Visualizing Control Space Boundaries with Camera Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geolocation systems for controlling portable tools in industrial settings do not effectively inform users about the position and shape of control spaces, making it difficult for users to easily perceive and define these boundaries, leading to potential misuse of tools outside authorized areas.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a portable device with a camera and display means to visualize control spaces by projecting or displaying their boundaries in real-time on a screen, allowing users to see the real-world environment with graphic representations of control space boundaries, enabling easy definition and modification of these spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If geolocation systems are used to control tool operation in authorized areas, then tool misuse outside authorized areas is prevented, but users cannot easily perceive or define control space boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded graphic frontiers (e.g., red, yellow, green zones) to represent different control space boundaries and authorization levels. These visual color indicators allow users to immediately perceive their location relative to authorized areas, solving the problem of invisible control space boundaries while maintaining reliable tool operation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera-based visualization system as an intermediary between the geolocation system and the user. The camera captures the real environment and overlays graphic frontiers representing control space boundaries, making the invisible geolocation data visible and interpretable for users without adding complexity to the core geolocation control mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If control spaces are defined using coordinates in a reference frame, then precise tool location control is achieved, but users have difficulty visualizing and defining these spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the control space boundaries by projecting graphic frontiers that represent the coordinate-defined control spaces. Instead of requiring users to work directly with abstract coordinates, the system renders these coordinates as visual overlays on the camera image, allowing users to see and define control spaces intuitively while maintaining precise coordinate-based control in the background.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the abstract three-dimensional control space defined by coordinates into a two-dimensional visual representation on the camera image plane. This dimensional transformation allows users to perceive and define control spaces through familiar 2D image interaction while the system maintains precise 3D spatial control through coordinate calculations.
3Ease of operation
If battery-powered screwdrivers are used to improve ergonomics, then cable clutter is eliminated, but tools can be moved to unauthorized areas and misused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring the tool's location through geolocation and displaying graphic frontiers that indicate whether the tool is within authorized control spaces. The system provides immediate visual feedback to users about their location status, allowing ergonomic mobile operation while maintaining reliable authorization control through continuous location verification.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a visualization system for at least one control space located in a given work area associated with a reference frame and defining a volume in which a portable tool is authorized to operate, comprising: a geolocation system capable of locating the portable tool, control means for the tool receiving the location of said portable tool and authorizing its operation if said tool is located in the control space, said control space having a boundary defined within said work area by coordinates stored in the memory of said control means, a portable device (11) separate from said tool and incorporating a camera (12), a visualization means (13), and means for determining the location and orientation of said camera in said reference frame,said portable device (11) and said display means (13) receiving said coordinates defining the boundaries of the control space and taking into account said location and orientation of said portable device to emit in real time visual signals representative of said boundaries by projecting them within the work area or by displaying them on a screen.