Construction Site Scan Alignment Using Fiducial Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction process of complex structures is prone to errors due to the manual and laborious process of aligning scan images of ongoing construction with computer models, leading to significant re-work, schedule delays, and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using fiducial markers in scan images of a 3D physical structure to automate the alignment with a computer model, allowing for the detection of deviations and refinement of alignment through transformation functions and 3D physical elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual alignment of scan images with computer models is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but time consumption and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Fiducial markers are pre-placed on the construction site at known locations before scanning begins. These markers serve as predetermined reference points that enable automatic identification and alignment, eliminating the need for manual feature matching during the alignment process.
Solution Approach 2:
Fiducial markers act as intermediary objects between the physical construction site and the digital computer model. The markers appear in both the scanned images and the computer model, serving as common reference points that facilitate automatic alignment through coordinate transformation.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment processes are used, then complex structures can be accommodated, but error detection is delayed and re-work increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate feedback by automatically comparing the scanned construction images with the computer model using fiducial marker alignment. Deviations are detected and reported in real-time, enabling prompt correction before errors propagate to subsequent construction stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical alignment process is replaced with an automated computational system that uses fiducial markers for precise coordinate transformation. This substitution enables faster, more accurate alignment and deviation detection without human intervention.
3Productivity
If automated alignment using fiducial markers is implemented, then alignment speed and accuracy improve, but system complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter space by introducing fiducial markers with known geometric parameters and coordinates. This transformation enables automatic feature recognition and simplifies the alignment problem to a coordinate transformation task based on marker detection, improving speed despite added system elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for tracking progression of a construction site at different points in time relative to an expected progression of the construction site as represented by a computer model. The method includes generating an image of the construction site by scanning the construction site with an imaging device and detecting a fiducial marker appearing in the image at a location on the construction site. The fiducial marker is unique among fiducial markers positioned on the construction site. The method further includes identifying the detected fiducial marker in association with a unique identifier among the fiducial markers and aligning a coordinate system of the identified fiducial marker with a coordinate system of the computer model, which represents the construction site at points in time.