DESC:
FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention
System and method for creating a virtual environment

APPLICANTS
Pochemuchka Kids Private Limited; an Indian company, having address at Nutan Jeevan C.H.S. Ltd, Kripanagar C/5, Gr Floor, Flat No 1, S.V.Road, Irla, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai – 400056, Maharashtra, India

Preamble to the description
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
System and method for creating a virtual environment

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The invention generally relates to a system and method for creating a virtual environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Nowadays, portable electronic devices include cameras and high-resolution screens, along with extremely powerful processors capable of performing complex computation with immense speed and precision.
[003] Cameras on such devices are used to not only capture images, but can also to scan unique codes such as bar codes, QR codes, etc. As is known each bar code or QR code is unique and each of such code is associated with certain information. The portable electronic device upon scanning such codes retrieves the information associated with the code and displays it on the portable device instantaneously. In another implementation, such codes are associated with images, or audio-visual clips, whereby upon scanning codes the associated image or audio-visual clip is displayed on the portable electronic device. Such images or audio-visuals simply appear on the electronic device and the information and/or viewing experience of the user is limited. In this context, the user experience is similar to that of watching a simple image or audio-visual.
[004] While the aforementioned technique serves as a useful means for providing information or content to users, the information displayed on the portable device is limited and is also static. In other words, the information provided does not allow any user-interaction or engaging experience with objects that have such codes. Also, objects such as consumer goods themselves aren't capable of interacting with consumers. This may be due to the nature of such objects, lack of uniformity - their varied shapes, sizes, placements in the real world etc.
[005] Accordingly, there is a need to address at-least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention provides a system for creating a virtual environment, the system comprising a source object placed in a surrounding environment, the source object having a source image associated with one or more unique virtual objects; at-least one electronic device, the electronic device comprising: a camera unit configured to capture the surrounding environment; a display configured to display visual information captured by the camera unit; at-least one position sensor to monitor position of the electronic device; and a processor configured to: receive the visual information of the surrounding environment; scan the surrounding environment to identify the source object and/or the source image; compare the source image with plurality of pre-stored images stored in a database to identify one or more virtual objects associated with the source image; render/spawn the one or more virtual objects in the surrounding environment being captured and displayed on the display to create the virtual environment on the display; determine co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects; co-relate co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects with the position of the electronic device; and modify the co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects depending upon position of the electronic device to continuously display the virtual objects on the display screen.
[007] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for creating a virtual environment, the method comprising capturing surrounding environment by a camera unit of an electronic device; displaying visual information captured by the camera unit on a display screen of the electronic device; scanning by a processor of the electronic device the surround environment to identify a source image, the source image provided on a source object placed in the surrounding environment;
comparing the source image with plurality of pre-stored images stored in a database to determine plurality of virtual objects associated with the source image; rendering/spawning the virtual object in the surrounding environment being captured and displayed on the display to create the virtual environment on the display; determining co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects; co-relating co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects with the position of the electronic device; and modifying the co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects depending upon position of the electronic device to constantly display the virtual objects on the display screen.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[008] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 shows a system for creating a virtual environment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 shows an electronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 shows a method for creating a virtual environment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[009] The present invention is directed towards creating a virtual environment comprising one or more virtual objects upon interacting with objects/goods having unique images. The virtual objects are superimposed on a surrounding environment and are configured to interact with each-other. The invention creates an engaging and interactive experience through the virtual environment changing the way one interacts with goods/objects.
[010] Figure 1 shows a system 100 for creating a virtual environment. The system comprises of a source object 110, a first electronic device 120 and a second electronic device 130.
[011] The source object is placed in a surrounding environment 140. The surrounding environment is basically the physical environment around a user. The source object can be selected from goods or articles such as a consumer product, a container, stationery, a clothing item, etc, wherein the source object comprises a source image 150 identifiable by the electronic device. The source image can be an artwork, text, etc printed or embedded on the goods/articles.
