Construction-Site 3D Imaging Using Crane-Mounted 2D Photogrammetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating 3D digital representations or orthophotos of construction sites face limitations due to the unavailability, high cost, and operational restrictions of UAVs and LIDAR scanners, necessitating a more accessible and cost-effective solution.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a ground-based lifting device, such as a construction crane or excavator, equipped with a mobile 2D camera and electronic processor to capture multiple 2D photos, which are processed to create a 3D digital representation or orthophoto, leveraging readily available mobile devices like cell phones or tablets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a UAV or LIDAR scanner is used to generate 3D digital representation, then measurement precision and detail level are improved, but device cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mobile 2D camera to capture images from multiple positions, creating a digital copy of the physical scene that can be processed into a 3D representation. This replaces expensive specialized equipment (UAVs, LIDAR) with a simple camera system attached to commonly available lifting devices, achieving comparable measurement precision through photogrammetry while dramatically reducing device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes lifting devices (cranes, excavators) multi-functional by attaching a mobile camera to their load receiving means. These devices serve both their original construction purposes and new photogrammetry functions, eliminating the need for specialized measurement equipment and reducing operational complexity while maintaining measurement capability
2Device complexity
If a mobile 2D camera attached to lifting device is used, then device cost and availability are improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical measurement systems (LIDAR scanners, specialized UAV sensors) with an optical system (mobile 2D camera). By using photogrammetry algorithms to process multiple 2D images, the system achieves accurate 3D measurements and orthophotos without requiring sophisticated mechanical measurement equipment, thereby reducing cost while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent captures 3D spatial information by taking multiple 2D photographs from different positions and angles around the construction site. By moving the camera through three-dimensional space and using computational photogrammetry to reconstruct the scene, the system extracts precise measurements and creates orthophotos, transforming 2D image data into accurate 3D representations without needing specialized 3D sensing hardware
3Measurement precision
If specialized equipment like UAVs or LIDAR is deployed, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service operation by attaching a mobile camera to lifting devices that are already present at construction sites for their primary functions. The camera automatically captures images during normal lifting operations, and photogrammetry software automatically processes these images into 3D representations and orthophotos. This eliminates the need for specialized measurement equipment and trained operators, making the system as easy to operate as the lifting devices themselves while maintaining measurement precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables detailed and efficient documentation of construction progress without specialized personnel, providing immediate 3D representations or orthophotos within hours, suitable for cross-checking with plans and addressing installation errors.
Implementation Method 1
a mobile 2D camera (7) which is configured to capture a plurality of 2D photos of the object or scene at a plurality of positions along the path
Implementation Method 2
at least one electronic processor which is configured to create the 3D digital representation or orthophoto of the object or scene on the basis of the plurality of 2D photos of the object or scene
Data Source
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AI summary
A device and a method for generating a 3D digital representation or orthophoto of an object (8) or a scene, in particular of an object (8) or scene located on a construction site, wherein a mobile 2D camera (7) is moved along a path (9) above the object (8) or scene to be captured by a lifting device (1), preferably in the form of a construction crane, a vehicle crane or an excavator, the mobile 2D camera (7) captures a plurality of 2D photos of the object (8) or scene at a plurality of positions along the path (9) at least one electronic processor (13, 16) creates the 3D digital representation or orthophoto of the object (8) or scene on the basis of the plurality of 2D photos of the object (8) or scene, and the 3D digital representation or orthophoto of the object (8) or scene is made available via at least one digital interface (15, 16), also a computer program and a data carrier signal.