Wearable 3D Cavity Navigation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Navigating complex and dark cavities, such as tunnels or wrecked buildings, is challenging due to limited accuracy of existing navigation methods and the need for hands-free exploration to avoid collisions and maintain situational awareness.
Innovation Solution
A wearable system combining a scanning device with a localization and mapping unit, inertial measurement, and image capture, allowing for real-time 3D modeling and display of cavity structures, enabling hands-free navigation and data storage for future planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a flashlight or light source is used to illuminate dark areas, then visibility is improved, but shadows are created that can be confusing and the illumination is limited in intensity and direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of flashlights with an electronic visualization system. The scanning device captures spatial information and the display device renders a virtual representation of the cavity, replacing physical light illumination with digital visual information that does not create shadows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy or representation of the physical cavity through 3D modeling. Instead of illuminating the actual space with light, the system generates a digital model that can be displayed and navigated, allowing users to see the cavity structure without physical lighting.
2Ease of operation
If GPS is used for navigation, then location tracking becomes easier, but accuracy is limited in indoor areas and complex cavities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate technologies between GPS and the final navigation output. The system uses inertial measurement units, accelerometers, and 3D spatial mapping as intermediary systems to bridge the gap where GPS fails, providing continuous navigation capability through multiple sensing layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple navigation technologies into a unified system. GPS, inertial measurement, accelerometer data, and 3D cavity mapping are merged into an integrated navigation solution that maintains accuracy across both outdoor and indoor/complex environments.
3Reliability
If a person explores complex areas manually, then hands are needed for balance and protection, but hands are occupied and cannot perform other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service navigation and environmental mapping capabilities. The wearable device autonomously scans, maps, and navigates the cavity without requiring manual operation, allowing the user's hands to remain free while the system independently performs exploration and documentation functions.
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 accurate, hands-free navigation in dark or complex environments, providing real-time structural information and location tracking, facilitating exploration and planning without the need for additional lighting, and allowing for the creation of detailed 3D models for future reference.
Implementation Method 1
a scanning device for obtaining three dimensional (3D) information about a cavity surrounding a user, the scanning device comprising a localization and mapping device and an inertial measurement unit
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus and method, the system comprising: a scanning device for obtaining three dimensional (3D) information about a cavity surrounding a user, the scanning device comprising a localization and mapping device and an inertial measurement unit; an image capture device for capturing images within the cavity; a processor for receiving the information collected by the scanning device and generating a model of the cavity based on the information; and a display device adapted to display to the user a representation of the model of the cavity, and a route taken by the user within the cavity, wherein the scanning device and the display device are adapted to be attached to at least one wearable item, thereby enabling the user to advance with free hands within the cavity.