[012] As shown in figure 2, each of the electronic device comprises of at least a camera unit 210, a processor 220, a database 230, a display screen 240, position sensors such as an accelerometer 250 and a gyroscope 260, and a communication module 270. In an embodiment, the display screen is an interactive touch-screen display allowing the user to provide inputs via the display screen. The electronic device can be any portable device such as a smart phone tablet and the like. The electronic device may be installed with a dedicated application which when executed allows the electronic device to create virtual environment.
[013] The camera unit upon actuation by a user scans and captures surrounding environment and visual information captured by the camera unit is made available/visible on the display screen. As, the camera unit continues to scan and capture the environment, the processor is configured to respond to the source object which is placed in the surrounding environment. As shown in figure 1, the camera unit captures the surrounding environment which includes the source object.
[014] As discussed hereinbefore, the source object has the source image, which the processor is configured to identify. Upon identifying the source image, the processor compares the source image with a plurality of prestored images in the database. In this regard, the database comprises of plurality of prestored images, and each prestored image is associated with one or more virtual objects.
[015] In an embodiment, the virtual objects can be a 2-dimensional or a 3-dimensional virtual object. The virtual objects can be any of geometrical structures, models of real world objects such as cars, rockets, buildings, sports instruments, consumer goods etc, models of human figurines such as sportsmen, celebrities etc, fictional characters including animated characters, etc. Further, the virtual objects could have audio or visual features that add to the virtual environment being created.
[016] Once the processor determines one or more virtual objects associated with the source image, the processor renders/spawns the virtual objects on the display screen whereby the one ore more virtual objects are superimposed on the environment on the display screen. The one or more virtual objects are rendered/spawned adjacent or in or around to the source image and/or source object. Accordingly, frames visible on the display screen comprises of the surrounding environment captured by the camera along with the one or more virtual objects generated by the processor. Thus, an illusion that the one or more objects are actually in the surrounding environment is created, rendering an augmented reality experience.
[017] In an embodiment, each prestored image is associated with two virtual objects – a first virtual object and a second virtual object. Accordingly, once the processor determines the first virtual object and the second virtual object associated with the prestored image, the first virtual object and the second virtual objected is spawned/rendered on the display screen. The virtual objects can be configured to be spawned/rendered from the source image/object or adjacent to the source image/object. Accordingly, frames visible on the display screen comprises of the surrounding environment captured by the camera along with at-least the first virtual and second virtual object generated by the processor. The electronic device is configured such that the first virtual and the second virtual object will always be visible on the display screen even when the user moves away from the source image/object. Further, the virtual objects are capable of having a fixed position or can be movable, whereby the first object has omni-directional movement on the display screen. Thus, an illusion that the objects are actually in the surrounding environment is created, rendering an augmented reality experience. The first virtual object and the second virtual object can be rendered/spawned on the display screen simultaneously or sequentially.
[018] Further, the processor is configured to determine co-ordinates of the virtual objects as the surrounding environment changes as the device is moved/rotated. Furthermore, the position sensors - accelerometer and gyroscope monitor position of the electronic device, and the co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects are co-related with the position of the electronic device. Depending upon position of the electronic device, the co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects are modified/varied so as to constantly display the virtual objects on the display screen. The modification in the co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects causes the virtual objects to move along with change in position of the electronic device. Accordingly, once the virtual objects are spawned/rendered on the screen upon scanning a source image/object, the virtual objects continue to be visible on the screen even when the user moves away with the electronic device from the source image/object. Thus, the one or more virtual objects will be continuously visible on changing surrounding environment in real time, enhancing the virtual environment experienced by the user.
[019] According to an embodiment of the invention, the one or more virtual objects are configured to receive inputs and generate an output. In this regard, the user is allowed to interact with the one or more virtual objects through the display screen, and upon receiving user input, an output in audio and/or visual form is generated on the electronic device. Further, the one or more virtual objects – for example the first virtual object and the second virtual object are interactively paired with one another, whereby one of the objects is fixed to pre-determined co-ordinates and the other object is movable, whereby the movable object can be displaced by the user. The user can move/displace the objects by interacting with the display screen.
