AR Virtual Signage for Industrial Component Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing digital twin technologies face challenges in integrating data from various sources, ensuring data security and privacy, managing complexity, and requiring significant investment in training and skilled personnel, which hinders their efficient use in industrial plants.

Innovation Solution

A virtual sign using augmented reality to overlay physical components with interactive digital labels, providing real-time technical information and enabling direct interaction for maintenance and monitoring, replacing conventional signs and enhancing data exchange between teams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If conventional signs or markings are used for component identification, then physical labels are provided on components, but the effort and response time required for component identification increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent identification timeVSAvoidcomponent identification effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses augmented reality to create a virtual copy of the physical component information. Instead of physically labeling components, the system projects virtual signs containing component identification data, technical specifications, and maintenance information directly onto or near the physical components, allowing users to access information digitally without physical labels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical labels and signs with an optical/digital system using augmented reality projections. The virtual sign technology substitutes traditional mechanical labeling methods with light-based projection and digital display, enabling faster and more efficient information access

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

2Loss of information

If digital twin technologies are integrated to provide real-time monitoring, then comprehensive technical information is available, but the complexity of integrating data from various sources increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetechnical information accessibilityVSAvoiddata integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a server facility as an intermediary between various data sources and the augmented reality display system. This server acts as a central hub that collects, processes, and manages data from multiple sources, then delivers the processed information to the virtual sign interface, simplifying the complexity of direct integration between diverse systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The server facility is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle various types of data processing, storage, and transmission tasks. It serves multiple purposes including data collection from sensors, digital twin management, information processing, and communication with the augmented reality system, reducing the need for separate specialized systems

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

3Ease of operation

If virtual signs with interactive elements are implemented, then user interaction for maintenance and monitoring is enhanced, but the investment in training and skilled personnel increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance interaction capabilityVSAvoidtraining investment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual sign system incorporates self-service capabilities through interactive elements that guide users through maintenance procedures, provide real-time diagnostic information, and enable direct interaction with the digital twin. Users can access technical data, initiate maintenance workflows, and receive guidance without requiring extensive specialized training or constant expert intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4685589A1Virtual sign for a signage of a component of an industrial installation
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 MPA TECHNOLOGY GMBH
  • EP4685589A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4685589A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4685589A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a virtual sign (10) for the identification of a component (2) of an industrial plant (1) in a real world, comprising: - a virtual element (11) adapted to provide at least one piece of technical information (20) relating to the component (2) of the industrial plant (1) in real time, wherein the virtual element (11) can be arranged on an augmented reality surface optically superimposed on the component (2) in the real world, - at least one interface (12) to a server device (60), wherein the server device (60) comprises a digital twin of components (2) of the industrial plant (1) in the real world, characterized in that the at least one piece of technical information (20) comprises a virtual identifier (21) for each component (2) under consideration.wherein the virtual marking (21) is designed as at least one interactive element (15) for an interaction of a user (5) with the virtual sign (10).