Patents Assigned to Pictometry International Corp.
  • Patent number: 10037464
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed including a computer storage medium, comprising instructions that when executed by one or more processors included in an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), cause the UAV to perform operations, comprising: receiving, by the UAV, a flight plan configured to direct the UAV to fly a flight path having a plurality of waypoints adjacent to and above a structure and to capture sensor data of the structure from a camera on the UAV while the UAV is flying the flight path; adjusting an angle of an optical axis of the camera mounted to a gimbal to a predetermined angle within a range of 25 degrees to 75 degrees relative to a downward direction, and capturing sensor data of at least a portion of a roof of the structure with the optical axis of the camera aligned with at least one predetermined location on the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Schultz, John Monaco
  • Patent number: 10032078
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed including a computerized system, comprising: a computer system having an input unit, a display unit, one or more processors, and one or more non-transitory computer readable medium, the one or more processors executing software to cause the one or more processors to: display on the display unit one or more images, from an image database, depicting a structure; receive a validation from the input unit indicating a validation of a location of the structure depicted in the one or more images; generate unmanned aircraft information including flight path information configured to direct an unmanned aircraft to fly a flight path above the structure and capture sensor data from a camera on the unmanned aircraft while the unmanned aircraft is flying the flight path; receive the sensor data from the unmanned aircraft; and generate a structure report based at least in part on the sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Schultz, John Monaco
  • Patent number: 9972126
    Abstract: A computer system is described for automatically generating a 3D model, including non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that when executed by hardware cause it to obtain a series of geographical points regarding a structure within a geographic area; identify a geographic location of the structure; retrieve multiple geo-referenced oblique images representing the geographic location and containing a real façade texture of the structure; locate a geographical position of a real façade texture of the structure; select one or more base oblique image from the multiple oblique images by analyzing, with selection logic, image raster content of the real façade texture depicted in the multiple oblique images, and, apply the real façade texture of the one or more base oblique image to the series of geographical points of the structure to create a three dimensional model providing a real-life representation of physical characteristics of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Freund, Ran Gal
  • Patent number: 9959667
    Abstract: A method of automatically transforming a computerized 3D model having regions of images utilized as textures on one or more physical objects represented in the 3D model (such as building sides and roofs, walls, landscapes, mountain sides, trees and the like) to include material property information for one or more regions of the textures of the 3D model. In this method, image textures applied to the 3D model are examined by comparing, utilizing a computer, at least a portion of each image texture to entries in a palette of material entries. The material palette entry that best matches the one contained in the image texture is assigned to indicate a physical material of the physical object represented by the 3D model. Then, material property information is stored in the computerized 3D model for the image textures that are assigned a material palette entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventor: Stephen Schultz
  • Patent number: 9953112
    Abstract: A system and method for generating multi-3D perspective floor plans having real-life physical characteristics. The multi-3D perspective floor plans may be generated using image data and related to a floor plan of a structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventor: Stephen L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 9933254
    Abstract: Processes and systems including providing at least one computer input field for a user to input location data generally corresponding to the location of the building; providing visual access to a first aerial image of a region including a roof structure of a building corresponding to said location data, the first aerial image having a first resolution; providing a computer input capable of signaling user-acceptance of a final location within the aerial image; and providing visual access to one or more second aerial images of an aerial imagery database corresponding to location coordinates of the final location, the one or more second aerial images having a second resolution that is higher resolution than the first resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Dale R. Thornberry, Chris T. Thornberry, Mark F. Garringer
  • Patent number: 9898802
    Abstract: Systems and methods for creating a ground confidence map of a geographic area, comprising the steps of creating a ground confidence map of a geographic area, the ground confidence map having a plurality of pixels with each pixel corresponding to a particular geographic location; assigning the pixels in the ground confidence map with pixel values indicative of composite ground confidence scores by calculating composite ground confidence scores for the pixel values of common geographic regions within the overlapping portions of the source images within a kernel corresponding to the particular geographic location of the pixels; and storing pixel values indicative of a statistical probability that the geographical location represented by the particular pixels represent the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Frank Giuffrida, Stephen Schultz, Robert Gray, Robert Bradacs
