Wearable AR Scope with Radar Positioning for Fallen Object Search

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional object search methods using tablets are inefficient in vast areas, especially at night or in low-light conditions, and struggle to locate small fallen objects, posing safety risks for workers.

Innovation Solution

An object search system that includes a detection device using radar and a wearable object search device with an augmented reality display, showing a straight line and ripples to indicate the object's location, along with an arrow for direction, and optionally displaying the object's image, to facilitate easy and safe object retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a tablet is used to display map coordinates for fallen object search, then the worker can access position information, but the search becomes difficult and dangerous in vast areas with no visual markers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition information accessibilityVSAvoidsearch ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an AR display as an intermediary between the worker and the real environment. The AR device overlays virtual position markers and directional guidance onto the real-world view, mediating the interaction between the worker and the vast search area by providing both digital information and visual context simultaneously, eliminating the need to look away at a tablet

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from 2D tablet display to 3D spatial overlay by projecting position information and guidance elements directly into the worker's field of view. This dimensional change allows position data to be displayed in the context of the actual three-dimensional search space, providing intuitive spatial awareness without requiring the worker to interpret flat map coordinates

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If a tablet is used for fallen object search, then position coordinates are available, but worker safety is compromised due to distraction from the environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition information accessibilityVSAvoidworker safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The AR display acts as a safety intermediary by maintaining the worker's situational awareness. By overlaying navigation cues and position information directly in the field of view, the system mediates between needing digital guidance and maintaining environmental awareness, allowing the worker to see obstacles and hazards while simultaneously accessing position information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses color-coded visual indicators in the AR display to convey different types of information (e.g., green for safe directions, red for warnings or obstacles). These color changes provide intuitive safety cues that allow the worker to quickly assess environmental conditions and navigate safely without diverting attention from the surroundings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Device complexity

If traditional search methods are used in low-light conditions, then no additional equipment is needed, but small fallen objects become difficult to locate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidobject detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The AR device serves multiple functions: it provides position information, displays directional guidance, shows real-time environmental imagery, and highlights object locations. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple separate tools (map, compass, flashlight, magnifier) while enhancing detection capability in low-light conditions through integrated sensors and display

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs enhanced color display capabilities in the AR system to improve object detection in low-light conditions. The display can show color-coded thermal signatures, highlight edges and contours with colored overlays, and use color contrast to make small objects visible against dim backgrounds, significantly enhancing detection precision without requiring complex additional equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

4Area of stationary object

If the search area is vast with no marks or indicators, then complete coverage is possible, but locating specific objects becomes extremely time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesearch area coverageVSAvoidsearch time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and displaying optimal navigation paths and position markers before the worker begins searching. The AR device shows directional arrows and distance indicators that guide the worker directly toward potential object locations, eliminating random searching and significantly reducing the time required to cover vast areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous feedback through the AR display, which provides real-time information about the worker's position relative to the search area, updates directional guidance as the worker moves, and highlights newly detected objects. This feedback loop allows the worker to efficiently navigate and locate objects without wasting time in already-searched areas or missing targets

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables efficient and safe searching of fallen objects in vast areas, regardless of lighting conditions, by providing visual cues that guide the worker directly to the object's location, reducing search time and labor.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitter that transmits position information about the object to the object search device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Data Source

PatentEP3690626B1Object search system, object search device, and object search method
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 HITACHI KOKUSAI ELECTRIC INC
  • EP3690626B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3690626B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3690626B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a technology which facilitates a search for an object such as a falling object. This object search system 1 is provided with: a detection device 110 which detects position information on a falling object 106; and a scope 109 which is worn by a user and provided with a display unit that displays an augmented reality space in a real space. The detection device 110 detects an object by using a radar device 100. A radar control device 101 calculates the detected position information on the object and transmits the calculated position information to the scope 109 through a wireless transmission device 103. The scope 109 displays the position information, which pertains to the falling object 106 and is acquired from the detection device 110, on an augmented reality space with a specific indication (an arrow or a wave shape, etc.).