Telescoping Camera Apparatus for Cell Tower 3D Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for 3D modeling of cell towers are inefficient and unsafe, requiring physical climbs and relying on ground-based cameras, which are costly and prone to inaccuracies due to GPS location tracking limitations, and do not effectively utilize unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for data capture and site surveys.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping apparatus with a camera attached, used in conjunction with UAVs and satellite data capture, to obtain and process data for creating accurate 3D models of cell sites, allowing for remote site surveys and reduced physical access, enabling safer and more efficient site planning, engineering, and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical climbs to cell towers are performed for maintenance and survey work, then direct access to equipment is achieved, but safety risks and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a UAV (drone) and a telescoping apparatus with camera. This intermediary enables remote data collection from cell towers without requiring physical climbs, thereby improving safety while maintaining operational capability through automated aerial surveying and imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical tower climbing with an automated aerial system. The UAV-based telescoping apparatus substitutes human climbers with automated drone technology that can safely collect data from heights without exposing personnel to dangerous conditions
2Loss of information
If ground-based cameras with zoom capabilities are used for 3D modeling, then data capture is possible, but measurement precision deteriorates due to GPS location tracking limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based two-dimensional imaging to three-dimensional aerial photography using a UAV. By adding the vertical dimension through aerial perspective, the system overcomes GPS accuracy limitations and enables precise 3D modeling of cell towers and surrounding infrastructure through multi-angle capture
3Productivity
If UAVs are used for data capture, then safety and efficiency improve, but device complexity increases due to stabilization and counterbalancing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the camera system within a telescoping apparatus that is mounted on the UAV. This nested configuration allows the camera to be extended and retracted while maintaining compact storage on the drone, reducing the apparent complexity while preserving the ability to capture detailed images from various distances
4Area of stationary object
If fixed cameras mounted on aircraft are used for aerial photography, then 360-degree coverage is achieved, but manufacturing precision and location accuracy deteriorate due to slight variations in location tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic positioning system where the UAV actively adjusts its location and orientation in real-time during flight. This dynamic control allows the camera to capture images from precisely controlled positions, overcoming the location tracking variations inherent in fixed aerial cameras and ensuring high manufacturing precision for the 3D model
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for creating a three dimensional (3D) model of a telecommunications site for planning, engineering, and installing equipment utilizing data capture from a camera attached to a telescoping apparatus including positioning the telescoping apparatus at or near a cell tower and extending the camera at or near cell site components on the cell tower; obtaining data capture via the camera at one or more locations at or near the cell tower and at one or more angles relative to the cell site components; and processing the data capture to define a three dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on one or more objects of interest associated with the cell site components in the data capture.