Digital Facility Model Using LiDAR for Remote Surveying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for understanding and managing physical facilities require on-site surveys, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for multiple individuals to travel and manually collect data.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing electronic sensors, such as cameras and lasers, in conjunction with programmable logic and machine-readable instructions to create a digital facility, allowing for remote navigation, data collection, and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual data collection methods are used during facility surveys, then data can be gathered through direct observation and measurement, but multiple people need to travel to the facility and time is lost requiring return trips to verify measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy (digital twin) of the physical facility using sensors, cameras, and LiDAR to capture the complete state of the facility. This digital replica allows remote users to view and measure facility conditions without traveling, eliminating return trips while maintaining measurement accuracy through the persistent digital record
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary data collection by capturing comprehensive facility information before any analysis or decision-making occurs. Sensors and cameras record the complete facility state in advance, creating a baseline digital model that enables all subsequent measurements and verifications to be performed remotely on the existing data
2Loss of information
If multiple people are deployed to survey a facility, then comprehensive data can be collected from different perspectives, but travel costs and coordination complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The digital facility model serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables comprehensive data collection from all facility areas, allows multiple users to access and analyze the same data, supports various measurement and verification activities, and provides a shared reference for all stakeholders. This single digital model replaces the need for multiple physical survey teams
3Loss of time
If remote support is provided without on-site presence, then travel time is reduced, but the ability to understand facility conditions and provide effective support diminishes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy (digital twin) of the physical facility using sensors, cameras, and LiDAR to capture the complete state of the facility. This digital replica allows remote users to view and measure facility conditions without traveling, eliminating return trips while maintaining measurement accuracy through the persistent digital record
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical presence of remote experts at the physical facility with electronic and optical systems (sensors, cameras, LiDAR, displays). These electronic systems transmit visual and spatial information to remote users, substituting direct physical observation with electronic representation while maintaining the ability to make informed decisions
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
Enables efficient remote documentation and management of physical facilities, reducing the need for physical travel, improving data accuracy, and enhancing collaboration among remote users.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic sensor(s) is a camera, and the camera is chosen from a group consisting of 2D cameras, 3D cameras, and infrared cameras
Implementation Method 2
In one aspect of the disclosure the electronic sensor(s) is a laser
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for creating, storing, interacting, and manipulating a digital facility is disclosed. One or more computing platform(s) may be configured to electronically receive a plurality of machine-readable sensor data of a physical facility having multiple 3D objects. One or more computing platform(s) may be configured to electronically process the plurality of machine-readable sensor data to output a machine-readable point cloud model configured for augmented virtual navigation. One or more computing platform(s) may be configured generate a machine-readable configuration database of geotagged-locations of the 3D objects. One or more computing platform(s) may be configured generate a machine-readable dynamic configuration database of 3D objects.