UAV Cell Tower 3D Modeling via Tethered Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for 3D modeling of cell sites and cell towers using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in accuracy due to GPS location tracking limitations and require complex counterbalancing for robotic arms, making them costly and impractical for performing operations on cell towers.
Innovation Solution
The use of UAVs with defined launch locations and orientations for consistent flight paths, combined with tethered configurations and robotic arms that physically connect to cell towers, allowing for stable operation and accurate 3D modeling without the need for complex counterbalancing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS location tracking is used for 3D modeling with UAVs, then the system can capture spatial information, but the accuracy is limited due to GPS location tracking limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coordinate system and transformation process between the UAV camera and the ground. By establishing a reference coordinate system on the ground and using transformation matrices to map camera coordinates to ground coordinates, the system achieves higher precision 3D modeling without relying solely on GPS location tracking capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical scene through photogrammetry. By capturing multiple images from different angles and positions and processing them through coordinate transformation, the system reconstructs an accurate 3D model that compensates for GPS limitations
2Adaptability or versatility
If robotic arms are added to UAVs for performing operations on cell towers, then operational capability is improved, but the UAV requires complex counterbalancing to account for weight and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by having the UAV capture comprehensive 3D model data and perform inspections before physical intervention. This allows planning and preparation of operations to be done remotely, reducing the need for complex robotic arms and counterbalancing systems during actual UAV flights
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex counterbalancing requirement from the UAV system by separating the inspection and modeling functions (performed by the UAV) from the physical operation functions. This allows the UAV to remain relatively simple while still enabling operations through the derived 3D models and planning capabilities
3Ease of operation
If tower climbers are used to perform maintenance and repairs on cell towers, then operations can be performed locally, but the process is dangerous and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of tower climbing with an aerial robotic system. By using UAVs equipped with cameras and sensors to capture 3D model data from the air, the system eliminates the need for human climbers to physically ascend towers, thereby maintaining local operation capability while dramatically improving safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the cell tower and its surroundings through 3D modeling. This virtual model allows operators to plan and execute maintenance operations remotely by interacting with the digital twin, reducing the need for physical tower climbs while maintaining the ability to perform operations accurately
Data Source
AI summary
A method for modeling a cell site with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) includes causing the UAV to fly a given flight path about a cell tower at the cell site, wherein a launch location and launch orientation is defined for the UAV to take off and land at the cell site such that each flight at the cell site has the same launch location and launch orientation; obtaining a plurality of photographs of the cell site during about the flight plane, wherein each of the plurality of photographs is associated with one or more location identifiers; and, subsequent to the obtaining, processing the plurality of photographs to define a three dimensional (3D) model of the cell site based on the associated with one or more location identifiers and one or more objects of interest in the plurality of photographs.