SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRACKING A PHYSICAL OBJECT USING A PASSIVE OBJECT HAVING A REFLECTIVE SURFACE

Number: 20200086208
Published: 2020-03-19
Filed: 2018-09-17
Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors: Chapman; Steven M.
CPC: H04N23/90; A63F13/25; A63F13/213; A63F13/428; H04N23/60; A63F13/211; G06T7/73; G01S5/163; G01S5/16; G06F3/017; G06F3/011; G06T7/80; G06T7/246; A63F13/212; A63F13/5255
Verdict: Low Hardware
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Retroreflective-marker tracking hardware for physical props.

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for tracking physical objects using a passive reflective object. A computer-implemented method includes obtaining a location profile derived from content capturing a passive object having a reflective surface reflecting one or more real-world objects. The passive object is attached to a physical object. The method further includes transmitting the location profile to a simulation device. The method further includes generating a virtual representation of the physical object based on the location profile of the passive object. The method further includes presenting the virtual representation in a simulation experience.

Background

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to simulated experiences, such as that experienced in gaming environments and augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) environments.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems, methods, and devices capable of tracking the location of a physical object using a passive reflective surface to display in a virtual environments such as augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR).

In accordance with the technology described herein, a method for tracking physical objects using a passive reflective surface is disclosed. The computer-implemented method includes obtaining a location profile derived from content capturing a passive object having a reflective surface reflecting one or more real-world objects. The passive object is attached to a physical object. The method further includes transmitting the location profile to a simulation device. The further method includes generating a virtual representation of the physical object based on the location profile of the passive object. The method further includes presenting the virtual representation in a simulation experience.

In embodiments, the passive object includes a pattern to improve the location profile.

In embodiments, the pattern is a set of etched parallel lines on the passive object.

In embodiments, the location profile includes a position and an orientation of the passive object in the real-w

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method, comprising: obtaining a location profile derived from content capturing a passive object having a reflective surface reflecting one or more real-world objects, wherein the passive object is attached to a physical object; transmitting the location profile to a simulation device; generating a virtual representation of the physical object based on the location profile of the passive object; and presenting the virtual representation in a simulation experience. 11. A system, comprising: a camera; and a simulation device operatively connected to the camera, the simulation device presenting a virtual representation of a physical object with an attached passive object having a reflective surface based on a location profile derived from content captured by the camera of one or more objects reflected off the passive object; wherein the simulation device presents a dynamically moving virtual representation of the physical object associated with movement of the physical object in a simulation experience. 18. A computer-implemented method, comprising: receiving content captured by a camera of a passive object having a reflective surface reflecting one or more real-world objects; generating a location profile of the passive object attached to a physical object, the location profile comprising a location and orientation of a passive object; generating a location of a virtual representation of the physical object in the simulation experience; and presenting the simulation experience with the virtual representation in a virtual location.