Implementing augmented reality technology

Opportunity

Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science was looking for ways in which augmented reality technologies could support and promote the digitalisation of their service and maintenance operations globally. As proof-of-concept project, they wanted to find a way to visually instruct their service engineers in the maintenance of complex instruments that may be serviced as rarely as once a year.

Solution

Stereoscape worked with Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science team to create detailed step-by-step AR maintenance instructions to be projected directly onto their XRF Analyzer. A design sprint was conducted to create a shared understanding of the business objectives and key requirements for the solution. Hitachi’s existing digital assets, including STEP-files and PDF-documents, were repurposed for the solution. In addition to the PoC, Stereoscape provided training so that Hitachi could author similar instructions themselves in the future.

The solution features animated step-by-step maintenance instructions for the Analyzer, together with further instructions in text and PDF formats. The solution includes tracking features, which allow looking at the Analyzer and the instructions from various angles during the maintenance procedure and zooming into details. The solution works on tablets and other mobile devices, as well as the HoloLens headset.

Seamless transition between augmented reality, animated and hands-free modes

In augmented reality mode, the step-by-step instructions are projected from the user’s tablet or other mobile device onto the physical analysing equipment. By operating the mobile device, the user can rotate the digital representation of the equipment to examine it from different angles, and also inspect elements in close-up. With just one click, the user can also disable the AR mode which switches off the device’s camera and brings the animated 3D instructions onto the mobile screen. Hands-free use is also possible by wearing a HoloLens headset, which gives a semi-transparent view of the instructions overlaid on the real-world Analyzer, leaving the user free to use both hands for e.g. maintenance tasks.

Outcome

• The step-by-step AR maintenance instructions are projected directly onto the XRF Analyzer, making them visually intuitive and easier for the engineers to comprehend.

• Each service step has multiple actions, which are presented in chronological sequence within the animation.

• The users can view the “virtual version” of the Analyzer from multiple angles, and view details in close-up.

• In addition to animated, visual instructions and written text, a traditional PDF-manual is also included for reference.

• Fast content creation is possible without required specialist knowledge.

• The solution is easy to use on tablets and mobile devices as well as HoloLens headset.
• The solution is presented to the client’s organisation globally as proof of concept on digitalisation of maintenance and other work instructions.