UAV Photogrammetry for Telecommunication Site 3D Modeling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for creating 3D models of cell sites are inaccurate due to variations in location tracking and require physical access, which is dangerous and costly, especially with the need for frequent site surveys and audits at numerous cell towers across the United States.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to capture data, including photos and video, to create a virtual 360-degree view with annotations for planning, engineering, and installation, allowing for accurate 3D modeling and minimizing physical site access through virtualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical access to cell towers is used for site surveys and audits, then accurate inspection can be performed, but safety risks and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the cell site environment through photogrammetry. Multiple photographs taken from different positions are processed to generate a 3D model that replicates the physical site, allowing inspectors to examine the cell tower and surrounding area virtually without physical access, thus eliminating safety risks while maintaining inspection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical action of physical tower climbing with a photogrammetric system that uses multiple cameras and image processing software. This substitution eliminates the need for human workers to physically access hazardous heights while achieving the same inspection objectives through computational methods
2Measurement precision
If physical access to cell towers is required for site surveys, then comprehensive site inspection is possible, but time and cost consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a complete virtual replica of the cell site through photogrammetry, capturing all relevant spatial and visual information in a single processed model. This virtual copy can be viewed, measured, and analyzed multiple times without requiring repeated physical visits, significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining survey completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary documentation of the entire cell site environment during the initial photogrammetry survey. By capturing comprehensive data upfront and creating a permanent virtual record, the system eliminates the need for repeated physical site visits for audits and inspections, reducing overall time and cost consumption
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple photographs are taken from different positions to create accurate 3D model, then modeling precision improves, but data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces photogrammetry software as an intermediary that automatically processes the raw photograph data. This software handles the complex computational tasks of aligning multiple images, generating 3D models, and creating orthomosaics, thereby achieving high modeling precision while managing processing complexity through specialized tools rather than manual methods
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and method for creating, modifying, and utilizing a virtual 360-degree view of a telecommunications site with annotations thereon include obtaining data capture from the telecommunications site, wherein the data capture includes one or more of photos and video; processing the data capture to create a three-dimensional (3D) model of the telecommunications site with associated geography, buildings, and constructions therein; obtaining object data associated with one or more objects of interest located at the telecommunications site, in the associated geography, the buildings, and the constructions; inserting annotations for each of the one or more objects of interest in the 3D model at associated locations and with associated information for each of the one or more objects of interest; and utilizing the 3D model with the annotations for one or more of planning, engineering, and installation associated with the telecommunications site.