Gaze-Tracking Projection for Construction Site Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of construction machines face challenges in accurately and efficiently modifying sites to match desired plans due to the need for constant reference to site plans, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming, especially for inexperienced operators.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines the operator's gaze direction using head or gaze tracking systems to dynamically display relevant information, such as site overlays and machine operations, via projection systems or smart glasses, allowing for real-time adjustments based on the operator's focus and site changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If operators constantly reference paper site plans or display screens in the cab, then they can ensure accuracy in matching the desired site plan, but this increases the time required for operations and reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesite alignment accuracyVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a projection system as an intermediary that projects the desired site plan directly onto the construction site. This allows operators to see the plan overlay on the actual terrain without needing to constantly reference paper plans or cab displays, thereby maintaining accuracy while improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional reference (paper plans or cab screens) to three-dimensional visualization by projecting the site plan directly onto the terrain. This dimensional change allows operators to see the plan in context with the actual site, eliminating the need to constantly cross-reference between the plan and the terrain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If operators use paper site plans or cab displays to monitor the current state of the site, then they can ensure accurate modification of the site, but this requires constant attention and reference, increasing the complexity of the operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesite modification accuracyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the desired site plan visualization directly with the actual site terrain by projecting the plan onto the ground. This combination allows operators to see both the target state and the current state in the same field of view, eliminating the need to switch between separate reference materials and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If inexperienced operators reference site plans frequently, then they can learn and ensure accuracy, but this significantly slows down the operation compared to experienced operators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesite plan adherenceVSAvoidoperation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The projection system acts as an intermediary that provides continuous visual feedback of the desired site plan directly on the terrain. This eliminates the need for operators to frequently stop and reference paper plans, allowing both inexperienced and experienced operators to work at higher speeds while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4191386A1Method and apparatus for construction machine visualization
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 TOPCON POSITIONING SYSTEMS INC
  • EP4191386A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4191386A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4191386A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A system for displaying information to an operator of a machine comprises a head tracking system and a projection system. One system for displaying information uses a projection system and a see-through display to present two-dimensional images to an operator. One system uses a projection system and a see-through display to present three-dimensional images to an operator. One system uses a pair of smart glasses to display information to a user based a direction a user is looking.