Unified RTLS, RTS, and BIM Object Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current real-time location systems (RTLS), robotic total stations (RTS), and building information modeling (BIM) technologies operate independently, lacking a unified solution for enhanced object positioning, recognition, tracking, and operation, particularly in construction and engineering environments.
Innovation Solution
A combined system integrating RTLS, RTS, and BIM for real-time object recognition and positioning, where a robotic total station monitors BIM objects and tools on a worksite, using RTLS for navigation and positioning, and BIM models for task-specific guidance, enabling seamless tracking and operation of multiple objects and users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If RTLS, RTS, and BIM technologies operate independently, then each technology can function with its own established methodology, but the system lacks unified object positioning, recognition, tracking, and operation capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RTLS (real-time location system), RTS (robotic total station), and BIM (building information modeling) into a single integrated system. The RTLS provides wireless tag tracking, the RTS provides precise angular and distance measurements, and the BIM provides 3D modeling and task management. These three independent technologies are merged to deliver unified object positioning, recognition, tracking, and operation capabilities that none could achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it tracks objects wirelessly via RTLS, measures precise positions via RTS, creates and manages 3D models via BIM, provides task management, and enables real-time monitoring. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to handle diverse construction and engineering tasks that would otherwise require separate specialized systems.
2Measurement precision
If a robotic total station is used for precise positioning, then millimeter-range accuracy is achieved for single objects, but the system cannot track multiple objects and users simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tracking function by assigning different tracking methods to different ranges and requirements. RTLS tags handle coarse tracking of multiple objects and users over larger distances, while the RTS focuses on precise measurement of specific targets within its field of view. This segmentation allows the system to maintain millimeter-level precision for critical measurements while simultaneously monitoring multiple objects through the wireless tag network.
Solution Approach 2:
The BIM model serves as an intermediary that coordinates between the RTLS and RTS components. The BIM provides the 3D spatial framework that integrates data from both systems, allowing the RTLS-tracked objects to be correlated with RTS-measured positions. This intermediary enables the system to combine the multi-object tracking capability of RTLS with the precision measurement capability of RTS.
3Productivity
If RTLS is used for real-time tracking, then multiple objects can be monitored simultaneously with tens of centimeters precision, but the system lacks millimeter-level positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between tracking modes based on requirements. For distant or non-critical objects, the system uses RTLS wireless tracking with tens of centimeters precision. When an object enters the RTS field of view and requires precise measurement, the system transitions to RTS tracking with millimeter-level accuracy. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high productivity across multiple objects while providing enhanced precision when needed.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An object recognition and positioning system that employs real-time location, a robotic total station, and a building information model in a single, transparent system that delivers object positioning, recognition, tracking, and operation.