The present invention relates to a visual data comparison in the field of virtual
reality and augmented reality. More particularly, it relates to a system and method for
enabling data comparison for two or more data entities utilizing visualisations in virtual
and augmented reality environments
BACKGROUND
[002] Virtual reality is a technology for creation of and interacting in a computer
simulated environment. It also includes the field of Augmented Reality (AR) which
concerns providing an environment where the perception of a real-world environment
(or data representing a real-world environment) is augmented or modified with
computer-generated virtual data. For example, data representing a real-world
environment may be captured in real-time using sensory input devices such as a camera
or microphone and augmented with computer-generated virtual data including virtual
images and virtual sounds. The virtual data may also include information related to the
real-world environment such as a text description associated with a real-world object in
the real-world environment. A VR or AR implementation may be used to enhance
numerous applications including video game, mapping, navigation, and mobile device
applications.
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[003] Most current virtual reality environments are primarily visual experiences,
displayed either on a computer screen or through special stereoscopic displays. Very
recently, Head Mounted Display (HMD) has been added to the list of devices on which
virtual reality environment / content can be displayed. A HMD may be worn by a user to
view the mixed imagery of virtual and real objects.
[004] Presently, data entities such as real estate property listings are presented using
static text and still photographs in mediums like newspapers, circulars and web pages.
Needless to say, if such static data is compared the result is hard to read, understand
and visualize.
[005] Most users are left with no option but to physically inspect and compare the
data entities such as real estate property, cars or furniture etc. Such an exercise lead to
wastage of time, effort and money and in absence of any dynamic way of comparing
data, is often fruitless.
[006] Available prior art does provide for virtual tours of a data entity. It is a fact that
visual display of any kind of data is much more comprehensible. When it comes to listing
of data entities, such as property listings, the visualizations are done using static images
or 360⁰ panoramas which are stitched together to create walkthroughs.
[007] Such virtual tours also provide for some limited movement around the data
entity to the user however it does not offer any significant improvement over the use of
physical media when it comes to comparison of data entities since it provides for a 360⁰
view of the data entity from a single viewpoint. It does not provide for walkthrough of
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the data entity to the user and therefore are not dynamic in the real sense of the word
since there is no interaction involved. Comparison of data entities using virtual tours
only offers basic functionality to the user in view of its limitations.
[008] Some methods have now been disclosed in the prior art utilizing computer
technology to create multidimensional walkthroughs using real-time rendering
technologies which allows for visualization of data to be provided remotely, virtually
and conveniently. Such visualization offers advantages over the previous methods.
[009] Presently, for comparison of data, to showcase the differences between two
data entities, for example in the case of two properties, to compare the data relating to
coverage area, room sizes, number of rooms etc, numbered static data is provided.
[0010] The above stated method of display and comparison of data entities is hard to
read, understand and visualize. There is no sense of connection between the datasets
being compared, apart from the fact that the entire system of data comparison
becomes complex and counterintuitive. No known prior art exists providing for
comparison of data entities through visualization in the virtual or augmented reality
environment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present disclosure provides a novel system and method for comparison of
data entities such as real estate properties, cars, furniture etc using multi-dimensional
real-time rendered visualizations in a virtual or augmented reality environment.
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[0012] It is an object of the invention to allow the users to compare data entities
virtually, remotely and at their own convenience by using advanced visualization
technologies in the fields of virtual and augmented reality.
[0013] It is an object of the invention to provide for better understanding of various
aspects of a data entity through visualizations, for example in case of property listing
comparison, various aspects which can be compared including exterior or interior of the
property, floor plans, room interconnections, etc.
[0014] It is an object of the invention to display various aspects of the data entities to
be compared concurrently and simultaneously in a virtual or augmented reality
environment.
[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide visual, interactive and engaging
means for comparing and understanding of data entities and its various aspects to
interested users without physically comparing the data entities.
[0016] An important object of the invention is to provide better understanding of data
entities to the users be comparing the entities in virtual or augmented reality
environments where the users can walkthrough, inspect and interact with the data
entities and various objects and aspects of the data entities.
[0017] It is an object of the invention to provide a system and method for comparison
of data which is easily readable and is available to users in easy to understand format.
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[0018] Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure
would be apparent from the description of the illustrative embodiments and the claims
that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] The following detailed description of illustrative embodiments is better
understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of
illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown
in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to specific methods and
instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the
drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by
identical numbers.
[0020] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of visual data comparison in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The invention is described in detail below with reference to several
embodiments and examples. Such discussion is for purposes of illustration only.
Modifications to examples within the spirit and scope of the present invention, will be
readily apparent to one of skilled in the art. Terminology used throughout the
specification herein is given its ordinary meaning as supplemented by the discussion
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immediately below. As used in the specification, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the”
include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0022] Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements in the
Figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale.
There may be additional components described in the foregoing application that are not
depicted on one of the described drawings. In the event such a component is described,
but not depicted in a drawing, the absence of such a drawing should not be considered
as an omission of such design from the specification.
[0023] A visual data comparison system and method in the virtual or augmented reality
environment is provided. The present disclosure is being provided using the example of
comparison of property listings however it would be evident to a person skilled in the
art that the data entities which can be compared using the present system and method
are not limited to property and other examples of such data entities are cars, furniture
etc.
[0024] The present invention provides a visual and interactive process for comparison
of data using real world scale and dimensions. This allows the data comparison to be
easily understood and provides a sense of connection between the datasets being
compared.
[0025] The disclosed system comprises of a user system, which is a microprocessor
based computing device capable of being in network communication with other
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computing systems. Said network can be a closed enterprise network or the internet.
The user system can therefore be a laptop or desktop connected to the internet.
[0026] The network connected user system communicates with a central database
which is populated with data from multiple sources. The data received from multiple
sources is stored in the central database to be accessed by network connected user
systems.
