Patents by Inventor Christopher Randles
Christopher Randles has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20250329121Abstract: An augmented reality chemistry system that realistically simulates the mass and weight of virtual substances. The system employs a video see-through AR device to overlay virtual liquids or solids into a physical lab vessel analog held by the user. The physical vessel analog incorporates a fluid flow system with a reservoir and bidirectional pump under computer control. This allows the system to inject a certain volume of real, weighty fluid (e.g. water) into the vessel or withdraw it, thereby changing the vessel's weight in the user's hand to match the presence or absence of virtual matter. A tracking marker on the vessel lets the AR device's processor identify the vessel and retrieve augmentation parameters. As the user performs a simulation (such as “filling” the vessel with a virtual liquid), the processor simultaneously operates the pump to add real fluid, increasing the vessel's mass to correspond to the virtual fill level.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2025Publication date: October 23, 2025Inventors: Christopher Randles, Ryan McMahan
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Publication number: 20250322625Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) chemistry system simulates the viscosity of virtual liquids within a physical vessel analog. Utilizing a video see-through AR device, the system overlays virtual fluids onto an actual, user-held laboratory vessel, such as an empty beaker. A unique identification marker affixed to the vessel is recognized by the AR system's processor, which retrieves fluid properties—including viscosity parameters—from stored data. Employing a physics-based rendering engine, the virtual liquids exhibit accurate fluid dynamics: high-viscosity liquids visually flow slowly, adhering to vessel walls, whereas low-viscosity liquids flow quickly. Real-time tracking of vessel orientation and motion ensures responsive simulation; thick virtual fluids noticeably lag behind rapid movements compared to thin fluids. Optionally, haptic feedback, such as subtle vibrations or mechanical resistance, can further enhance realism when stirring viscous liquids.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2025Publication date: October 16, 2025Inventors: Christopher Randles, Ryan McMahan
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Publication number: 20250322623Abstract: A multisensory augmented reality chemistry system is introduced that delivers auditory feedback alongside visual augmentations of laboratory experiments. The system uses a video see-through AR display to overlay virtual chemical substances and reactions onto a real physical environment, including a tangible lab vessel analog. The physical vessel analog is outfitted with a sound output device (such as a small speaker or transducer) that is controlled by the AR system's processor. A unique marker on the vessel allows the system to identify the vessel and load specific audio-visual profiles from memory. As the user performs virtual experiments—pouring a liquid, mixing solutions, or witnessing a reaction—the system generates corresponding audio cues (e.g. the sound of liquid pouring, gentle boiling, or a reactive fizz) from the vessel's sound output device in sync with the on-screen virtual visuals.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2025Publication date: October 16, 2025Inventors: Christopher Randles, Ryan McMahan
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Publication number: 20250322621Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) laboratory system provides scent-based feedback synchronized with visual augmentations of chemical experiments. The system utilizes a video see-through AR display device to capture real laboratory settings, overlaying virtual chemical substances and reactions onto a physical lab vessel analog. The vessel incorporates an olfactory output module, including a miniature fan and scent reservoir, emitting fragrances representative of virtual chemicals or reaction byproducts. A machine-readable marker affixed to the vessel enables precise tracking and identification by the AR device, allowing the processor to retrieve corresponding reaction data. When a user conducts virtual chemical experiments, such as mixing compounds, the system dynamically generates realistic visual simulations and simultaneously triggers accurate scent emissions (e.g., odors of acids or organic solvents) matched to the visual events.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2025Publication date: October 16, 2025Inventors: Christopher Randles, Ryan McMahan
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Publication number: 20250322622Abstract: An augmented reality chemistry training apparatus is described that enhances user immersion by providing vibratory feedback synchronized with virtual chemical reactions. A video see-through AR device captures a live view of a physical environment and overlays virtual content, such as liquids and reaction effects, inside a tangible lab vessel analog. The physical vessel analog is equipped with an eccentric rotating mass (ERM) motor or similar vibration actuator. A unique identification marker on the vessel allows an onboard processor to recognize the vessel type and load corresponding simulation parameters (e.g. viscosity or reaction intensity). As virtual chemicals are poured or mixed in the vessel, the processor drives the ERM motor to produce vibrations that mirror the visual events—gentle vibrations for a mild stir or stronger pulses for a vigorous reaction—giving the user the sensation of real fluid movement or bubbling.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2025Publication date: October 16, 2025Inventors: Christopher Randles, Ryan McMahan
