Method and device for simulating a virtual out-of-box experience of a packaged product

Abstract

A method of simulating a virtual out-of-box experience of a packaged product with an electronic device is disclosed. The packaging of the product has a computer-readable code which is scanned with a camera on the electronic device. A product demonstration application is retrieved for the product from the internet. Surfaces of the packaging are recognized by the application. An image of a virtual representation of the product is rendered on an image of the packaging to make a combined image, which is displayed to the user on the display of the electronic device wherein the combined image simulates X-Ray vision into the packaging, revealing the product. The method further updates the combined image as the user manipulates the product in front of the camera, revealing different view of the product, a three-dimensional view of the product may further be displayed outside the packaging, and features demonstrated of the virtual product.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to augmented reality applications and more particularly to a method of simulating a virtual out-of-box experience of a package product.

BACKGROUND

Consumers have all found themselves inside a retail store or browsing a shopping website contemplating a large purchase. They pick up the box and carefully examine the product image or zoom in on images in the website storefront, in the case of an online retailer, all the while wishing they could take the product out of the box and further inspect it. Better yet, they wish they could even try it out to a certain extent in an attempt to lower their risk of being dissatisfied. However, providing live demonstration products is expensive. Additionally, online retailers desire to minimize the chance of costly returns, which result in unnecessary shipping charges and damaged packaging and products. Therefore, there is a need in the industry for a method for a consumer to more closely inspect and interact with a product prior to purchasing that foregoes the need for costly demonstration models in bricks and mortar retail and minimizes returns for online retailers.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The exemplary embodiment seeks to solve the problem of the prior art by providing an application that a consumer can download on an electronic device, such as smartphone which simulates a virtual out-of-box experience of a packaged product. The packaging of the product has a computer-readable code which is scanned with a camera on the electronic device. A product demonstration is retrieved for the product from the internet. The packaging of the product is recognized by the application and an image of a virtual representation of the product is overlaid on an image of the packaging to make a combined image. The combined image is displayed to the user on the display of the electronic device wherein the combined image simulates X-Ray vision into the packaging revealing the product therein. The method further updates the combined image as the user manipulates the product in front of the camera, revealing different views of the product. The virtual product may further be displayed outside the packaging for closer inspection. The user may demonstrate features of the virtual product to see it function.

More specifically, the exemplary method provides a virtual out-of-box experience for the user through an application that recognizes the product packaging, by any one of the images on the six sides of the product packaging. Images of the product packaging have been pre-profiled within the application. When any side of the product packaging is recognized in the camera's field of view by the application, the user's perspective to the image on the product packaging is determined by the application based on the image's distortion (e.g., skew, tilt, barrel, and/or pincushion) and size of the image when compared to the pre-profiled image. The application renders a three-dimensional model of the product directly on, or relative to, the surface of the box, providing an augmented reality. When any side of the product packaging is detected, the virtual product is shown lying beneath the surface so that it appears that the user sees through the product packaging. The virtual product may also be displayed on the outside of the packaging, such as on top of the packaging or adjacent to any side of the packaging, thus showing the product out of the box. The packaging becomes a reference point for manipulating the virtual product. Moving, turning, rotating the packaging, moves, rotates and turns the virtual product.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An exemplary embodiment will now be described further by way of example with reference to the following examples and figures, which are intended to be illustrative only and in no way limiting upon the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an electronic device in accordance with the disclosure described herein;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an electronic device being used to scan a computer-readable code from a product packaging in accordance with the method described herein;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the electronic device transmitting the scanned computer-readable code to a server and the server sending a product demonstration in response thereto in accordance with the method described herein;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of simulating a virtual out-of-box experience for a product in accordance with the disclosure described herein;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a user viewing a product packaging on a display of the electronic device in accordance with the disclosure described herein;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a user viewing an augmented image of a front view the product revealed inside the packaging on a display of the electronic device in accordance with the disclosure described herein;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a user viewing an augmented image of a side view of the product revealed inside the packaging on a display of the electronic device in accordance with the disclosure described herein;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a user viewing an augmented image of a front perspective view of the product separated from the packaging on a display of the electronic device in accordance with the disclosure described herein;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a user viewing an augmented image of a rear perspective view of the product separated from the packaging on a display of the electronic device in accordance with the disclosure described herein; and

