Wearable AR Hardhat with Reflector for Obstructed Total Station Surveying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surveying systems face inefficiencies in measurement and layout due to the reliance on expensive equipment and limitations in accuracy when line of sight is obstructed, particularly in construction environments where precision and real-time data are crucial.
Innovation Solution
The integration of augmented reality technology, specifically using a wearable device with a hardhat-mounted reflector, camera, and optical display, in conjunction with a base station, allows for accurate positioning and orientation of virtual objects relative to the environment, enabling continued measurement and layout tasks even when the line of sight is blocked by transferring 'truth' from the base station to the wearable device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional surveying equipment is used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases and device complexity increases due to line of sight requirements and expensive specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wearable device with augmented reality display as an intermediary between the surveyor and the traditional total station equipment. The wearable device receives positioning data from the total station and presents it through an optical display, allowing the surveyor to see measurement data and virtual objects directly in their field of view without requiring line of sight to the total station or carrying additional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical line-of-sight requirement of traditional surveying systems with an optical/electronic information transmission system. Instead of requiring physical line of sight between the total station and surveying target, the system uses electronic data transmission to the wearable device's optical display, eliminating the mechanical constraint while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If expensive specialized surveying equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device serves multiple functions: it displays positioning data, shows virtual objects, provides measurement information, and eliminates the need for separate viewing equipment. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple specialized devices into a single wearable unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the measurement environment and data through the augmented reality display. Instead of requiring the surveyor to physically interact with complex equipment and interpret data from multiple sources, the system creates a virtual representation of all measurement information directly in the surveyor's field of view, simplifying the interaction while preserving accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If line of sight is obstructed in conventional surveying, then measurement capability is lost, but this creates limitations in construction environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical line-of-sight requirement with an electronic data transmission system. The total station can transmit positioning data electronically to the wearable device regardless of physical obstructions, allowing continuous measurement capability in environments where traditional surveying would be blocked by structures, equipment, or terrain.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances measurement precision and efficiency by maintaining accurate data acquisition and reducing errors, even when the line of sight is obstructed, thereby improving construction workflow and reducing the need for high-cost equipment.
Implementation Method 1
the optical display allows real-world light to pass through the optical display
Implementation Method 2
the reflector is a pattern of retroreflective stickers
Implementation Method 3
a reflector, wherein the reflector is fixedly coupled with the hardhat
Implementation Method 4
the base station comprises an electronic distance measurement (EDM) device for measuring a distance from the base station to the reflector
Implementation Method 5
the base station is configured to measure angles and distances from the base station to a reflector
Data Source
AI summary
An augmented-reality system is combined with a surveying system to make measurement and/or layout at a construction site more efficient. A reflector can be mounted to a wearable device having an augmented-reality system. A total station can be used to track a reflector, and truth can be transferred to the wearable device while an obstruction is between the total station and the reflector. Further, a target can be used to orient a local map of a wearable device to an environment based on a distance between the target and the wearable device.