[020] Figure 3 shows a method for creating a virtual environment. In order to implement such a method, the invention is used or integrated with a system and device illustrated in figure 1 and 2. The method begins at step A, where a camera unit upon actuation, captures its surrounding environment and displays the captured surrounding environment on a display screen. At step B, a source object which is placed in the surrounding environment is captured, and a source image on the source object is identified. The source image is compared with a plurality of prestored images in the database at step C. Each prestored image is associated with one or more virtual object. Once the comparison establishes a correlation between the source image and one of the prestored images, the processor renders/spawns one or more virtual objects on the display screen at step D. In an embodiment, a first virtual object and a second virtual object is rendered/spawned on the display screen. The first virtual object is rendered/ spawned to enable the first virtual object to be displayed on the display screen by superimposing the first virtual objects on the surrounding environment, thereby creating the illusion that the first virtual object is actually in the surrounding environment. The first virtual object can be either a 2-dimensional virtual object, or a 3-dimensional virtual object. The first virtual object disposed is capable of being either stationary or movable omnidirectionally. Further, the second virtual object is rendered/spawned on the display screen by superimposing the second virtual object on the surrounding environment, thereby creating the illusion that the first virtual object and the second virtual object is actually in the surrounding environment. The second virtual object can be either a 2-dimensional virtual object, or a 3-dimensional virtual object. The second virtual object is disposed in a manner capable of being either stationary or movable omnidirectionally. Accordingly, at this stage, the display screen will comprise of the first virtual object and the second virtual object being superimposed on the surrounding environment.
[021] Further, the method monitors the virtual objects whereby the co-ordinates of the virtual objects are determined at step F. The co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects are co-related with the position of the electronic device, and at step G the co-ordinates of the of the one or more virtual objects are modified depending upon position of electronic device to constantly display the virtual objects on the display screen.
[022] In an embodiment, the virtual objects - first virtual object and/or the second virtual object are movable. Further, the method allows, user to provide input on the display screen and/or move the objects. This enables the user to interact with the first virtual object and/ or the second virtual object Depending upon user interaction, the method at step H provides an output on the electronic device in audio and/or visual form.
[023] Further, as shown in figure 1, the system comprises of the second electronic device 120, wherein the first electronic device is capable of establishing a communication link via the communication module with the second electronic device. Upon establishing the communication link, the first electronic device transfers information of the first virtual object and/or the second virtual object to the second electronic device. The second electronic device is configured to display information of the first virtual object and/or the second virtual object which is visible on the first electronic device. However, the second electronic device superimposes the first virtual object and/or the second virtual object on surrounding environment visible through a camera unit of the second electronic device. Similarly, the first virtual object and/or the second virtual object is configured to receive inputs and generate an output on the first electronic device and the second electronic device. In this regard, the user is allowed to interact with the first virtual object and/or the second virtual object through the display screen, and upon receiving user input, an output in audio and/or visual form is generated on each or either of the electronic devices.
[024] Advantageously, the virtual environment created by the present invention comprises surrounding environment and one or more virtual objects which are rendered/spawned in or around goods/articles placed in the surrounding environment. The virtual environment rendered from the source objects/images gives a virtual interactive environment, which otherwise was not possible due to static nature of objects.
[025] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for creating a virtual environment, the system comprising:
a source object (110) placed in a surrounding environment (140), the source object having a source image (150) associated with one or more unique virtual objects;
at-least one electronic device (120), comprising:
a camera unit (210) configured to capture the surrounding environment;
a display screen (240) configured to display visual information captured by the camera unit;
at-least one position sensor to monitor position of the electronic device; and
a processor (220) configured to:
receive the visual information of the surrounding environment;
scan the surrounding environment to identify the source object and/or the source image;
compare the source image with plurality of pre-stored images stored in a database (230) to identify one or more virtual objects associated with the source image;
render/spawn the one or more virtual objects in the surrounding environment being captured and displayed on the display to create the virtual environment on the display;
determine co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects;
co-relate co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects with the position of the electronic device; and
modify the co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects depending upon position of the electronic device to continuously display the virtual objects on the display screen.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the virtual object is a stationary or movable 2-dimensional or a 3-dimensional virtual object having audio and/or visual features.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the position sensor can be selected from an accelerometer (250) or gyroscope (260).

