Road Surface Inspection System Using AI and Manual Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for analyzing measurement information from road surfaces lack efficiency and accuracy, particularly in identifying cracks and other structural issues, as they often require dedicated vehicles and manual analysis, which are costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A state inspection system that includes a mobile apparatus with a stereo camera and GNSS sensor for capturing images and data, combined with an analysis system that uses AI for primary analysis and manual input for secondary analysis, allowing for timely and efficient data management and reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated vehicles and manual analysis are used for road surface inspection, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but productivity and cost efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated image processing system that captures road surface images and uses algorithmic analysis to detect cracks and defects, thereby maintaining high detection accuracy while dramatically improving inspection efficiency and reducing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service inspection by equipping general-purpose vehicles with automated imaging and analysis capabilities, allowing the road inspection system to perform its own measurement and analysis functions without requiring specialized dedicated vehicles or manual expert intervention
2Measurement precision
If dedicated vehicles equipped with specialized equipment are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the inspection system to run on general-purpose vehicles rather than dedicated specialized vehicles, allowing the same platform to serve multiple functions (road inspection, general transportation) while maintaining high measurement precision through software-based image analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical specialized equipment with simpler imaging devices and computational algorithms, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving measurement precision through digital image processing and automated crack detection
3Measurement precision
If manual analysis is used for road surface inspection, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual visual inspection with automated image processing algorithms that rapidly analyze captured images to identify cracks and road defects, maintaining high detection accuracy while reducing analysis time from minutes or hours to seconds
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated analysis of road surface images immediately after capture, preparing results for quick review and decision-making, thereby reducing the overall time loss associated with manual inspection while maintaining precision through algorithmic pre-screening
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 timely and efficient analysis of road surface conditions, reducing costs by using general-purpose vehicles and allowing users to make informed decisions based on updated primary analysis information, while maintaining high accuracy through both AI and manual analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a stereo camera for capturing images
Implementation Method 2
GNSS sensor for capturing data
Data Source
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AI summary
An information processing system (1) includes a management apparatus (3) and a terminal apparatus (1100, 1200) communicably connected to the management apparatus. The management apparatus includes storage control means (39) for controlling storage means (3001) to store primary analysis information obtained by analyzing measurement information without being based on a request for an analysis. The measurement information is obtained by measuring an object. The management apparatus includes primary analysis information transmitting means (31) for transmitting the primary analysis information to the terminal apparatus. The management apparatus includes analysis request receiving means (31) for receiving, from the terminal apparatus, an analysis request that requests secondary analysis information of the measurement information corresponding to the primary analysis information. The terminal apparatus includes primary analysis information receiving means (1101, 1201) for receiving the primary analysis information from the management apparatus. The terminal apparatus includes display control means (1103, 1203) for controlling a display unit to display the primary analysis information received by the primary analysis information receiving means. The terminal apparatus includes an analysis request accepting means (1102, 1202) for accepting the analysis request. The terminal apparatus includes an analysis request transmitting means (1101, 1201) for transmitting the analysis request to the management apparatus.