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Publication number: 20250322626Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) chemistry apparatus simulates exothermic chemical reactions through synchronized visual and thermal feedback. The system utilizes a video see-through AR display device to overlay virtual reaction effects—such as color changes, gas bubbles, or luminescence—onto a physical laboratory vessel analog. The vessel is equipped with a thermal feedback element, such as an integrated heating diode, which is precisely controlled by the system's processor. A unique identification marker on the vessel enables the AR device to recognize it and retrieve stored reaction parameters, including an exothermal reactivity value determining heat generation. When the user initiates a virtual reaction, the processor simultaneously renders visual cues (e.g., liquid color transitions or virtual smoke) and increases vessel temperature via the thermal element, allowing users to tangibly experience realistic warmth corresponding to reaction intensity.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2025Publication date: October 16, 2025Inventors: Christopher Randles, Ryan McMahan
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Publication number: 20250252682Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) chemistry training system is disclosed, featuring a video see-through AR (VST-AR) device that captures a real-world scene and overlays interactive virtual content. A physical laboratory vessel analog (corporal entity) is equipped with capacitive tactile sensors on its exterior to detect user touch and grasp. A unique identification marker on the vessel allows the system's at least one processor to recognize the vessel type and retrieve corresponding parameters (such as virtual liquid properties) from a data store. In real-time, the processor generates visual augmentations inside the vessel, representing virtual chemicals that respond to the user's touch and motions. This tactile-responsive AR system safely simulates hands-on chemistry experiences—such as mixing liquids—by providing realistic visual reactions coupled with touch-based feedback, thereby enhancing user immersion and skill development.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2025Publication date: August 7, 2025Inventors: Christopher Randles, Ryan McMahan
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Publication number: 20250252684Abstract: An augmented reality chemistry system is presented that combines visual and thermal feedback to create immersive laboratory simulations. A video see-through AR headset or device captures the user's real environment and overlays virtual chemical reactions inside a physical analog vessel. The physical vessel analog is instrumented with a thermal diode embedded in its structure, capable of safely heating or cooling its surface to simulate exothermic or endothermic reactions. A unique marker on the vessel is tracked by the AR device, enabling a processor to anchor virtual liquid visuals to the vessel and retrieve predetermined reaction parameters from a database. As virtual reactions occur (e.g. mixing chemicals), the system dynamically adjusts the vessel's temperature via the thermal diode in sync with the visual augmentation, so the user can feel temperature changes corresponding to the reaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2025Publication date: August 7, 2025Inventors: Christopher Randles, Ryan McMahan
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Patent number: 12374064Abstract: The present invention relates to an advanced augmented reality, AR, apparatus featuring a video see-through AR, VST-AR, device that captures images of a real-world environment and displays augmented versions on a screen. The system includes a corporal entity, such as an empty laboratory vessel, equipped with a unique identification marker. This marker provides real-time spatial data for generating visual augmentations representing virtual matter within the vessel. The apparatus integrates various sensors, including an inertial measurement unit, IMU, capacitive tactile sensors, and a thermal diode, to dynamically adjust visual augmentations based on user interactions. Additional sensory enhancements include an olfactory output fan, an eccentric rotating mass, ERM, motor, and auditory outputs. Wireless connectivity via IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) and IEEE 802.15.1 (Bluetooth) ensures seamless communication between components.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2025Date of Patent: July 29, 2025Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Randles, Ryan McMahan
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Publication number: 20250148728Abstract: The present invention relates to an advanced augmented reality, AR, apparatus featuring a video see-through AR, VST-AR, device that captures images of a real-world environment and displays augmented versions on a screen. The system includes a corporal entity, such as an empty laboratory vessel, equipped with a unique identification marker. This marker provides real-time spatial data for generating visual augmentations representing virtual matter within the vessel. The apparatus integrates various sensors, including an inertial measurement unit, IMU, capacitive tactile sensors, and a thermal diode, to dynamically adjust visual augmentations based on user interactions. Additional sensory enhancements include an olfactory output fan, an eccentric rotating mass, ERM, motor, and auditory outputs. Wireless connectivity via IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi) and IEEE 802.15.1 (Bluetooth) ensures seamless communication between components.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2025Publication date: May 8, 2025Inventors: Christopher Randles, Ryan McMahan