U.S. patent application number 13/774543 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-28 for method and apparatus for presenting task-related objects in an augmented reality display.
This patent application is currently assigned to NOKIA CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is NOKIA CORPORATION. Invention is credited to MARKO TAPIO TUUKKANEN.
Application Number | 20140240349 13/774543 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50069003 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140240349 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TUUKKANEN; MARKO TAPIO |
August 28, 2014 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRESENTING TASK-RELATED OBJECTS IN AN
AUGMENTED REALITY DISPLAY
Abstract
An approach is provided for causing a presentation in an
augmented reality user interface for user guidance. The approach
involves causing a presentation of one or more indications of one
or more parts in an augmented reality user interface, wherein the
one or more parts are associated with at least one task. The
approach also involves causing a presentation of one or more guides
for aligning the one or more indications with the one or more parts
in the augmented reality user interface.
Inventors: |
TUUKKANEN; MARKO TAPIO;
(Schlenzer, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NOKIA CORPORATION |
Espoo |
|
FI |
|
|
Assignee: |
NOKIA CORPORATION
Espoo
FI
|
Family ID: |
50069003 |
Appl. No.: |
13/774543 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/633 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0484 20130101;
G06F 16/50 20190101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/633 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/0484 20060101
G06F003/0484 |
Claims
1. A method comprising facilitating a processing of and/or
processing (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one
signal, the (1) data and/or (2) information and/or (3) at least one
signal based, at least in part, on the following: a presentation of
one or more indications of one or more parts in an augmented
reality user interface, wherein the one or more parts are
associated with at least one task; and a presentation of one or
more guides for aligning the one or more indications with the one
or more parts in the augmented reality user interface.
2. A method of claim 1, wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information
and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part,
on the following: a processing of a field of view of the augmented
reality user interface to cause, at least in part, a recognition of
the one or more parts, the at least one task, or a combination
thereof.
3. A method of claim 1, wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information
and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part,
on the following: at least one determination one or more reference
objects associated with the field of view, the at least one task,
or a combination thereof; and at least one determination the one or
more guides based, at least in part, on the one or more reference
objects.
4. A method of claim 3, wherein the one or more guides include, at
least in part, one or more outline representations of the one or
more reference objects.
5. A method of claim 1, wherein the one or more guides indicate, at
least in part, a direction, an orientation, or a combination
thereof to move a device presenting the augmented reality display
for aligning the one or more indications with the one or more
parts.
6. A method of claim 1, wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information
and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part,
on the following: at least one determination of an input for
specifying the one or more parts, the at least one task, an
association between the one or more parts and the at least one
task, or a combination thereof.
7. A method of claim 1, wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information
and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part,
on the following: a presentation of information related to the one
or more parts, the at least one task, or a combination thereof in
association with the one or more indications.
8. A method of claim 7, wherein the information includes, at least
in part, one or more instructions for performing at least a portion
of the at least one task.
9. A method of claim 1, wherein the (1) data and/or (2) information
and/or (3) at least one signal are further based, at least in part,
on the following: a processing of sensor information, telematics
information, or a combination thereof to determine the at least one
task.
10. A method of claim 9, wherein the sensor information, the
telematics information, or a combination thereof is associated with
at least one vehicle, and wherein the at least one task is related
to the at least one vehicle.
11. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least
one memory including computer program code for one or more
programs, the at least one memory and the computer program code
configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus
to perform at least the following, cause, at least in part, a
presentation of one or more indications of one or more parts in an
augmented reality user interface, wherein the one or more parts are
associated with at least one task; and cause, at least in part, a
presentation of one or more guides for aligning the one or more
indications with the one or more parts in the augmented reality
user interface.
12. An apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus is further
caused to: process and/or facilitate a processing of a field of
view of the augmented reality user interface to cause, at least in
part, a recognition of the one or more parts, the at least one
task, or a combination thereof.
13. An apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus is further
caused to: determine one or more reference objects associated with
the field of view, the at least one task, or a combination thereof;
and determine the one or more guides based, at least in part, on
the one or more reference objects.
14. An apparatus of claim 13, wherein the one or more guides
include, at least in part, one or more outline representations of
the one or more reference objects
15. An apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one or more guides
indicate, at least in part, a direction, an orientation, or a
combination thereof to move a device presenting the augmented
reality display for aligning the one or more indications with the
one or more parts.
16. An apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus is further
caused to: determine an input for specifying the one or more parts,
the at least one task, an association between the one or more parts
and the at least one task, or a combination thereof.
17. An apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus is further
caused to: cause, at least in part, a presentation of information
related to the one or more parts, the at least one task, or a
combination thereof in association with the one or more
indications.
18. An apparatus of claim 17, wherein the information includes, at
least in part, one or more instructions for performing at least a
portion of the at least one task.
19. An apparatus of claim 11, wherein the apparatus is further
caused to: process and/or facilitate a processing of sensor
information, telematics information, or a combination thereof to
determine the at least one task.
20. An apparatus of claim 19, wherein the sensor information, the
telematics information, or a combination thereof is associated with
at least one vehicle, and wherein the at least one task is related
to the at least one vehicle.
21-48. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Service providers and device manufacturers (e.g., wireless,
cellular, etc.) are continually challenged to deliver value and
convenience to consumers by, for example, providing compelling
network services. With the expanding use of mobile devices,
consumers' demand to have valuable services delivered to these
devices has increased. One area of development has been the
proliferation of mobile communication devices with various sensors,
enabling them to collect information associated with the physical
environment. For example, a user may be in a vehicle (e.g., an
automobile, a boat, a motorcycle, a bicycle, etc.) where in
addition to a user device (e.g., a tablet, a mobile device, etc.),
there may be various sensors for determining information associated
with the vehicle, the user, the user environment, and the like.
Unfortunately, there is currently no convenient means of providing
a user friendly augmented reality display of task-related objects
associated with the physical environment for assistance purposes.
Such drawback diminishes the effectiveness and efficiency of the
services rendered. Therefore, service providers and device
manufacturers face significant technical challenges in presenting
task-related objects in an augmented reality display to enhance
user convenience.
SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0002] Therefore, there is a need for an approach for causing a
presentation of one or more indications of one or more parts
associated with at least one task, alongside guides for aligning
the one or more indications with the one or more parts in the
augmented reality user interface.
[0003] According to one embodiment, a method comprises causing, at
least in part, a presentation of one or more indications of one or
more parts in the augmented reality user interface, wherein the one
or more parts are associated with at least one task. The method
also comprises causing, at least in part, a presentation of one or
more guides for aligning the one or more indications with the one
or more parts in the augmented reality user interface.
[0004] According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprises at
least one processor, and at least one memory including computer
program code for one or more computer programs, the at least one
memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at
least one processor, cause, at least in part, the apparatus to
cause, at least in part, a presentation of one or more indications
of one or more parts in the augmented reality user interface,
wherein the one or more parts are associated with at least one
task. The apparatus also causes, at least in part, a presentation
of one or more guides for aligning the one or more indications with
the one or more parts in the augmented reality user interface.
[0005] According to another embodiment, a computer-readable storage
medium carries one or more sequences of one or more instructions
which, when executed by one or more processors, cause, at least in
part, an apparatus to cause, at least in part, a presentation of
one or more indications of one or more parts in the augmented
reality user interface, wherein the one or more parts are
associated with at least one task. The apparatus also causes, at
least in part, a presentation of one or more guides for aligning
the one or more indications with the one or more parts in the
augmented reality user interface.
[0006] According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprises
means for causing, at least in part, a presentation of one or more
indications of one or more parts in the augmented reality user
interface, wherein the one or more parts are associated with at
least one task. The apparatus also comprises means for causing, at
least in part, a presentation of one or more guides for aligning
the one or more indications with the one or more parts in the
augmented reality user interface.
