3D Structure Inspection Using Geotagged Surface Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for inspecting three-dimensional structures are time-consuming and prone to qualitative inaccuracies due to human judgment variability, with photographic methods requiring intensive labor and often yielding inconsistent data, especially when accessing difficult-to-view surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a vehicle with an imaging device to capture two-dimensional images of structure surfaces, storing position information, and generating a three-dimensional virtual model for real-time display, allowing for precise inspection and documentation of structures using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or other vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional photographic inspection methods are used, then inspection coverage can be achieved, but inspection time increases and data consistency deteriorates due to intensive labor and human judgment variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual photographic inspection with an automated system that uses a vehicle-mounted imaging device to capture images and automatically processes them through image processing algorithms to generate three-dimensional models, eliminating human judgment variability and reducing inspection time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital three-dimensional virtual model copy of the inspected structure, which can be viewed and analyzed without requiring physical access to all surfaces, thereby reducing inspection time while maintaining data consistency
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual photographic inspection is performed, then structure surfaces can be documented, but labor intensity increases and access to difficult surfaces becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vehicle-mounted imaging system that can inspect various structure surfaces from multiple angles and positions, providing universal access to difficult-to-reach areas while maintaining a standardized inspection process
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a comprehensive three-dimensional virtual model, the system captures all surface information in a single inspection pass, eliminating the need for complex manual access to difficult surfaces
3Measurement precision
If traditional inspection methods are used, then basic structure assessment can be performed, but inspection quality and detail resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective human visual assessment with automated image processing algorithms that objectively analyze the captured images, improving inspection quality and detail resolution while maintaining high productivity through efficient automated processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms two-dimensional images into a three-dimensional virtual model, enabling comprehensive surface inspection and detailed analysis that preserves high resolution while improving overall inspection efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A method for structure inspection includes the steps of: selecting a structure; providing a vehicle having an imaging device; moving the vehicle in proximity of the structure; capturing two-dimensional images of surfaces of the structure with the imaging device; storing the two-dimensional images, wherein each image includes associated position information related to the surface; producing a three-dimensional virtual model from the stored two-dimensional images; displaying the three-dimensional virtual model on a user device; selecting a location on the display of the three-dimensional model; using the selected location to identify a corresponding one of the stored position information associated with at least one of the two-dimensional images; and displaying the at least one two-dimensional image on the user device.