Portable Dimensional Reference for Accurate 3D Tower Scaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating 3-D models of tower facilities using UAS-based digital photography are prone to errors due to limited optical resolution and require inconvenient and potentially hazardous manual measurements for scaling, which can be time-consuming and risky for technicians.

Innovation Solution

A portable dimensional reference (PDR) system comprising target pads and connecting segments that can be deployed at ground level near the tower, allowing photogrammetry software to accurately determine distances between targets for scaling tower dimensions with high precision, reducing the need for manual measurements and enhancing safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual measurements are performed by climbing towers or ladders to obtain scale references, then the software can apply known lengths for scaling, but this requires time, labor, and involves risks to persons or equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescale reference accuracyVSAvoidtechnician safety and convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a portable dimensional reference (PDR) device as an intermediary object that provides known length references without requiring technicians to climb towers. The PDR includes measurable features with precisely known dimensions that can be positioned at ground level, serving as a safe mediator between the measurement system and the tower being measured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of manual measurement (climbing and physical measuring) with an optical/photogrammetric system. The PDR provides visual references that can be captured by the same imaging system used for tower measurement, eliminating the need for physical contact with the tower structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual measurements are performed to obtain scale references, then known lengths can be entered into software for scaling, but technicians can make errors in their measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescale reference accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The PDR device is self-measuring in the sense that its dimensional references are built-in and do not require external measurement. The device contains features with precisely manufactured dimensions that serve as their own reference standards, eliminating the need for separate measurement operations that could introduce human error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The dimensional references are pre-established during PDR manufacturing rather than being determined in the field. The known lengths are built into the device structure beforehand, ensuring consistency and eliminating field measurement errors before the actual tower measurement takes place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If technicians climb towers or ladders to make measurements, then scale references can be obtained, but this involves risks to persons or equipment and requires additional time and labor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement timeVSAvoidsafety risks to technicians

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The PDR serves as a mediator that enables scale reference acquisition from ground level. By providing measurable features that can be imaged from a distance, the PDR eliminates the need for technicians to physically access elevated or hazardous areas of the tower structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If a portable dimensional reference with multiple connecting segments is used, then the known distance can be established at ground level, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment convenienceVSAvoidPDR structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PDR is divided into multiple connecting segments that can be assembled in various configurations. This segmentation allows the device to be transported in compact form and deployed at different lengths as needed, while the modular structure actually simplifies manufacturing and assembly compared to a single large rigid structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12198367B2Portable dimensional reference for 3-D tower modeling

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 ATC IP LLC

AI summary

A portable dimensional reference (PDR) that is transportable to a tower site and deployable on site at ground level near a tower. The PDR includes a pair of target pads and multiple connecting segments, which may be attached end-to-end between the target pads. The target pads are marked with respective targets that enable photogrammetry software to identify the targets, their locations, and the distance between them with high precision, enabling the software to apply the known distance as a scale constraint for accurately scaling dimensions of imaged components of the tower.