[0007] In addition, for various example embodiments of the
invention, the following is applicable: a method comprising
facilitating a processing of and/or processing (1) data and/or (2)
information and/or (3) at least one signal, the (1) data and/or (2)
information and/or (3) at least one signal based, at least in part,
on (or derived at least in part from) any one or any combination of
methods (or processes) disclosed in this application as relevant to
any embodiment of the invention.
[0008] For various example embodiments of the invention, the
following is also applicable: a method comprising facilitating
access to at least one interface configured to allow access to at
least one service, the at least one service configured to perform
any one or any combination of network or service provider methods
(or processes) disclosed in this application.
[0009] For various example embodiments of the invention, the
following is also applicable: a method comprising facilitating
creating and/or facilitating modifying (1) at least one device user
interface element and/or (2) at least one device user interface
functionality, the (1) at least one device user interface element
and/or (2) at least one device user interface functionality based,
at least in part, on data and/or information resulting from one or
any combination of methods or processes disclosed in this
application as relevant to any embodiment of the invention, and/or
at least one signal resulting from one or any combination of
methods (or processes) disclosed in this application as relevant to
any embodiment of the invention.
[0010] For various example embodiments of the invention, the
following is also applicable: a method comprising creating and/or
modifying (1) at least one device user interface element and/or (2)
at least one device user interface functionality, the (1) at least
one device user interface element and/or (2) at least one device
user interface functionality based at least in part on data and/or
information resulting from one or any combination of methods (or
processes) disclosed in this application as relevant to any
embodiment of the invention, and/or at least one signal resulting
from one or any combination of methods (or processes) disclosed in
this application as relevant to any embodiment of the
invention.
[0011] In various example embodiments, the methods (or processes)
can be accomplished on the service provider side or on the mobile
device side or in any shared way between service provider and
mobile device with actions being performed on both sides.
[0012] For various example embodiments, the following is
applicable: An apparatus comprising means for performing the method
of any of originally filed claims 1-10, 21-30, and 46-48.
[0013] Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the
invention are readily apparent from the following detailed
description, simply by illustrating a number of particular
embodiments and implementations, including the best mode
contemplated for carrying out the invention. The invention is also
capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details
can be modified in various obvious respects, all without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the
drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in
nature, and not as restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of
example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the
accompanying drawings:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system capable of causing a
presentation of one or more indications of one or more parts
associated with at least one task, alongside guides for aligning
the one or more indications with the one or more parts in the
augmented reality user interface, according to one embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the components of notification
platform 111, according to one embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 3-5 are flowcharts of processes for causing a
presentation of one or more indications of one or more parts
associated with at least one task, alongside guides for aligning
the one or more indications with the one or more parts in the
augmented reality user interface, according to one embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 6A-6F are diagrams of user interfaces utilized in the
processes of FIGS. 3-5, according to various embodiments;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a diagram of hardware that can be used to
implement an embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a chip set that can be used to
implement an embodiment of the invention; and
[0021] FIG. 9 is a diagram of a mobile terminal (e.g., handset)
that can be used to implement an embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Examples of a method, apparatus, and computer program for
causing a presentation of one or more indications of one or more
parts associated with at least one task, alongside guides for
aligning the one or more indications with the one or more parts in
the augmented reality user interface are disclosed. In the
following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous
specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding of the embodiments of the invention. It is apparent,
however, to one skilled in the art that the embodiments of the
invention may be practiced without these specific details or with
an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known
structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to
avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system capable of causing a
presentation of one or more indications of one or more parts
associated with at least one task, alongside guides for aligning
the one or more indications with the one or more parts in the
augmented reality user interface, according to one embodiment. As
discussed previously, it is currently challenging to provide an
augmented reality presentation of one or more parts associated with
at least one task for user assistance. The existing mobile devices
do not properly utilize the technology to establish an augmented
reality user interface for user guidance. This is due, in part, to
the inability of the device or services of the device to accurately
utilize the available technologies. Since mobile phones have so far
emerged as the most personalized and the most reachable
communication device, employing a series of sensors available on
today's ubiquitous mobile devices, to achieve a user friendly
augmented reality presentation for user assistance may improve user
convenience and add value to a mobile phone to make it more
competitive.
[0024] To address this problem, a system 100 of FIG. 1 introduces
the capability to cause a presentation of one or more indications
of one or more parts associated with at least one task, alongside
guides for aligning the one or more indications with the one or
more parts in the augmented reality user interface As shown in FIG.
1, the system 100 comprises user equipment (UE) 101a-101n
(collectively referred to as UE 101) that may include or be
associated with applications 103a-103n (collectively referred to as
applications 103), augmented reality application 105a-105n
(collectively referred to as augmented reality 105) and sensors
107a-107n (collectively referred to as sensors 107). In one
embodiment, the UEs 101 have connectivity to a notification
platform 111 via the communication network 109.
[0025] By way of example, the UE 101 is any type of mobile
terminal, fixed terminal, or portable terminal including a mobile
handset, station, unit, device, multimedia computer, multimedia
tablet, Internet node, communicator, desktop computer, laptop
computer, notebook computer, netbook computer, tablet computer,
personal communication system (PCS) device, personal navigation
device, personal digital assistants (PDAs), audio/video player,
digital camera/camcorder, positioning device, television receiver,
radio broadcast receiver, electronic book device, game device, or
any combination thereof, including the accessories and peripherals
of these devices, or any combination thereof. It is also
contemplated that the UE 101 can support any type of interface to
the user (such as "wearable" circuitry, etc.).
[0026] By way of example, the applications 103 may be any type of
application that may perform various processes and/or functions at
the UE 101. In one embodiment, the applications 103 may be media
(e.g., audio, video, images, etc.) player applications, social
networking applications, navigational applications, calendar
applications, content (e.g., audio, video, images, etc.)
provisioning services, etc. In one embodiment, one of the
applications 103a at the UE 101 may act as a client for the
notification platform 111 and perform one or more functions
associated with the functions of the notification platform 111. In
one embodiment, the applications 103 may be a transfer application
to transfer information between a first UE 101a to a second UE
101n. In one scenario, the application 103a of the first UE 101a
can be set to a mode to initiate a transfer while the application
103n of the second UE 101n can be set to a mode to receive a
transfer.
[0027] In one embodiment, the augmented reality 105 enables an
augmented reality display to generate real-time representations of
the images for one or more collaborative applications environments
with virtual computer-generated imagery. More specifically, the
view generated by the augmented reality 105 for one or more
collaborative applications presented in any one of the
participating UEs 101 is based, at least in part, on an orientation
(e.g., location, directional heading, tilt angle, etc.) of the UE
101 in relation to the physical environment. In one scenario, when
the UE 101 is operating in an orientation, for instance, facing the
direction of the physical environment, the augmented reality 105
may depict, for instance, a virtual window showing a portion of the
physical environment for one or more collaborative applications
that is visible from the perspective of the UE 101. In one
scenario, where a user is operating a cell phone with integrated
camera recording the user's current physical environment. The
augmented reality 105 operable on the cell phone can interact with
the camera, and any other sensory mechanisms of the cell phone, to
overlay various graphic elements atop the recorded image or a
virtual representation of the recorded image to show the visible
portions of the physical environment for one or more collaborative
applications and the objects contained therein.
[0028] In one embodiment, the sensors 107 may be any type of
sensor. In certain embodiments, the sensors 107 may include, for
example, a camera/imaging sensor for gathering image data, an audio
recorder for gathering audio data, a global positioning sensor for
gathering location data, a position sensor or gyroscope for
detecting device orientation and/or tilt, a network detection
sensor for detecting wireless signals or network data, temporal
information and the like. This information is provided to the
notification platform 111 for processing to determine one or more
information associated with a physical environment for one or more
representation in an augment reality user interface of UE 101.
