Abstract:
An apparatus including a multidirectional positioning system and a scanner. The scanner scans the volume of a three-dimensional cavity, and the scanner is attached to the multidirectional positioning system. A processor receives volume data of the cavity and stores the volume data in a data storage memory. A material depositing mechanism is attached to the multidirectional positioning system, and the material depositing mechanism is controlled to move with respect to a shape of the cavity based on the volume data stored in the processor so as to fill in the cavity with a filler material.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The embodiments discussed herein relate to a method and apparatus for scanning and repair of road corrosion. More specifically, the scanning of the road corrosion may be achieved using a three-dimensional scanning device. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Currently, there are a few methods for repairing minor road damage, such as potholes, cracks, or other cavities in the road surface. One method involves applying filler such as asphalt to the damaged area. A vehicle is then driven over it several times until the material is compacted and smooth. Another method of repair involves a patch. For example, a minor pothole, which only impacts the surface layer, might be repaired by removing debris from the hole and then filling it with fresh asphalt. Then, the asphalt is flattened with a heavy roller. Finally, an alternative method, which is more akin to preventing further damage rather than truly repairing the damage, is surface treatment. In surface treatment, contractors may spray old roadways with a protective coating to stop fallout and prevent further crumbling. The seal is sprayed to fill minor cracks and eliminate surface defects. In some instances, the road may be treated with a chemical, which dissolves road matter to reestablish homogeneity. 
     With the above methods, (particularly in the case of filler and patching), the traditional process for determining the cost to repair the roadway generally involves the following steps. First, the length and width of any holes in the road surface are manually measured with a tape measure. Then, the respective depth of the holes is manually measured from the road surface with a tape measure. From these measurements, the volume of each damaged portion is calculated, and then collectively subtotaled to estimate the total amount of repair material that is needed. 
     Despite the simplistic appearance of the above steps, there are challenges that complicate the repair process. One challenge encountered is the size and shape of the hole. Holes do not often erode evenly or in simple shapes that would simplify volume calculations and thereby provide more precise estimates of material needs. As such, the three-dimensional measurements become more complex and accuracy is diminished. More specifically, additional measurement points are needed, which adds time and complexity. Another challenge is the skill level of and method of measurement used by the technician making the measurements. 
     One additional challenge, while related to the repair of the hole, does not deal with the actual repair, but is a secondary problem that occurs due to the method of the repair. This secondary problem is the large amounts of time and space required to enable the repair using the known methods, which leads to roadway congestion, as well as easily-recognizable repair related hazards and unintended consequential hazards accompanying such congestion. For example, the easily-recognizable repair related hazards include health and safety issues for both the drivers and the workers. On the other hand, unintended consequential hazards include long delays which impact the local environment via pollution and additional road surface wear and tear, as well as create an overall loss in economic productivity. 
     Regardless of the above challenges, once the quantity of material needed is determined, a quality contractor must be selected. However, a good quality contractor may mean an increase in cost. Moreover, if the repair is urgent, rush work may also mean additional cost. 
     Accordingly, the cost of even minor repairs could be significant for many aspects of the economy depending on the size, urgency, complexity, and availability of a contractor for the work. 
     Current suggestions for improving this procedure include using more durable paving materials, making repairs during non-rush hours, and managing repairs more closely so as to minimize the duration of road blockage for repair time. None of the suggestions, however, directly solve the problems that exist. 
     Therefore, as recognized by the present inventor, a need exists for a better, more efficient, and more economic method and apparatus for repairing road damage. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to an embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus includes a multidirectional positioning system and a scanner. The scanner scans the volume of a three-dimensional cavity, and the scanner is attached to the multidirectional positioning system. A processor receives volume data of the cavity and stores the volume data in a data storage memory. A material depositing mechanism is attached to the multidirectional positioning system, and the material depositing mechanism is controlled to move with respect to a shape of the cavity based on the volume data stored in the processor so as to fill in the cavity with a filler material. 
     According to another embodiment, a method includes positioning a scanner over a three-dimensional cavity using a multidirectional positioning system to which the scanner is attached. Next, the volume of the three-dimensional cavity is scanned by moving the scanner across the cavity with the multidirectional positioning system. The volume of the cavity as data is stored in a data storage memory of a processor. The method then calculates a quantity of filler material required to fill the three-dimensional cavity based on the volume data of the cavity scanned. Finally, the cavity is filled with the calculated quantity of filler material. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings and their exemplary depictions do not in any way limit the scope of the inventions embraced by this specification. The scope of the inventions embraced by the specification and drawings are defined by the words of the accompanying claims. 
         FIG. 1A  is a front view drawing of an apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  is a side profile view drawing of the apparatus in  FIG. 1A  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1C  is a top view drawing of the apparatus in  FIG. 1A  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  is front view drawing of another aspect of the apparatus in  FIG. 1A  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  is a side profile view drawing another aspect of the apparatus in  FIG. 1A  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2C  is a top view drawing of another aspect of the apparatus in  FIG. 1A  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a side profile view drawing of another aspect of the apparatus in  FIG. 1A  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic side view drawing of an alternative embodiment according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of the method used according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following, the present advancement will be discussed by describing a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will realize other applications and modifications within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the enclosed claims. 
       FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate front, side, and top view drawings, respectively, of an apparatus for scanning and repairing road corrosion. Reference numbers referring to the same elements in different figures are used throughout the figures. 
     Generally, as is shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , a transportation means  1 , which in this embodiment is a truck, has connected to a front end thereof a multidirectional positioning system  2  (“MPS”). A three dimensional scanner  3  and a filling head  4  are both attached to the MPS  2 . The filling head  4  is further connected to a filling supply conduit  5 , which draws filler material  21  from a supply container  6  carried by the transportation means  1 .  FIG. 3  further depicts a heavy roller  7 . The roller  7  may be attached beneath the vehicle, for example, as shown in  FIG. 3 . However, the roller  7  may be attached to a different location on the transportation means  1  so long as the roller  7  can roll over corrosion  20  during repair thereof. 
     While the above components are described in more detail herein, the general function of the components in the method of the application is as follows, and is depicted in  FIG. 5 . The transportation means  1  carries the supply container  6  to an area of a road surface containing road corrosion  20 , such as a pothole or other cavity. In step S 30 , the MPS  2  positions the scanner  3  over the corrosion  20  and scans the corrosion in step S  31  entirely in order to measure the width, depth, and length (X, Y, and X directions) of the corrosion  20 , and the scanner  3  may also capture an image thereof. As such, a precise measurement of the volume of the space can be determined in step S 32  by a processor, which uses the data and image from the scanner  3  to calculate the proper quantity of filler material  21 . Note that in S 32 , a 3D image of the corrosion may be uploaded to a display screen if requested by the operator or if necessary. This allows the operator to determine if, for example, debris should be removed first or whether to perform the repair at all. Once the needed amount of filler material  21  is calculated, the filling head  4  is positioned over the cavity by the MPS  2  and the material  21  is injected or extruded into the correct locations (i.e., depths, lengths, widths) in the corrosion  20  in the correct amounts precisely, as indicated in step S 33 . 
     After filling the cavity of the corrosion  20 , the filled corrosion  20  may be rolled in step S 34 . When rolling, the roller  7  is passed over the filled corrosion  20 . After rolling, the repaired corrosion  20  may be rescanned as in step S 35  in order to ensure that the area is properly repaired. Finally, it is determined if the repair is complete in S 36 . If not, then the process returns to S 32  to calculate the needed filler material  21 . If the repair is complete, the process is finished. 
     Regarding the specific components used to achieve the above method, the transportation means  1 , or truck, depicted in  FIGS. 1A-3  is only one non-limiting embodiment of a transportation means  1  for the instant application. In another embodiment, the system may be a small portable machine, or the system may be separately fixed on any vehicle capable of supporting the MPS, in any location that would satisfy. 
     Alternatively, the transportation means  1  could be an autonomous transport or a remotely controlled transport, such as a robot ( FIG. 4 ) in either case. In particular, a specially configured robot could fulfill this role, where “specially configured” means that the robot is particularly designed and programmed to perform repairs and outfitted with the repair components discussed above, including the MPS  2 , as well as others described herein below. For example, the robot may be equipped with an electronic control unit (“ECU”) (disposed within the main body of the robot, but not depicted) connected to cameras and other sensory devices. Using the above sensory devices, the robot is programmed to either 1) seek and repair road corrosion completely autonomously once provided with location restrictions and instructions, or 2) be controlled remotely via an operator guiding the robot to road corrosion. 
