Remote scanning and detection apparatus and method
First Claim
1. A surface and sub-surface scanning apparatus attachable to a highway vehicle, mobile equipment, or the like, that traverses a structure to be evaluated, the apparatus including at least one of a variously adaptable, and ready to operate packaged kit including a detachable and adjustable structural boom assembly that supports configured sensor suites with one or more of a visual scanning sensor, an infra-red scanning sensor, at least one GPS antenna and an elevation measuring sensor, whereinthe visual scanning sensor comprises a high-definition visible band camera for capturing surface images of the structure to be evaluated;
- the infra-red scanning sensor comprises a high-definition infrared band camera for sub-surface observation;
the at least one GPS antenna enables real-time recording of vehicle position, speed, and direction with respect to actual position coordinates and ensures synergistic timing between image collection and geographic positioning;
the structural boom assembly is attachable to a front, a rear or a side of the vehicle, thus enabling the high-definition visible band camera and infrared scanning sensor to be mounted at a desired elevation above the structure to be scanned to achieve a desired field of view (FOV), the field of view (FOV) being preferably approximately at least one traffic lane in width; and
the elevation measuring sensor comprises an electronic laser range finder for measuring the height of the high-definition visible band camera and scanning sensor above the structure to be scanned, the electronic laser range finder providing a reference signal for calibration and correction factors related to the height and data signals received by the high-definition infrared band camera and visible band camera.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
A surface scanning method and apparatus attached to a highway vehicle, mobile equipment, or the like, that traverses existing roadways and bridges. The apparatus has at least one of a variously adaptable, complete, and ready to operate packaged kit including configured sensor suites with one or more of a visual scanning sensor; an infra-red scanning sensor; and an elevation measuring sensor.
12 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A surface and sub-surface scanning apparatus attachable to a highway vehicle, mobile equipment, or the like, that traverses a structure to be evaluated, the apparatus including at least one of a variously adaptable, and ready to operate packaged kit including a detachable and adjustable structural boom assembly that supports configured sensor suites with one or more of a visual scanning sensor, an infra-red scanning sensor, at least one GPS antenna and an elevation measuring sensor, wherein
the visual scanning sensor comprises a high-definition visible band camera for capturing surface images of the structure to be evaluated; -
the infra-red scanning sensor comprises a high-definition infrared band camera for sub-surface observation; the at least one GPS antenna enables real-time recording of vehicle position, speed, and direction with respect to actual position coordinates and ensures synergistic timing between image collection and geographic positioning; the structural boom assembly is attachable to a front, a rear or a side of the vehicle, thus enabling the high-definition visible band camera and infrared scanning sensor to be mounted at a desired elevation above the structure to be scanned to achieve a desired field of view (FOV), the field of view (FOV) being preferably approximately at least one traffic lane in width; and the elevation measuring sensor comprises an electronic laser range finder for measuring the height of the high-definition visible band camera and scanning sensor above the structure to be scanned, the electronic laser range finder providing a reference signal for calibration and correction factors related to the height and data signals received by the high-definition infrared band camera and visible band camera. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11)
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10. A method for evaluating surface and sub-surface conditions of underlying infrastructure, the method comprising the steps of providing, not necessarily in the order listed:
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a vehicle-mounted high-definition visible band camera for capturing images of the surface to be evaluated; a vehicle-mounted high-definition infrared band camera for sub-surface observation; a detachable and adjustable structural boom assembly attached to a front, side or rear of the vehicle whereby the high-definition visible and infrared cameras are remotely mounted at a desired height vertically above the surface to be scanned so as to encompass a desired field of view (FOV), the FOV being preferably approximately at least one traffic lane in width or more of a portion of the structure to be evaluated; an electronic laser range finder for measuring the height of the high-definition visible and infrared band cameras above the surface to be scanned; at least one GPS antenna for real-time recording of vehicle position, speed, and direction with respect to actual latitude and longitude coordinates; and a computer for digitally processing measurements and video data signals collected by the high-definition visible and infrared band cameras.
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Specification