Laser Scanner Self-Calibration for Accurate 3D Roof Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing property inspection methods, such as roof damage assessment, are risky and inefficient, often requiring appraisers to climb onto roofs, leading to potential injuries and providing inadequate detail due to two-dimensional images with poor quality.
Innovation Solution
A property inspection system using a laser tracking device to scan a biodegradable fiducial marker and a laser scanning device to capture 3D data points, adjusting for changes in position and orientation to construct an accurate 3D model of the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If appraisers climb onto the roof to evaluate damage, then inspection detail is improved, but safety risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physical roof inspection with an automated laser scanning system. The laser scanner captures 3D point cloud data of the roof surface, and image processing algorithms automatically analyze the data to detect damage such as dents, deformations, and defects. This eliminates the need for appraisers to physically climb onto roofs while maintaining or improving inspection detail through high-precision laser measurement and automated image analysis.
2Loss of time
If two-dimensional digital pictures are taken of the roof, then inspection time is reduced, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional photography to three-dimensional laser scanning. The laser scanner emits laser beams that reflect off the roof surface to create a 3D point cloud, capturing depth information and surface geometry that 2D images cannot provide. This dimensional enhancement allows for automatic detection of roof deformations, dents, and defects through 3D image processing, maintaining rapid inspection speed while dramatically improving measurement precision and detail.
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 safe and efficient inspection by generating precise 3D models of structures, reducing the need for physical access and improving damage assessment accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
scanning, by a laser tracking device, a biodegradable fiducial marker located on a structure
Implementation Method 2
scanning, by a laser scanning device, a surface of the structure
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and system for scanning a structure, a structure scanner may acquire multiple scans of a surface of a structure. Each of the scans may correspond to different portions of the surface. The property inspection system may generate a 3D model of the surface using the scans. To account for potential changes in position and/or orientation of the structure scanner between scans, the structure scanner may self-calibrate using a fiducial marker. By correcting for changes in position and orientation over time, the structure scanner may accurately map the scans of the different portions of the surface to a 3D model of the surface.