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Method and system for remotely inspecting bridges and other structures

  • US 9,036,861 B2
  • Filed: 02/08/2013
  • Issued: 05/19/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/22/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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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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