[0029] The communication network 109 of system 100 includes one or
more networks such as a data network, a wireless network, a
telephony network, or any combination thereof. It is contemplated
that the data network may be any local area network (LAN),
metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), a public
data network (e.g., the Internet), short range wireless network, or
any other suitable packet-switched network, such as a commercially
owned, proprietary packet-switched network, e.g., a proprietary
cable or fiber-optic network, and the like, or any combination
thereof. In addition, the wireless network may be, for example, a
cellular network and may employ various technologies including
enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet
radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications
(GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal
mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other
suitable wireless medium, e.g., worldwide interoperability for
microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, code
division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple
access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), wireless LAN (WLAN),
Bluetooth.RTM., Internet Protocol (IP) data casting, satellite,
mobile ad-hoc network (MANET), and the like, or any combination
thereof. In one scenario, UE 101a may be paired with the UE 101n to
enable the UE 101a to initiate a transfer of one or more
information. In one embodiment, one or more information can be
quickly transferred by tapping the first UE 101a and the second UE
101n together. The tapping can, for instance, initiate a transfer
over a near field communication (NFC) link between the first UE
101a and the second UE 101n. The information transfer can include
one or more identifiers (e.g., a Mobile Subscriber Integrated
Services Digital Network Number (MSISDN), an International Mobile
Subscriber Identity (EVISI), a wireless pairing identifier such as
a BLUETOOTH address, or other UE 101 identifier that can be used by
another device or network to identify the UEs 101. The first UE
101a and the second UE 101n can then utilize one of the identifiers
to create a wireless link (e.g., a wireless local area network
(WLAN) connection, a BLUETOOTH link, a network link over cellular
communication, etc.) between the UEs 101.
[0030] In one embodiment, the notification platform 111 may be a
platform with multiple interconnected components. The notification
platform 111 may include multiple servers, intelligent networking
devices, computing devices, components and corresponding software
for performing the function of causing a presentation of one or
more indications of one or more parts associated with at least one
task, alongside guides for aligning the one or more indications
with the one or more parts in the augmented reality user interface.
In addition, it is noted that the notification platform 111 may be
a separate entity of the system 100, a part of the one or more
services 115 of the service platform 113, or included within the UE
101 (e.g., as part of the application 103).
[0031] In this way, the system 100 resolves problems associated
with presenting a user friendly augmented reality display of the
determined information from the physical environment, for example,
by providing an outline view of the determined parts associated
with one or more task. In one scenario, notification platform 111
may determine one or more defects associated with a car by
processing the sensor information and/or the telematics information
associated with the car. Subsequently, the notification platform
111 may determine one or more depictions for the one or more
determined parts associated with fixing of the determined defect in
the car. In one scenario, the notification platform 111 may
determine that the front left tire of the car needs to be changed.
The notification platform 111 may generate an augmented reality
display of the front tire with several user interface elements, for
instance, color patterns, labels, arrows etc., to help the user
identify the parts quicker. Then, the user may compare the
augmented reality depiction of the parts to the actual parts of the
vehicle to cause a match. Further, the user may be provided with a
step by step guide on how to change the tires. In this manner, the
notification platform 111 enables inexperienced users to recognize
defects and provide instructions to fix the defect. On the other
hand, the presentation may be geared to different skill levels and
may be used by professionals as well.
[0032] In one scenario, a UE 101 may capture an image of a tire,
whereby the notification platform 111 may process the image to
determine any defect. The notification platform 111 may present one
or more notification to the user in an augmented reality user
interface requesting the user to change the tire based on the wear
and tear determined from the image captured. The user may move
around the car with the display, and compare and match the display
with the damaged tire. The notification platform may either provide
a step by step guide to change the tire or the location of the
nearby auto repair shop based, at least in part, on user
interaction. In one scenario, the notification platform 111 may
cause a presentation based, at least in part, on the location of
the car, the location of the user, the direction where the user is
looking etc.
[0033] In one scenario, the notification platform 111 may provide
other information, for instance, the driver seat may be dirty and
needs cleaning, therefore the notification platform 111 may alert
the user with information on cleaning the seat and may recommend
cleaning materials. In one scenario, the notification platform 111
may allow sharing of the augmented reality display of the one or
more guides between multiple users, for instance, the occupants of
a car may co-ordinate actions between them to change tires, whereby
the notification platform 111 may process user action, if user A
has taken out the spare tire and the jack, User B may be informed
on how to place the jack under the frame near the tire that needs
to be changed. This is a co-ordination mechanism. In one scenario,
the augmented reality display may be exchanged by tapping the UE
101a and UE 101n together. When two UE 101's are tapped together,
an NFC link between the two UEs 101 may be created to transfer
information.
[0034] In one embodiment, the services platform 113 may include any
type of service. By way of example, the services platform 113 may
include mapping services, navigation services, social networking
services, content (e.g., text, images, etc.) provisioning services,
application services, storage services, contextual information
determination services, location based services, information (e.g.,
weather, news, etc.) based services, etc. In one embodiment, the
services platform 113 may interact with the UE 101, the
notification platform 111 and the content providers 117 to
supplement or aid in the processing of the content information. By
way of example, services 115 may be an online service that reflects
interests and/or activities of users. In one scenario, the services
115 provide representations of each user (e.g., a profile), his/her
social links, and a variety of additional information. The services
115 allow users to share location information, activities
information, contextual information, and interests, and provides
for data portability.
[0035] The content providers 117 may provide content to the UE 101,
the notification platform 111, and the services 115 of the services
platform 113. The content provided may be any type of content, such
as textual content, image content, video content etc. In one
embodiment, the content providers 117 may provide content that may
supplement content of the applications 103, augmented reality 105,
the sensors 107, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the
content providers 117 may also store content associated with the UE
101, the notification platform 111, and the services 115 of the
services platform 113. In one embodiment, the content providers 117
may manage access to a central repository of data, and offer a
consistent, standard interface to data.
[0036] By way of example, the UE 101, the notification platform
111, the services platform 113, and the content providers 117
communicate with each other and other components of the
communication network 109 using well known, new or still developing
protocols. In this context, a protocol includes a set of rules
defining how the network nodes within the communication network 109
interact with each other based on information sent over the
communication links. The protocols are effective at different
layers of operation within each node, from generating and receiving
physical signals of various types, to selecting a link for
transferring those signals, to the format of information indicated
by those signals, to identifying which software application
executing on a computer system sends or receives the information.
The conceptually different layers of protocols for exchanging
information over a network are described in the Open Systems
Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model.
[0037] Communications between the network nodes are typically
effected by exchanging discrete packets of data. Each packet
typically comprises (1) header information associated with a
particular protocol, and (2) payload information that follows the
header information and contains information that may be processed
independently of that particular protocol. In some protocols, the
packet includes (3) trailer information following the payload and
indicating the end of the payload information. The header includes
information such as the source of the packet, its destination, the
length of the payload, and other properties used by the protocol.
Often, the data in the payload for the particular protocol includes
a header and payload for a different protocol associated with a
different, higher layer of the OSI Reference Model. The header for
a particular protocol typically indicates a type for the next
protocol contained in its payload. The higher layer protocol is
said to be encapsulated in the lower layer protocol. The headers
included in a packet traversing multiple heterogeneous networks,
such as the Internet, typically include a physical (layer 1)
header, a data-link (layer 2) header, an internetwork (layer 3)
header and a transport (layer 4) header, and various application
(layer 5, layer 6 and layer 7) headers as defined by the OSI
Reference Model.
