System and Method of Automated Civil Infrastructure Metrology for Inspection, Analysis, and Information Modeling

摘要

A system and method of automated civil infrastructure metrology for inspection, analysis, and information modeling utilizes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a position tracking system and digital cameras to capture a plurality of images of a structure to be inspected. The UAV is flown in a scan pattern around the structure while continually capturing images of the structure while position and orientation data is also recorded and linked for each of the images. Image processing and pattern recognition software algorithms are used to analyze the images and create an information model of the structure which is then used to carry out a virtual inspection of the structure in a three dimensional software environment.

主权项

1. An automated civil infrastructure metrology system for inspection, analysis, and information modeling of a bridge or other structure comprises:
an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising at least one imaging device, a navigation control system, a chipset and a data storage device; a position tracking system for the UAV; a computing system, wherein the computing system runs a pattern recognition and image analysis software; the at least one imaging device, the navigation control system, and the position tracking system being electronically connected to the chipset; the position tracking system, the at least one imaging device, and the chipset being electronically connected to the data storage device; and the computing system being communicably coupled to the chipset, wherein data is collected using the chipset and processed using the computing system.