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a user viewing additional information about the product on the display of the electronic device in accordance with the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

Generally, a method of simulating a virtual out-of-box experience of a packaged product with an electronic device is disclosed, which will be described in greater detail below. The packaging of the product has a computer-readable code which is scanned with a camera on the electronic device. A product demonstration is retrieved for the product from the internet. The packaging of the product is recognized and an image of a virtual representation of the product is overlaid on an image of the packaging in a correct orientation to make a combined image. The combined image is displayed to the user on the display of the electronic device wherein the combined image simulates X-Ray vision into the packaging revealing the product. The method further updates the combined image as the user manipulates the product in front of the camera, revealing different view of the product. The virtual product may further be displayed outside the packaging for closer inspection. The user may demonstrate features of the virtual product to see it function.

The functions or algorithms described herein may be implemented in software or a combination of software and human implemented procedures in one embodiment. The software may consist of computer executable instructions stored on computer readable media or computer readable storage device such as one or more memory or other type of hardware based storage devices, either local or networked. Further, such functions correspond to modules, which are software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. Multiple functions may be performed in one or more modules as desired, and the embodiments described are merely examples. The software may be executed on a digital signal processor, ASIC, microprocessor, or other type of processor operating on a computer system, such as a personal computer, server or other computer system.

Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device is shown generally at 100. In one embodiment, the electronic device includes a camera 101, processor 103, memory 105, storage 109, and display 108 interconnected via a system bus. An application 107, resident in memory 105 is operative to perform the augmented reality effect described further below. The electronic device 100 may also include additional memory or more storage. Furthermore, although the barcode reading firmware is depicted as firmware, the barcode reading firmware may alternatively be software stored in flash memory and loaded into memory.

The method provides an immersive out-of-box experience using augmented reality. By using an electronic device equipped with a camera and display, such as a Smartphone or tablet (or could be a wearable device such as glasses that has the capability) the user is able to see inside the product packaging, virtually take the product out of the box, view the product from all angles (including from the inside), and power up the product and interact with it in a natural way. If the product has buttons, the user can “virtually” press them and see the actual product response. If the product has a display, the user can see the actual screens shown on the product. If the product has sound, the audio may be played to the users and if it is voice activated the user can speak with the product and issue voice commands. These features provide the user the ability to completely interact with the product without ever even taking it out of the box.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the application may be downloadable by scanning a URL embedded within a QR code 102 that is printed on the product packaging 104. The application is downloaded from a remote internet server 106. This same type of application could be created for every product within a retail store and could even be used for e-commerce as well, simply by viewing a product image on a website. Although the electronic device 100 is depicted as a smartphone, the electronic device 100, may be a personal data terminal, personal data assistant, smart glasses, a wearable electronic device (such as a smartwatch or smart glasses (e.g. Google Glass® or Epson Moverio®), other near-to-eye, or head-mounted display), computer, tablet, laptop, or personal video game device. As shown in FIGS. 6-9, the application 107 may generate and display commands 111 (e.g. “Open/Close,” “Tab 1/2/3/4,” “Hello [device name, e.g. thermostat],” “What can I say?,” and “How do I install you?”) so that the user may select commands using sound (e.g. voice) and/or touch.

Referring to FIG. 4, a flow chart 400 of the method is shown generally that describes the steps and optional steps of the method. Steps 405-470 illustrate the capability and functionality of the application in response to user action or commands. The method 400 begins at step 405 when device 100 scans the computer-readable code on packaging containing a product using camera 101. At step 410, the application recognizes the packaging and/or product associated with the code and retrieves a product demonstration (demo) of the product from a database via the Internet or other network. Images of the product and other products may be stored in a database accessible by device 100 via the Internet or other network. At step 415, the application renders an image of a virtual representation of the product on an image of the packaging to make a combined image. At step 420, the application generates and displays user commands. At step 425, the application recognizes one or more sides of the packaging of the product. At step 430, the application determines a distortion (e.g., skew, tilt, barrel, and/or pincushion) and size of the image on the product packaging based on the camera perspective and a previously stored image(s) of one or more sides of the packaging. The size of the image of the product packaging being viewed is also considered so that the virtual object associated with the product packaging can be rendered at different scales depending upon the distance the product packaging is from the camera. Thus, as the distance between the product packaging and corresponding virtual object decreases, the size of the virtual object rendered by the application in the display increases. Conversely, as the distance between the product packaging and camera increases, the size of the virtual object rendered by the application in the display decreases. At step 435, the application renders a virtual representation of the product on each surface of the product packaging as the surface of the product packaging is recognized, revealing a view of the product contained therein. At step 440, the application displays the combined image to the user on the display wherein the combined image simulates x-ray vision into the packaging revealing the product therein. At step 445, the application updates the combined image of the virtual representation of the product and packaging as the user manipulates the product. At step 450, the application displays additional information (e.g. start-up video, installation video, user manual, service manual, etc.) about the product in response to one or more user commands. At step 455, the application renders a three-dimensional representation of the product outside of the packaging in response to one or more user commands. At 460, the application displays additional information about the product in response to one or more user commands. At step 465, the application terminates display of the rendered three-dimensional representation in response to a user command. At step 470, the application terminates display of the combined image in response to a user command. One embodiment of the method 400 is illustrated by FIGS. 5-10, which show screenshots of the various steps in the method 400.

