Wearable AR Overlay for Tool Operation Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Workers in machine tool shops and hobbyists often interrupt their work to consult instruction sheets and diagrams for tool operation, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks due to the need to check settings and control other tools, such as dust collectors, while working with power tools.
Innovation Solution
A wearable image projection device or augmented reality overlay system that projects information directly onto the user's field of view, allowing for real-time guidance on tool operation, safety warnings, and control of connected tools without requiring the user to look away from their work, using a heads-up display or projector glasses that can sense the user's position and tool status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If workers consult instruction sheets and diagrams for tool operation, then they can obtain proper operation information, but work efficiency decreases due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions information delivery from a two-dimensional paper-based instruction sheet to a three-dimensional spatial overlay projected directly onto the work area. This allows workers to access operational information in their field of view without physically moving to consult separate documents, thereby maintaining operation accuracy while eliminating work interruptions and improving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable projection device acts as an intermediary between the worker and the tool/work area. Instead of directly consulting physical instruction sheets, the worker receives projected guidance information through the wearable device that overlays relevant data onto the actual work area, maintaining operational reliability while improving productivity by eliminating the need to look away from the work
2Reliability
If workers check settings and control other tools during work, then they can ensure proper operation, but safety risks increase due to distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The system projects control interfaces and status information from a separate control panel dimension into the worker's field of view dimension. This allows workers to monitor settings and control other tools through the wearable projection without physically turning to check separate displays or controls, maintaining operation correctness while reducing safety risks by keeping attention focused on the work area
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable projection device serves as an intermediary that brings tool settings, status indicators, and control interfaces directly to the worker's line of sight. This eliminates the need to distractingly check separate locations for this information, ensuring operational correctness while minimizing safety risks by maintaining continuous visual awareness of the work area
3Reliability
If workers halt the set up process or operation to check information, then they can ensure proper settings, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads and displays relevant operational information, settings, and guidance directly in the worker's field of view before they are needed. This allows workers to have all necessary information readily available during the setup and operation processes, ensuring settings accuracy while eliminating the need to halt work to check information, thereby maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable projection system enables continuous access to operational information and controls without interrupting the workflow. Workers can check settings, receive guidance, and control tools while maintaining continuous engagement with the work piece, ensuring settings accuracy while eliminating stoppages that would reduce productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable augmented reality overlay device for use with a tool displays information to a user relating to the status or operation of the tool, to the forming of a work piece for a project, or to safety information related to the tool. The displayed information may include a highlight projected onto a portion of the tool, onto a wearer's body part, or onto a work piece. The displayed information may include a virtual control for the tool or another tool, an operating manual, or a maintenance, assembly or operating guide. The wearable display permits the user to control the tool and potentially other tools in the work shop. The display may instead include a projector to project adjustment information as a tool is adjusted. A virtual image of a tool may be projected to locating a tool in a work area.