Augmented Reality Stairlift Planning Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
In small houses with narrow and curved stairs, it is challenging to visualize how a stairlift will fit and navigate around obstacles, making it difficult to plan the installation of platform lifts like stairlifts, as conventional methods rely on drawings or prospects that do not accurately represent the dimensions and potential bottlenecks.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an augmented reality device to acquire 3D data of the stairs, calculate the path of travel for the rail, and visualize the platform lift, allowing users to simulate the installation and detect potential collisions with obstacles, thereby reducing planning efforts and avoiding costly redesigns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional drawings or prospects are used for planning, then the planning process is simple, but the visualization accuracy and ability to detect bottlenecks is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the stairlift system including the rail, platform, and drive unit that can be overlaid onto real-world staircases through augmented reality. This virtual model allows accurate visualization of dimensions and spatial relationships without physical prototypes, resolving the contradiction between visualization accuracy and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an augmented reality device as an intermediary between the planner and the physical staircase. This device overlays virtual platform lift components onto the real staircase, enabling accurate visualization and bottleneck detection without requiring complex physical models or prototypes.
2Measurement precision
If physical prototypes are used for visualization, then the visualization accuracy is high, but the time and cost consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual copies of the platform lift components rendered through augmented reality instead of physical prototypes. These virtual models provide sufficient visualization accuracy for planning purposes while eliminating the time and cost associated with manufacturing and deploying physical prototypes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical prototypes with a digital/augmented reality system. The virtual platform lift model is rendered and positioned in augmented reality space, providing accurate visualization without the material and time costs of physical construction.
3Reliability
If the rail path is not pre-calculated, then the planning process is flexible, but the ability to detect collisions and bottlenecks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of the rail path and platform trajectory before finalizing the installation plan. The system calculates the complete path of travel and detects potential collisions with obstacles in advance, allowing planners to adjust the design before implementation without requiring complex real-time monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the augmented reality system displays the calculated path and detects collisions between the virtual platform lift and real-world obstacles. This feedback allows planners to immediately see and correct potential problems, improving reliability without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of planning a platform lift. The platform lift includes a rail, platform, chair, and a drive unit attached to the platform to drive the platform along the rail. The method includes acquiring 3D-data of a stair on which the platform lift is to be installed utilizing an augmented reality device. Calculating a travel path of the rail is based on acquired 3D-data and predetermined clearance information. Visualizing part or all of the platform lift is based on the calculated path of travel via the augmented reality device. Acquiring the 3D-data includes observing the stair with the augmented reality device; marking several locations and confirming the locations via a user input; extracting surface information via a computer based analysis of the markings and optical information taken by the augmented reality device. Based on the optical information and predetermined clearance information the path of travel is calculated.