Virtual Safety Shield for AR Hazard Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems face challenges in providing timely and effective safety notifications to users, as existing visualization systems require physical proximity and lack comprehensive troubleshooting guidance, leading to delayed maintenance and potential hazards due to the distraction of augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR) technologies masking physical hazards.
Innovation Solution
An AR/MR/VR system that includes a safety shield component to define a virtual safety shield around the user, using spatial mapping and motion tracking to identify potential hazards and generate notifications, preventing accidents by warning users of impending interactions with obstacles or safety zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users engage with AR/MR/VR presentations, then user focus and engagement are improved, but safety awareness deteriorates due to masking of physical hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary safety checks by continuously scanning the environment and defining virtual safety shields before hazardous interactions can occur. Notifications are generated in advance when obstacles approach the safety shield boundary, allowing users to react before danger arises, thus maintaining both engagement and safety awareness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary safety notification system that mediates between the AR/MR/VR content and the physical environment. The system acts as a bridge by overlaying safety information within the virtual presentation itself, allowing users to receive safety alerts without breaking immersion or losing engagement with the AR/MR/VR experience.
2Productivity
If existing visualization systems are used, then physical hazards can be observed, but user proximity is required leading to delayed maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical proximity for hazard detection with remote sensing technologies. The system uses sensors, cameras, and other detection devices to monitor equipment conditions and identify hazards from a distance, eliminating the need for users to physically approach potentially dangerous equipment for maintenance or inspection.
3Reliability
If safety notifications are provided through traditional methods, then safety information is delivered, but user distraction from AR/MR/VR content increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges safety notification functionality with the AR/MR/VR presentation content itself. Safety information is integrated into the virtual display, combining hazard alerts with the immersive experience rather than presenting them as separate external notifications. This allows safety messages to be delivered reliably while maintaining user focus within the augmented reality environment.
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial visualization system defines and enforces a virtual safety shield comprising a three-dimensional space surrounding a wearer of a client device. The dimensions of the virtual safety shield are defined by a specified safe distance surrounding the user that allows sufficient reaction time in response to notification that the wearer is at risk of interacting with a safety zone, hazardous machinery, or vehicles within the plant. If a boundary of a safety zone or hazardous equipment falls within the three-dimensional space defined by the virtual safety shield, the system sends a notification to the user's client device, or places the hazardous equipment in a safe operating mode.