3D Plant Model for Indoor Positioning Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning systems, such as GPS, face challenges in providing accurate position information in large plant environments due to low measurement accuracy and interference from equipment, leading to difficulties in precise location identification and three-dimensional measurement, especially indoors where satellite signals are unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A position information authoring system that utilizes a three-dimensional model to manage equipment positions by converting actual position data from GPS and other sources into a virtual spatial environment, enhancing accuracy and enabling stereoscopic measurements through a network of devices and servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS positioning system is used to acquire position information in a plant, then position information can be obtained, but measurement accuracy is low with errors of several meters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a three-dimensional model as an intermediary between the GPS positioning system and the actual equipment locations. The system acquires position information via GPS, maps it to coordinates in a three-dimensional virtual model of the plant, and uses this model to identify equipment locations. This intermediary approach compensates for GPS accuracy limitations by providing a structured spatial reference framework that improves position identification reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a three-dimensional virtual copy of the plant environment, including equipment positions and spatial relationships. This virtual model serves as a replicated representation that can be queried and processed without requiring high-precision real-time GPS measurements, thereby improving position information stability while maintaining ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If satellite-based positioning is used outdoors, then position information can be acquired, but indoor positioning becomes unreliable due to signal blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a positioning system that functions universally across both indoor and outdoor environments. The three-dimensional model serves as a common reference framework that works regardless of satellite signal availability. Outdoors, GPS coordinates are mapped to the model; indoors, the model provides the spatial reference structure, making the system adaptable to varying environmental conditions while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the three-dimensional model of the plant environment with all equipment positions and spatial relationships before actual positioning operations. This pre-prepared virtual framework enables reliable indoor positioning without requiring real-time satellite signals, as the spatial reference structure already exists and can be queried directly.
3Ease of operation
If workers visit equipment sites manually in large plants, then inspection and maintenance work can be performed, but it is difficult to accurately locate specific equipment among many devices and pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a three-dimensional virtual copy of the plant that replicates the physical layout and equipment positions. Workers can query this virtual model to obtain precise location information for any equipment, eliminating the need to physically search through the complex plant environment. This virtual representation provides immediate spatial guidance, improving equipment location accessibility while reducing the time workers spend navigating and searching.
Data Source
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AI summary
A position information authoring system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of position information devices in a plant and a positon information authoring apparatus. Each of the plurality of position information devices is configured to input a position information into the positon information authoring apparatus, the position information represents a three-dimensional absolute position of each of the plurality of position information devices. The positon information authoring apparatus is configured to manage a physical position of each physical equipment in the plant and physical positions of the plurality of position information devices, based on a three-dimensional plant model which includes virtual equipments and marks a virtual position of each of the plurality of position information devices.