3D Industrial Plant Modeling via Drone Visual and Infrared Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current two-dimensional models of industrial plants are inefficient and inaccurate for planning infrastructure and asset tracking, and less useful in emergency operations compared to three-dimensional models.

Innovation Solution

Generating a three-dimensional model of an industrial plant using an unmanned aerial vehicle by capturing visual and infrared images from different heights and angles, providing accurate height and density information for objects and layouts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If two-dimensional models based on floor plans are used for industrial plant modeling, then the modeling process is simpler and faster, but the accuracy and usefulness for infrastructure planning, asset tracking, and emergency operations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodeling speedVSAvoidplant model accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional floor plan models to three-dimensional models by capturing images from multiple heights and angles using a drone, then processing these multi-view images to generate accurate 3D representations of the industrial plant including height, width, depth, and spatial relationships of equipment and structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If two-dimensional floor plan models are used for industrial plants, then the device complexity is reduced, but the usefulness for infrastructure planning and emergency operations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel complexityVSAvoidmodel usefulness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The 3D model generated by the patent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables infrastructure planning (lighting, control systems, wireless networks), asset tracking, emergency operations (rescue and evacuation), and provides accurate spatial information for various industrial applications, making the modeling system universally applicable across diverse operational needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2879389B1Generating a three-dimensional model of an industrial plant using an unmanned aerial vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP2879389B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2879389B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Generating a three-dimensional model of an industrial plant using an unmanned aerial vehicle is described herein. One method includes capturing, using an unmanned aerial vehicle, a number of visual images of an industrial plant, capturing, using the unmanned aerial vehicle, a number of infrared images of the industrial plant, and forming a three-dimensional model of the industrial plant by combining the number of visual images and the number of infrared images.