Automated Building Inspection via Image Overlay Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The time and cost associated with visual inspections of building structures are high due to the need for manual assessments, which can be prolonged by the size of the building, location, and weather conditions, and are further exacerbated by the lack of prior information, especially after natural disasters.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that captures images or videos of building structures using handheld cameras or UAVs, analyzes them using image recognition software to compare with previous images, determines classifications and indicators of needed repairs, and overlays these indicators onto the images for quick assessment and prioritization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual visual inspection is performed to assess building structures, then detailed examination can be conducted, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated image processing system that captures building images, extracts features, and performs structural assessment automatically. This substitution of mechanical human inspection with automated computational analysis maintains inspection accuracy while dramatically reducing assessment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of building structures through image capture and processing. By working with digital image data rather than physical inspection, the system can analyze multiple views and perform repeated assessments without additional time cost, resolving the contradiction between thorough examination and time consumption.
2Area of stationary object
If comprehensive building inspection is performed across large areas, then complete assessment coverage is achieved, but the complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the building inspection task into segmented image processing operations. The system processes building images in discrete steps (image capture, feature extraction, analysis, reporting), allowing comprehensive coverage of large areas while managing complexity through modular, automated processing rather than requiring complex coordinated manual inspection teams.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated image processing system performs multiple functions (capture, analyze, assess, report) through a single integrated platform. This universal system can handle various building types and inspection requirements without proportionally increasing complexity, unlike manual inspection which requires different teams and procedures for different building scales.
3Measurement precision
If detailed analysis of each building region is performed, then accurate damage classification is achieved, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary image capture and feature extraction before detailed damage classification. By pre-processing images to extract relevant features (edges, textures, structural elements), the system prepares data for rapid classification without sacrificing accuracy. This preliminary action enables subsequent detailed analysis to be performed more efficiently on pre-processed data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual detailed region-by-region analysis with automated image processing algorithms that can simultaneously analyze multiple building regions. This substitution maintains classification accuracy through systematic feature analysis while increasing productivity by parallel processing capabilities inherent in computational systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for assessing a building structure. The method includes receiving information indicative of captured data, the captured data comprising an image of the building structure. The method includes receiving information indicative of an analysis of the captured data. The method includes based on the analysis of the captured data, performing an assessment of the one or more examined regions. Performing the assessment includes determining one or more classifications each corresponding to a different one of the one or more examined regions, and determining one or more indicators each corresponding to a different one of the one or more classifications. The method includes determining a mapping of the one or more indicators to the one or more examined regions. The method includes providing for display the one or more indicators overlaid onto the image according to the determined mapping.