topographical map, nautical map, and so on. Map  200  can be located at a predefined location, such as a transit station or stop. Map  200  can also include an identifier, such as text, a predefined symbol (e.g., a QR code), or other content identifying map  200  and/or a location of map  200 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of device  100   a  displaying, on display  120 , a representation  300  of map  200 , meaning that an image sensor of device  100   a  is capturing live image(s) of map  200  and display  120  is displaying relevant captured image content. Device  100   a  is an embodiment of system  100 , as described in reference to  FIGS. 1A-1B . In  FIG. 3 , device  100   a  is shown as a mobile device, such as an electronic tablet. However, it should be understood that device  100   a  can be any device configured to display an augmented reality environment, such as the devices described in reference to  FIGS. 1D, 1G , and H. 
     Device  100   a  uses one or more image sensors (such as image sensor(s)  108  described in reference to  FIGS. 1A-1B ) to capture images of map  200 , which are passed through for display on display  120 . In some embodiments, when device  100   a  detects that the captured images include a depiction of map  200 , an affordance is displayed to indicate that the depiction of map  200  is detected, and that transit information associated with map  200  is available for display. 
     In some embodiments, device  100   a  receives a user input  302 , such as a tap input, on touch-sensitive surface(s)  122 . In some embodiments, user input  302  is at any location on the display  120  where the representation  300  of map  200  is being displayed. In some embodiments, user input  302  is at a location of an affordance indicating the availability of transit information associated with map  200  for display. In response to receiving user input  302 , device  100   a  overlays the representation  300  of map  200  with transit information, as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . 
     In some embodiments (such as with a HMD device or HUD device), device  100   a  detects user input  302  by tracking the position of a user&#39;s hand or finger. When the device  100   a  determines that the user&#39;s hand or finger touches or gestures toward the physical map  200 , device  100   a  overlays the representation  300  of map  200  with transit information, as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . 
     In some embodiments, device  100   a  automatically displays transit information in response to device  100   a  detecting the appearance of map  200  in images captured by device  100   a  (such as with image sensor(s)  108  described in reference to  FIGS. 1A-1B ). In some embodiments, device  100   a  detects the appearance of map  200  in the captured images by detecting other visual characteristics associated with map  200 , such as predefined text on or near map  200 , predefined symbols (such as a QR code) on or near map  200 , and/or the location and orientation of content (such as text or images) on or near map  200 . 
       FIGS. 4-6  illustrate embodiments of device  100   a  displaying, on display  120 , transit information overlaying representation  300  of map  200 . Device  100   a  is an embodiment of system  100 , as described in reference to  FIGS. 1A-1B . In  FIGS. 4-6 , device  100   a  is shown as a mobile device, such as an electronic tablet. However, it should be understood that device  100   a  can be any device configured to display an augmented reality environment, such as the devices described in reference to  FIGS. 1D, 1G, and 1I . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , transit information includes the current location of transit vehicles (such as transit vehicle  402 ), and the approximate time of arrival (such as time  404 ) of each vehicle to its next stop. Transit vehicles may be trains, buses, ferries, or other vehicles with an established route shown on map  200 . Device  100   a  tracks the position and/or orientation of map  200  with respect to the position and/or orientation of device  100   a  to enable the display of transit information overlaying the representation  300  of map  200 . In this way, the transit information appears to replace or add to features (e.g., transit routes) included in the representation  300  of map  200  (e.g., representation  300  of map  200  is modified to include the transit information). 
     In some embodiments, transit information is displayed in response to device  100   a  receiving a user input (such as user input  302  described in reference to  FIG. 3 ). In some embodiments, device  100   a  automatically displays transit information in response to device  100   a  detecting the appearance of map  200  in images captured by device  100   a  (such as with image sensor(s)  108  described in reference to  FIGS. 1A-1B ). In some embodiments, device  100   a  detects the appearance of map  200  in the captured images by detecting other visual characteristics associated with map  200 , such as predefined text on or near map  200 , predefined symbols (such as a QR code) on or near map  200 , and/or the location and orientation of content (such as text or images) on or near map  200 . 
     In some embodiments, before displaying transit information, device  100   a  determines whether map  200  is a predefined map (e.g., a map located at a predefined location, such as a transit station or stop). In some embodiments, map  200  includes an identifier, such as text, a predefined symbol (e.g., a QR code), or other content identifying map  200  as a predefined map. In response to determining that map  200  is a predefined map, device  100   a  provides transit information associated with the predefined map, such as the location of the predefined map and/or transit routes leading to/from the location. 
