LIDAR-Based Property Damage Detection for Remote Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting property damage require physical inspection by an inspector, which is inefficient and not suitable for monitoring property conditions over time.
Innovation Solution
A LIDAR system that collects depth and dimensional data to determine property damage, condition, and recommended repairs, enabling remote inspection and monitoring through a computing system that analyzes LIDAR data and provides repair recommendations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical inspection by an inspector is used to assess property damage, then accurate damage assessment can be obtained, but inspection efficiency is low and inspector travel time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital 3D copy of the property using LIDAR technology. The system generates a point cloud model that replicates the physical property's geometry and features, allowing remote inspection of this digital copy instead of requiring physical presence. This digital twin enables accurate damage assessment without the inspector needing to travel to the property, thus maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving inspection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical inspection (inspector traveling to property, manual measurement tools) with an optical/electronic system (LIDAR sensors, photogrammetry cameras, computational algorithms). The LIDAR system uses laser ranges and photogrammetry uses image coordinates to automatically generate 3D models and detect damage, substituting human physical inspection with automated optical measurement and computational analysis
2Reliability
If inspector travel to property is required for damage inspection, then on-site assessment is possible, but time and resource costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing comprehensive LIDAR data and creating 3D models of the property in advance. Once the digital model is established, damage assessment can be performed remotely at any time without requiring inspector travel. The system allows multiple inspections of the same property by reusing the pre-captured 3D model, eliminating repeated travel time while maintaining reliable on-site equivalent assessment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital 3D model as an intermediary between the inspector and the physical property. Instead of the inspector directly observing the physical property on-site, they interact with the digital representation. This intermediary enables remote inspection that is equivalent to on-site assessment, eliminating the need for physical travel while preserving assessment reliability
3Loss of information
If multiple inspections of property damage are conducted over time, then damage progression can be monitored, but repeated physical inspections increase resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables creation of multiple digital copies of the property at different time points. Each LIDAR scan generates a new version of the 3D model that can be stored and compared. This allows monitoring of damage progression through digital model comparison without requiring repeated physical inspections, thus capturing damage evolution information while minimizing resource consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic digital inspection by scheduling repeated LIDAR scans at predetermined intervals. The system can automatically perform scans and compare results to detect changes in the property condition over time. This periodic digital monitoring replaces periodic physical inspections, maintaining the ability to track damage progression while significantly reducing energy and resource consumption
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 efficient, accurate, and remote assessment of property damage with on-demand access, facilitating timely repairs and insurance claim validation, while reducing the need for physical inspections.
Implementation Method 1
receive, from one or more Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensors, sensor data indicative of damage to a property
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes one or more processors configured to receive one or more sets of LIDAR sensor data corresponding to damage of a property. The system is configured to analyze the one or more sets of LIDAR sensor data and determine a repair recommendation and recommended time period of repair for the associated damage of the property. The system may also detect changes to property condition over time and monitor condition of the property over time via LIDAR sensors and alert the user when property condition decreases and a repair is recommended.