BACKGROUND

Augmented Reality (AR) allows users to interact with computer-generated AR outputs overlaid on and/or around real objects in a workplace environment. For example, a dynamic and interactive AR environment has potential to be useful in business environments that require users to remotely collaborate with other users. However, generating and processing a collaborative AR environment may be computationally expensive when working with multiple integrated workplaces and/or high resolution AR content.

SUMMARY

In general, one or more embodiments of the invention relate to an optical shutter device. The optical shutter device comprises: a projection shutter disposed in front of a projection device that projects an augmented reality (AR) image onto an object surface with a local content; an imaging shutter disposed in front of an image capturing device that captures a local image of the local content; and a controller that electrically drives the projection and imaging shutters and switches the optical shutter device between a projection state and an imaging state. In the projection state, the controller electrically drives: the projection shutter to an open state such that the projection device projects the AR image through the open projection shutter, and the imaging shutter to a closed state such that the image capturing device is blocked from capturing the AR image. In the imaging state, the controller electrically drives: the projection shutter to the closed state such that the projection device projects the AR image onto the closed projection shutter, and the imaging shutter to the open state such that the image capturing device captures the local image without the AR image through the opened imaging shutter.

In general, one or more embodiments of the invention relate to a method for separating projection and capture in a collaboration environment. The method comprises: electrically driving projection and imaging shutters and switching an optical shutter device comprising the projection and imaging shutters between a projection state and an imaging state, wherein the projection shutter is disposed in front of a projection device that projects an augmented reality (AR) image onto an object surface with a local content, the imaging shutter is disposed in front of an imaging capturing device that captures a local image of the local content; in the projection state, electrically driving: the projection shutter to an open state such that the projection device projects the AR image through the open projection shutter, and the imaging shutter to a closed state such that the image capturing device is blocked from capturing the AR image; and in the imaging state, electrically driving: the projection shutter to the closed state such that the projection device projects the AR image onto the closed projection shutter, and the imaging shutter to the open state such that the image capturing device captures the local image without the AR image through the opened imaging shutter.

In general, one or more embodiments of the invention relate to a non-transitory computer readable medium (CRM) storing computer readable program code for separating projection and capture in a collaboration environment. The computer readable program code causes a computer to: electrically drive projection and imaging shutters and switch an optical shutter device comprising the projection and imaging shutters between a projection state and an imaging state, wherein the projection shutter is disposed in front of a projection device that projects an augmented reality (AR) image onto an object surface with a local content, the imaging shutter is disposed in front of an imaging capturing device that captures a local image of the local content; in the projection state, electrically drive: the projection shutter to an open state such that the projection device projects the AR image through the open projection shutter, and the imaging shutter to a closed state such that the image capturing device is blocked from capturing the AR image; and in the imaging state, electrically drive: the projection shutter to the closed state such that the projection device projects the AR image onto the closed projection shutter, and the imaging shutter to the open state such that the image capturing device captures the local image without the AR image through the opened imaging shutter.

Other aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

