Aerial roof estimation system and method
DCFirst Claim
1. A process comprising:
- receiving, by at least one computer processor that includes a calibration module stored in a non-transitory memory coupled to the at least one processor, a plurality of aerial image fields of a building having a roof including a first aerial image file taken from a first viewpoint of the building a second aerial image filed taken from a second viewpoint of the building different than the first viewpoint, wherein at least one of the first aerial image file and the second aerial image file has calibration information associated with the at least one of the first aerial image file and the second aerial image file;
determining, by any of the at least one computer processor, a pitch and an area of one or more roof sections of the roof based on an image analysis performed on the plurality of aerial image files, wherein the image analysis comprises;
constructing a three dimensional model of one or more roof sections by;
calibrating at least one of the first and second aerial image files using the calibration information associated with the at least one of the first aerial image file and the second aerial image file to convert a distance in pixels between two points on the respective aerial image file into a physical length;
identifying common reference points depicted in at least the first aerial image file and the second aerial image file;
identifying, for all such reference points, a location in three-dimensional space by triangulating the reference points by projecting a first line originating from the first viewpoint through one of the reference points and a second line originating from the second viewpoint through the same reference point and determining an intersection of the first and second lines; and
determining physical length between at least two of the reference points in three-dimensional space based at least in part on the calibration;
generating, by any of the at least one computer processor a roof report that includes the pitch and the area of the one or more roof sections based on the determined pitch and area of the one or more roof sections wherein the roof report is useful as a guide to repair or replace the roof of the building, where in the pitch is indicative of a vertical rise of a roof section over a horizontal run of the roof section; and
outputting the roof report having the determined pitch therein.
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Abstract
A system that allows the remote measurement of the size, geometry, pitch and orientation of the roof sections of a building and then uses the information to provide an estimate to repair or replace the roof, or to install equipment thereon. The system includes an aerial image file database that shows aerial images of buildings in a designated area according to address. The slope and orientation images are typically oblique perspective views and top plan views of the buildings in the area. The system also includes an image analysis and calibration feature that enables the viewer to closely estimate the size, geometry and orientation of the building'"'"'s roof sections. The information can then be used to prepare a cost estimate for the repair or replacement of the roof or installation of roof equipment. By simply inputting the potential customer'"'"'s address, the company is able to determine the size, geometry, pitch and orientation of the roof sections of the building at that address, and then quickly provide an accurate estimate to the customer.
144 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A process comprising:
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receiving, by at least one computer processor that includes a calibration module stored in a non-transitory memory coupled to the at least one processor, a plurality of aerial image fields of a building having a roof including a first aerial image file taken from a first viewpoint of the building a second aerial image filed taken from a second viewpoint of the building different than the first viewpoint, wherein at least one of the first aerial image file and the second aerial image file has calibration information associated with the at least one of the first aerial image file and the second aerial image file; determining, by any of the at least one computer processor, a pitch and an area of one or more roof sections of the roof based on an image analysis performed on the plurality of aerial image files, wherein the image analysis comprises; constructing a three dimensional model of one or more roof sections by; calibrating at least one of the first and second aerial image files using the calibration information associated with the at least one of the first aerial image file and the second aerial image file to convert a distance in pixels between two points on the respective aerial image file into a physical length; identifying common reference points depicted in at least the first aerial image file and the second aerial image file; identifying, for all such reference points, a location in three-dimensional space by triangulating the reference points by projecting a first line originating from the first viewpoint through one of the reference points and a second line originating from the second viewpoint through the same reference point and determining an intersection of the first and second lines; and determining physical length between at least two of the reference points in three-dimensional space based at least in part on the calibration; generating, by any of the at least one computer processor a roof report that includes the pitch and the area of the one or more roof sections based on the determined pitch and area of the one or more roof sections wherein the roof report is useful as a guide to repair or replace the roof of the building, where in the pitch is indicative of a vertical rise of a roof section over a horizontal run of the roof section; and outputting the roof report having the determined pitch therein. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification