Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a property surveying device that is capable of providing a means to allow a user to survey a property that is constructed as well as under-construction with enhanced accuracy and efficiency to automate property assessment, detect structural flaws and evaluate construction materials for improved decision-making and project planning.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Property surveying is a critical process in construction, real estate, and urban development. Traditionally, property assessment relied on manual methods such as visual inspections, physical measurements, and paper-based documentation. These methods, while effective to some extent, are labour-intensive, prone to errors, and lack the precision required for modern construction standards. Additionally, the evaluation of structural integrity, construction flaws, and reinforcement components like bars and wirings often demands specialized equipment and expertise, leading to delays and increased costs. Moreover, the property surveying helps in a wide range of applications, providing critical insights and data for construction, real estate, urban planning, and property management. It ensures accurate measurement of property dimensions, identification of boundaries, and assessment of structural integrity, which are essential for construction planning and legal documentation.

[0003] Traditionally, the devices for surveying often focus on isolated functionalities, such as capturing images or detecting structural elements, without offering a comprehensive solution for property assessment and data management. Furthermore, such devices fail to integrate user-friendly features like 3D mapping, real-time flaw detection, or personalized data access, which are essential for efficient decision-making in construction planning and property management. The absence of automation and centralized data management complicates the process, making it challenging to assess the feasibility of construction projects or to maintain comprehensive records for future reference.

[0004] CN213209042U discloses an utility model provides an auxiliary device for building survey and drawing. The auxiliary device for building surveying and mapping includes: a surveying instrument; the portable handle is fixedly arranged at the top of the surveying instrument; the mounting and connecting block is arranged above the carrying handle; the abutting and fixing block is fixedly arranged at the bottom of the mounting block, and the bottom of the abutting and fixing block is in contact with the top of the mounting block; the two baffle plates are rotatably arranged on the assembling and connecting block and are respectively arranged on two sides of the portable handle; the two arc-shaped grooves are respectively arranged on two sides of the portable handle; the two sliding-in rods are respectively and slidably mounted in the corresponding arc-shaped grooves and are respectively and fixedly connected with the corresponding stop plates. The utility model provides an auxiliary device for building survey and drawing has simple structure, makes things convenient for daily use of surveying instrument, produce the advantage of protection to the user.

[0005] US20130235185A1 discloses an invention is a building inspection device for inspecting a side of a building comprising a body having a under-side, a line attachment means connected to the body for movably connecting the body to a guide line, an alignment means for aligning the body so that the underside of the body faces the side of the building, a system controller for controlling the inspection device, and a sensing device disposed in the body having a sensor located on the underside of the body for inspecting a portion of the side of the building, wherein the sensing device is controlled by the system controller. The line attachment means may be connected to a vertical weight-bearing guide line, and the alignment means may comprise a second vertical guide line also connected to the line attachment means.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are disclosed in prior art that provide ways to survey a property, but often lack in offering an integrated solution that combines multiple advanced functionalities such as measuring dimensions, capturing images, or detecting certain structural elements, without integrating advanced functionalities. Due to such limitations, such devices or apparatuses are not able to provide sufficient details regarding parameters to be considered for improving such type of property.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of surveying a property by measuring and capturing detailed property dimensions, structural flaws, evaluating reinforcement components, and analysing construction material for providing real-time insights and accurate assessments for various stages of property development to improve efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of the surveying process.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of surveying a property with enhanced accuracy and efficiency to automate property assessments, detect structural flaws, and evaluate construction materials for improved decision-making and project planning.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of simplifying the surveying process, reduce human error, and provide accurate, real-time data for construction planning and property evaluation.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of surveying an under-construction property to detect feasibility, quantity of construction material, and cost of construction on the property in accordance with blueprints uploaded by user.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a property surveying device that is capable of automating property assessments with improved accuracy and efficiency, enabling the detection of structural flaws and evaluation of construction materials to enhance decision-making and project planning.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a property surveying device, comprises of a cuboidal housing having a pair of tracked wheels installed underneath the housing for a locomotion of the housing, a user interface module configured to be installed on a computing unit to enable the computing unit to remotely connect with the microcontroller to actuate the device, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the housing for recording and processing images in a vicinity of the housing, a GPS (global positioning system) unit mounted in the housing, triggers a microcontroller to actuate the wheels to navigate the housing through the property to survey capture details of the property and record in a database linked with the microcontroller, an inspection unit mounted with the housing for inspecting construction quality of a constructed property, a holographic projection unit, mounted on the base, to display a 3D (three dimensional) map reconstruction of the surveyed property for reference of user, a wireless communication unit, disposed in the housing and linked with the microcontroller, to enables users to access database of construction details and ownership details, and a battery associated with the device to supply power to all components associate with the device to operate the device accordingly.

