Laser Scanning Asset Detection for Infrastructure Inventory
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for asset inventory in infrastructure networks, such as GPS-based field data collection, are tedious, costly, and lack accuracy, making it difficult for organizations to maintain up-to-date network data for efficient planning and management.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a survey vehicle equipped with a 2D laser scanning device and camera to capture and process data, allowing for concurrent image capture, laser data reflection, and geographic location, measurement, and recognition of objects, such as road signs and poles, to create a geo-referenced database for GIS applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional GPS-based field data collection methods are used, then data can be collected in the field, but the process is tedious, costly, and lacks accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical surveying methods with automated laser scanning technology. The laser scanner automatically captures precise spatial data of infrastructure assets while the vehicle moves, eliminating the need for manual GPS measurements and data logging by technicians. This substitution of mechanical field surveying with optical laser scanning resolves the contradiction by providing both high accuracy and rapid data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service data collection by mounting the laser scanner and camera on a moving vehicle that automatically captures and records asset information without requiring manual intervention. The vehicle itself serves as the data collection platform, performing the surveying function autonomously as it travels through the infrastructure network, thereby reducing both time and cost while maintaining accuracy.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional surveying methods are used, then data can be collected, but the operation is tedious and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The laser scanning system operates continuously as the vehicle moves through the infrastructure network, capturing data without interruption. Unlike manual surveying that requires stopping and setting up equipment at each asset location, the automated system continuously scans the environment, maintaining useful action throughout the entire survey process. This continuity dramatically increases productivity while collecting comprehensive data volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounted laser scanner and camera system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it captures spatial coordinates, records visual images, and collects data for multiple types of infrastructure assets (poles, signs, buildings, vegetation) in a single pass. This multi-functionality allows the system to collect large volumes of diverse data efficiently, resolving the contradiction between data quantity and productivity.
3Ease of manufacture
If data conversion techniques are used to populate GIS applications, then data can be obtained economically, but accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data collection and processing in the field by capturing raw laser scan data and images with precise geospatial coordinates already embedded. The data is collected in the optimal format directly from the source, eliminating the need for subsequent conversion from other formats. This preliminary action of collecting data in the correct GIS-ready format maintains accuracy while preserving ease of processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser scanner creates an accurate digital copy or replica of the physical infrastructure assets with precise spatial information. Instead of converting data from manual surveys or other formats, the system directly captures and stores accurate digital representations of assets in GIS-compatible formats, preserving measurement precision while maintaining ease of data processing and integration.
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 enables efficient, accurate, and cost-effective data collection and management of infrastructure assets, improving the accuracy and speed of inventory processes, allowing for real-time data updating and enhanced planning capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
emitting a beam of light from a laser mounted on the vehicle and capturing laser data reflected off of various objects
Data Source
AI summary
From a survey vehicle, two types of data are obtained: images from a camera and reflections from a laser. The laser data is filtered in order to detect assets. The detected assets are then processed to locate and measure the assets. Once this information has been obtained, it is combined with the images captured by the camera in order to recognize the assets.