     In some embodiments, displayed transit information is modified in response to device  100   a  detecting a user interaction. In some embodiments, device  100   a  detects the user interaction when a user contacts touch-sensitive surface(s)  122 . In some embodiments (such as with a HMD device or HUD device), device  100   a  detects the user interaction by tracking the position of a user&#39;s hand or finger. For example, when the device  100   a  determines that the user&#39;s hand or finger touches or gestures toward the physical map  200 , device  100   a  interprets the touch or gesture as a user interaction. 
     In response to the user interaction, device  100   a  modifies the displayed transit information or provides different transit information. For example, if device  100   a  detects that the user interaction is a selection of transit vehicle  402 , then device  100   a  provides additional information about the transit vehicle  402 , such as a list of transit stops, arrival times, departure times, connecting routes, and the like. As another embodiment, if device  100   a  detects that the user interaction is a selection of transit stop, then device  100   a  provides additional information about the transit stop, such as arrival times, departure times, connecting routes, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, device  100   a  retrieves the transit information from one or more external data source(s), such as a data source associated with the transit service. In some embodiments, the external data source(s) provide the estimated time of arrival (such as time  404 ) of each transit vehicle (such as vehicle  402 ). In some embodiments, the external data source(s) also provide the approximate location of each transit vehicle (such as vehicle  402 ). In some embodiments, device  100   a  automatically retrieves the transit information in response to device  100   a  detecting the appearance of map  200  in images captured by device  100   a  (such as with image sensor(s)  108  described in reference to  FIGS. 1A-1B ). In some embodiments, device  100   a  automatically retrieves the transit information in response to detecting the location of device  100   a  is at or near map  200 . In some embodiments, device  100   a  detects the location of device  100   a  with a global position system (GPS). In some embodiments, the device  100   a  detects the location of device  100   a  by recognizing physical features of the surrounding physical environment in images captured by device  100   a.    
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , transit information optionally includes a current location  502  and a route  506  to a destination  504 . Device  100   a  tracks the position and/or orientation of map  200  with respect to the position and/or orientation of device  100   a  to enable the display of transit information overlaying the representation  300  of map  200 . In this way, the transit information appears to replace or add to features (e.g., transit routes) included in the representation  300  of map  200  (e.g., representation  300  of map  200  is modified to include the transit information). 
     In some embodiments, device  100   a  determines a current location of device  100   a  based on map  200  being a predefined map, such as a transit map at a particular location, as described in reference to  FIG. 4 . Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, device  100   a  determines a current location of device  100   a  based on a detected location of device  100   a  (e.g., location of device  100   a  is detected using GPS). Device  100   a  displays current location  502  at a position that is based on the current location of device  100   a.    
     In some embodiments, device  100   a  determines destination  504  based on input indicating an intended destination. In some embodiments, the input indicating the intended destination is provided to device  100   a  by the user. In some embodiments, device  100   a  detects the input indicating the intended destination when a user contacts touch-sensitive surface(s)  122 . For example, when device  100   a  detects a touch input at a position on display  120  corresponding to a location on map  200 , then device  100   a  interprets the touch input as an input indicating the intended destination and displays destination  504  at a position corresponding to the intended destination. In some embodiments (such as with a HMD device or HUD device), device  100   a  detects the input indicating the intended destination by tracking the position of a user&#39;s hand or finger. For example, when the device  100   a  determines that the user&#39;s hand or finger touches or gestures toward a location on physical map  200 , device  100   a  interprets the touch or gesture as an input indicating the intended destination and displays destination  504  at a position corresponding to the intended destination. 
     In some embodiments, the input indicating the intended destination is retrieved from (or provided by) other software or data storage accessible by device  100   a  (e.g., GPS navigation software). For example, when a desired destination is provided to other software, device  100   a  retrieves the desired destination from the other software, and displays destination  504  at a position corresponding to the desired destination. 
