Automated Feature Extraction for Roofing Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The roofing industry faces inefficiencies in estimating material needs and project planning due to labor-intensive on-site visits, variance in contractor estimates, and costly hazardous measurements, particularly for steeply pitched roofs.
Innovation Solution
An automated system for feature extraction from images using point cloud data and spectral analysis to identify and quantify roofing features, enabling remote sensing and data-driven estimates without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual on-site visits are used for roofing estimation, then detailed inspection can be performed, but labor time and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses aerial images as a copy or representation of the actual roof, allowing contractors to perform measurements and estimations from image data rather than requiring physical presence. The system extracts roofing features from aerial images to create digital representations that can be analyzed remotely, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site visits while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If contractors perform on-site measurements, then accurate material estimates can be obtained, but variance between different contractors' estimates occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service estimation by automatically extracting roofing features and calculating material requirements from aerial images without human intervention in the measurement process. The automated feature extraction and estimation algorithms ensure consistent results regardless of which contractor initiates the request, eliminating variance between different contractors' estimates while maintaining accuracy.
3Productivity
If remote sensing technology is used for roofing estimation, then labor and fuel costs are reduced, but measurement capabilities are limited compared to on-site inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement systems with automated image processing and computer vision algorithms. The system uses aerial images captured by remote sensing devices and applies automated feature extraction techniques to identify roofing elements, calculate areas, and estimate materials. This substitution maintains measurement precision while dramatically improving productivity and reducing costs associated with on-site visits.
4Measurement precision
If manual roof measurement is performed on steeply pitched roofs, then accurate data can be collected, but safety hazards and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces aerial images as an intermediary between the contractor and the dangerous roof. Instead of requiring contractors to physically access steeply pitched roofs, the system captures images from safe distances using aerial vehicles or satellites and performs all measurements on these images. This intermediary approach eliminates safety risks while maintaining measurement precision through automated image analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
Automated methods and systems for feature extraction are disclosed, including automated methods performed by at least one processor running computer executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory computer readable medium, comprising determining and isolating an object of interest within a point cloud; forming a modified point cloud having one or more data points with first location coordinates of the object of interest; and generating a boundary outline having second location coordinates of the object of interest using spectral analysis of at least one section of at least one image identified with the first location coordinates and depicting the object of interest.