Inspection Drone Flight Path Generation for Cell Tower Photogrammetry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drone-based inspection methods for irregularly shaped structures, such as cell towers, require extensive pilot interaction and are inaccurate and time-consuming, lacking automation for precise photogrammetric measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method using machine learning to autonomously determine a flight path for a drone based on two preliminary photographs, calculating enveloping and enlarged ellipses to enclose the structure, allowing precise photogrammetric representation with minimal GPS data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual pilot interaction is used to fly drone to corner points for measurements, then the inspection process can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically capturing images from multiple viewpoints and pre-processing them to extract structural information before the actual measurement process, eliminating the need for manual positioning at corner points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual flight and positioning system with an automated computer vision system that processes images to extract 3D structural information, substituting physical manual operations with computational analysis
2Extent of automation
If manual pilot interaction is required for flight maneuvers, then the drone can be controlled, but the process becomes complex and operator-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing images, processing them through computer vision algorithms, and generating 3D models without requiring manual pilot intervention for flight maneuvers or measurement point selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal system that combines autonomous flight control, image capture, computer vision processing, and 3D reconstruction into a single multi-functional platform that can inspect various structures without requiring operator-specific knowledge
3Extent of automation
If extensive machine vision is used to automate the process, then automation can be achieved, but the system becomes complex and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by using a focused set of computer vision techniques specifically tailored for structural inspection, rather than implementing a complete general-purpose machine vision system, thereby achieving sufficient automation with reduced complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Inspection of structures such as cell towers can be difficult and time-consuming. By automating the generation of a flight path for an autonomous inspection drone, the inspection process is improved. To determine the flight path, the structure is preliminarily photographed from two adjacent sides. The lateral extent of the structure is determined for both views. Enveloping ellipses centered on the axis of the structure and spanning its height are calculated. These are enlarged, for incorporation into the flight path, which also includes ellipses or circles forming a dome above the structure. Waypoints are defined on the flight path, at which inspection photographs are taken for analysis. The drone may pass more than once along part or all of the flight path, and the tilt of the camera may be different in each pass.