3D Animation System for Construction Lifting Operations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Construction sites face challenges in efficiently managing and analyzing lifting operations due to the complexity of multiple moving parts and heavy equipment, leading to potential collisions and accidents, which existing video footage cannot adequately address in terms of vantage point and cost-effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A 3D animation system using sensor data from GNSS, cameras, and other sensors to recreate past events, allowing for real-time or recorded playback with safety bubble alerts, enabling improved analysis and training opportunities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If video footage is used to analyze lifting operations, then collision detection capability is provided, but vantage point limitations and high cost remain unresolved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision detection capabilityVSAvoidvantage point limitations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a 3D digital copy of the construction site environment and lifting operations using sensor data from GNSS receivers, cameras, and other sensors. This virtual 3D model allows unlimited viewing angles and replay capability without requiring multiple physical cameras from different vantage points, thereby resolving the vantage point limitation while maintaining collision detection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from 2D video footage to a 3D virtual representation of the construction site. This dimensional upgrade enables viewers to analyze lifting operations from any angle and perspective within the 3D space, eliminating the fixed vantage point constraints of traditional video systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensors and cameras are deployed for comprehensive monitoring, then collision detection accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates data from multiple sensor types (GNSS receivers, cameras, accelerometers, gyroscopes) into a unified 3D virtual model of the construction site. By merging these sensor inputs into a single cohesive system that renders a comprehensive 3D animation, the patent achieves high collision detection accuracy without requiring each sensor to operate independently, thereby reducing overall system complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The 3D virtual environment serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides collision detection, enables replay of past events from any angle, offers training capabilities, and supports operational analysis. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized systems, lowering overall system cost while maintaining high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If real-time monitoring of lifting operations is implemented, then operational safety is improved, but data processing requirements and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoiddata processing requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-processes sensor data during the lifting operation to continuously update the 3D virtual model in real-time. By maintaining an always-updated virtual representation of the site, the system prepares collision detection and replay capabilities in advance, reducing the computational burden during critical analysis moments while ensuring operational safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9773337B2Three dimensional animation of a past event
Publication Date: 2017.09.26 TRIMBLE INC
  • US9773337B2 patent drawing
  • US9773337B2 patent drawing
  • US9773337B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Methods and systems are disclosed for rendering a three dimensional animation of a past event. A request is received, at a processor, for re-creation of a past event associated with a job site. Input data is accessed, at the processor, regarding the past even associated with the job site wherein the input data pertains to past movements and lifts of at least one lifting device associated with the job site. A three dimensional (3D) animation is generated, at the processor, of the past event involving the past movements of the at least one lifting device. The 3D animation is displayed, on a display, depicting the past event wherein the displaying comprises playback controls for controlling the displaying.