Referring to FIG. 5, the application running on an electronic device 100, such as a smartphone, allows a user to see a real-time video feed of the camera on the display 108. When the user places the product packaging 110 in the field of view of the camera, the application recognizes the product packaging 110, by any one of the images on the six sides of the product packaging 110. Images of the product packaging have been pre-profiled within the application. When any side of the product packaging 110 is recognized in the camera, the user's perspective to the image is determined based on the image's skew when compared to the pre-profiled image. The application may display commands 111 for the user to activate by sound or touch as shown in FIGS. 5-10.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the application renders on display 108 a three-dimensional model of the product (i.e. a virtual product) 112 directly on, or relative to, the surface of the packaging 110, providing an augmented reality. When any side of the product packaging 110 is detected, the virtual product 112 is shown lying beneath the surface so that it appears that the user sees through the product packaging 110.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the user may desire to see the product outside of the packaging 110. When the user says or selects a command, such as “Open”, a three dimensional model 114 of the product is rendered on top (adjacent or proximate) of the packaging 110. This model (i.e. virtual product) 114 stays directly on the surface as if it is actually sitting on top of the packaging 110. Whether the model 114 is inside the packaging 110 or has been “opened” the user can move the packaging 110 in any orientation and view the model 114 from any angle. This allows them to see any side of the model 114, as well as even look inside the model 114 to see inner workings. The user also has the ability to swipe the display 108 and rotate the model 114 as well. Once the model 114 has been opened, the user can speak (or touch) the actual commands 111 that are supported by the virtual product that accept voice commands and it will not only show the appropriate screen, but will talk back to the user in accordance with its preprogrammed commands.

For products that have displays, the user can navigate through the different user interface screens within the model 114 as well.

The user then can select or speak a command to “Close” and the model will be put back into the packaging 104, yet still is viewable via the simulated x-ray vision.

Referring to FIG. 10, using the commands 111, the user can obtain additional information, such as directions on how to install the product, and the application will show an installation video 116 on the display 108.

In summary, the disclosed method of simulating a virtual out-of-box experience of a packaged product with an electronic device provides valuable aide in helping retailers and manufactures to reduce purchase barriers. Furthermore, because a consumer can manipulate a virtual product and test it prior to purchase, the retailer does not need to provide a demonstration model or deal with returns and consumers are not disappointed in a purchase.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the disclosure, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the following claims.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates entirely by reference the following patents, patent application publications, and patent applications:

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In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A method of simulating a virtual out-of-box experience of a product with an electronic device, the electronic device having a processor, a memory, a display, a camera, and internet connection, the method comprising: scanning a computer-readable code of the product with the camera of the electronic device;recognizing the product and its packaging based on comparing an image of a surface of at least one of: the product and the packaging with previously stored images;determining a perspective of the electronic device to the surface of the at least one of: the product and the packaging, based on comparing at least one characteristic of the image with characteristics of the previously stored images, for generating a plurality of commands for a user to facilitate user manipulation of an input interface on a virtual representation of the product;displaying, on the display of the electronic device, a combined image comprising an overlay of a first image of the virtual representation of the product that is separate and outside the packaging, over a second image of the packaging in an orientation based at least on the image of the surface of the at least one of: the product and the packaging;receiving a first voice command from a first user to operate the virtual representation of the product, wherein the first voice command is supported by the product;in response to receiving the first voice command, receiving a voice response from the virtual representation of the product, wherein the voice response is in accordance with preprogrammed voice responses supported by the product; andin response to receiving the voice response, receiving a second voice command from the first user, wherein the second voice command is supported by the product, wherein the first voice command, the voice response, and the second voice command enables a voice dialogue based user manipulation of the virtual representation of the product.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a skew of the packaging based on a camera's perspective and the previously stored images.

