Construction Site Optical Mapping for Reliable Positioning Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction sites pose challenges for positioning due to congested and ever-changing environments, where existing technologies like GNSS may not be available, total stations are expensive and limited, and inside-out tracking systems struggle with rapidly changing conditions, lacking precision and accessibility for frontline workers.
Innovation Solution
A system using an updatable central map that aggregates data from various sensors, including LIDAR, cameras, and augmented reality devices, allowing devices to orient themselves and update the map, enabling crowd-sourced, real-time positioning and navigation, and enhancing precision through sensor fusion and feedback loops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If GNSS is used for positioning on construction sites, then global positioning coverage is achieved, but signal availability deteriorates in congested and restricted environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a central map as an intermediary reference system that mediates between multiple optical sensors and the positioning requirement. Instead of relying directly on GNSS signals that fail in restricted environments, the system creates a digital twin map that serves as a reliable reference for determining device positions and orientations through optical data comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the radio-based GNSS positioning system with an optical sensing and image processing system. By substituting the mechanical/electromagnetic wave-based GNSS with optical cameras and computational image matching, the system achieves reliable positioning in environments where radio signals are blocked.
2Measurement precision
If total stations are used for surveying, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, specialized total station equipment with inexpensive, widely available smartphone cameras and other consumer-grade optical sensors. The system achieves surveying-grade precision through software-based image processing and computational photography rather than through expensive hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes positioning capabilities universal by using common devices like smartphones with cameras that everyone already possesses. Instead of requiring specialized surveying equipment, the system enables any device with an optical sensor to participate in precise positioning and mapping tasks.
3Ease of operation
If inside-out tracking systems are used, then device accessibility is improved, but positioning reliability deteriorates in rapidly changing environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where optical data from multiple devices continuously updates and refines the central map. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt to environmental changes by incorporating new observations, maintaining positioning reliability even as the construction site evolves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges data from multiple independent optical sensors and devices to create a consolidated central map. By combining observations from multiple sources rather than relying on a single inside-out tracking system, the solution achieves greater reliability and stability in dynamic environments.
4Device complexity
If a single positioning system is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but positioning accuracy deteriorates in complex construction environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data from multiple optical sensors, devices, and measurement sources into a unified central map. This aggregation of multiple data streams enables the system to achieve high positioning accuracy in complex construction environments while maintaining a relatively simple overall architecture through centralized processing.
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
The system provides a robust, accurate, and dynamic 3D map that improves positioning and navigation on construction sites, enhancing workflows and accessibility for frontline workers by leveraging multiple data sources and reducing reliance on single positioning systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical sensor of a first device; receive optical data acquired by the first optical sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A central map can be used in a construction environment to help position devices and receive updates from devices to update the central map. Devices in the construction environment, such augmented-reality devices, laser scanners, total stations, satellite navigation receivers, and others can be used to provide "crowd-sourced" data to update the central map as the construction environment changes.