3D Pathway Mapping for Vegetation Violation Forecasting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vegetation management methods are inefficient and impractical for large-scale utility systems, as they rely on manual surveys and ground-based assessments, which are time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when dealing with vast distances and severe weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system that generates 3D maps of pathway areas using overhead images, predicts potential violations by analyzing weather patterns and vegetation growth, and prioritizes maintenance tasks using machine-learning driven forecasting, enabling remote management and scheduling of vegetation maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual surveying and ground-based assessments are used for vegetation management, then personnel can directly assess vegetation conditions, but the process becomes time-consuming and impractical for large-scale utility systems covering vast distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses aerial photography and remote sensing technologies to create digital copies and representations of vegetation and utility systems. These digital models allow comprehensive assessment of vast areas without requiring physical presence at every location, thereby maintaining assessment accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required for surveying.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate digital models and processed imagery as mediators between the physical vegetation and the assessment process. These intermediaries enable detailed analysis of vegetation conditions, growth patterns, and potential interference risks without requiring constant field personnel presence, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss.
2Productivity
If aerial reconnaissance technologies are used to capture spatial data, then vegetation management can be expedited and covered over vast distances, but the technologies become cost prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vegetation management process into multiple stages: data collection using various remote sensing technologies, digital model generation, analysis of growth patterns and interference risks, and prioritization of maintenance tasks. This segmentation allows the system to use a combination of technologies at different levels, balancing comprehensive coverage with cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using a combination of remote sensing technologies where each technology serves a specific purpose. Rather than using the most expensive comprehensive system, the patent selectively applies technologies based on specific assessment needs, achieving sufficient productivity improvement without incurring prohibitive costs.
3Ease of operation
If field personnel visit sites in person to assess vegetation encroachment, then direct decisions on maintenance type can be made, but the process becomes impractical for vast distances and severe weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical presence of field personnel with digital analysis systems that process remote sensing data to identify vegetation encroachment and determine maintenance needs. This substitution maintains decision-making capability while providing operational flexibility across vast distances and in severe weather conditions where physical access is impossible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback loops where digital models continuously update vegetation growth patterns and interference risks based on new remote sensing data. This feedback mechanism enables ongoing assessment and adaptive maintenance planning without requiring constant field visits, thereby maintaining ease of operation while enhancing adaptability to changing conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer generates a three dimensional map of a pathway area using a plurality of overhead images. The computer determines a forecasted weather pattern to occur in the pathway area. The computer analyzes the three dimensional map and the forecasted weather pattern to predict one or more violations of the pathway. The computer generates a priority for the one or more predicted violations of the pathway. The computer generates a plan for pathway management of the pathway area.