Excavator Camera Rig SfM Photogrammetry for Subsurface Feature Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for accurately determining the locations of subsurface features in excavation work are often unreliable, expensive, and require specialized personnel, hindering efficient and safe excavation processes, especially in augmented reality applications.
Innovation Solution
A camera rig mounted on heavy construction equipment captures images of subsurface features and surrounding environmental elements, which are then processed using structure-from-motion photogrammetry to generate a 3D reality mesh, allowing for accurate location measurement and storage for use in augmented reality views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If survey personnel are deployed to precisely determine subsurface feature locations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase due to requiring specialized personnel and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical surveying equipment (total stations, GPS receivers, theodolites) with an uncrewed aerial vehicle equipped with optical sensors and photogrammetry software. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized survey personnel while maintaining high measurement precision through automated image capture and processing algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-surveying by automatically capturing images from multiple angles, processing them through structure-from-motion algorithms, and generating 3D models without human intervention. The uncrewed aerial vehicle autonomously navigates to capture positions, and the software automatically extracts feature locations, eliminating the need for specialized survey operators.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive excavation surveys are conducted to map all subsurface features, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to the massive amount of excavation required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary mapping by capturing images of subsurface features during routine maintenance or repair work before comprehensive excavation is needed. These preliminary surveys build a progressive database of feature locations that can be used for future excavation planning, reducing the need for massive re-excavation while maintaining accurate location data.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring comprehensive excavation of entire streets to map all features, the system uses partial surveys during routine maintenance windows to progressively improve the accuracy of available location information. This partial action approach accumulates sufficient data for safe excavation planning without the excessive productivity loss of complete resurfacing.
3Measurement precision
If laser scanners are used to precisely determine subsurface feature locations during excavation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase due to requiring specialized personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex laser scanning systems with simpler optical cameras mounted on uncrewed aerial vehicles. The camera-based photogrammetry system achieves comparable or superior precision through multi-angle imaging and 3D reconstruction algorithms, while being easier to operate and requiring no specialized training.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates accurate 3D digital copies of subsurface features through photogrammetry, allowing virtual measurement and analysis without physical contact or complex scanning equipment. These digital models can be repeatedly analyzed and shared without requiring the original scanning equipment or specialized operators.
4Ease of operation
If older maps and drawings are used to identify subsurface feature locations, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lack of detail and outdated information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary high-precision surveys to create updated digital maps and drawings that reflect current subsurface feature locations. These preliminary actions capture in-field changes and construction modifications, providing both ease of operation through digital formats and high measurement precision through accurate contemporary data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously updates location information by comparing new survey data with existing maps and drawings, identifying discrepancies and corrections. This feedback loop ensures that digital plans remain current and accurate, combining the simplicity of map-based planning with the precision of modern measurement technologies.
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
This approach provides accurate and cost-effective location data for subsurface features without the need for specialized personnel, enabling reliable augmented reality views and improving excavation workflow efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A camera rig includes one or more cameras that capture a set of images of the subsurface features and elements of a surrounding physical environment. A structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry application generates a three-dimensional (3D) reality mesh from the set of images.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, techniques are provided for capturing accurate information describing the location of subsurface features (e.g., subsurface utilities such as water pipes, sewer pipes, electrical conduits, etc.) usable in providing an augmented reality view. A set of images is captured with a camera rig coupled to a mobile portion (e.g., the boom) of a piece of heavy construction equipment (e.g., an excavator) being used by workers to conduct an excavation that exposes the subsurface features. The set of images is provided to a structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry that generates a 3D reality mesh. Relative and/or absolute locations of the subsurface features are calculated based on the 3D reality mesh and provided to an augmented reality application executing on an augmented reality device for use in providing an augmented reality view.