[0038] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the components of the notification
platform 111, according to one embodiment. By way of example, the
notification platform 111 includes one or more components for
causing a presentation of one or more indications of one or more
parts associated with at least one task, alongside guides for
aligning the one or more indications with the one or more parts in
the augmented reality user interface. It is contemplated that the
functions of these components may be combined in one or more
components or performed by other components of equivalent
functionality. In this embodiment, the notification platform 111
includes a sensor data determination module 201, an inaccuracies
determination module 203, a verification module 205, an image
recognition module 207, a buffer module 209, a communication module
211, and a presentation module 213.
[0039] In one embodiment, the sensor data determination module 201
may enable determination of sensor data obtained from the sensors.
The sensors may, for instance, include a camera/imaging sensor for
gathering image data, an audio recorder for gathering audio data, a
global positioning sensor for gathering location data, a position
sensor or gyroscope for detecting device orientation and/or tilt, a
network detection sensor for detecting wireless signals or network
data, temporal information and the like. In addition, in one
embodiment, the sensor data may be collected via one or more
standardized sensor interfaces or systems such as an On-Board
Diagnostics (OBD) sensor interface or system. The OBD sensor
interface may, for example, be installed in vehicles as a standard
connecting port. Through the OBD sensor interface, operating
parameters of a vehicle and the sensor data may be obtained in real
time. The OBD sensors may include vehicle speed sensors, wheel
speed sensors, steering angle sensors, G-Force sensors, air
temperature sensors, barometric sensors, oxygen sensors, airflow
sensors, etc. The sensor data may be obtained through a device
connector to the OBD sensor interface. The sensor data may be also
collected via one or more sensors associated with the device. The
device may include mobile computers, mobile phones, navigation
systems, etc. The device may be connected with the one or more
sensors including barometric sensors, speed sensors, gyro sensors,
compass sensors, light sensors, GPS, etc.
[0040] In one embodiment, the inaccuracies determination module 203
may enable determination of inaccuracies of the performance of a
service (e.g., an initial/default service). By way of example, the
inaccuracies of the performance may be determined based on slow or
delayed processing of the service, frequent buffering,
discontinuation of service, a reduction in a level of accuracy, or
a combination thereof. In one scenario, slow or delayed processing
may, for instance, include delay in starting a vehicle due to
corroded cable connection in the engine. Subsequently, the
notification platform 111 may notify the user to clean or replace
the cables, and may display an augmented reality user interface on
how to clean or change the cables.
[0041] In one embodiment, the verification module 205 may enable
verification of the one or more conditions. For example, conditions
determined based on the sensor data may be verified using the other
data, and conditions determined based on the other data may be
verified using the sensor data. In one use case, vehicle sensor
data may be verified using VIN codes, service manual of the
vehicles etc.
[0042] In one embodiment, an image recognition module 207 analyzes
the data in order to classify the data. The image recognition
module 207 processes the data by way of one or more known image
recognition techniques. Recognition techniques may include the
assignment of output values (labels or tags) to a given input
value. Another approach may include classification processing,
wherein the image recognition module 207 assigns each input value
to one of a given set of classes. In one embodiment, the image
recognition module 207 may create interface based, at least in
part, on the data provided. Such imposition of identity on input
data, such as images, or a stream of text is based at least in
part, on the recognition and delineation of patterns it contains
and their relationships. In one embodiment, the image recognition
module 207 may involve measurement of the object to identify
distinguishing attributes, extraction of features for the defining
attributes, and comparison with known patterns to determine a match
or mismatch.
[0043] In one embodiment, the buffer module 209 may enable
buffering of service data determined via an alternate service
(e.g., that will replace the default service as a foreground
process based on performance degradation of the default service).
In one scenario, the buffering of the service data may be a holding
of the service data in memory storage until the service data is
processed. As such, the buffered service data may be accessed upon
determining the degradation of the performance of the default
service.
[0044] In one embodiment, the communication module 211 may enable
formation of a session over the communication network 109 between
the notification platform 111 and the UE 101. For example, the
communication module 211 executes various protocols and data
sharing techniques for enabling collaborative execution between UE
101 and the notification platform 111 over the communication
network 109.
[0045] In one embodiment, the presentation module 213 makes a
presentation of task related objects in an augmented reality user
interface upon receiving the data from the communication module
211. This module obtains a set of summary statistics from other
modules. Then, the module continues with generating a presentation
and continues with providing of presentation data set where the
presentation could be depicted in one or more visual display
units.
[0046] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a process for causing a
presentation of one or more indications of one or more parts
associated with at least one task, alongside guides for aligning
the one or more indications with the one or more parts in the
augmented reality user interface, according to one embodiment. In
one embodiment, the notification platform 111 performs the process
300 and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a
processor and a memory as shown in FIG. 13.
[0047] In step 301, the notification platform 111 causes, at least
in part, a presentation of one or more indications of one or more
parts in the augmented reality user interface, wherein the one or
more parts are associated with at least one task. In one scenario,
the notification platform 111 may assist an inexperienced driver in
recognizing a defect in a car and may provide instruction relating
to fixing the defect in an augmented reality display. In one
scenario, the notification platform 111 may determine one or more
information associated with the car, for instance, low oil level.
Then, the notification platform 111 may determine one or more
representation for the information associated with the car.
Subsequently, the notification platform 111 may cause a
presentation of one or more representation with one or more
indications to resolve the detected defect, for instance, an
outline view may be provided, wherein parts associated with the
defect may be highlighted for user convenience.
[0048] In step 303, the notification platform 111 causes, at least
in part, a presentation of one or more guides for aligning the one
or more indications with the one or more parts in the augmented
reality user interface, wherein the one or more guides indicate, at
least in part, a direction, an orientation, or a combination
thereof to move a device presenting the augmented reality display
for aligning the one or more indications with the one or more
parts. In one scenario, a user may be provided with an augmented
reality display on how to change oil, such display may be
accompanied with instructions that assists the users in comparing
and matching the outline display with the actual parts of the car.
In one scenario, a user may move around the car to compare and
match the outline display.
[0049] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a process for determining the one
or more guides based, at least in part, on the one or more
reference objects associated with the field of view of the
augmented reality user interface to cause, at least in part, a
recognition of the one or more parts and/or the at least one task,
according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the notification
platform 111 performs the process 400 and is implemented in, for
instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown in
FIG. 13.
[0050] In step 401, the notification platform 111 processes and/or
facilitates a processing of a field of view of the augmented
reality user interface to cause, at least in part, a recognition of
the one or more parts, the at least one task, or a combination
thereof. In one scenario, the notification platform may process the
augmented reality display for identifying parts and/or tasks, for
instance, inspection stickers on the windshield of the car may be
processed, and based on the processing, the notification platform
111 may alert the user that it is time to have the car serviced. In
one scenario, based, at least in part, on the processing of the
augmented reality display of the tires of a vehicle, the
notification platform 111 may alert a user to change the tire based
on the wear and tear determined from the processing of the
displayed information.
[0051] In step 403, the notification platform 111 determines one or
more reference objects associated with the field of view, the at
least one task, or a combination thereof. In one scenario, the
notification platform 111 may receive an image representing a
physical environment, whereby the notification platform 111 may
determine a reference object within the ambit of the physical
environment. In one scenario, a user may capture an image of a car
with a UE 101, whereby the notification platform 111 may process
the image to determine a reference object, for instance, upon
determining the car is low on oil, the notification platform 111
may determine parts of the car that is relevant for adding oil, as
reference objects.
