Method and apparatus for precise positioning of large structures
First Claim
1. A method of positioning a three-dimensional structure comprising the steps of:
- establishing a virtual model, the virtual model including a three-dimensional digital representation of the structure, the virtual model being stored in a memory;
positioning remote sensors in selected positions on the structure, the remote sensors configured to provide real-time location, attitude and orientation information regarding the structure;
associating digital representations of the positions of the remote sensors with the virtual model in a data structure in the memory;
monitoring the real-time location, attitude and orientation information provided by the remote sensors;
modifying the location, attitude and orientation of the virtual model with respect to a predefined coordinate system so as to generate a real-time virtual model which corresponds to a current location, attitude and orientation of the structure;
displaying the real-time virtual model to a user as a graphical and textual representation of the current location, attitude and orientation of the structure and simultaneously displaying a graphical and textual representation of a desired location, attitude and orientation of the structure; and
adjusting the current location, attitude and orientation of the structure so as to align the current location, attitude and orientation of the structure to the desired location, attitude and orientation of the structure.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A three dimensional structure is precisely positioned at a desired location. A virtual model of the structure of interest is created and stored in a computer memory. Some time later, remote sensors are placed in selected positions on the structure of interest. The sensors are configured so as to provide real time location, attitude and orientation information regarding the structure and may consist of GPS remote units, tilt meters, gyro compasses, and pressure sensors. The position of each the remote sensors on the actual structure is also recorded in the computer memory so that the virtual model accurately reflects the configuration of the structure. As the structure is being positioned, the real-time location, attitude and orientation information produced by the remote sensors is monitored at a base station and used to update the virtual model. In this way, the virtual model accurately reflects the current location, attitude and orientation of the structure. The information so obtained can be displayed to a user as a graphical and textual representation of the current state of the structure. The desired location, attitude and orientation of the structure is also displayed, thereby allowing a user to adjust the current location, attitude and orientation of the structure so as to align the current position of the structure to desired position. As built reports are produced upon completion of the positioning operation.
49 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A method of positioning a three-dimensional structure comprising the steps of:
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establishing a virtual model, the virtual model including a three-dimensional digital representation of the structure, the virtual model being stored in a memory; positioning remote sensors in selected positions on the structure, the remote sensors configured to provide real-time location, attitude and orientation information regarding the structure; associating digital representations of the positions of the remote sensors with the virtual model in a data structure in the memory; monitoring the real-time location, attitude and orientation information provided by the remote sensors; modifying the location, attitude and orientation of the virtual model with respect to a predefined coordinate system so as to generate a real-time virtual model which corresponds to a current location, attitude and orientation of the structure; displaying the real-time virtual model to a user as a graphical and textual representation of the current location, attitude and orientation of the structure and simultaneously displaying a graphical and textual representation of a desired location, attitude and orientation of the structure; and adjusting the current location, attitude and orientation of the structure so as to align the current location, attitude and orientation of the structure to the desired location, attitude and orientation of the structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification