Method and system for remotely inspecting bridges and other structures
US9036861B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 8, 2013 |
| Grant date | May 19, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/30184
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.