Mobile AR Interface for Industrial Equipment Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial process control and automation systems, accessing and disseminating operational and diagnostic data to maintenance personnel across large and complex systems is challenging due to the numerous devices involved, making it difficult to diagnose and resolve issues effectively.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device-based augmented reality user interface that overlays detailed information onto camera views of industrial equipment, using special-purpose markers or natural features for positioning, allowing users to access operational and diagnostic data through text, symbols, icons, animations, and trends, and enabling progressive disclosure of information based on proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional data access methods are used in industrial control systems, then data can be obtained through conventional interfaces, but maintenance personnel face difficulty in accessing and understanding equipment data across large and complex systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual replica of the physical industrial control system by capturing images of equipment and overlaying them with corresponding data. This digital copy allows maintenance personnel to access equipment data visually overlaid on images, eliminating the need to navigate complex traditional interfaces while maintaining accurate data representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension to data presentation by overlaying equipment data directly onto images of the physical equipment. This transforms data from abstract tabular formats into spatially contextualized visual information, making it easier to associate data with the corresponding physical components.
2Reliability
If detailed equipment data is presented to users, then diagnostic capability is improved, but information overload occurs making it difficult to understand and process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different levels of data detail to different regions or contexts within the interface. Equipment data is selectively displayed based on the specific equipment being viewed, showing only relevant parameters for each device. This localized data presentation provides comprehensive diagnostic information while avoiding global information overload.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides equipment data into discrete, organized segments that correspond to specific equipment components. Data is segmented by equipment type, parameter category, or operational hierarchy, allowing maintenance personnel to access detailed information in manageable portions rather than as an undifferentiated mass.
3Productivity
If comprehensive equipment information is made accessible, then maintenance efficiency improves, but the system requires complex infrastructure for data collection and presentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mobile device that serves multiple functions: capturing equipment images, accessing equipment data, presenting overlaid information, and providing diagnostic capabilities. This universal device replaces multiple specialized systems, reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining comprehensive maintenance functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image as an intermediary between the physical equipment and the digital data system. By capturing and overlaying data onto equipment images, the system creates a simple visual bridge that connects maintenance personnel to equipment information without requiring complex direct integration with all underlying data systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A method includes identifying (804) one or more first devices (406, 102a, 102b, 106) contained in at least one image (404, 414, 424, 434) captured by a mobile device (122, 200). The method also includes obtaining (806) data associated with at least one of: the one or more first devices and one or more second devices (406, 102a, 102b, 106) connected to or interacting with the one or more first devices. The method further includes presenting (808) information overlaid over the at least one image by the mobile device to a user, where the presented information includes the data or information based on the data. The presented information varies based on perceived distance or proximity of the mobile device to the one or more first devices.