[0015] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a property surveying device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0018] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0020] The present invention relates to a property surveying device that is capable of by measuring and capturing detailed property dimensions, structural flaws, evaluating reinforcement components, and analysing construction material for providing real-time insights and accurate assessments for various stages of property development.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a property surveying device is illustrated, comprising a cuboidal housing 101 having a pair of tracked wheels 102 installed underneath the housing 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the housing 101, a pair of articulated telescopic grippers 104 mounted on a pair of lead screws 105 mounted at a front portion of the housing 101, a motorised lead nuts 106 coupled with the screws 105, and a holographic projection unit 107 mounted on the housing 101.

[0022] The proposed device comprises of a cuboidal housing 101 encased with various components associated with the device arrange in sequential manner that aids in surveying a property. Upon placing the housing 101 over the surface near the property, the user access an user interface installed on a computing unit to fed input regarding survey an unconstructed/constructed property based on blueprints uploaded by user via the user interface, location of the property to determine feasibility, quantity of construction material, and cost of construction on the property. The computing unit includes but not limited to a mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the alert received from the microcontroller is stored to process and retrieve the output data in order to display in the computing unit.

[0023] A microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a wireless communication unit which includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module. GSM (Global System for Mobile communication). The communication unit acts as a medium between various electronic unit for establishing communication between the computing unit and device to process the input.

[0024] Upon processing the input given by the user, the microcontroller enables the users to access the database related to construction details and ownership details of all scanned properties. Herein, the user interface is provided with a user profile module, enabling the users to create personalised profiles for accessing list of properties in the database and uploading property related data onto the database to view a comprehensive list of properties stored in the database, retrieve data such as structural dimensions, material specifications, and ownership history, and upload relevant property data, including images, documents, maintenance records, and updates. Herein, the details include facilities within a radius of the property as inputted by the user. The user able to customize the range (e.g., 5 km, 10 km, etc.) around the property and search for schools, hospitals, malls, parks, public transportation, etc., based on their requirements. The bot will capture the details, allowing the user to later perform the value engineering

[0025] Based on input details, the microcontroller now actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 synced with a GPS (global positioning system) unit mounted in the housing 101 to detect obstacle including trees, electric poles, and nearby constructions in path of the housing 101. The imaging unit 103 mentioned herein comprises of comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to capture and process the images of the surrounding of the housing 101. The camera firstly captures multiple images of the surrounding, wherein the camera comprises of a body, electronic shutter, lens, lens aperture, image sensor, and imaging processor that works in sequential manner to capture images of the surrounding.

[0026] After capturing of the images by the camera, the shutter is automatically open due to which the reflected beam of light coming from the surrounding due to light is directed towards the lens aperture. After that the reflected light beam passes through the image sensor. The image sensor now analyzes the beam to retrieve signal from the beams which is further calibrate by the sensor to capture images of the surrounding in electronic signal. Upon capturing images, the imaging processor processes the electronic signal into digital image. When the image capturing is done, the processor associated with the imaging unit 103 processes the captured images by using a protocol of artificial intelligence to retrieve data from the captured image in the form of digital signal.

