Remote 3D Site Visualization for Fiber Trenching Route Planning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fiber network installations are costly and require thoughtful planning to optimize construction methods, with existing methods lacking efficient remote visualization techniques for detailed network planning and optimization.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing remote visualization techniques through cameras, including UAVs, to capture photographs for constructing 3D models of installation areas, determining optimal routes for fiber cable installation, and performing virtual site inspections to reduce costs and improve planning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional on-site inspection and manual planning methods are used, then installation personnel can directly assess the site conditions, but the installation cost increases significantly and the process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical installation site using 3D modeling from photographs. This digital replica allows planners to perform virtual site inspections, test different installation routes, and optimize trenching paths without physically visiting the location multiple times, thereby reducing both time and cost while maintaining accurate site assessment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs all planning and route optimization work in advance using the 3D model before actual installation begins. By determining the optimal trenching route digitally beforehand, the patent eliminates the need for repeated on-site visits during the planning phase, reducing both installation time and costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If multiple on-site visits are conducted for site inspection and route planning, then accurate site conditions can be assessed, but the time required for installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesite assessment accuracyVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A single set of photographs is transformed into a detailed 3D virtual model that preserves all necessary site information. This digital copy enables unlimited virtual inspections and route planning iterations without requiring additional on-site visits, thus maintaining assessment accuracy while eliminating time loss from multiple trips

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical site visits with digital image processing and 3D modeling. By substituting physical presence with virtual reality technology, the system maintains measurement precision through digital analysis while eliminating the time consumption associated with repeated on-site inspections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If conservative routing is used to ensure fiber cable protection, then installation reliability improves, but the trenching distance and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiber cable protectionVSAvoidtrenching distance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the third dimension (vertical depth) in the 3D model to plan cable protection strategies. By visualizing the subsurface environment and potential hazards in three dimensions, the system can determine the most efficient protective routing that minimizes trenching distance while ensuring adequate cable protection through optimized burial depths and routing paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 detailed network planning and optimization, reducing installation costs by allowing for remote visualization and virtual inspections, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of fiber network construction.

Implementation Method 1

causing one or more cameras to capture a plurality of photographs of an installation area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

causing an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to fly a flight path over the installation area and capture the plurality of photographs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic lift: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentUS12619043B2Systems and methods for utilizing remote visualization for installing fiber networks

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 ETAK SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

Systems and method for installing a fiber network include causing one or more cameras to capture a plurality of photographs of an installation area; obtaining the plurality of photographs and causing processing of the plurality of photographs to provide one or more remote visualizations of the installation area; utilizing the one or more remote visualizations to determine an optimal route for trenching fiber cables; and installing the fiber network based on the determined optimal route.