Remote Visualization for Fiber Network Installation Planning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and inefficiency of traditional fiber network installation methods, which can exceed $1,000 per residential household or $60,000 to $80,000 per mile, necessitate the development of more optimized planning and construction techniques.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of remote visualization techniques using cameras and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to capture and process photographs, creating 3D models and remote visualizations of installation areas, allowing for the determination of optimal installation procedures and routes for fiber networks, both underground and aerial.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fiber network installation methods are used, then installation can be completed, but installation costs are high (exceeding $1,000 per residential household or $60,000 to $80,000 per mile)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation completionVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing comprehensive site surveys and creating detailed 3D digital models before installation begins. Remote visualization techniques allow planners to identify potential issues, optimize routes, and prepare installation procedures in advance, preventing costly rework and material waste during actual installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates accurate digital copies (3D models) of the installation area using remote visualization and photogrammetry techniques. These digital twins allow for virtual planning, simulation, and optimization of installation procedures, reducing the need for repeated site visits and physical prototyping while maintaining high installation quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If traditional installation planning methods are used, then installation can proceed, but planning efficiency is low and material waste occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplanning efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical site measurement and manual planning methods with remote visualization technologies including drones, cameras, and photogrammetry software. This substitution enables automated 3D model generation, virtual route optimization, and precise material quantity calculation, dramatically improving planning efficiency and reducing material waste through accurate billing mile calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If remote visualization techniques are implemented, then installation cost is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation costVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-functional remote visualization system that performs multiple tasks: site surveying, 3D modeling, route optimization, material calculation, and installation verification. By consolidating these functions into an integrated platform, the system manages complexity while delivering comprehensive cost savings across the entire installation lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If detailed site surveys are performed, then installation accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation accuracyVSAvoidsurvey time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual site measurement with automated remote visualization techniques. Drones and cameras capture comprehensive site data rapidly, and photogrammetry software automatically generates accurate 3D models, providing high installation accuracy in a fraction of the time required for traditional surveying methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach reduces installation costs by enabling precise planning and execution of fiber network construction, minimizing material waste and installation time, while ensuring accurate verification of completed installations through virtual site inspections and close-out packages.

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

processing the plurality of photographs to define a three dimensional (3D) model of the installation area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotogrammetry: Photogrammetry

Data Source

PatentUS20240372341A1Systems and methods for utilizing remote visualization for installing a fiber network to a structure

Publication Date: 2024.11.07 ETAK SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

Systems and method for installing a fiber network to a structure 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 for determining an installation procedure for installing the fiber network to the structure; and installing the fiber network based on the determined installation procedure.