Robotic Point Layout With AR Metadata for Precise Site Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing construction layout methods face challenges in efficiently and accurately transferring metadata to construction sites due to environmental conditions, obstructions, and the need for time-consuming physical marking, which can lead to outdated or missing data, thereby affecting work efficiency and accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A system combining robotic marking and augmented-reality metadata, where a robotic device marks points with high precision and an augmented-reality device provides digital metadata overlays, reducing the need for physical markings and allowing real-time updates and high-precision positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If physical marking methods are used to transfer metadata to construction sites, then points can be marked with high precision, but the process is time-consuming and metadata may become outdated or missing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepoint marking precisionVSAvoidmetadata transfer time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses augmented reality to create a digital copy of metadata and overlay it virtually onto the construction site, eliminating the need for physical marking of all metadata. The AR device projects virtual information directly onto the physical environment, allowing workers to access metadata digitally while maintaining precise point marking through robotic devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual physical marking methods with automated robotic marking devices for point placement, and substitutes physical metadata transfer with digital AR overlay. This mechanical substitution increases both precision and speed by eliminating human error and manual operation limitations.

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

2Measurement precision

If traditional surveying equipment is used, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but the equipment is specialized and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurveying accuracyVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs augmented reality devices that can perform multiple functions: displaying metadata, providing spatial orientation, guiding workers to marked points, and potentially integrating with robotic marking systems. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized surveying tools with a single versatile AR platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The AR device acts as an intermediary between the digital building plan and the physical construction site. It translates complex surveying data into visually intuitive overlays that workers can easily interpret, eliminating the need for specialized surveying equipment while maintaining accuracy through the intermediary's ability to process and present data in multiple formats.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If metadata is physically marked near points, then data is readily accessible, but environmental conditions and obstructions can cause data to be outdated or missing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemetadata accessibilityVSAvoiddata accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of metadata through AR overlay that can be updated in real-time without physical intervention. The digital metadata layer can be modified remotely and instantly reflected in the AR display, ensuring workers always access current information while maintaining the visual accessibility of physically marked data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic metadata presentation through AR, where information can be updated, modified, or removed in real-time based on construction progress and changes to the building plan. This dynamic approach contrasts with static physical markings, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining data reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4365548B1Construction layout using robotic marking and augmented reality metadata overlays
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 TRIMBLE INC
  • EP4365548B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4365548B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4365548B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Marking metadata during layout can be time intensive. A robotic device is used to mark out points at a construction site, and an augmented-reality device uses the points for alignment and provides metadata about the points to a user of the augmented-reality device as the user looks at the points.