Method and system for remotely inspecting bridges and other structures
First Claim
1. A computer method of inspecting a structure, comprising:
- flying a fixed-wing aircraft over the structure at an altitude of between about 500 feet and 1500 feet above ground level;
capturing a plurality of images of the structure using a small format digital camera being transported by the aircraft, wherein each of the images have a ground resolution of not greater than one inch;
associating each of the plurality of images with unique global positioning system data;
providing a computer configured for processing the images;
spatially integrating the plurality of images into a composite image using the computer; and
analyzing the composite image to identify structural defects using the computer;
marking the identified structural defects, including by altering the appearance of the structural defects.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Spatially Integrated Small-Format Aerial Photography (SFAP) is one aspect of the present invention. It is a low-cost solution for bridge surface imaging and is proposed as a remote bridge inspection technique to supplement current bridge visual inspection. Providing top-down views, the airplanes flying at about 1000 feet can allow visualization of sub-inch (large) cracks and joint openings on bridge decks or highway pavements. On board Global Positioning System (GPS) is used to help geo-reference images collected and facilitate damage detection. Image analysis is performed to identify structural defects such as cracking. A deck condition rating technique based on large crack detection is used to quantify the condition of the existing bridge decks.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A computer method of inspecting a structure, comprising:
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flying a fixed-wing aircraft over the structure at an altitude of between about 500 feet and 1500 feet above ground level; capturing a plurality of images of the structure using a small format digital camera being transported by the aircraft, wherein each of the images have a ground resolution of not greater than one inch; associating each of the plurality of images with unique global positioning system data; providing a computer configured for processing the images; spatially integrating the plurality of images into a composite image using the computer; and analyzing the composite image to identify structural defects using the computer; marking the identified structural defects, including by altering the appearance of the structural defects. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A computerized method of inspecting a structure, comprising:
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creating a plurality of still images of the structure using fixed-wing-aircraft-based aerial photography, wherein each of the still images of the structure have a ground resolution of not greater than on inch; providing a computer configured for processing the still images; creating a composite image of the structure from a combination of the still images using the computer; automatically marking structural defects of the structure on the composite image using the computer, including by altering the appearance of the structural defects; automatically organizing the markings of the structural defects into image layers using the computer. - View Dependent Claims (6)
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Specification