AR Virtual Access to Obscured Process Control Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional augmented reality systems in process control environments are time- and labor-intensive to set up and maintain, often causing sensory overload and obscuring important information due to complex layouts and numerous objects, especially when objects are moved or updated.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality platform that allows users to generate a 3D model using a mobile device, track movement with inertial and camera data, and overlay digital information on real-world objects, enabling efficient mapping and updating of environments without the need for extensive manual data entry or object equipping with communication technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional AR systems manually construct 3D models using human designers or 3D scanners, then the 3D model accuracy is improved, but the time and labor required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the physical environment by capturing images with a camera and generating a 3D mesh model that replicates the spatial relationships and appearances of real objects. This virtual copy can be updated by capturing new images without requiring complete remapping, significantly reducing the time and labor for updates while maintaining model accuracy.
2Loss of information
If AR systems display information for all objects in dense environments, then information completeness is improved, but sensory overload increases and context perception becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different information display qualities to different spatial locations and objects based on their relevance to the user's current context. Objects closer to the user or more relevant to the current task receive more detailed information, while distant or less relevant objects receive simplified or no information, preventing sensory overload while maintaining completeness of important data.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of displaying information for all objects simultaneously, the system selectively displays information for a subset of objects that are most relevant to the user's current needs and context. This partial action approach prevents overwhelming the user while still providing access to complete information when needed through on-demand queries.
3Reliability
If objects are placed in enclosures or distant locations, then operational safety is improved by reducing physical proximity risks, but the ability to perceive and interact with objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a virtual reality intermediary layer that allows users to interact with distant or enclosed objects through the mobile device's display and haptic feedback. Users can manipulate virtual representations of physical objects, receive force feedback simulating physical interaction, and access detailed information without physically approaching hazardous locations, thereby maintaining both safety and operational capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient generation and updating of 3D models, reduces sensory overload by selectively presenting relevant information, and improves worker safety by allowing access to obscured or distant objects without physical proximity, thus enhancing operational efficiency and safety in process control environments.
Implementation Method 1
a camera configured to capture images of the environment
Implementation Method 2
an inertial measurement unit configured to track movement of the user
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of facilitating interaction between a user of an augmented reality (AR) mobile device and a first real-world object, a display device is caused to superimpose digital information on portions of a process control environment within a field of view of a camera of the device. The superimposed information is associated with nodes in a map of the environment, and the nodes correspond to other objects in the environment. The display is caused to indicate a direction to the first object. After detecting a user input that indicates selection of the first object, the display is caused to superimpose, on a portion of the process control environment currently within the field of view, a digital model or image of the first object. A user interface is caused to provide one or more virtual controls and/or one or more displays associated with the first object.