Remote Object Imaging for Precise Transmission Line Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for remotely measuring the size of objects, such as electrical transmission lines, are inaccurate due to limitations in LiDAR technology and difficult to implement over large geographic areas, posing safety and logistical challenges.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a passive imaging sensor, range sensor, location sensor, and controller, which captures an image of the object, determines its distance and location, and corrects for oblique dimensions, enabling precise size measurement through edge detection and iterative refinement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If LiDAR is used for remote measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to resolution limits and refraction effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote measurement capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces LiDAR (optical/radar-based system) with a camera-based imaging system combined with photogrammetry and AI image processing. This substitution uses passive optical imaging instead of active laser ranging, avoiding refraction issues and resolution limitations of LiDAR while achieving higher measurement precision through digital image analysis and computational methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital copy of the physical object through high-resolution imaging and uses this digital representation for measurement. By working with the digital image copy rather than direct physical measurement, the system achieves precise measurements without the limitations of physical access or LiDAR refraction effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If mechanical measurement devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but safety risks and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidsafety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical measurement devices (calipers, scales) with a remote camera-based system. This eliminates the need for personnel to physically access high-voltage transmission lines, removing safety risks associated with working near energized equipment while maintaining measurement precision through digital imaging and AI processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a camera and image processing system as an intermediary between the measurer and the object. This intermediary allows measurements to be taken remotely without direct physical contact, eliminating safety hazards while preserving measurement accuracy through computational analysis of the captured images

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If large measurement equipment is transported to remote locations, then measurement capability is achieved, but logistical difficulty and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidlogistical ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces large mechanical measurement equipment with a compact camera system that can be deployed remotely using lightweight platforms (tripods, drones, or handheld). This substitution eliminates the need to transport heavy mechanical devices to remote transmission line locations, significantly reducing logistical complexity and deployment time while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent breaks down the measurement system into separable components (camera, computing device, processing software) that can be deployed independently. This segmentation allows the system to be transported and set up more easily compared to integrated large-scale mechanical measurement equipment, improving logistical ease without sacrificing measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 accurate remote measurement of objects, particularly electrical transmission lines, with a precision of +0.05 inches at 95% confidence, overcoming logistical and safety challenges.

Implementation Method 1

capture an image of the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

sense the distance to the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS12541871B2Systems and method for remote object measurement

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 SURVEYING & MAPPING LLC

AI summary

Various systems and processes may be used to achieve measurement of remote objects. In particular implementations, systems and processes for remote object measurement may include the ability to capture a digital image of an object to be measured and electronically sense the distance to the object to be measured. The systems and processes may also include the ability to electronically determine a size of the measured object and transmit the location, image, and determined size of the object to a remote server system.