UAV Adaptive Scanning for Structural Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for site assessment, such as insurance claims and property inspections, require trained technicians to physically visit sites, leading to inefficiencies, safety concerns, and high costs, as well as a lack of uniformity in data collection due to varying technician practices.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system that autonomously captures and processes images of a site using a methodical flight pattern, including boustrophedonic, loop, and micro scans, with sensors and processing capabilities to generate detailed models and reports, reducing the need for on-site technicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If trained technicians physically visit sites for assessment, then comprehensive data collection is achieved, but efficiency is reduced, safety risks increase, and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses UAVs equipped with sensors and cameras to create digital copies and models of physical sites, replacing the need for technicians to physically visit and manually collect data. The UAV captures images and sensor data that are processed into comprehensive site models, achieving both thorough assessment and improved efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual data collection by technicians with an automated UAV-based system. The UAV autonomously navigates, captures data using sensors and cameras, and processes information algorithmically, eliminating the need for physical human presence while maintaining or improving data comprehensiveness.
2Measurement precision
If trained technicians physically visit sites for assessment, then detailed inspection is achieved, but safety risks and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV creates detailed digital models and images of the site, allowing comprehensive inspection without physical presence. The sensor data and images captured by the UAV provide equivalent or superior detail compared to manual inspection, while eliminating safety risks associated with technician exposure to hazardous environments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual site assessment methods are used, then flexibility in handling various scenarios is achieved, but uniformity and consistency in data collection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses algorithmic processing to standardize data collection parameters across different sites and scenarios. The system automatically adjusts sensor settings, flight paths, and data processing parameters based on the specific site characteristics, ensuring both adaptability to different scenarios and uniformity in how data is collected and processed.
4Measurement precision
If comprehensive site assessment data is collected, then assessment accuracy is improved, but data processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of sensor data and images during or immediately after data collection. The system pre-processes the raw data into structured formats, identifies key features, and organizes information before final analysis, reducing the time required for comprehensive assessment while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) assessment and reporting system may utilize one or more scanning techniques to provide useful assessments and/or reports for structures and other objects. The scanning techniques may be performed in sequence and optionally used to further fine tune each subsequent scan. The system may include shadow elimination, annotation, and/or reduction for the UAV itself and/or other objects. A UAV may be used to determine a pitch of roof of a structure. The pitch of the roof may be used to fine tune subsequent scanning and data capture.