AR Headset Coordinate Alignment for Multi-System BIM Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing augmented reality solutions for BIM display at larger, complex construction sites face challenges in providing robust and accurate tracking across multiple heterogeneous positioning systems, leading to discrepancies and inefficiencies in aligning virtual and real-world coordinates.

Innovation Solution

A method and headset system that utilize multiple positioning systems with corresponding coordinate systems, applying transformations to map and align these systems to an extrinsic BIM coordinate system, enabling seamless tracking and rendering of augmented reality images across different environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single positioning system is used for tracking, then the system complexity is low, but the coverage area and robustness are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple positioning systems (e.g., optical tracking system and electromagnetic tracking system) into a unified system that can cover larger areas and provide redundant tracking capabilities. The coordinate system alignment engine merges data from different positioning systems to maintain continuous tracking across extended coverage areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified positioning system is designed to perform multiple functions by integrating different positioning technologies. The system can switch between or combine multiple positioning methods depending on the environment and requirements, making it universally applicable across diverse construction site conditions.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple heterogeneous positioning systems are integrated, then the coverage area increases, but the coordinate alignment becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverobustnessVSAvoidcoordinate alignment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a coordinate system alignment engine as an intermediary component that automatically handles the complex task of aligning multiple heterogeneous positioning systems. This engine transforms coordinates between different positioning systems using predetermined transformation matrices, simplifying the integration process and reducing manual alignment complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calibration and establishes predetermined transformation matrices between different positioning systems before actual tracking begins. This preliminary action simplifies real-time operation by pre-computing the coordinate transformations needed for seamless integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If manual stake out and validation processes are used, then equipment cost is low, but time consumption and labor intensity are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction speedVSAvoidvalidation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical stake-out processes and validation procedures with automated electronic positioning and tracking systems. The system automatically tracks construction elements in real-time and validates their positions against the BIM model, eliminating the need for manual measurement and validation activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous real-time feedback by automatically comparing the as-built construction elements with the BIM model during the construction process. This immediate feedback allows for instant validation and correction, eliminating the need for separate validation phases and significantly reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If frequent stake out is performed to maintain accuracy, then positioning precision is maintained, but productivity decreases due to repeated setup

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidconstruction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous tracking of construction elements throughout the construction process using automated positioning systems. This eliminates the need to stop work for repeated stake-out operations, as the system continuously monitors and maintains positioning accuracy without interrupting construction activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP4288933B1Aligning multiple coordinate systems for information model rendering
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 XYZ REALITY LTD
  • EP4288933B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4288933B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4288933B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

Certain examples described herein provide a headset for use in construction at a construction site. The headset has an article of headwear, sensor devices for a plurality of positioning systems, a head-mounted display for displaying an augmented reality image of a building information model, and an electronic control system with at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to obtain a set of transformations that map between the coordinate systems of the plurality of positioning systems. The at least one processor is configured to use the set of transformations and at least one calibrated transformation to convert between the coordinate system of a pose and an extrinsic coordinate system used by the building information model to render an augmented reality image of the building information model relative to the pose of the article of headwear on the head-mounted display.