AR Buried Asset Depth Measurement on Variable Ground Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the depth of buried assets such as pipes or utilities is challenging due to varying ground surfaces and the need for accurate location information, which is often difficult to obtain and maintain.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing an augmented reality (AR) device with integrated global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and electronic distance measurement (EDM) capabilities to superimpose a virtual model of the buried asset onto the ground surface, allowing users to identify points of interest and calculate depth based on real-world coordinates and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3D coordinates of buried assets are used to determine depth, then location information is provided, but the ground surface changes over time or varies significantly making depth determination difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual surface as an intermediary between the buried asset and the actual ground surface. This virtual surface is constructed from 3D coordinates of the buried asset and serves as a stable reference plane that does not change with ground surface variations. By projecting the buried asset onto this virtual surface and using it as the reference for depth measurement, the system eliminates the problem of ground surface changes affecting depth determination accuracy.
2Loss of information
If AR model is projected onto virtual surface corresponding to ground, then depth information can be determined, but device complexity increases due to multiple measurement and calculation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The AR device is designed to perform multiple functions using integrated components: the position measurement apparatus determines device location, sensors determine orientation, and the distance measuring apparatus calculates distances. These components work together in a unified system that processes multiple types of data (position, orientation, distance) to simultaneously achieve AR model projection, depth determination, and coordinate mapping, thereby managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the ground surface as a virtual plane that corresponds to the actual ground. This virtual surface is constructed from 3D coordinates of the buried asset and serves as a stable reference. By working with this virtual copy instead of the physical ground surface, the system simplifies depth calculations while maintaining measurement accuracy, as the virtual surface remains constant even when the actual ground changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
Techniques for determining a depth of a buried asset are provided. A first point on an AR model of the buried asset is identified. The first point is where a depth of the buried asset is to be determined. An AR device is used to determine coordinates of a second point on a surface corresponding to the first point on the AR model. Coordinates of a third point on the buried asset corresponding to the first point on the AR model are determined. The depth of the buried asset is determined based on the coordinates of the second point on the surface and coordinates of the third point on the buried asset.