[0052] In step 405, the notification platform 111 determines the
one or more guides based, at least in part, on the one or more
reference objects, wherein the one or more guides include, at least
in part, one or more outline representations of the one or more
reference objects. In one scenario, the notification platform 111
upon determining reference objects associated with the task of oil
change in a car, may provide an augmented reality display of the
outline of the reference objects, which the one or more users may
compare and match with the actual parts of the car.
[0053] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process for determining an input
and causing a presentation of information related to the one or
more parts and/or the at least one task in association with the one
or more indications, according to one embodiment. In one
embodiment, the notification platform 111 performs the process 500
and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a
processor and a memory as shown in FIG. 13.
[0054] In step 501, the notification platform 111 determines an
input for specifying the one or more parts, the at least one task,
an association between the one or more parts and the at least one
task, or a combination thereof. In one scenario, the notification
platform 111 may process and/or facilitate a processing of the one
or more user actions to determine a presentation for one or more
indications of one or more parts to complete a task, for instance,
the notification platform 111 may display a guided augmented
reality service for changing oil based, at least in part, on user
approval of the request for presentation. In one scenario, the
notification platform 111 may process and/or facilitate a
processing of the one or more sensor information to determine a
presentation for one or more indications of one or more parts, for
instance, a notification platform 111 may provide users with step
by step tutorial to add oil, the user does not need to skip any
steps manually since the notification platform 111 may determine
with the help of various sensors if a step is completed, and may
move on to the next step of the tutorial display.
[0055] In step 503, the notification platform 111 causes, at least
in part, a presentation of information related to the one or more
parts, the at least one task, or a combination thereof in
association with the one or more indications, wherein the
information includes, at least in part, one or more instructions
for performing at least a portion of the at least one task. In one
scenario, the notification platform 111 may display plurality of
parts of a vehicle in an augmented reality user interface, wherein
the one or more parts are associated with the determined tasks, the
associated parts may be highlighted with color patterns, labels,
other user interface elements or a combination thereof.
[0056] In step 505, the notification platform 111 processes and/or
facilitates a processing of sensor information, telematics
information, or a combination thereof to determine the at least one
task, wherein the sensor information, the telematics information,
or a combination thereof is associated with at least one vehicle,
and wherein the at least one task is related to the at least one
vehicle. In one scenario, the notification platform 111 may receive
one or more information from various sensors associated with a
vehicle. Then, the notification platform 111 may determine tasks
associated with the vehicle based, at least in part, on the
information received from the various sensors, for instance, the
notification platform 111 may determine the water level in the
radiator is low, and may display task related objects in an
augmented reality outline on how to add water in the radiator.
[0057] FIG. 6A is a diagram of user interface utilized in the
process of FIGS. 3-5, according to various embodiments. In one
scenario, the service may be used in vehicles to identify possible
issues, for instance, maintenance issues such as low oil level. The
notification platform 111 may determine one or more sensors
associated with a vehicle to get information on the oil level.
Then, the notification platform 111 may cause, at least in part, a
presentation of one or more alerts in the user interface 601. As
shown, the notification platform 111 may cause a presentation of an
alert message "LOW ON OIL, ADD OIL?" based on, for instance,
maintenance information obtained from a vehicle information system.
In this example, as shown in user interface 601, a user may accept
the notification to add oil (e.g., via an "approve" command), delay
the task (e.g., via a "not now" command), or reject the task (e.g.,
via a "decline" command). If the user accepts the task, the
notification platform 111 may initiate presentation of tutorial
information (e.g., a tutorial video) at the user's device as shown
in user interface 603. In one embodiment, the user may configure
the notification platform 111 to indicate that the user is an
expert user who does not need tutorial information. In this case,
the notification platform 111 may omit the presentation of a
tutorial.
[0058] FIG. 6B is a diagram of user interface utilized in the
process of FIGS. 3-5, according to various embodiments. In one
scenario, notification platform 111 may cause, at least in part, a
presentation of an augmented reality display 607 depicting a
vehicle environment 605 upon user acceptance of the task (e.g., to
add oil). In this example, the notification platform 111 provides
an augmented reality display an environment 605 comprising the
interior of a vehicle. In one embodiment, parts of vehicles (e.g.,
the hood latch 608) relevant to completing the task of adding oil
may be highlighted and/or colored to offer the user guidance for
completing task. For example, when the user approaches the vehicle
and opens the car door to view the vehicle environment 605, the
latch 608 to open the car hood may be colored red to make it easy
to spot. Further, the user may be provided with instructions on how
to use the latch 608, for instance, whether to push or pull the
latch 608 in order to open the hood. In addition, information on
the type of oil, the quantity of oil may be provided based on
available information from the vehicle sensors and other sources,
for instance the vehicle manual, vehicle manufacturer database,
etc.
[0059] FIG. 6C is a diagram of user interface utilized in the
process of FIGS. 3-5, according to various embodiments. In one
scenario, as shown in FIG. 6C, the notification platform 111
presents outlines 613 of reference objects (e.g., the steering
wheel 615 and dashboard 617) that serve guides for a user to move
the UE 609 to align the field of view of an augmented reality
display. In one embodiment, the alignment of the outlines 613 with
the respective objects 615 and 617 will also result in alignment of
an indicator 619 that directs the user's attention to relevant
parts (e.g., a latch 610 for opening the car's hood) to complete a
task. By way of example, the notification platform 111 may select
any reference objects that are potentially visible through a field
of view 611 of an augmented reality display. In this example, the
notification platform 111 selected the steering wheel 615 and
dashboard 617 as the reference objects for generating the outlines
613 because they are traditionally easily recognizable by a user.
In addition, by providing outlines 613 as alignment guides for the
user, the notification platform 111 avoids a need to sense or
recognize the reference objects through, for instance, machine
image recognition techniques that can potentially tax the resources
of the UE 609. Instead, the outlines 613 enable the user to
visually recognize the proper alignment of the references, thereby
reducing the resource burden on the UE 609.
[0060] Once the outlines 613 are aligned with the objects 615 and
617 as visible in the augmented reality display, the user will also
be in a position to view the indicator arrow 619 in proper relation
to the latch 610. In this example, the notification platform 111
causes a display of parts (e.g., latch 610) relevant to a task
comprising adding oil to a vehicle. As a first step, the user is
provided the outlines 613 to direct the user to actuate the latch
610 to open the hoop to reach the oil filler cap. In one
embodiment, the task can be initiated by interfacing with a vehicle
information system to obtain vehicle maintenance information (e.g.,
oil level). In one scenario, the notification platform 111 may
highlight (e.g., via the indicator arrow 619) a latch 610 which
unlocks the hood of the car for access to the engine. It is
contemplated that the latch 610 may be emphasized or highlighted in
various ways in the augmented reality user interface of the UE 609
(e.g., by colors, labels, etc.) for easy identification.
[0061] In another scenario, if sensor information from the UE 609
is available, the notification platform 111 may cause a
presentation of the augmented reality view based, at least in part,
on the position of the vehicle and/or the direction of the user
and/or the angle of UE 101. For example, the notification platform
111 may use the sensor information as rough estimated for determine
the approximate positions of the outlines 613. In this way, the
outlines 613 may be more closely matched with what is visible the
field of view 611, and the user need make relatively minor
adjustments to align the outlines 613 with the respective objects
615 and 617.
[0062] FIG. 6D is a diagram of user interface utilized in the
process of FIGS. 3-5, according to various embodiments. In one
scenario, the notification platform 111 may provide a display 621
of different parts of the vehicle 623, and emphasize on the parts
that are used to complete a maintenance task (e.g., to add oil).
The user may compare the representation of the parts of the vehicle
to the actual vehicle to determine a match. In one scenario, a user
may be provided with a step by step guide to change the oil in an
augmented reality display. The notification platform 111 may
process and/or facilitate a processing of the one or more user
actions to determine a presentation for one or more representations
of the vehicle parts. In one scenario, a user does not need to skip
any steps manually, the notification platform 111 adapts to the
situation, for example, if the engine hood is already open as
detected by the sensors, the previous step for opening the engine
hood is not displayed.
[0063] FIG. 6E is a diagram of user interface utilized in the
process of FIGS. 3-5, according to various embodiments. In one
scenario, the notification platform 111 may provide the next
display 625 of an engine 627 to assist in completing the task to
add oil based, at least in part, on user actions and/or the
information received from the sensors. In one scenario, upon
determining that the hood of the car has been opened by the user
(e.g., via image recognition techniques, user input, etc.), the
notification platform 111 may provide an augmented reality display
of the task-related objects, whereby the user may identify the
engine part because it has either been highlighted with color
and/or labeled. In addition, the instructions provided during the
augmented reality display to the user enhance user convenience.
[0064] FIG. 6F is a diagram of user interface utilized in the
process of FIGS. 3-5, according to various embodiments. In one
scenario, the sensors of the vehicle may provide the notification
platform 111 with the information that the task of adding oil has
been completed by the user, whereby the notification platform 111
provides the user with an alert 629 that the task has been
completed.
[0065] The processes described herein for causing a presentation of
one or more indications of one or more parts associated with at
least one task, alongside guides for aligning the one or more
indications with the one or more parts in the augmented reality
user interface may be advantageously implemented via software,
hardware, firmware or a combination of software and/or firmware
and/or hardware. For example, the processes described herein, may
be advantageously implemented via processor(s), Digital Signal
Processing (DSP) chip, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit
(ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc. Such exemplary
hardware for performing the described functions is detailed
below.
[0066] FIG. 7 illustrates a computer system 700 upon which an
embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Although computer
system 700 is depicted with respect to a particular device or
equipment, it is contemplated that other devices or equipment
(e.g., network elements, servers, etc.) within FIG. 7 can deploy
the illustrated hardware and components of system 700. Computer
system 700 is programmed (e.g., via computer program code or
instructions) to cause a presentation of one or more indications of
one or more parts associated with at least one task, alongside
guides for aligning the one or more indications with the one or
more parts in the augmented reality user interface as described
herein and includes a communication mechanism such as a bus 710 for
passing information between other internal and external components
of the computer system 700. Information (also called data) is
represented as a physical expression of a measurable phenomenon,
typically electric voltages, but including, in other embodiments,
such phenomena as magnetic, electromagnetic, pressure, chemical,
biological, molecular, atomic, sub-atomic and quantum interactions.
For example, north and south magnetic fields, or a zero and
non-zero electric voltage, represent two states (0, 1) of a binary
digit (bit). Other phenomena can represent digits of a higher base.
A superposition of multiple simultaneous quantum states before
measurement represents a quantum bit (qubit). A sequence of one or
more digits constitutes digital data that is used to represent a
number or code for a character. In some embodiments, information
called analog data is represented by a near continuum of measurable
values within a particular range. Computer system 700, or a portion
thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of
causing a presentation of one or more indications of one or more
parts associated with at least one task, alongside guides for
aligning the one or more indications with the one or more parts in
the augmented reality user interface.
[0067] A bus 710 includes one or more parallel conductors of
information so that information is transferred quickly among
devices coupled to the bus 710. One or more processors 702 for
processing information are coupled with the bus 710.
[0068] A processor (or multiple processors) 702 performs a set of
operations on information as specified by computer program code
related to causing a presentation of one or more indications of one
or more parts associated with at least one task, alongside guides
for aligning the one or more indications with the one or more parts
in the augmented reality user interface. The computer program code
is a set of instructions or statements providing instructions for
the operation of the processor and/or the computer system to
perform specified functions. The code, for example, may be written
in a computer programming language that is compiled into a native
instruction set of the processor. The code may also be written
directly using the native instruction set (e.g., machine language).
The set of operations include bringing information in from the bus
710 and placing information on the bus 710. The set of operations
also typically include comparing two or more units of information,
shifting positions of units of information, and combining two or
more units of information, such as by addition or multiplication or
logical operations like OR, exclusive OR (XOR), and AND. Each
operation of the set of operations that can be performed by the
processor is represented to the processor by information called
instructions, such as an operation code of one or more digits. A
sequence of operations to be executed by the processor 702, such as
a sequence of operation codes, constitute processor instructions,
also called computer system instructions or, simply, computer
instructions. Processors may be implemented as mechanical,
electrical, magnetic, optical, chemical, or quantum components,
among others, alone or in combination.
[0069] Computer system 700 also includes a memory 704 coupled to
bus 710. The memory 704, such as a random access memory (RAM) or
any other dynamic storage device, stores information including
processor instructions for causing a presentation of one or more
indications of one or more parts associated with at least one task,
alongside guides for aligning the one or more indications with the
one or more parts in the augmented reality user interface. Dynamic
memory allows information stored therein to be changed by the
computer system 700. RAM allows a unit of information stored at a
location called a memory address to be stored and retrieved
independently of information at neighboring addresses. The memory
704 is also used by the processor 702 to store temporary values
during execution of processor instructions. The computer system 700
also includes a read only memory (ROM) 706 or any other static
storage device coupled to the bus 710 for storing static
information, including instructions, that is not changed by the
computer system 700. Some memory is composed of volatile storage
that loses the information stored thereon when power is lost. Also
coupled to bus 710 is a non-volatile (persistent) storage device
708, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk or flash card, for
storing information, including instructions, that persists even
when the computer system 700 is turned off or otherwise loses
power.
[0070] Information, including instructions for causing a
presentation of one or more indications of one or more parts
associated with at least one task, alongside guides for aligning
the one or more indications with the one or more parts in the
augmented reality user interface, is provided to the bus 710 for
use by the processor from an external input device 712, such as a
keyboard containing alphanumeric keys operated by a human user, a
microphone, an Infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick, a game
pad, a stylus pen, a touch screen, or a sensor. A sensor detects
conditions in its vicinity and transforms those detections into
physical expression compatible with the measurable phenomenon used
to represent information in computer system 700. Other external
devices coupled to bus 710, used primarily for interacting with
humans, include a display device 714, such as a cathode ray tube
(CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED)
display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a plasma screen, or a
printer for presenting text or images, and a pointing device 716,
such as a mouse, a trackball, cursor direction keys, or a motion
sensor, for controlling a position of a small cursor image
presented on the display 714 and issuing commands associated with
graphical elements presented on the display 714, and one or more
camera sensors 794 for capturing, recording and causing to store
one or more still and/or moving images (e.g., videos, movies, etc.)
which also may comprise audio recordings. In some embodiments, for
example, in embodiments in which the computer system 700 performs
all functions automatically without human input, one or more of
external input device 712, display device 714 and pointing device
716 may be omitted.
[0071] In the illustrated embodiment, special purpose hardware,
such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 720, is
coupled to bus 710. The special purpose hardware is configured to
perform operations not performed by processor 702 quickly enough
for special purposes. Examples of ASICs include graphics
accelerator cards for generating images for display 714,
cryptographic boards for encrypting and decrypting messages sent
over a network, speech recognition, and interfaces to special
external devices, such as robotic arms and medical scanning
equipment that repeatedly perform some complex sequence of
operations that are more efficiently implemented in hardware.
