Augmented Reality Subsurface Visualization for Dynamic Excavation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current excavation techniques face challenges with dynamically changing terrain surfaces, as existing methods using colored spray paint markings are short-lived, lack depth information, and are difficult to apply accurately on uneven ground, and existing augmented reality solutions assume static terrain, making them unsuitable for ongoing excavations.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality system that uses live georeferenced terrain surface topography to generate an augmented view, aligning a 3D model with the terrain, and displaying graphical representations of subsurface features, including virtual excavations and paint markings, dynamically conformed to the terrain contours, to aid operators in locating utilities during ongoing excavations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If colored spray paint markings are used to indicate subsurface features, then the location information is provided to operators, but the markings are destroyed when excavation begins and the information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D ground surface markings to a 3D augmented reality visualization that overlays subsurface feature representations onto the actual excavation site view. This dimensional transformation allows information to persist in virtual space while the physical terrain changes, resolving the contradiction between providing location information and maintaining it through excavation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of subsurface features (pipes, utilities) and markers that are rendered in the augmented reality view. These virtual representations persist throughout the excavation process, replacing the temporary physical spray paint markings and eliminating information loss when the ground is disturbed.
2Loss of information
If colored spray paint markings are used to indicate subsurface features, then location information is provided, but sufficient depth information is not provided to operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the depth dimension to the visualization by rendering subsurface features at their correct vertical positions relative to the terrain surface. The augmented reality view displays features at different depths with appropriate visual cues, allowing operators to perceive depth information that cannot be conveyed by 2D ground markings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses color coding to represent different depth zones and feature types. Visual indicators change color or intensity based on depth, providing intuitive depth information to operators without requiring complex measurements or calculations.
3Measurement precision
If colored spray paint markings are used to indicate subsurface features, then location information is provided, but it is difficult to accurately determine where markings should be placed on uneven ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of measuring and marking the ground with an automated computer vision and augmented reality system. The system automatically identifies subsurface feature locations and renders virtual markers in the correct positions, eliminating the need for workers to manually measure and mark uneven terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual markers that are automatically positioned in 3D space above or near the actual subsurface features. These virtual copies are placed with high precision based on geospatial data and terrain modeling, avoiding the measurement difficulties of physical marking on uneven ground.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing augmented reality techniques are used with static terrain assumption, then subsurface utilities can be visualized during planning, but the techniques do not function properly during ongoing excavation when terrain is dynamically changing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic augmented reality system that continuously updates the terrain model and virtual marker positions as the excavation progresses. The system adapts to changing terrain conditions by re-registering the augmented reality content with the current terrain state, maintaining reliability throughout the excavation process rather than relying on static pre-excavation models.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops that continuously monitor the excavation state and update the augmented reality visualization accordingly. Sensors and cameras capture real-time terrain changes, and the system adjusts the virtual representations to maintain accurate alignment with the actual subsurface features, ensuring reliability despite dynamic conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an augmented view is generated that accounts for dynamically changing terrain surface at a site. A sensor captures live georeferenced terrain surface topography for the site. A camera captures an image of the site. Further, a tracking system determines a georeferenced camera pose of the camera. An augmented reality application aligns a georeferenced three-dimensional (3-D) model for the site with the live georeferenced terrain surface topography. Then, using at least the captured image, the georeferenced camera pose, the georeferenced 3-D model and live georeferenced terrain surface topography, the augmented reality application creates an augmented view of the site that shows graphical representations of subsurface features. At least a portion of the graphical representations are dynamically conformed to the contours of the terrain surface in the image based on the live georeferenced terrain surface topography. The graphical representations may include virtual excavation and/or virtual paint markings.