Quantitative evaluation of overlaying discrepancies in mobile augmented reality applications for AEC/FM

Augmented Reality (AR) is a trending technology that provides a live view of the real and physical environment augmented by virtual elements, enhancing the information of the scene with digital information (sound, video, graphics, text or geo-location). Its application to architecture, engineering and construction, and facility management (AEC/FM) is straightforward and can be very useful to improve the on-site work at different stages of the projects. However, one of the most important limitations of Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) is the lack of accuracy when the screen overlays the virtual models on the real images captured by the camera. The main reasons are errors related to tracking (positioning and orientation of the mobile device) and image capture and processing (projection and distortion issues). This paper shows a new methodology to mathematically perform a quantitative evaluation, in world coordinates, of those overlaying discrepancies on the screen, obtaining the real-scale distances from any real point to the sightlines of its virtual projections for any AR application. Additionally, a new utility for filtering built-in sensor signals in mobile devices is presented: the Drift-Vibration-Threshold function (DVT), a straightforward tool to filter the drift suffered by most sensor-based tracking systems

Key functions in BIM-based AR platforms

The integration of Augmented Reality and Building Information Modelling is a promising area of research; however, fragmentation in literature hinders the development of mature BIM-based AR platforms. This paper aims to minimise the fragmentation in the literature by identifying the key functions that represent the essential capabilities of BIM-AR platforms. A systematic literature review is employed to identify, categorise, and discuss the key functions. The outcome of this paper identifies six key functions: positioning (P), interaction (I), visualisation (V), collaboration (C), automation (A), and integration (T). These key functions act as the foundation for an evaluation framework that can assist practitioners, developers, and researchers with assessing the requirements of the targeted application area, and hence be better informed on the appropriate devices, software, and techniques to use. Finally, this paper emphasises the importance of industrial-academic collaboration in BIM-AR research and suggests prospects for automation through the application of artificial intelligence

Information Technology and Human Factors to Enhance Design and Constructability Review Processes in Construction

abstract: Emerging information and communication technology (ICT) has had an enormous effect on the building architecture, engineering, construction and operation (AECO) fields in recent decades. The effects have resonated in several disciplines, such as project information flow, design representation and communication, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) approaches. However, these effects can potentially impact communication and coordination of the virtual design contents in both design and construction phases. Therefore, and with the great potential for emerging technologies in construction projects, it is essential to understand how these technologies influence virtual design information within the organizations as well as individuals’ behaviors. This research focusses on understanding current emerging technologies and its impacts on projects virtual design information and communication among projects stakeholders within the AECO organizations.Dissertation/ThesisDoctoral Dissertation Civil and Environmental Engineering 201

Benefits of Using Augmented Reality in Planning, Construction and Post-Construction Phases in Specialty Contracting

abstract: The construction industry has been growing over the past few years, but it is facing numerous challenges, related to craft labor availability and declining productivity. At the same time, the industry has benefited from computational advancements by leveraging the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) to create information rich 3D models to enhance the planning, designing, and construction of projects. Augmented Reality (AR) is one technology that could further leverage BIM, especially on the construction site. This research looks at the human performance attributes enabled using AR as the main information delivery tool in the various stages of construction. The results suggest that using AR for information delivery can enhance labor productivity and enable untrained personnel to complete key construction tasks. However, its usability decreases when higher accuracy levels are required. This work contributes to the body of knowledge by empirically testing and validating the performance effects of using AR during construction tasks and highlights the limitations of current generation AR technology related to the construction industry. This work serves as foundation of future industry-based AR applications and research into potential AR implementations.Dissertation/ThesisDoctoral Dissertation Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering 201

Development of open platform controller for step-NC compliant CNC system

The Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines have gone through tremendous upgrades along the years. However, conventional CNC machines could not find its place in the new era of machining under the conventional standard of ISO 6983 due to its limitation in compatibility, language difference and control has caused increase in terms of repurchase cost, reinstallations, reconfigurations and also training of operators. Therefore, this study covers the system which has been designed and developed from outdated and conventional PROLIGHT 1000 Milling CNC machine from Light Intelitek as the lesser cost solution which further discussed in detail based upon upgrades of hardware, architecture, and algorithm design. The hardware of the system was upgraded with the new servo system combined with SSCNET implementation to improve the functionality and efficiency of the new system. Meanwhile the PC-based software internal structure was developed and categorized under six modules which are Menu, Interpreter, 3D Simulation, Machine Motion System, Drill Bit Monitoring and Live Thermal Monitoring. The designed system software is established as UTHM Open CNC Controller (UOCC). It shows that the retrofitted CNC machine has successfully manufactured “Example 1” (STEP-NC) and “13 Drill Hole” (G-Code) files from the UOCC system which indicates that modules in the UOCC system are able to communicate with the CNC machine thus validating the workability of the controller. Moreover, UOCC system has been extended to online environment via Wi-Fi which utilizes Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) Socket in Java which used the PC as server to create socket thus establishing bind connection between UOCC RM mobile phone and the UOCC system, allowing users to remotely monitor the machining process on mobile platform. While the UOCC AR mobile application allow users to view machining setup process through Augmented Reality guide therefore improving the average operating time for experienced users (42.46%) and non-experienced (28.36%). Moreover, the averaged users’ rating shows 93.3% of overall satisfactory from the users which shows that the addition of AR in the system is well received and accepted by the operators of the UOCC