[0072] Computer system 700 also includes one or more instances of a
communications interface 770 coupled to bus 710. Communication
interface 770 provides a one-way or two-way communication coupling
to a variety of external devices that operate with their own
processors, such as printers, scanners and external disks. In
general the coupling is with a network link 778 that is connected
to a local network 780 to which a variety of external devices with
their own processors are connected. For example, communication
interface 770 may be a parallel port or a serial port or a
universal serial bus (USB) port on a personal computer. In some
embodiments, communications interface 770 is an integrated services
digital network (ISDN) card or a digital subscriber line (DSL) card
or a telephone modem that provides an information communication
connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. In some
embodiments, a communication interface 770 is a cable modem that
converts signals on bus 710 into signals for a communication
connection over a coaxial cable or into optical signals for a
communication connection over a fiber optic cable. As another
example, communications interface 770 may be a local area network
(LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a
compatible LAN, such as Ethernet. Wireless links may also be
implemented. For wireless links, the communications interface 770
sends or receives or both sends and receives electrical, acoustic
or electromagnetic signals, including infrared and optical signals,
that carry information streams, such as digital data. For example,
in wireless handheld devices, such as mobile telephones like cell
phones, the communications interface 770 includes a radio band
electromagnetic transmitter and receiver called a radio
transceiver. In certain embodiments, the communications interface
770 enables connection to the communication network 109 for causing
a presentation of one or more indications of one or more parts
associated with at least one task, alongside guides for aligning
the one or more indications with the one or more parts in the
augmented reality user interface to the UE 101.
[0073] The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to
any medium that participates in providing information to processor
702, including instructions for execution. Such a medium may take
many forms, including, but not limited to computer-readable storage
medium (e.g., non-volatile media, volatile media), and transmission
media. Non-transitory media, such as non-volatile media, include,
for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device 708.
Volatile media include, for example, dynamic memory 704.
Transmission media include, for example, twisted pair cables,
coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optic cables, and carrier waves
that travel through space without wires or cables, such as acoustic
waves and electromagnetic waves, including radio, optical and
infrared waves. Signals include man-made transient variations in
amplitude, frequency, phase, polarization or other physical
properties transmitted through the transmission media. Common forms
of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a
flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium,
a CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper
tape, optical mark sheets, any other physical medium with patterns
of holes or other optically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM, an
EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, an EEPROM, a flash memory, any other memory
chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a
computer can read. The term computer-readable storage medium is
used herein to refer to any computer-readable medium except
transmission media.
[0074] Logic encoded in one or more tangible media includes one or
both of processor instructions on a computer-readable storage media
and special purpose hardware, such as ASIC 720.
[0075] Network link 778 typically provides information
communication using transmission media through one or more networks
to other devices that use or process the information. For example,
network link 778 may provide a connection through local network 780
to a host computer 782 or to equipment 784 operated by an Internet
Service Provider (ISP). ISP equipment 784 in turn provides data
communication services through the public, world-wide
packet-switching communication network of networks now commonly
referred to as the Internet 790.
[0076] A computer called a server host 792 connected to the
Internet hosts a process that provides a service in response to
information received over the Internet. For example, server host
792 hosts a process that provides information representing video
data for presentation at display 714. It is contemplated that the
components of system 700 can be deployed in various configurations
within other computer systems, e.g., host 782 and server 792.
[0077] At least some embodiments of the invention are related to
the use of computer system 700 for implementing some or all of the
techniques described herein. According to one embodiment of the
invention, those techniques are performed by computer system 700 in
response to processor 702 executing one or more sequences of one or
more processor instructions contained in memory 704. Such
instructions, also called computer instructions, software and
program code, may be read into memory 704 from another
computer-readable medium such as storage device 708 or network link
778. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in memory
704 causes processor 702 to perform one or more of the method steps
described herein. In alternative embodiments, hardware, such as
ASIC 720, may be used in place of or in combination with software
to implement the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are
not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software,
unless otherwise explicitly stated herein.
[0078] The signals transmitted over network link 778 and other
networks through communications interface 770, carry information to
and from computer system 700. Computer system 700 can send and
receive information, including program code, through the networks
780, 790 among others, through network link 778 and communications
interface 770. In an example using the Internet 790, a server host
792 transmits program code for a particular application, requested
by a message sent from computer 700, through Internet 790, ISP
equipment 784, local network 780 and communications interface 770.
The received code may be executed by processor 702 as it is
received, or may be stored in memory 704 or in storage device 708
or any other non-volatile storage for later execution, or both. In
this manner, computer system 700 may obtain application program
code in the form of signals on a carrier wave.
[0079] Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in
carrying one or more sequence of instructions or data or both to
processor 702 for execution. For example, instructions and data may
initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer such
as host 782. The remote computer loads the instructions and data
into its dynamic memory and sends the instructions and data over a
telephone line using a modem. A modem local to the computer system
700 receives the instructions and data on a telephone line and uses
an infra-red transmitter to convert the instructions and data to a
signal on an infra-red carrier wave serving as the network link
778. An infrared detector serving as communications interface 770
receives the instructions and data carried in the infrared signal
and places information representing the instructions and data onto
bus 710. Bus 710 carries the information to memory 704 from which
processor 702 retrieves and executes the instructions using some of
the data sent with the instructions. The instructions and data
received in memory 704 may optionally be stored on storage device
708, either before or after execution by the processor 702.
[0080] FIG. 8 illustrates a chip set or chip 800 upon which an
embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Chip set 800 is
programmed to cause a presentation of one or more indications of
one or more parts associated with at least one task, alongside
guides for aligning the one or more indications with the one or
more parts in the augmented reality user interface, as described
herein and includes, for instance, the processor and memory
components described with respect to FIG. 7 incorporated in one or
more physical packages (e.g., chips). By way of example, a physical
package includes an arrangement of one or more materials,
components, and/or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a
baseboard) to provide one or more characteristics such as physical
strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical
interaction. It is contemplated that in certain embodiments the
chip set 800 can be implemented in a single chip. It is further
contemplated that in certain embodiments the chip set or chip 800
can be implemented as a single "system on a chip." It is further
contemplated that in certain embodiments a separate ASIC would not
be used, for example, and that all relevant functions as disclosed
herein would be performed by a processor or processors. Chip set or
chip 800, or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing
one or more steps of providing user interface navigation
information associated with the availability of functions. Chip set
or chip 800, or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for
performing one or more steps of causing a presentation of one or
more indications of one or more parts associated with at least one
task, alongside guides for aligning the one or more indications
with the one or more parts in the augmented reality user
interface.
[0081] In one embodiment, the chip set or chip 800 includes a
communication mechanism such as a bus 801 for passing information
among the components of the chip set 800. A processor 803 has
connectivity to the bus 801 to execute instructions and process
information stored in, for example, a memory 805. The processor 803
may include one or more processing cores with each core configured
to perform independently. A multi-core processor enables
multiprocessing within a single physical package. Examples of a
multi-core processor include two, four, eight, or greater numbers
of processing cores. Alternatively or in addition, the processor
803 may include one or more microprocessors configured in tandem
via the bus 801 to enable independent execution of instructions,
pipelining, and multithreading. The processor 803 may also be
accompanied with one or more specialized components to perform
certain processing functions and tasks such as one or more digital
signal processors (DSP) 807, or one or more application-specific
integrated circuits (ASIC) 809. A DSP 807 typically is configured
to process real-world signals (e.g., sound) in real time
independently of the processor 803. Similarly, an ASIC 809 can be
configured to performed specialized functions not easily performed
by a more general purpose processor. Other specialized components
to aid in performing the inventive functions described herein may
include one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), one or
more controllers, or one or more other special-purpose computer
chips.
[0082] In one embodiment, the chip set or chip 800 includes merely
one or more processors and some software and/or firmware supporting
and/or relating to and/or for the one or more processors.
[0083] The processor 803 and accompanying components have
connectivity to the memory 805 via the bus 801. The memory 805
includes both dynamic memory (e.g., RAM, magnetic disk, writable
optical disk, etc.) and static memory (e.g., ROM, CD-ROM, etc.) for
storing executable instructions that when executed perform the
inventive steps described herein to cause a presentation of one or
more indications of one or more parts associated with at least one
task, alongside guides for aligning the one or more indications
with the one or more parts in the augmented reality user interface.
