Drone LiDAR Positioning for Automated Structure Height Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual drone navigation for obtaining 3D point cloud data of cell towers results in inconsistent data collection and lower quality, hindering the automation of drone flight and data capture processes, which are crucial for digital twin creation.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated method using a drone equipped with a sensor system, such as a LiDAR scanner, to estimate the height and coordinates of a structure by obtaining and filtering depth data, allowing for precise positioning and real-time orbit control without requiring prior knowledge of the structure's type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual drone navigation is used to obtain 3D point cloud data, then the drone can be positioned to capture structure information, but data consistency and quality deteriorate due to human error and inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The drone system performs self-positioning and self-navigation by automatically determining its own location relative to the target structure using sensor data processing, eliminating the need for manual pilot intervention and ensuring consistent data collection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical navigation with an automated optical/electronic positioning system that uses sensor data (camera images, depth data) and processing algorithms to automatically determine drone position and orientation relative to the target structure
2Reliability
If automated drone positioning is implemented, then data collection consistency improves, but system complexity increases due to sensor integration and data processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system serves multiple functions: it captures both 2D images and depth data, performs target detection and positioning, and provides navigation feedback, consolidating what could be separate systems into a unified multi-functional platform
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing system that acts as an intermediary between the sensor system and the drone control system, interpreting sensor data and translating it into navigation commands, thereby managing system complexity through modular architecture
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
Improves data accuracy and reduces costs by enabling automated and precise drone positioning for digital twin creation, applicable to telecom assets and other tall structures like high-voltage transmission poles.
Implementation Method 1
A fully automated method using a drone equipped with a sensor system, such as a LiDAR scanner
Data Source
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AI summary
A method (600) for obtaining information about a structure (101) using a drone (102) equipped with a sensor system (103). The method includes, during a first period of time and while the drone's sensor system is pointing towards the structure, using (s602) the sensor system to obtain first depth data. The method also includes obtaining (s604) a first height value, Z1, indicating or being based on the height of the drone above a bottom point of the structure during the first period of time. The method also includes using (s606) the first depth data to determine a first vertical coordinate representing a top point of the structure. The method further includes estimating (s608) a height of the structure, wherein estimating the height of the structure comprises using the first vertical coordinate and the first height value, Z1, to estimate the height of the structure.