A method of generating for a user augmented reality information related to an HVAC component
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field workers face challenges in identifying and controlling HVAC components, especially those installed in inaccessible locations, due to uncertainty and difficulty in accessing control elements, which hampers efficient monitoring and maintenance of HVAC systems.
Innovation Solution
A method using a cloud-based system and mobile communication device to generate augmented reality information for HVAC components, allowing remote monitoring and control, with visual or non-visual identification methods like barcodes, QR codes, LEDs, or RFID, enabling verification of operation execution and providing real-time status updates, even for components not physically visible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If HVAC components are installed in inaccessible locations (ducts, behind walls), then space utilization is improved, but identification and control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a mobile device with camera, augmented reality display, and communication module. This intermediary bridges the gap between the field worker and inaccessible HVAC components by capturing images, overlaying component information virtually, and enabling remote control, thus resolving the contradiction between space utilization and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the HVAC component information and control interface through augmented reality overlay on captured images. This allows field workers to interact with a digital representation of the component rather than physically accessing the actual component, maintaining ease of operation while achieving space utilization
2Adaptability or versatility
If HVAC components are placed in orientations difficult for manual control, then installation flexibility is improved, but control accessibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual control system with an electronic/digital control system accessed through a mobile device. The communication module transmits control commands wirelessly to the HVAC component, eliminating the need for physical access to control elements and thus resolving the contradiction between installation flexibility and control accessibility
3Reliability
If field workers must physically access HVAC components for monitoring and control, then direct verification is improved, but time consumption and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring and control through the mobile device and augmented reality system. Field workers can continuously access component status and control functions without repeatedly physically accessing each component, maintaining reliability of verification while improving productivity by eliminating time-consuming physical access requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
For generating for a user augmented reality information (12) related to an HVAC component (2), a circuit of a mobile communication device (1) obtains a component identification of the HVAC component (2) and generates the augmented reality information ( 12) using the component identification. The augmented reality information (12) is displayed on a display unit (11) of the mobile communication device (1) and includes a user interface element (121) for initiating an operation of the HVAC component (2). Responsive to activation of the user interface element (121), the circuit generates a control command for the operation of the HVAC component (2) and transmitts the control command via a cloud-based computer system (3) to the HVAC component (2), commanding the HVAC component (2) to perform the operation and enabling the user to visually verify execution of the operation by the HVAC component (2).