Spatially Aware Tools for AR Construction Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction workers face challenges in accurately identifying and executing tasks in complex construction environments without digital tools that can calculate their location relative to construction plans.
Innovation Solution
The use of spatially-aware tools, such as projectors and augmented reality (AR) headsets, that track the physical position of tools and associate them with construction plans, generating augmentation data to display virtual objects at their correct physical locations, thereby enhancing task execution accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional non-digital hand tools are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and task execution accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spatially-aware tools as intermediary devices that bridge the gap between traditional simple tools and complex digital systems. These tools include sensors, processors, and displays that enable precise location tracking and augmented reality guidance without requiring workers to directly operate complex computing systems. The intermediary tool handles the complexity internally while presenting a simple interface to the worker.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement and positioning methods with electronic and optical systems. Instead of using tape measures, levels, and manual calculations, the system employs sensors, cameras, processors, and augmented reality displays to automatically track location, calculate positions, and guide workers visually, thereby improving precision while managing complexity through automation.
2Manufacturing precision
If spatially-aware tools with tracking systems are deployed, then task execution accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spatially-aware tools are designed as multi-functional devices that combine location tracking, augmented reality display, task guidance, and safety monitoring in a single tool. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into one device, improving task accuracy while managing overall system complexity by reducing the number of separate tools and systems needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tools automatically perform tracking, calculation, and guidance functions without requiring external intervention. The system self-calibrates, self-tracks its position, and automatically adjusts the augmented reality display based on the worker's location and orientation, thereby improving precision while minimizing the operational complexity for the user.
3Loss of information
If augmented reality displays are used, then information visualization improves, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The augmented reality display updates information at periodic intervals rather than continuously, synchronizing with the worker's movements and the system's tracking updates. This periodic refresh approach maintains effective information visualization while reducing energy consumption by keeping the display in lower-power states between updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system displays augmented reality information selectively in specific regions of the worker's field of view rather than uniformly across the entire display area. High-information areas receive full refresh rates and brightness, while peripheral or less critical areas use lower power modes, optimizing the balance between information visibility and energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
The systems described in this disclosure can be used in construction settings to facilitate the tasks being performed. The location of projectors and augmented reality headsets can be calculated and used to determine what images to display to a worker, based on a map of work to be performed, such as a construction plan. Workers can use spatially-aware tools to make different locations be plumb, level, or equidistant with other locations. Power to tools can be disabled if they are near protected objects.