3D Exterior Work Estimation From Remote Structure Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exterior repair estimate methods are time-consuming, inaccurate, and unreliable, often leading to incorrect material ordering and difficulty in envisioning the finished work, which can hinder insurance coverage for repairs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a measurements database, renderer, and platform to generate a three-dimensional rendering and estimate for exterior work, including user input, data parsing, texture application, and user command modifications to provide accurate and reliable estimates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional on-site measurement methods are used, then the estimate process can be completed, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient leading to incorrect material ordering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses satellite imagery and aerial photography to create a digital copy of the structure's exterior features. This remote sensing copy replaces traditional physical measurement, providing accurate dimensional data without requiring on-site presence. The imagery is processed to extract precise measurements of roof areas, wall surfaces, and other exterior elements, eliminating human measurement errors while maintaining high reliability through verified imaging data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement process (physical tape measures, clinometers, and on-site instruments) with automated image processing algorithms. Satellite and aerial images are analyzed using computer vision techniques to automatically calculate dimensions, areas, and geometric properties. This substitution eliminates the need for manual mechanical measurement, providing consistent and reproducible results with higher precision and reliability.
2Productivity
If professional on-site measurement is conducted, then exterior work estimates can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming requiring significant owner time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables homeowners to obtain accurate exterior work estimates without hiring professionals or spending time on-site measurements. By automatically accessing satellite imagery and aerial photography, the system performs all measurement and calculation functions autonomously. The homeowner simply inputs basic information through a user interface, and the system generates comprehensive estimates including material quantities, labor costs, and timeline projections, completely eliminating the time investment previously required for professional site visits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs all measurement and estimation calculations in advance using pre-existing satellite and aerial imagery that is already available in the database. Rather than requiring on-site measurement at the time of estimate generation, the system has already captured and processed the structural data previously, allowing instant estimate generation when needed. This preliminary data collection eliminates time delays associated with scheduling and conducting on-site measurements.
3Measurement precision
If conventional measurement methods are used, then an estimate can be provided, but accuracy is compromised leading to insurance coverage difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a detailed digital replica of the structure's exterior using high-resolution satellite and aerial imagery. This copy includes precise measurements of all exterior surfaces, roof areas, wall dimensions, and architectural features. The digital copy serves as verified documentation that can be submitted to insurance companies, providing them with confidence in the estimate's accuracy. The imagery itself acts as permanent documentation that can be audited and verified, establishing reliability for insurance coverage purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates multiple verification steps and cross-checks to ensure estimate accuracy. Satellite imagery is cross-referenced with aerial photography, and measurements are validated against architectural standards and building codes. The system provides detailed documentation and breakdowns of all calculations, allowing users and insurance companies to verify the reasoning and data sources. This feedback mechanism builds confidence in the estimate's reliability, making insurance companies more willing to provide coverage based on these documented, verifiable measurements.
4Manufacturing precision
If detailed exterior measurements are obtained, then accurate material calculations can be made, but the complexity of data collection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual data collection processes with automated image processing. Instead of requiring professionals to physically measure and record numerous dimensions, the system uses satellite and aerial imagery combined with computer vision algorithms to automatically extract all necessary measurement data. The algorithms identify structural features, calculate areas, determine volumes, and generate material lists automatically. This substitution dramatically reduces the complexity of data collection while maintaining or improving the precision of material calculations through consistent, algorithmic measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
A system to generate an estimate on exterior work, the system comprising a measurements database configured to store measurements data of structures, a renderer configured to generate a three-dimensional rendering, and a platform configured to accept a user input comprising identifying information identifying a structure and a worksite corresponding to a selected portion of the identified structure, to forward a query including the identifying information to the measurements database, to receive a data set for the identified structure from the measurements database in response to the query, to parse the received data set for data points relating to the identified worksite, to request a rendering of the worksite from the renderer based on the parsed data points, to receive the rendering from the renderer, and to generate an estimate on exterior work for the worksite based on the parsed data points.