     Other possible transportation means  1  need not be entirely mechanically driven. Thus, an alternative example of the transportation means  1  is a push cart that is manually movable, and while able to power or support the scanner  3 , the cart itself, i.e., the means of transporting the scanner  3 , is merely the manner in which the other components are carried or stabilized. 
     As for the MPS  2 , it includes a pair of lateral rail bars  2   a , which extend substantially parallel to each other in a forward direction from opposite sides of the truck. A cross-rail bar  2   b  extends between the lateral rail bars  2   a . The cross-rail bar  2   b  is slidably movable along a length of the lateral rail bars  2   a . As indicated in  FIG. 3  by the arrows facing in opposite directions with respect to the ends of the lateral rail bars  2   a , the lateral rail bars  2   a  are simultaneously retractable. The length of extension of the lateral rail bars  2   a  is substantially equidistant extending together anywhere from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the lateral rail bars  2   a  are secured along the side of the truck cab. In the second position, the lateral rail bars  2   a  are extended in front of the transportation means  1  to the fullest extension. 
     The scanner  3  is connected slidingly to the cross-rail bar  2   b . As such, the scanner  3  is movable along the cross-rail bar  2   b  in a direction orthogonal to the lateral rail bars  2   a;  and by way of the sliding interconnection between the cross-rail bar  2   b  and the lateral rail bars  2   a , the scanner  3  is also movable in a direction parallel to the lateral rail bars  2   a . Accordingly, the scanner  3  is movable in at least two dimensions and positionable anywhere between the lateral rail bars  2   a . Finally, the scanner  3  is oriented so that the scanning portion of the scanner  3  faces the ground beneath the lateral rail bars  2   a . Note that any known three-dimensional scanner may be attached to the MPS  2 , so long as the scanner used provides satisfactory results for calculation purposes. It is preferable that the scanner  3  have the ability to obtain the volume data of the corrosion  20  in both numeric and image formats, so that the data can be processed by a processor having a data storage memory (not depicted) in the transportation means  1  and, if desired, displayed on a display device (not depicted) for review by the operator or the robot, upon receipt of the data. Accordingly, the scanner  3  needs to be capable of least one or both of being physically connected via electronic circuitry to the processor or wirelessly connected to the processor in order to transfer the data captured by the scanner  3 . 
     Like the scanner  3 , the filling head  4  is also connected to a cross-rail bar  2   c  on a first end of the filling head  4 , and the second end of the filling head  4  is connected to the filling supply conduit  5 , which is connected to the container  6 . Also like the scanner  3 , the filling head  4  can be positioned anywhere between the lateral rail bars  2   a . As such, it is possible to position the filling head  4  over the corrosion  20  and deposit (either via injection or extrusion) the precise amount of filler material  21  needed for any particular spatial coordinate location of the corrosion, based on the volume data obtained by the scanner  3 . The filling head  4  may be automatically actuated or controllable via the processor according to the data obtained, and/or, in the event of an error in the data obtained of the corrosion  20 , an operator may remotely control the position of the filling head  4  to address the error. 
     Note, with respect to the electro-mechanical elements of the claimed apparatus, including the connections between the filling head  4 , the scanner  3 , the MPS  2 , and the processor either in the transportation means  1  or in a remote location, may be connected to control the various components via any known wired or wireless method that fulfills the above-stated purposes of transferring actuation commands and data transmission. 
     Alternative Embodiment 
     Similar to  FIGS. 1A-3 ,  FIG. 4  depicts a transportation means  1 , however, the transportation means  1  is a robot. Further, in an alternative embodiment, the robot transportation means  1  also supports a rear MPS  8  and a rear scanner  9 . The rear MPS  8  allows the rear scanner  9  to perform a secondary scan of the area that was repaired in order to ensure that the repair is complete and avoid future problems. For example, the image obtained by the rear scanner  9  would be analyzed, and if the image showed that the repair of the road corrosion  20  was inadequate and a small cavity remained, the operator of the transportation means or the robot itself would be able to further repair the corrosion  20 . 
     Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.