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display screen is an interactive touch-screen display.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1 or 4, wherein the one or more virtual objects are configured to receive inputs through the display screen and generate an output in audio and/or visual form.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more virtual objects are are interactively paired with one another.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises of a communication module (270) configured to establish a communication link with a second electronic device (130) to transfer information of the one or more virtual objects to the second electronic device, the second electronic device configured to superimpose the one or more virtual objects on its displays screen.

8. A method for creating a virtual environment, the method comprising:
capturing surrounding environment by a camera unit of an electronic device;
displaying visual information captured by the camera unit on a display screen of the electronic device;
scanning by a processor of the electronic device the surround environment to identify a source image provided on a source object placed in the surrounding environment;
comparing the source image with plurality of pre-stored images stored in a database to determine one or more virtual objects associated with the source image;
rendering/spawning the virtual object in the surrounding environment being captured and displayed on the display to create the virtual environment on the display;
determining co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects;
determining position of the electronic device by one or more position sensors;
co-relating co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects with the position of the electronic device; and
modifying the co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects depending upon position of the electronic device to constantly display the virtual objects on the display screen.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, comprising the step of receiving inputs on one or more virtual objects through the display screen to generate an output in audio and/or visual form.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, comprising the step of establishing a communication link with a second electronic device to transfer information of the one or more virtual objects to the second electronic device, the second electronic device configured to superimpose the one or more virtual objects on its displays screen.

Dated this 2 day of July 2020

Pochemuchka Kids Private Limited
By their Agent

(Janaksinh Jhala)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-2193

ABSTRACT

System and method for creating a virtual environment

The present invention provides a system and method for creating a virtual environment. The system comprises a source object with a source image placed in a surrounding environment, and an electronic device configured to scan the surrounding environment to identify the source object and/or the source image. Based on the identified source image one or more virtual objects are rendered/spawned in the surrounding environment being captured and continuously displayed on the display to create the virtual environment on the display.
Ref. Figure 1
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for creating a virtual environment, the system comprising:
a source object (110) placed in a surrounding environment (140), the source object having a source image (150) associated with one or more unique virtual objects;
at-least one electronic device (120), comprising:
a camera unit (210) configured to capture the surrounding environment;
a display screen (240) configured to display visual information captured by the camera unit;
at-least one position sensor to monitor position of the electronic device; and
a processor (220) configured to:
receive the visual information of the surrounding environment;
scan the surrounding environment to identify the source object and/or the source image;
compare the source image with plurality of pre-stored images stored in a database (230) to identify one or more virtual objects associated with the source image;
render/spawn the one or more virtual objects in the surrounding environment being captured and displayed on the display to create the virtual environment on the display;
determine co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects;
co-relate co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects with the position of the electronic device; and
modify the co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects depending upon position of the electronic device to continuously display the virtual objects on the display screen.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the virtual object is a stationary or movable 2-dimensional or a 3-dimensional virtual object having audio and/or visual features.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the position sensor can be selected from an accelerometer (250) or gyroscope (260).

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display screen is an interactive touch-screen display.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1 or 4, wherein the one or more virtual objects are configured to receive inputs through the display screen and generate an output in audio and/or visual form.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more virtual objects are are interactively paired with one another.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic device comprises of a communication module (270) configured to establish a communication link with a second electronic device (130) to transfer information of the one or more virtual objects to the second electronic device, the second electronic device configured to superimpose the one or more virtual objects on its displays screen.

8. A method for creating a virtual environment, the method comprising:
capturing surrounding environment by a camera unit of an electronic device;
displaying visual information captured by the camera unit on a display screen of the electronic device;
scanning by a processor of the electronic device the surround environment to identify a source image provided on a source object placed in the surrounding environment;
comparing the source image with plurality of pre-stored images stored in a database to determine one or more virtual objects associated with the source image;
rendering/spawning the virtual object in the surrounding environment being captured and displayed on the display to create the virtual environment on the display;
determining co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects;
determining position of the electronic device by one or more position sensors;
co-relating co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects with the position of the electronic device; and
modifying the co-ordinates of the one or more virtual objects depending upon position of the electronic device to constantly display the virtual objects on the display screen.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, comprising the step of receiving inputs on one or more virtual objects through the display screen to generate an output in audio and/or visual form.

10. The method as claimed in claim 8, comprising the step of establishing a communication link with a second electronic device to transfer information of the one or more virtual objects to the second electronic device, the second electronic device configured to superimpose the one or more virtual objects on its displays screen.