Automated Construction Progress Tracking via Orthophoto Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring construction site progress and adherence to plans are labor-intensive, prone to errors, and lack real-time automation, especially for large sites, where manual surveys are inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize automated progress tracking through AI-powered analysis of aerial images, enabling the automatic generation of orthophoto maps, feature data extraction, and communication triggers based on contractual terms and schedule data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual surveys are performed to monitor construction site progress, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to labor-intensive processes and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical surveying operations with an automated digital system using aerial images, orthophoto maps, and AI-based feature recognition. This substitution eliminates labor-intensive manual measurements while maintaining or improving measurement precision through systematic image analysis and automated progress calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of the construction site through aerial imaging and orthophoto maps. These digital representations serve as virtual models that can be analyzed repeatedly without requiring physical presence on site, enabling continuous monitoring while reducing the need for repeated manual surveys.
2Productivity
If automated AI analysis is used to process aerial images, then productivity is improved through automation, but device complexity increases due to advanced processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex analysis task into distinct functional modules: aerial image capture, orthophoto map generation, feature data extraction, progress calculation, and communication triggering. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture by breaking down the complex AI processing into manageable stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multi-functional components that perform multiple operations. For example, the orthophoto map generation process simultaneously creates a corrected aerial view, extracts feature data, and enables progress measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate devices needed while maintaining high productivity.
3Measurement precision
If frequent monitoring is performed to ensure accurate progress tracking, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated data collection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes continuous automated monitoring through scheduled aerial image capture and real-time processing. The system continuously updates orthophoto maps and recalculates progress automatically at predefined intervals or when triggered by schedule milestones, eliminating gaps in monitoring while reducing manual intervention time through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary setup by establishing baseline orthophoto maps and predefined feature points before construction begins. This preliminary action enables rapid subsequent measurements by comparing against pre-established references, reducing the time required for each monitoring cycle while maintaining precision.
4Reliability
If comprehensive site analysis is performed to ensure complete progress monitoring, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to extensive data processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential feature data needed for progress measurement from the comprehensive aerial images and orthophoto maps. By identifying and extracting specific key features (construction elements, boundaries, milestones) rather than analyzing every detail, the system achieves reliable progress tracking while significantly reducing processing time through selective data extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial analysis by focusing on critical progress indicators and predefined feature points rather than complete exhaustive analysis of the entire site. This partial action approach provides sufficient reliability for construction monitoring while reducing processing time by concentrating computational resources on the most important measurement areas.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system are disclosed. The system and method for analysing progress on at least one construction site, wherein the system comprises at least one data processing component configured to process at least one input orthophoto map of an area. The system comprises at least one feature determining component configured to determine feature data of the at least one input orthophoto map. The system comprises at least one analysing component configured to initiate at least one communication based on at least the determined feature data.