     In some embodiments, based on current location  502  and destination  504 , a route  506  to destination  504  is provided as part of the transit information. In the example shown in  FIG. 5 , route  506  indicates which transit lines the user should take from current location  502  to destination  504 . However, it should be understood that route  506  from current location  502  to destination  504  may indicate other forms of transit, such as walking, biking, or driving. In some embodiments, the transit information also indicates an estimated amount of time to reach destination  504 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , transit information includes a translation of the text depicted on physical map  200 . Device  100   a  tracks the position and/or orientation of map  200  with respect to the position and/or orientation of device  100   a  to enable the display of transit information overlaying the representation  300  of map  200 . In this way, the transit information appears to replace or add to features (e.g., text) included in the representation  300  of map  200  (e.g., representation  300  of map  200  is modified to include the transit information). 
     In some embodiments, device  100   a  identifies the language of the text depicted on map  200 . In some embodiments, device  100   a  identifies the language of the text based on the physical location of map  200 . For example, if map  200  is physically located at a transit stop in Germany, then device  100   a  determines, based on the location of the map, that the language of the text depicted on map  200  is German. In some embodiments, device  100   a  determines the physical location of map  200  based on map  200  being a predefined map, as described in reference to  FIG. 4 . Alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, device  100   a  determines the physical location of map  200  based on a detected location of device  100   a  (such as with a global positioning system (GPS)). 
     In some embodiments, the text depicted on map  200  is translated based on a user preference. For example, if the user&#39;s preferred language is Spanish, device  100   a  translates the text of map  200  into Spanish and displays the translated text (such as text  602 ) on display  120  as part of the transit information. In some embodiments, device  100   a  provides one or more images of map  200  to a text recognition engine, which identifies the text depicted on map  200 . In some embodiments, the text recognition engine provides the recognized text to a translation engine, which provides a translation of the recognized text. The text recognition engine and/or translation engine are optionally components of device  100   a  or remote from device  100   a.    
       FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary technique  700  for providing transit information in an augmented reality environment. In some examples, the technique is carried out by system  100  described in reference to  FIGS. 1A-6 . At block  702 , images are obtained using one or more image sensors (e.g., image sensor(s)  108  described in reference to  FIGS. 1A-1B ). 
     At block  704 , a determination is made whether the obtained images include a map (e.g., map  200 ). If the obtained images include a map, then at block  706 , a determination is made whether a set of one or more conditions is satisfied. The set of one or more conditions includes a condition that is satisfied when the obtained images include the map. In some embodiments, the set of one or more conditions include a second condition that is satisfied when the map corresponds to a predefined map. In some embodiments, the predefined map includes an identifier, such as text, a predefined symbol (e.g., a QR code), or other content identifying the map as a predefined map (e.g., the map includes an identifier identifying the location of the map). In some embodiments, the set of one or more conditions include a third condition that is satisfied when a user input (e.g., user input  302  described in reference to  FIG. 3 ) is detected. 
     Optionally, at block  708 , in accordance with the set of one or more conditions being satisfied, at least a portion of transit information is retrieved from one or more external data sources. 
     At block  710 , in accordance with the set of one or more conditions being satisfied, the transit information is displayed in an augmented reality environment. A location of the displayed transit information in the augmented reality environment corresponds to a respective feature of the map (e.g., the displayed transit information overlays features of the physical map). 
     In some embodiments, the transit information includes a current location of a transit vehicle, a path to a destination, an estimated time of arrival of a transit vehicle, an estimated time of departure of a transit vehicle, a translation of map text, a price of transit, or a combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, a physical location of an electronic device (e.g., device  100   a ) is determined, and the displayed transit information is based at least in part on the physical location of the electronic device (e.g., the displayed transit information includes a current location  502 , as described in reference to  FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, at least a portion of the transit information is retrieved from one or more external data resources based at least in part on the physical location of the electronic device. In some embodiments, an intended destination (e.g., destination  504 , described in reference to  FIG. 5 ) is determined in response to a user interaction, and transit information is displayed based at least in part on the intended destination (e.g., the displayed transit information includes the destination  504  and a route to the destination  504 ). 
     While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to the embodiments provided herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20180924
Publication Date: 20220118
Grant Date: 20220118
Priority Date: 20170929
Inventors: STOYLES, Justin D.
KUHN, MICHAEL
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G02B2027/0141", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2027/014", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B2027/0138", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G02B27/0172", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G08G1/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01C21/365", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06T2219/004", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06T19/006", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01C21/362", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01C21/3602", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01C21/365", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G08G1/137", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06T19/006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01C21/3647", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01C21/3602", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01C21/365", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01C21/362", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06T19/006", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G08G1/137", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01C21/3647", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 79293920