Multimodal Procedural Guidance Using In-Situ 3D Model Creation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for creating mixed reality experiences face challenges due to inaccurate or missing CAD models, high costs for accessing CAD data, laborious reverse engineering, and subjective quality assurance processes, which hinder efficient implementation and objective performance evaluation.

Innovation Solution

A mixed reality system using a mixed reality controller to define a 3D coordinate system, generate a virtual 3D model, and refine it to match the physical object, along with AI-based methods to parse and categorize procedural steps for multimodal distribution, enabling objective quality assurance through sensor feedback and machine learning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If CAD models are obtained from manufacturers, then the virtual objects can be replicated in mixed reality environments, but the models may be inaccurate due to equipment upgrades or modifications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of virtual object replicationVSAvoidoutdated CAD model data
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary 3D scanning and point cloud generation to capture the current state of physical objects before they are used in mixed reality environments. This preliminary action creates an updated digital representation that replaces outdated CAD models, ensuring accuracy reflects the actual current state of equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of relying on manufacturer CAD models that may be outdated, the system creates copies of the actual physical objects through 3D scanning and point cloud processing. These copies accurately represent the current state of equipment, including any upgrades or modifications made since the original CAD models were created

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If reverse engineering is performed to obtain accurate models, then the virtual objects can match physical objects, but the process becomes costly and laborious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of virtual objectVSAvoidtime required for reverse engineering
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual reverse engineering processes with automated 3D scanning technology. Instead of laborious manual measurement and modeling, the system uses scanners to automatically capture point cloud data, which is then processed algorithmically to generate accurate 3D models, dramatically reducing both time and labor requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the approach from manual measurement parameters to automated scanning parameters. By using 3D scanning technology, the system captures geometric data through optical or laser-based measurements, transforming the modeling process from labor-intensive manual operations to automated data acquisition with different technical parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If 3D scanning equipment is used to model objects, then accurate virtual representations can be created, but the workflow becomes laborious requiring further contextual manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of 3D modelVSAvoidcomplexity of processing workflow
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the 3D scanning, point cloud generation, and model processing into an integrated automated workflow. Instead of separate manual steps for scanning, processing, and contextual manipulation, the system combines these operations into a unified process that automatically generates ready-to-use 3D models from point cloud data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service processing where the point cloud data automatically generates 3D models without requiring extensive manual contextual manipulation. The automated processing algorithms handle the conversion from raw scan data to usable models, reducing the need for labor-intensive post-processing and contextual adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If traditional quality assurance processes are used, then human decisions can be injected into the process, but the processes become subjective and add risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality assurance capabilityVSAvoidobjectivity of evaluation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated feedback loops where sensor data from the mixed reality environment is continuously monitored and compared against expected outcomes. This automated feedback provides objective quality assurance by comparing actual performance metrics with predetermined standards, eliminating subjective human judgment while maintaining comprehensive quality control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces subjective human quality assurance processes with automated sensor-based evaluation systems. Instead of human inspectors making subjective judgments, the system uses sensors, cameras, and algorithms to objectively measure and evaluate process outcomes, eliminating human bias and subjectivity from quality assurance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

5Measurement precision

If IoT sensors are used to determine device states, then objective measures can be obtained, but the sensors do not focus on the granularity of the procedure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobjectivity of device state measurementVSAvoidgranularity of procedure measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the quality assurance measurement into fine-grained procedural steps rather than coarse device states. Instead of measuring only overall device conditions, the system breaks down measurements into individual task-level metrics, capturing detailed information about each step of the procedure with high granularity and precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

6Ease of manufacture

If CAD models are accessed from manufacturers, then the models can be obtained, but the access costs are expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailability of CAD modelsVSAvoidcost of obtaining CAD data
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces expensive, proprietary CAD models with affordable, rapidly generated 3D models from 3D scanning. Instead of purchasing costly manufacturer CAD data, the system creates its own digital models through scanning, which are sufficient for mixed reality applications and can be generated on-demand without recurring licensing costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS12499630B2Multimodal procedural guidance content creation and conversion methods and systems
Publication Date: 2025.12.16 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
  • US12499630B2 patent drawing
  • US12499630B2 patent drawing
  • US12499630B2 patent drawing

AI summary

This disclosure and exemplary embodiments described herein provide methods and systems for multimodal procedural guidance content creation and conversion, however, it is to be understood that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to such application. One of the implementations described herein is related to the generation of content/instruction set that can be viewed in different modalities, including but not limited to mixed reality, VR, and audio text, however it is to be understood that the scope of this disclosure is not limited to such application.