  • Patent number: 9881163
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed including transmitting, by processor of a server computer, image raster content of a geo-referenced aerial image to an operator user device without the geo-referencing information of the geo-referenced aerial image; receiving, by the processor of the server computer from the operator user device, image coordinates, which may be in the form of pixel row/column, representing an object or region of interest selected within the image raster content of the geo-referenced aerial image by a data processing operator of the operator user device; and translating the image coordinates into real-world geographic coordinates. The processor may calculate measurements based on the real-world geographic coordinates and may store real-world geographic coordinates and/or measurements. The geo-referenced aerial image may be isolated such that a data processing operator may not be able to pan or zoom outside of the isolated geo-referenced aerial image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Schultz, Frank Giuffrida
  • Patent number: 9836882
    Abstract: A computer system is described for automatically generating a 3D model, including hardware and non-transitory computer readable medium accessible by the hardware and storing instructions that when executed by the hardware cause it to obtain wire-frame data of a structure within a geographic area; identify a geographic location of the structure; retrieve multiple geo-referenced oblique images representing the geographic location and containing a real façade texture of the structure; locate a geographical position of a real façade texture of the structure; select one or more base oblique image from the multiple oblique images by analyzing, with selection logic, image raster content of the real façade texture depicted in the multiple oblique images, and, apply the real façade texture of the one or more base oblique image to the wire-frame data of the structure to create a three dimensional model providing a real-life representation of physical characteristics of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Freund, Ran Gal
  • Patent number: 9811922
    Abstract: A computerized system including a computer system running image display and analysis software is described. The computer system displays an oblique image, references positional data for the oblique image, creates a ground plane for the oblique image, receives a selection of at least two pixels within the oblique image and calculates a desired measurement using the selection of the at least two pixels and the ground plane, the desired measurement taking into account changes within the topography of the area captured within the oblique image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: PICTOMETRY INTERNATIONAL CORP.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Schultz, Frank D. Giuffrida, Robert L. Gray, Charles Mondello
  • Patent number: 9805059
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for early access to captured images including generating and storing within a geospatial database a plurality of placeholder records having information identifying a particular captured image and including at least one geographic image boundary field containing information indicative of a real-world geographic area depicted within the image, an image file location field, and an image status field; receive a plurality of signals from one or more processing computer, at least two of the signals having the information identifying particular captured images, and second information indicative of updates indicating a change in at least one of the image location and image processing status for the image identified by the first information; and populating at least one of the image location and the image processing status of the placeholders within the geospatial database with the information indicative of updates for identified captured images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Frank D. Giuffrida, Chad Skolny, Steve Adams, Robert Gray, Chris Schnaufer
  • Patent number: 9805489
    Abstract: A computer system running image processing software receives identification of a geographical area for which an oblique-mosaic image is desired; assigns surface locations to pixels included in an oblique-mosaic pixel map of the geographical area encompassing multiple source images, the oblique-mosaic pixel map being part of a mathematical model of a virtual camera looking down at an oblique angle onto the geographical area; creates a ground elevation model of the ground and vertical structures within the oblique-mosaic pixel map using overlapping source images of the geographical area, wherein the source images were captured at an oblique angle and compass direction similar to the oblique angle and compass direction of the virtual camera; and reprojects, with the mathematical model, source oblique image pixels of the overlapping source images for pixels included in the oblique-mosaic pixel map using the ground elevation model to thereby create an oblique-mosaic image of the geographical area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen Schultz, Frank Giuffrida, Robert Gray
  • Patent number: 9753950
    Abstract: A computer system comprises a processor capable of executing processor executable code operably coupled with a non-transitory computer medium storing processor executable code, which when executed by the processor causes the processor to: (a) receive a first signal over a computer network, the first signal indicative of a request for information about a target structure from a user; (b) in response to receiving the first signal, access a database including information about the target structure; and (c) transmit a second signal over the computer network indicative of a virtual property report for the target structure including at least one image of the target structure. The virtual property report may include information about a facet of the target structure facing a street, location of a main entrance of the target structure, location of a secondary entrance of the target structure, location of vehicle access to the target structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Schultz, David Arthur Kennedy, James Smyth