[0027] Referring now to the figures, Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating steps involved in
a method of visual data comparison in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0028] The process of comparing data is initiated by defining data sources at step 102.
The data received from multiple sources is stored in the central database to be accessed
by network connected user systems. At step 104, categories under which the data is to
be compared are selected. The system would retrieve the information from the central
database and display a list of all data entities in that particular category. At step 106, the
objects or entities which are to be compared are selected. At step 108, the selected
objects or entities are loaded on the virtual workspace for comparison. The objects or
entities are then visualized and compared on an HMD or similar display means at step
110. The user then saves or ends the session at step 112.
[0029] With the significant advancement and development of mobile technologies,
advanced capabilities and technologies are now embedded in mobile / portable /
handheld devices.
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[0030] Such capabilities including advanced computing power, audio video capturing
capabilities and significant telecommunications capability. 3G and 4G mobile networking
is being deployed in India, broadband internet penetration is increasing, all kinds of
handheld devices such as smartphones, PDAs, and tablets are easily available in India at
a reasonable cost.
[0031] As an aspect of the present invention, the user system can be a handheld device
in network communication with the central database.
[0032] The disclosed system also comprises of a Head Mounted Display (HMD) for
displaying the virtual or augmented reality environment to the user. The virtual reality
image can be projected in front of the eyes of a user using the HMD, so that the only
image seen by the user is the virtual image. Translucent or partially reflective materials
and cameras at the back of HMD can also be used so that a user can view both the real
world environment and the virtual environment at the same time.
[0033] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the aspects of the data entities
being compared through the system can be visualized on the HMD. The design can be
tethered on to the HMD through wired or wireless connection between the user system
and the HMD.
[0034] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the HMD can comprise of
on-board microprocessor and operating system which allows applications to run locally
on the HMD thus enabling them as standalone devices without the need of any external
device for generating video. The HMD can be in network communication with the
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central database and the coamparison of data entities being carried out on the user
systems can be visualized directly on the HMD in real-time.
[0035] Another aspect of this embodiment enables the use of HMD in communication
with the central database to not just visualize the comparison in virtual or augmented
reality environment but also to interact with, change and manipulate various aspects of
the data entities.
[0036] The comparison of data is processed on the network connected user system by
procuring data from the central database and displaying the comparison on the HMD.
[0037] While using the present invention for comparing of data entities in virtual or
augmented environment, the user can direct the pace and path through and around the
compared aspects of virtual models of data entities.
[0038] The method utilized in the disclosed system for comparison of data involves the
steps of selecting the category of data entities to be compared. The system would
retrieve the information from the central database and display a list of all data entities
in that particular category.
[0039] In the embodiment of the invention, the users are provided with a multitude of
filters enabling sorting of the data entities as per the requirements of the user.
[0040] The user then selects at least two data entities of the same category for
comparison of various aspects of the data. As an example, the user can select two
residential properties for complete comparison.
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[0041] The selected data entities are displayed on the HMD of the user for comparison
along with relevant additional information. Taking the same example as above, for the
two residential properties selected for comparison, the additional data such as pricing,
material used, availability etc can be displayed.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the comparison of the selected data
entities can be narrowed with respect to any particular aspect of the data entity, for
example, the user can select two residential properties for comparison of particular
aspects such their floor coverage or exteriors or any other aspect.
[0043] In an aspect of the present embodiment, taking the example of comparing two
residential properties, the present system can be used for comparison of furniture
placements in the two properties. The user can then measure and compare the space
being occupied by the furniture and walking space left in the premises after collection of
furniture is placed in the properties being compared.
[0044] The invention as disclosed is capable of being deployed in both virtual and
augmented environments and can work with both virtual and augmented reality
devices.
[0045] Having thus described a few particular embodiments of the invention, various
alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the
art. Such alteration, modifications, and improvements as are made obvious by this
disclosure are intended to be part of this description though not expressly stated herein,
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and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the
foregoing description is by way of example only, and not limiting.
Dated this 19th day of January, 2016
Smartvizs Private Limited
(Abhinav Bhalla)
IN/PA – 1885
Attorney for the Applicant
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We claim:
1. A method of visual data comparison, comprising the steps of:
a. selecting a data source from a plurality of data sources;
b. selecting a category from a plurality of categories;
c. selecting filtering options and selection logic;
d. identifying at least two comparable objects/entities with their associated data
using predefined variables and the received filtering and selection logic;
e. loading the comparison on the virtual workspace;
f. visualizing the comparison of objects / entities on Head Mounted Display.
2. Method of visual data comparison as claimed in claim 1, wherein a user is able to
manipulate and interact with the objects/entities using the head mounted display
wherein the head mounted display comprises of data computing and processing
capability
3. Method of visual data comparison as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user is able to
generate various reports based on the comparison
4. Method of visual data comparison as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user has the ability
to render high quality photo and generate walkthrough video of the comparison
further wherein the user has the ability to change lighting, camera position and
angle before rendering photo or generating walkthrough video of the
comparison
5. A visual data comparison system, comprising of:
a. a Head Mounted Display as the display means for displaying the compared data;
b. a communication means for sending and receiving data;
c. a processing means for analysing data, for processing the analysed data of
objects/entities for comparison;
d. a storage means for storing data saved by users; and
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e. a network server in communication with and programmed for controlling the
functions performed by each of the display means, communication means,
processing means and storage means,
wherein the data contains information under various heads about the
objects/entities based on the category of the object/entity.
6. A visual data comparison system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the processing system
consists of:
a. at least one processor;
b. memory; and
c. machine readable instructions stored in the memory that, when executed by at
least one processors, cause the system to carry out function of analysing the
data associated with the comparable objects/entities and compare the analysed
data.