3. The method of claim 1, comprising: receiving one or more voice commands to operate the virtual representation of the product in the displayed combined image, wherein the one or more voice commands are supported by the virtual representation of the product; andupdating the displayed combined image of the virtual representation of the product and the packaging based on the received one or more voice commands.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising rendering a three-dimensional representation of the product outside of the packaging of the product, on the display of the electronic device.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying additional information about the product.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the additional information comprises installation instructions for in the product.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the additional information comprises a video.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising at least one of: receiving a first command from the plurality of commands configured to at least activate a virtual button on the virtual representation of the product and, in response to a first user manipulation of the virtual button, displaying a virtual representation of an activation of a feature of the product; andreceiving a second user manipulation of the input interface on the virtual representation of the product and, in response to receiving the second user manipulation, terminating the displaying of the combined image on the display of the electronic device.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising, receiving a third voice command from the first user to operate the virtual representation of the product; in response to receiving the third voice command, performing one of: displaying a virtual representation of an activation of a feature of the product; andterminating the display of the combined image on the display of the electronic device.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising, receiving a fourth voice command from the first user to manipulate a three-dimensional representation of the product; and in response to receiving the fourth voice command, manipulating orientation of the three-dimensional representation of the product.

11. An electronic device for simulating a virtual out-of-box experience of a product, the electronic device comprising: a processor, a memory, a display, a camera, internet connection, and an application; wherein the electronic device is operative to: scan a computer-readable code of the product with the camera of the electronic device; andwherein the application is operative to: recognize the product and its packaging based on comparing an image of a surface of at least one of: the product and the packaging with previously stored images;determine a perspective of the electronic device to the surface of the at least one of: the product and the packaging, based on comparing at least one characteristic of the image with characteristics of the previously stored images, to generate a plurality of commands for a user to facilitate user manipulation of an input interface on a virtual representation of the product;display, on the display, a combined image comprising an overlay of a first image of the virtual representation of the product that is separate and outside the packaging, over a second image of the packaging in an orientation based at least on the image of the surface of the at leas tone of: the product and the packaging;receive a first voice command from a first user to operate the virtual representation of the product, wherein the first voice command is supported by the product;in response to receiving the first voice command, receive a voice response from the virtual representation of the product, wherein the voice response is in accordance with preprogrammed voice responses supported by the product; andin response to receiving the voice response, receive a second voice command from the first user, wherein the second voice command is supported by the product, wherein the first voice command, the voice response, and the second voice command enables a voice dialogue based user manipulation of the virtual representation of the product.

12. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the application is further operative to render a three-dimensional representation of the product outside of the packaging of the product, on the display of the electronic device.

13. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the application is further operative to: receive one or more voice commands to operate the virtual representation of the product in the displayed combined image, wherein the one or more voice commands are supported by the virtual representation of the product; andupdate the displayed combined image of the virtual representation of the product and packaging based on the received one or more voice commands.

14. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the application is further operative to display additional information about the product.

15. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the additional information comprises installation instructions for installing the product.

16. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the application is further operative to at least one of: generate a first command configured to at least activate a virtual button on the virtual representation of the product;in response to a first user manipulation of the virtual button, display a virtual representation of an activation of a feature of the product; andin response to a second user manipulation of the input interface on the virtual representation of the product, terminate the display of the combined image on the display of the electronic device.

17. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the application is further operative to receive a third voice command from the first user to operate the virtual representation of the product; in response to receiving the third voice command perform one of: displaying a virtual representation of an activation of a feature of the product; andterminating the display of the combined image on the display of the electronic device.

18. The electronic device of claim 11, wherein the application is further operative to receive a fourth voice command from the first user to manipulate three-dimensional representation of the product; and in response to receiving the fourth voice command, manipulate orientation of the three-dimensional representation of the product.