Systems And Methods For Fitting Product

Patent No. US10891785 (titled "Systems And Methods For Fitting Product") was filed by Arbor Systems Llc on May 6, 2020.

What is this patent about?

’785 is related to the field of augmented reality (AR) and, more specifically, to systems and methods for virtually rendering objects in a real-world environment. The background of the invention acknowledges the increasing need for methods to capture and reproduce anatomical data, particularly in fields like surgery, clothing, and 3D printing. Existing 3D scanning systems often require specialized hardware, adding expense and complexity for the user.

The underlying idea behind ’785 is to leverage the capabilities of a standard mobile device, specifically its camera and accelerometer, to create an AR experience for product selection. Instead of relying on dedicated 3D scanners, the invention uses motion tracking and area learning to understand the environment, then blends a selected product variation (pattern or color) with the real-world scene, displaying the result as an augmented reality view on the mobile device's screen.

The claims of ’785 focus on a method for rendering reality for an object, comprising using a mobile device with an accelerometer and a camera, performing motion tracking and learning in an environment of the object with accelerometer and camera data in the mobile device; selecting a pattern or color from a plurality of product variations or service variations; blending the pattern or color of the object and the environment; and displaying the color on the object as reality view.

In practice, the invention allows a user to virtually 'try on' different product variations, such as clothing or accessories, within their own environment. The mobile device's sensors are used to map the surrounding area, and the selected product is then digitally overlaid onto the user or a chosen object in the scene. This creates a realistic preview of how the product would look in the user's actual setting, aiding in the selection process.

The patent differentiates itself from prior approaches by utilizing readily available mobile device technology for 3D modeling and AR rendering. Instead of requiring specialized scanning hardware or complex software, ’785 provides a convenient and accessible solution for product visualization. This approach aims to reduce the reliance on expensive equipment and simplify the process of virtually experiencing products in a real-world context, potentially decreasing product returns and improving user satisfaction.

How does this patent fit in bigger picture?

Technical landscape at the time

In the mid-2010s when ’785 was filed, mobile devices were increasingly equipped with advanced sensors such as accelerometers and high-resolution cameras, at a time when motion tracking and augmented reality applications were gaining traction. Systems commonly relied on image processing techniques and sensor fusion algorithms to create interactive experiences. Hardware or software constraints made real-time 3D model generation and rendering on mobile platforms non-trivial, requiring efficient algorithms and optimized code.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The examiner allowed the claims because the prior art, including SPIVACK, does not teach or suggest in detail using a mobile device with an accelerometer and a camera to perform motion tracking and learning in an environment of an object with accelerometer and camera data in the mobile device, selecting a pattern or color from a plurality of service variations, or blending the pattern or color of the object and the environment. The examiner also withdrew rejections based on non-statutory double patenting and objections to certain claims due to applicant amendments.

Claims

This patent contains 20 claims, with claims 1, 18, and 19 being independent. The independent claims are generally directed to methods for rendering reality or selecting products using a mobile device with a camera and accelerometer, involving motion tracking, blending colors/patterns, and displaying a reality view. The dependent claims generally elaborate on the specifics of the method described in claim 1 and 19, such as the type of mobile device, objects, product variations, and additional steps.

Key Claim Terms New

Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.

Term (Source)Support for SpecificationInterpretation
Blending the pattern or color
(Claim 1, Claim 18, Claim 19)
“The smart mirror can provide make-up suggestions along with augmented reality view of the applied suggestions so that the user can visualize the impact of the makeup. The smart mirror can provide non-surgical body augmentation suggestions such as breast/buttock augmentations along with augmented reality view of the body enlargements or size reduction so that the user can visualize the impact of the footwear or apparel when worn, along with body enhancement, clothing or jewelry or hair styling changes.”Combining the selected pattern or color of the object with the environment.
Closest 3D product model
(Claim 19)
“In another aspect, a method for selecting a product includes selecting one or more 3D models from a product database; capturing images of a user view of a location and a reference frame using a mobile camera; generating an updated model of the location by selecting a closest 3D product model to the user view and matching points on the closest 3D product model to one or more predetermined points on the user view; and selecting a best-fit product from a plurality of product variations based on the 3D model.”The 3D model from a product database that is most similar to the user view.
Motion tracking and learning
(Claim 1, Claim 18, Claim 19)
“In a further aspect, a method for fitting includes selecting one or more 3D models from a product database; capturing images of a user view relative to a reference frame using a mobile camera with a wide angle lens and an infrared sensor; determining dimensions for the user view by motion tracking, area learning, and depth sensing of objects in the user view; generating an updated model of the user view by selecting a closest 3D model to the user view and matching points on the closest 3D product model to one or more predetermined points on the user view; and selecting a best-fit product from a plurality of product variations based on the 3D model.”Using accelerometer and camera data in a mobile device to track movement and learn about the environment of an object.
Product variations or service variations
(Claim 1)
“In one aspect, systems and methods are disclosed for fitting a subject by generating one or more 3D deformable models for an anatomical portion; capturing images of a user anatomical portion and a reference object using a mobile camera; generating an updated model of the user anatomical portion by selecting a closest 3D deformable model to the user anatomical portion and matching points on the closest 3D deformable model to one or more predetermined points on the user anatomical portion; and selecting a best-fit product from a plurality of product variations based on the 3D model.”A plurality of different products or services from which a pattern or color is selected.
Reality view
(Claim 1, Claim 18, Claim 19)
“In another aspect, a smart mirror provides relevant information to a user to prepare him/her for daily tasks. The smart mirror overlays a graphical user interface over a partially reflective glass. The user interface can provide news, traffic and weather information, emails, social network communications. The smart mirror can act on the user's verbal requests or gestures. A mirror gesture control system includes a plurality of cameras mounted proximal to the mirror to detect edges of an object; and a processor to translate the edges as mouse movement and mouse clicks to control the vehicle by moving hands.”Displaying the blended color on the object.

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US10891785

ARBOR SYSTEMS LLC
Application Number
US16868063
Filing Date
May 6, 2020
Status
Granted
Expiry Date
Oct 26, 2037
External Links
Slate, USPTO, Google Patents