Augmented Reality Bioprocess Equipment Configuration Before Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring complex bioprocess devices require manual assembly and verification of compatibility in a real environment, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in industries with strict regulations like biopharmaceuticals.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an augmented reality system to digitize a physical environment, allowing virtual configuration and simulation of device elements, including compatibility testing and function prediction, using sensor data and parameter sets to ensure error-free installation before physical setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual assembly and verification of device elements is performed in a real environment, then compatibility and functionality can be directly tested, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs compatibility verification and functional testing in a virtual environment before physical assembly. The system creates a digital twin of the bioprocess facility, allowing users to configure, simulate, and verify device element compatibilities virtually, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual assembly and verification while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy (digital twin) of the physical bioprocess facility, including device elements, connections, and operating parameters. This virtual model allows for comprehensive testing and verification without requiring physical assembly, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability verification and time consumption
2Reliability
If complex device configurations are assembled and tested in a real environment, then actual functionality can be verified, but the complexity of assembly and commissioning increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration, assembly verification, and functional testing in the virtual environment before physical implementation. The digital twin allows complex device configurations to be assembled and tested virtually, reducing the actual assembly complexity while maintaining functionality verification reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual environment acts as an intermediary between design and physical implementation. It provides a mediation layer where complex configurations can be tested and verified without directly manipulating physical components, thereby reducing assembly complexity while ensuring functionality
3Productivity
If physical device elements are installed before verification, then the installation can be completed, but errors and incompatibilities may be discovered only after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs all necessary verification, compatibility checking, and functional testing in the virtual environment before physical installation. This preliminary action ensures that the physical installation can proceed quickly and error-free, as all potential issues have already been identified and resolved in the digital twin
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual testing and verification process anticipates and prevents potential errors and incompatibilities before physical installation. By identifying and resolving issues in advance in the virtual environment, the system prevents errors from occurring during physical installation, thereby ensuring error-free installation while maintaining productivity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for virtually configuring a piece of equipment, in particular bioprocessing equipment, wherein the method comprises the following steps: providing an augmented reality system having a computer unit and at least one sensor unit; detecting a sensor dataset associated with a physical environment by means of the at least one sensor unit; determining a virtual environment based on the sensor dataset by means of the computer unit; determining a virtual arrangement of at least one virtual and/or physical equipment element relative to the virtual environment, wherein the virtual and/or physical equipment element is assigned a respective parameter dataset; and predicting a functionality and/or an operating status of at least one part of the equipment based on the parameter dataset and the sensor dataset.