Microsoft Patent | Inconspicuous tag for generating augmented reality experiences

Patent: Inconspicuous tag for generating augmented reality experiences

Publication Number: 10163049

Publication Date: 2018-12-25

Applicants: Microsoft

Abstract

A system and method for generating virtual objects, the data for the virtual object is retrieved at least in part from a tag. The tag comprises a transparent physical surface and a visually imperceptible structure constructed in the transparent physical surface. The tag encodes the data for the virtual objects in the visually imperceptible structure. When detected by the appropriately configured capture devices, the visually imperceptible structure produces a depth pattern that is reflected in phase shifts between regions in the tag.

Background

Augmented reality is a technology that allows virtual imagery to be mixed with a user’s actual view of the real world. A see-through, near-eye augmented reality display may be worn by a user to view the mixed imagery of virtual and real objects. The display presents virtual imagery in the user’s field of view. A see-through, near-eye augmented reality display is a type of head-mounted display (HMD).

Alternatively, an augmented reality system may comprise a stationary system that includes the ability to capture information, such as visual information, about the user and the user’s surrounding environment. The augmented reality system can then represent this information back to the user, for example, by displaying captured visual data of the user and the surrounding environment on a display device. The augmented reality system may overlay the displayed information with other information either generated by the system internally or retrieved by the system externally from another source.