AR Safety Sensor Positioning for Industrial Plant Layout Planning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The positioning and configuration of industrial safety sensors in industrial plants require a high level of technical understanding and knowledge of sensor principles, and the process is complex, especially without pre-positioned sensors and real measurement data.
Innovation Solution
Utilize augmented reality to visualize simulated parameters of virtual sensors, allowing users to easily plan and optimize sensor positioning and configuration in a 3D space, using a display device to adjust position and configuration parameters interactively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional 3D configuration application is used for sensor positioning, then positioning can be performed with pre-positioned sensors and real measurement data, but the process requires very high technical understanding and perfect imagination to transfer complex 3D transformations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the real sensor that can be positioned and configured in an augmented reality environment. This virtual sensor replica allows users to test and optimize positioning without requiring the real sensor to be physically pre-positioned, eliminating the need for complex 3D transformation knowledge while maintaining positioning accuracy through subsequent transfer of parameters to the real sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The augmented reality environment serves as an intermediary between the user and the real sensor positioning process. It provides an intuitive visualization layer that overlays virtual sensor information onto the real-world view, allowing users to interact with sensor positioning in a natural, spatial manner rather than through complex abstract 3D coordinates and transformations.
2Measurement precision
If real sensor is pre-positioned and connected for initial configuration, then real measurement data can be obtained, but it is unclear whether the sensor position is suitable or detection zone is sufficient for the intended application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary positioning and configuration actions in the virtual AR environment before the real sensor is physically installed. Users can test multiple positions, orientations, and detection zone configurations virtually, optimizing the sensor setup in advance without committing to a physical installation that might be unsuitable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment and repositioning of the virtual sensor in the AR environment without physical constraints. Users can freely move, rotate, and reconfigure the virtual sensor to explore optimal positioning options, and these dynamic changes can be transferred to guide the physical sensor installation.
3Ease of operation
If virtual sensor model is used in augmented reality view, then positioning can be simplified and tested flexibly, but real measurement data is not available for validation
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a feedback loop where the virtual sensor positioning in the AR environment guides the physical sensor installation, and after installation, the real sensor data can be used to validate and further refine the positioning. The virtual model provides immediate visual feedback during configuration, while the real sensor provides empirical validation afterward.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes positioning at least one real sensor, in particular a safety sensor or a camera for industrial safety applications, in a real environment of an industrial plant by means of an augmented reality view based on the real environment of the industrial plant. At least one simulated parameter of a virtual sensor based on the real sensor to be positioned is visualized for a user in the augmented reality view by means of a display device. The simulated parameter includes at least one position parameter indicating a position and/or an orientation of the virtual sensor in the augmented reality view. A change of the position parameter is obtained and the position parameter that is updated based on the obtained change is visualized for the user in the augmented reality view by means of the display device. At least one output parameter enables positioning of the real sensor.