LIDAR Inventory Mapping for Real-Time Goods Availability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack accurate methods for visualizing proposed changes to homes, representing properties, viewing object placement, generating landscape designs, visualizing utility lines, and creating commercial inventory maps, which are essential for efficient home remodeling, real estate marketing, and store management.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing LIDAR technology and AI to measure dimensions, build 3D models, and generate virtual maps, incorporating machine learning for object placement recommendations and navigation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LIDAR technology and AI are used to build 3D models and generate virtual maps, then measurement precision and modeling accuracy are improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement systems with LIDAR technology that uses laser light and time-of-flight measurements to capture dimensional data. This substitution enables high-precision 3D modeling without complex mechanical contact devices, resolving the contradiction by achieving measurement precision through optical-physical principles rather than mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of measurement by using multiple laser wavelengths and time-of-flight data to create comprehensive 3D models. This parameter-based approach allows accurate dimensional measurement while maintaining system manageability through computational processing rather than mechanical complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive LIDAR scanning is performed to create detailed 3D models, then manufacturing precision of models is improved, but loss of time for data collection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing LIDAR data during data collection, organizing point clouds and identifying key features in real-time. This preliminary processing reduces the time needed for subsequent detailed modeling while maintaining comprehensive data capture, thus resolving the contradiction between model accuracy and data collection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous useful action by performing multiple functions simultaneously during LIDAR scanning - capturing dimensional data, identifying objects, and building 3D models in an integrated continuous process rather than sequential steps. This continuity eliminates idle time between operations while maintaining comprehensive model accuracy.
3Productivity
If real-time inventory tracking is implemented using sensors and LIDAR, then productivity of inventory management is improved, but use of energy and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using LIDAR and sensor data for multiple purposes - inventory tracking, 3D modeling, object identification, and spatial mapping - all through the same hardware infrastructure. This universal approach improves inventory management productivity without proportionally increasing energy consumption, as the same sensors serve multiple functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The inventory system implements self-service through automated sensor detection and AI-based object identification that requires minimal human intervention. The system automatically tracks inventory changes, updates databases, and generates alerts, improving productivity while reducing the energy consumption associated with manual monitoring and intervention.
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 accurate 3D modeling and navigation, reduces time spent in stores, and provides precise inventory management, enhancing remodeling efficiency and customer experience.
Implementation Method 1
LIDAR is a technology that measures distance to a target by illuminating the target (e.g., using laser light) and then measuring the reflected light with a sensor
Implementation Method 2
measuring the time of flight from the laser signal source to its return to the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The following relates generally to light detection and ranging (LIDAR) and artificial intelligence (AI). In some embodiments, a system: receives sensor data via wireless communication; updates an electronic inventory of goods within a store based upon the received sensor data associated with the item movement or purchase; receives an electronic order of goods from a customer mobile device via wireless communication or data transmission over one or more radio frequency links; determines if the goods in the electronic order received from the customer are still available; generates a LIDAR-based virtual map of the store; determines a location of the goods in the electronic order that are still available; overlays the determined location of the goods onto the LIDAR-based virtual map of the store; and displays an updated LIDAR-based virtual map of the store displaying aisles of the store and the determined location of the goods within the store.