Shading System for Daylight 3D Structural Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining and documenting structural damage are risky and often inadequate due to the need for on-site inspections, which can be hindered by bright sunlight, leading to poor image quality and inaccurate assessments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of shading systems that create a shaded region on structures, allowing for three-dimensional scanning during the day by blocking sunlight, enabling the detection of light edges or projections for accurate 3D model generation and analysis without the need for on-site personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If on-site inspection is performed to evaluate structural damage, then detailed assessment of structural conditions is achieved, but personnel safety risk increases due to potential falling hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a three-dimensional digital copy (virtual model) of the roof structure using photogrammetry and LiDAR technologies. This digital replica allows inspectors to thoroughly examine structural conditions, measure damage dimensions, and assess repairs remotely without physically accessing hazardous areas, thereby maintaining measurement precision while eliminating personnel safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physical inspection (personnel climbing roofs) with optical and electromagnetic field-based technologies (photogrammetry cameras, LiDAR sensors). These systems capture spatial data and generate 3D models, substituting human presence with remote sensing mechanisms that eliminate exposure to falling hazards while preserving detailed assessment capabilities.
2Productivity
If digital photography is used to document damaged areas, then documentation is achieved, but image quality deteriorates due to camera movement and poor lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces handheld digital photography with structured light scanning and photogrammetry systems mounted on stable platforms (tripods, drones, or building-mounted rigs). These systems use controlled light patterns and multiple synchronized camera views to capture high-resolution 3D data, eliminating camera shake and providing consistent, high-quality documentation with precise measurements of damaged areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional photography to three-dimensional modeling by incorporating depth information through structured light projection and multi-view photogrammetry. This dimensional enhancement provides comprehensive documentation that captures not only visual appearance but also precise geometric measurements, surface textures, and spatial relationships of damaged structures.
3Productivity
If 3D scanning is performed during daytime, then productivity is improved by avoiding nighttime scanning, but measurement precision deteriorates due to bright sunlight interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary shading measures by deploying retractable awnings, extendable shields, or positioning structures that block direct sunlight from reaching the scanning area before scanning begins. This preliminary action creates controlled lighting conditions that eliminate glare and reflections, enabling accurate light-based 3D scanning to proceed during daytime hours without sunlight interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces shading structures as intermediary elements between the sun and the scanning target. These intermediaries (awnings, shields, or positioning adjustments) mediate the lighting conditions by blocking harmful direct sunlight while allowing diffuse ambient light to illuminate the structure, thereby preserving measurement precision during daytime operations.
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 enables safe and accurate 3D scanning of structures during the day, reducing risks associated with on-site inspections and providing detailed, reliable assessments of structural conditions.
Implementation Method 1
By blocking the sun to create a shaded region on a structure
Implementation Method 2
edges or borders between the shaded region and sunlight may be detected by a 3D scanner
Implementation Method 3
light may be projected within the shaded region and detected by a 3D scanner
Data Source
AI summary
A shading system creates a shaded region on a structure, enabling 3D scanning techniques that rely on light detection to generate a 3D model. The shading system includes a vehicle or device that moves the shading system into place. A light, such as a laser dot or line, can be projected onto the shaded region of the structure and detected by a 3D scanner.