LIDAR Commercial Inventory Mapping for Real-Time Availability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies lack efficient systems for creating accurate 3D models and visualizing changes in homes, object placement, landscape design, utility line visualization, and commercial inventory mapping, while also providing AI-based recommendations for object placement and navigation within buildings.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing LIDAR technology and AI to measure dimensions, generate 3D models, and provide real-time visualization and recommendations for home changes, object placement, landscape design, utility line location, and commercial inventory management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If LIDAR technology is used to measure distances and create 3D models, then measurement precision and visualization accuracy are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The LIDAR system is integrated with image processing algorithms and 3D modeling software to create a multi-functional platform that performs distance measurement, 3D model generation, and virtual visualization simultaneously, reducing the need for separate specialized devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital 3D copies and virtual representations of physical spaces and objects, allowing users to interact with and analyze accurate measurements without requiring complex physical measurement equipment for every inspection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If AI algorithms are implemented for object placement recommendations, then ease of operation is improved, but processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject placement convenienceVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and stores optimal placement configurations for common objects in various room types, allowing the AI to quickly retrieve and suggest pre-determined optimal arrangements rather than performing complex real-time calculations for every query

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The AI algorithm automatically analyzes the 3D model, identifies suitable placement locations, and generates recommendations without requiring manual intervention or iterative user adjustment, enabling the system to serve itself in generating optimization suggestions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If real-time visualization of proposed changes is provided, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy and computational power increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization interactivityVSAvoidcomputational energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary rendering and optimization of 3D model visualizations before user interaction, pre-processing geometric data and material properties to reduce the computational burden during real-time user manipulation and viewing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system renders and displays only the specific portions of the 3D model that are relevant to the user's current view and interaction, rather than processing and displaying the entire model at full detail, reducing overall computational energy requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 visualization of home changes, object placement, landscape design, and commercial inventory, while providing AI-driven recommendations for optimal placement and navigation, enhancing user experience and efficiency.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

measuring the time of flight from the laser signal source to its return to the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS12361376B2Systems and methods for commercial inventory mapping including determining if goods are still available

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 STATE FARM MUTAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY

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.