Interactive 3D Spatial Mapping for Evacuation Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional evacuation training systems rely on two-dimensional plans, which are tedious to memorize and not conducive to use during emergency situations, and existing three-dimensional systems fail to simulate realistic scenarios with interactive objects and environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for creating an interactable three-dimensional spatial mapping of indoor structures using a mobile mapping device, processor, and database to integrate 2-D floor plans with object data, allowing for movable objects and realistic simulations, including emergency equipment and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If two-dimensional floor plans are used for evacuation training, then the system is simple to implement, but the training is tedious to memorize and not conducive to use during emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms two-dimensional floor plans into three-dimensional virtual reality environments. This dimensional transition allows users to experience evacuation scenarios immersively, making training more memorable and usable during emergencies while maintaining implementation simplicity through software-based conversion processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of physical environments and objects (fire extinguishers, hose reels, doors) within a 3D virtual reality space. These digital replicas maintain the functional relationships of the original objects while enabling interactive training scenarios that are more engaging and memorable than 2D plans.
2Ease of operation
If three-dimensional plans are rendered, then the spatial representation is improved, but many situations and objects that may be encountered are not useable within the simulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a comprehensive library of virtual objects (fire extinguishers, hose reels, doors, windows, furniture) and environmental conditions (smoke, fire, earthquake damage) that can be combined in various scenarios. This universal set of elements allows the same 3D spatial framework to support multiple different evacuation training scenarios, enhancing both spatial representation and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual environment incorporates dynamic elements where objects can be interacted with (opening doors, using fire extinguishers, moving furniture) and environmental conditions can change (smoke propagation, fire spread, structural damage). This dynamic behavior makes the simulation more versatile and representative of real emergency situations.
3Device complexity
If conventional two-dimensional plans are used, then the system is simple, but details are not memorised by key individuals and the system is not conducive to use during realistic emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning from 2D to 3D virtual reality, the system enhances training effectiveness through immersive spatial experience. Users can mentally map evacuation routes more effectively in a three-dimensional environment, improving recall during actual emergencies while maintaining reasonable system complexity through software-based solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback during training scenarios, allowing users to practice correct procedures (proper fire extinguisher usage, safe evacuation routes) and learn from mistakes in a risk-free environment. This repeated practice with feedback strengthens muscle memory and decision-making skills for emergency response.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for indoor spatial mapping. The system includes a mobile mapping device having a camera; a plan database configured to store 2-D floor plans; and a processor configured to integrate a selected floor plan from the plan database with object data received from the mobile mapping device to create an interactable 3-D spatial mapping of an interior portion of a structure so that one or more objects are moveable relative to a surrounding environment within the 3-D spatial mapping. The processor is configured to recognise objects from an image from the camera and anchor the recognised object within the interactable 3-D spatial mapping.