AR Glasses Component Identification and Inventory Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fields like building maintenance and remote machinery maintenance, workers face challenges in efficiently identifying and obtaining replacement components due to the large number of components that require periodic replacement or maintenance, leading to inefficiencies in component identification, location, and procurement.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality (AR) based component replacement and maintenance system that uses AR glasses to image components, match them with existing images in a database, and provide component details and inventory information, allowing users to order replacements through a connected network, including three-dimensional printing options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If workers manually identify and locate components in large-scale maintenance operations, then they can perform component replacement, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification processes with an automated optical recognition system. AR glasses equipped with cameras capture images of components, which are then processed by image recognition algorithms to automatically identify component types, locations, and inventory status, eliminating the need for workers to manually search through catalogs or databases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the physical component inventory through image recognition. By capturing images of components with AR cameras and matching them against a database of component images, the system generates real-time digital representations of inventory status, enabling rapid identification and procurement decisions without physical inspection of each component.
2Ease of operation
If workers physically locate and obtain replacement components, then maintenance can be performed, but the procurement process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service procurement by automatically providing workers with component ordering capabilities through the AR interface. When a component is identified and its inventory status determined, the worker can directly initiate an order through the AR glasses, which automatically processes the procurement request through integrated supply chain systems, eliminating the need for separate administrative procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary inventory checking and procurement preparation before the worker actually needs the component. By continuously monitoring inventory status and pre-positioning replacement components at strategic locations or in automated storage systems, the system ensures that components are ready for immediate retrieval when needed, reducing procurement time.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive inventory tracking is implemented, then component availability can be monitored, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal AR-based platform that performs multiple functions: component identification, inventory status checking, procurement ordering, and maintenance documentation. This single multi-functional system replaces multiple separate systems (manual inventory logs, separate ordering systems, maintenance records), reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive inventory tracking capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Augmented reality (AR) based component replacement and maintenance may include receiving a first wireless signal from a pair of AR glasses worn by a user. An image of a component viewed by the user may be analyzed and compared to a plurality of images of components stored in a database that includes information associated with the plurality of images of the components. Based on a match of the image of the component viewed by the user to one of the plurality of images of the components stored in the database, the component viewed by the user may be identified. An inventory of the identified component may be analyzed to determine whether a supplier includes the identified component in stock, and in response to a determination that the supplier includes the identified component in stock, an estimated time of delivery of the identified component to the user may be determined.