Patent published on July 27, 2023

Sony's New Patent Enhances Augmented Reality Display for Superimposing Content

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that is quickly gaining traction in the tech world. It takes the real world and adds digital elements to it, creating an enhanced experience. Companies like Sony, have been leading the way in bringing this technology to life. This is evident in their most recent patent, US20230237799A1, which seeks to improve the way AR displays superimpose content onto scenes viewed by users.

The patent was filed by Sony Group, a Japanese multinational conglomerate, on August 17, 2018. It is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/640,727, filed Feb. 21, 2020 and claims priority to JP 2017-166871, filed Aug. 31, 2017, and JP 2018-069055, filed Mar. 30, 2018. It relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, a program, and a moving body.

The patent revolves around the concept of a head-up display which projects information onto a windshield. This allows drivers to see various types of information on top of a scene that is spread out in front of them. The patent seeks to improve this experience by displaying a more realistic AR image which superimposes content onto the scene.

One of the key features of the patent is its ability to identify objects in the scene and then superimpose content associated with those objects. For example, it could detect a building in the distance and then provide information about the building such as its historical significance or the name of the architect. Sony has also come up with a way to accurately display the AR content in relation to the real world, ensuring that the content appears in the correct place in the view.

The technology promises to greatly improve the experience of using AR displays, especially in vehicles. It can provide drivers with relevant information about their surroundings without taking their eyes off the road. It could even be used to provide navigation assistance, with arrows and directions superimposed on the user's view.

What's more, the patent also suggests that the technology can be used for gaming purposes. It could detect objects in the environment and then create an AR game based on those objects. For example, it could detect a table and then set up a game where the player has to move objects around on the table.

The patent also suggests that the technology could be used to detect and identify people in the scene. This could open up a wide range of possibilities such as providing information about the person or creating an AR avatar of them.

Sony's patent could bring a whole new level of immersion to AR displays. It could make the experience more realistic and engaging, allowing users to learn more about their environment and interact with it in exciting ways. However, it is important to remember that this is a patent, so there is no guarantee that the technology will ever make it to the market.

In conclusion, Sony has filed a patent for an AR display system that could superimpose content onto scenes viewed by users. The patent promises to improve the accuracy of the AR content and make it more immersive and engaging. It could open up a range of possibilities for drivers, gamers, and more. However, as with any patent, there is no guarantee that the technology will ever be released.

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