  • Patent number: 9743046
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for displaying data products onto a geospatial map in real-time using a computer program. In one version, the method includes the steps of monitoring the one or more directories of one or more computer readable media for newly created data products, automatically reading the newly created data products, correlating positional information of the data products with the geospatial map of the computer program for mapping and exploitation, and rendering information onto the geospatial map indicative of the area covered by each newly created data product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Frank D. Giuffrida, Mark A. Winkelbauer, Charles Mondello, Robert S. Bradacs, Craig D. Woodward, Stephen L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 9723269
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for creating data products in real-time with the aid of a ground station system. The method includes the steps of monitoring one or more communication links for newly captured sensor data and positional data of oblique images, saving the sensor data and positional data to one or more directories of one or more computer readable media, monitoring the one or more directories of one or more computer readable media for sensor data and positional data, processing the sensor data and positional data to create one or more data products for use by one or more mapping and exploitation systems responsive to the sensor data and positional data being saved in the one or more directories, and storing the one or more data products to one or more directories of one or more computer readable media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Frank D. Giuffrida, Mark A. Winkelbauer, Charles Mondello, Robert S. Bradacs, Craig D. Woodward, Stephen L. Schultz, Scott D. Lawrence, Matt Kusak, Kevin G. Willard
  • Patent number: 9633425
    Abstract: Image capture systems including a moving platform; an image capture device having a sensor for capturing an image, the image having pixels, mounted on the moving platform; and a detection computer executing an abnormality detection algorithm for detecting an abnormality in the pixels of the image immediately after the image is captured by scanning the image utilizing predetermined parameters indicative of characteristics of the abnormality and then automatically and immediately causing a re-shoot of the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Frank Giuffrida, Stephen Schultz
  • Patent number: 9612598
    Abstract: An unmanned aircraft structure evaluation system includes a computer system with an input unit, a display unit, one or more processors, and one or more non-transitory computer readable medium. Image display and analysis software causes the one or more processors to generate unmanned aircraft information. The unmanned aircraft information includes flight path information configured to direct an unmanned aircraft to fly a flight path around the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Schultz, John Monaco
  • Patent number: 9542738
    Abstract: Automated methods and systems of creating three dimensional LIDAR data are disclosed, including a method comprising capturing images of a geographic area with one or more image capturing devices as well as location and orientation data for each of the images corresponding to the location and orientation of the one or more image capturing devices capturing the images, the images depicting an object of interest; capturing three-dimensional LIDAR data of the geographic area with one or more LIDAR system such that the three-dimensional LIDAR data includes the object of interest; storing the three-dimensional LIDAR data on a non-transitory computer readable medium; analyzing the images with a computer system to determine three dimensional locations of points on the object of interest; and updating the three-dimensional LIDAR data with the three dimensional locations of points on the object of interest determined by analyzing the images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Schultz, David R. Nilosek, David S. Petterson, Timothy S. Harrington
  • Patent number: 9530181
    Abstract: A computer system for continuously panning oblique images is disclosed. More particularly, the computer system uses a methodology whereby separate oblique images are presented in a manner that allows a user to maintain an understanding of the relationship of specific features between different oblique images when panning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Schultz, Chris Schnaufer, Frank Giuffrida
  • Patent number: 9520000
    Abstract: A computer system is described for automatically generating a 3D model, including hardware and non-transitory computer readable medium accessible by the hardware and storing instructions that when executed by the hardware cause it to obtain wire-frame data of a structure within a geographic area; identify a geographic location of the structure; retrieve multiple geo-referenced oblique images representing the geographic location and containing a real façade texture of the structure; locate a geographical position of a real façade texture of the structure; select one or more base oblique image from the multiple oblique images by analyzing, with selection logic, image raster content of the real façade texture depicted in the multiple oblique images, and, apply the real façade texture of the one or more base oblique image to the wire-frame data of the structure to create a three dimensional model providing a real-life representation of physical characteristics of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Pictometry International Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Freund, Ran Gal