The memory 805 also stores the data associated with or generated by
the execution of the inventive steps.
[0084] FIG. 9 is a diagram of exemplary components of a mobile
terminal (e.g., handset) for communications, which is capable of
operating in the system of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment. In
some embodiments, mobile terminal 901, or a portion thereof,
constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of causing a
presentation of one or more indications of one or more parts
associated with at least one task, alongside guides for aligning
the one or more indications with the one or more parts in the
augmented reality user interface. Generally, a radio receiver is
often defined in terms of front-end and back-end characteristics.
The front-end of the receiver encompasses all of the Radio
Frequency (RF) circuitry whereas the back-end encompasses all of
the base-band processing circuitry. As used in this application,
the term "circuitry" refers to both: (1) hardware-only
implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or
digital circuitry), and (2) to combinations of circuitry and
software (and/or firmware) (such as, if applicable to the
particular context, to a combination of processor(s), including
digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(ies) that work
together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server,
to perform various functions). This definition of "circuitry"
applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in
any claims. As a further example, as used in this application and
if applicable to the particular context, the term "circuitry" would
also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple
processors) and its (or their) accompanying software/or firmware.
The term "circuitry" would also cover if applicable to the
particular context, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or
applications processor integrated circuit in a mobile phone or a
similar integrated circuit in a cellular network device or other
network devices.
[0085] Pertinent internal components of the telephone include a
Main Control Unit (MCU) 903, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) 905,
and a receiver/transmitter unit including a microphone gain control
unit and a speaker gain control unit. A main display unit 907
provides a display to the user in support of various applications
and mobile terminal functions that perform or support the steps of
causing a presentation of one or more indications of one or more
parts associated with at least one task, alongside guides for
aligning the one or more indications with the one or more parts in
the augmented reality user interface. The display 907 includes
display circuitry configured to display at least a portion of a
user interface of the mobile terminal (e.g., mobile telephone).
Additionally, the display 907 and display circuitry are configured
to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile
terminal. An audio function circuitry 909 includes a microphone 911
and microphone amplifier that amplifies the speech signal output
from the microphone 911. The amplified speech signal output from
the microphone 911 is fed to a coder/decoder (CODEC) 913.
[0086] A radio section 915 amplifies power and converts frequency
in order to communicate with a base station, which is included in a
mobile communication system, via antenna 917. The power amplifier
(PA) 919 and the transmitter/modulation circuitry are operationally
responsive to the MCU 903, with an output from the PA 919 coupled
to the duplexer 921 or circulator or antenna switch, as known in
the art. The PA 919 also couples to a battery interface and power
control unit 920.
[0087] In use, a user of mobile terminal 901 speaks into the
microphone 911 and his or her voice along with any detected
background noise is converted into an analog voltage. The analog
voltage is then converted into a digital signal through the Analog
to Digital Converter (ADC) 923. The control unit 903 routes the
digital signal into the DSP 905 for processing therein, such as
speech encoding, channel encoding, encrypting, and interleaving. In
one embodiment, the processed voice signals are encoded, by units
not separately shown, using a cellular transmission protocol such
as enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet
radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications
(GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal
mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other
suitable wireless medium, e.g., microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term
Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA),
wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity
(WiFi), satellite, and the like, or any combination thereof.
[0088] The encoded signals are then routed to an equalizer 925 for
compensation of any frequency-dependent impairments that occur
during transmission though the air such as phase and amplitude
distortion. After equalizing the bit stream, the modulator 927
combines the signal with a RF signal generated in the RF interface
929. The modulator 927 generates a sine wave by way of frequency or
phase modulation. In order to prepare the signal for transmission,
an up-converter 931 combines the sine wave output from the
modulator 927 with another sine wave generated by a synthesizer 933
to achieve the desired frequency of transmission. The signal is
then sent through a PA 919 to increase the signal to an appropriate
power level. In practical systems, the PA 919 acts as a variable
gain amplifier whose gain is controlled by the DSP 905 from
information received from a network base station. The signal is
then filtered within the duplexer 921 and optionally sent to an
antenna coupler 935 to match impedances to provide maximum power
transfer. Finally, the signal is transmitted via antenna 917 to a
local base station. An automatic gain control (AGC) can be supplied
to control the gain of the final stages of the receiver. The
signals may be forwarded from there to a remote telephone which may
be another cellular telephone, any other mobile phone or a
land-line connected to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN),
or other telephony networks.
[0089] Voice signals transmitted to the mobile terminal 901 are
received via antenna 917 and immediately amplified by a low noise
amplifier (LNA) 937. A down-converter 939 lowers the carrier
frequency while the demodulator 941 strips away the RF leaving only
a digital bit stream. The signal then goes through the equalizer
925 and is processed by the DSP 905. A Digital to Analog Converter
(DAC) 943 converts the signal and the resulting output is
transmitted to the user through the speaker 945, all under control
of a Main Control Unit (MCU) 903 which can be implemented as a
Central Processing Unit (CPU).
[0090] The MCU 903 receives various signals including input signals
from the keyboard 947. The keyboard 947 and/or the MCU 903 in
combination with other user input components (e.g., the microphone
911) comprise a user interface circuitry for managing user input.
The MCU 903 runs a user interface software to facilitate user
control of at least some functions of the mobile terminal 901 to
cause a presentation of one or more indications of one or more
parts associated with at least one task, alongside guides for
aligning the one or more indications with the one or more parts in
the augmented reality user interface. The MCU 903 also delivers a
display command and a switch command to the display 907 and to the
speech output switching controller, respectively. Further, the MCU
903 exchanges information with the DSP 905 and can access an
optionally incorporated SIM card 949 and a memory 951. In addition,
the MCU 903 executes various control functions required of the
terminal. The DSP 905 may, depending upon the implementation,
perform any of a variety of conventional digital processing
functions on the voice signals. Additionally, DSP 905 determines
the background noise level of the local environment from the
signals detected by microphone 911 and sets the gain of microphone
911 to a level selected to compensate for the natural tendency of
the user of the mobile terminal 901.
[0091] The CODEC 913 includes the ADC 923 and DAC 943. The memory
951 stores various data including call incoming tone data and is
capable of storing other data including music data received via,
e.g., the global Internet. The software module could reside in RAM
memory, flash memory, registers, or any other form of writable
storage medium known in the art. The memory device 951 may be, but
not limited to, a single memory, CD, DVD, ROM, RAM, EEPROM, optical
storage, magnetic disk storage, flash memory storage, or any other
non-volatile storage medium capable of storing digital data.
[0092] An optionally incorporated SIM card 949 carries, for
instance, important information, such as the cellular phone number,
the carrier supplying service, subscription details, and security
information. The SIM card 949 serves primarily to identify the
mobile terminal 901 on a radio network. The card 949 also contains
a memory for storing a personal telephone number registry, text
messages, and user specific mobile terminal settings.
[0093] Further, one or more camera sensors 953 may be incorporated
onto the mobile station 901 wherein the one or more camera sensors
may be placed at one or more locations on the mobile station.
Generally, the camera sensors may be utilized to capture, record,
and cause to store one or more still and/or moving images (e.g.,
videos, movies, etc.) which also may comprise audio recordings.
[0094] While the invention has been described in connection with a
number of embodiments and implementations, the invention is not so
limited but covers various obvious modifications and equivalent
arrangements, which fall within the purview of the appended claims.
Although features of the invention are expressed in certain
combinations among the claims, it is contemplated that these
features can be arranged in any combination and order.
* * * * *