Movable Scanner for Foundation Profile Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current home evaluation techniques lack accuracy and efficiency in assessing building attributes such as room dimensions and foundation conditions, particularly due to the inability to visually inspect areas like the foundation, leading to insufficient information for potential buyers and insurance providers.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a movable scanner device equipped with ultrasonic sensors and 3D cameras that automatically scans and maps building profiles, including foundation conditions, by transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals and capturing images, which are then processed by a building profile server to generate detailed profiles and cost estimates for repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional visual inspection methods are used to assess building conditions, then the inspection process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but the information obtained is incomplete and inaccurate due to inability to access areas like foundation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inspection technologies (ultrasonic scanning, 3D imaging, moisture detection, thermal imaging) into a single integrated movable scanner device. This merging allows the system to access areas like foundations that are invisible to traditional inspection while maintaining a unified device structure that can be operated as one unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a building profile server as an intermediary that processes raw data from various sensors, generates comprehensive building profiles, and presents processed information to users. This intermediary handles the complexity of data integration and analysis, allowing the inspection device itself to remain relatively simple while achieving high measurement precision through sophisticated backend processing.
2Loss of information
If detailed building information is obtained through comprehensive scanning, then the quality of assessment data improves, but the time required for inspection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable scanner device continuously scans building structures as it moves through spaces, eliminating gaps in data collection. The ultrasonic sensors continuously emit and receive signals to map foundation conditions, while 3D cameras continuously capture spatial information. This continuous scanning ensures complete information capture without requiring repeated inspections or manual repositioning for different measurement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scanning of entire building areas before detailed analysis. The building profile server processes raw scan data in advance to identify areas requiring closer inspection, allowing the inspection process to focus resources on critical areas while maintaining comprehensive coverage. This preliminary action reduces overall inspection time by avoiding exhaustive detailed scanning of all areas equally.
3Productivity
If manual inspection methods are used, then equipment requirements are minimal, but the efficiency and productivity of the inspection process decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable scanner device is designed to autonomously navigate and scan building spaces without requiring constant human intervention. The device self-propels along predetermined paths, automatically triggers scans at appropriate locations, and continuously collects data. The building profile server automatically processes data and generates reports, eliminating the need for manual measurement and analysis operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods (visual examination, physical measurement tools, tactile assessment) with automated sensor-based detection systems. Ultrasonic sensors substitute for physical probing of foundations, 3D cameras replace manual measuring tapes and level tools, and automated image processing replaces human visual assessment. This substitution dramatically increases productivity while the integrated device design manages the complexity through unified operation.
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
Provides accurate and efficient assessment of building attributes, enabling precise determination of repair costs and improving the home buying and insurance assessment processes by offering comprehensive and reliable data on building conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic sensor operable to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals to obtain information about an area underneath the floor
Implementation Method 2
a 3D camera system operable to obtain images of the room
Data Source
AI summary
System, methods, and apparatus for determining a foundation profile of a floor and/or a room profile of a room based on information obtained by a scanner device. For example, a scanner device can perform a scan operation of at least one floor in at least one room, generate a foundation profile that describes at least an area underneath the at least one floor based on the scan operation, and generate and send, to a server, a message comprising the foundation profile for the at least one floor and a location of the building. The server can receive the message, determine, based on the location of the building, an account identifier that uniquely identifies an account associated with the building, and store the foundation profile for the at least one floor in a database in a location associated with the account identifier.