Building Structure Risk Detection via Drone Imaging

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current building inspection methods require physical presence within the structure, posing risks and inefficiencies, and rely on physical signs for notification of code violations or collapse risks, which are inadequate for timely and widespread awareness.

Innovation Solution

A computer system and method using multiple cameras and drones to analyze building images from the perimeter and interior, generating an interactive risk diagram and creating a geo-fence to notify users and authorities of potential risks, allowing remote inspection and real-time notification of safety hazards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If physical inspection methods are used, then detailed building structure analysis can be performed, but inspector safety risks increase and inspection efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuilding structure analysis accuracyVSAvoidinspector safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital twin or virtual model of the building structure by capturing images from multiple cameras and drones, then analyzes this digital copy instead of requiring physical inspection. This allows detailed structure analysis while eliminating inspector exposure to safety risks like building collapse or structural failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical inspection with an optical and computational system. Multiple cameras and drones capture images, which are then processed by image recognition algorithms to detect structural defects, substituting the need for human inspectors to physically enter and examine the building.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If physical inspection methods are used, then building code violations can be detected, but inspection time and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecode violation detection accuracyVSAvoidinspection duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous monitoring of building structures through multiple cameras and drones that can operate simultaneously and continuously capture images. The system processes images in real-time or near-real-time, allowing ongoing detection of code violations without the need for periodic manual inspections, thus reducing inspection time and resource consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

By creating and analyzing digital copies of the building structure through imaging, the system enables rapid automated detection of code violations without the time-consuming process of manual measurement and assessment that physical inspection requires.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Loss of information

If physical signs are used for notification, then code violations can be communicated, but notification reach and timeliness are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviolation notification effectivenessVSAvoidnotification speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical signs with an electronic notification system. The image recognition system detects code violations and automatically transmits alerts through digital communication channels, enabling immediate notification to relevant authorities and stakeholders, thus dramatically improving notification speed and reach compared to static physical signs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If remote inspection using cameras and drones is implemented, then inspector safety improves and efficiency increases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection efficiencyVSAvoidinspection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the inspection system into multiple independent components: multiple cameras positioned at different locations, drones for aerial inspection, image recognition software, and notification systems. Each component performs a specific function, and together they form a comprehensive remote inspection system that improves efficiency despite the increased number of elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional inspection system where cameras and drones can capture various types of images (exterior, interior, structural details), the image recognition system can detect multiple types of defects and code violations, and the notification system can alert different stakeholders. This universal system handles diverse inspection tasks, justifying the increased complexity through enhanced productivity and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11403845B2Dynamic detection of building structure

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 KYNDRYL INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer system, a computer program product, and a method that comprises determining potential risks associated with a building by analyzing images of the building; generating an interactive diagram that includes a visual representation of structures associated with the building that depicts the determined potential risks associated with the building; and creating a geo-fence surrounding the building upon the program determining potential risks.