[0027] The detected data in the form of digital signal is now transmitted to the linked microcontroller based on which the microcontroller acquires the data to detect the property and activates the GPS unit for detecting location of the property. The GPS unit works by receiving signals from multiple satellites orbiting the Earth. These satellites transmit time-stamped signals, and the GPS receiver measures the time it takes for each signal to reach the receiver. By calculating the distance to at least three or four satellites, the GPS unit determine the housing’s exact location in terms of latitude, longitude, and altitude. This data is then processed by the microcontroller, to detect the location of the unconstructed property.

[0028] Based on the location of the property, the microcontroller actuates a pair of tracked wheels 102 integrated underneath the housing 101 for locomotion of the housing 101 towards the property. The track wheels 102 work by utilizing a motor-driven mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear movement, allowing the housing 101 to navigate smoothly. Each wheel is powered by an individual motor, controlled by the microcontroller, which adjusts the speed and direction of the wheels 102 based on the detected property to move the device accordingly to survey capture details of the property. The capture details of property includes various data points such as images, measurements, and surrounding conditions that are relevant for the survey. The microcontroller processes this data to create a comprehensive overview of the property, ensuring accurately surveys and captures the necessary details for further analysis that is recorded in the database linked with the microcontroller.

[0029] On saving the above details related to the survey, an inspection unit mounted with the housing 101 inspects construction quality of the property to evaluate feasibility, quantity of construction material, and cost of construction on the property in accordance with the blueprints. The inspection unit includes a pair of articulated telescopic grippers 104 mounted on a pair of lead screws 105 that is assembled at a front portion of the housing 101 via one or more motorised lead nuts 106 coupled with the screws 105 for raising and lowering of the grippers 104 that in turns allow laser sensors integrated with the grippers 104 to detect dimensions of the constructed property.. Herein, each of the grippers 104 are equipped with a set of pneumatic sections and ball joint that works in collaboration to move three end effector of the grippers 104 towards the property,

[0030] The pneumatic sections mentioned herein equipped with a pneumatic unit comprises of an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves i.e. Inlet and outlet valve and piston that works in collaboration to aid extension and retraction of the sections. The air compressor is coupled with a motor that gets activated by the microcontroller to compress the air from surroundings upon entering from the inlet valve to compressed and pumped out via the outlet valve. The air valve allows entry or exit of the compressed air from the compressor. Furthermore, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder.

[0031] The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston moves. And upon closing of the valve, the compressed air exit out from the cylinder thereby decreasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The increasing and decreasing of the air pressure from the cylinder aids in movement of the piston in a to and fro direction that turns in extending and retracting the sections to allow the ball joints to orient the sections to move the end effector in synchronization with raising and lowering of the grippers 104 a motorised lead nut 106 equipped with the lead screw 105.

[0032] The lead nut 106 mentioned herein rotates on the lead screw 105 when a motor connected with the screw is activated by the microcontroller for raising and lowering of the grippers 104. The lead nut 106 operates by converting rotational motion from the motor into linear motion to raise or lower the grippers 104. As the motor rotates the lead screw 105, the lead nut 106 moves along the threads of the screw in a linear direction. This movement, driven by the motor’s rotation, causes the grippers 104 to either ascend or descend as per the direction of rotation of the lead. Herein, the grippers 104 comprises with three-fingers end effectors to allow turning of the housing 101 by gripping surfaces while navigating narrow sites of properties.

[0033] Based on the motion of the grippers 104, the laser sensor detects the dimensions of the constructed property. The laser sensor works by emitting a laser beam towards the surface of the constructed property and measuring the time it takes for the beam to reflect back to the sensor. This time-of-flight measurement is then used to calculate the distance between the sensor and the surface of the property. The sensor detect precise measurements of distance and dimensions by continuously emitting and receiving laser pulses, providing accurate readings of the dimensions of the property.

[0034] The grippers 104 are linked with GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) sensors to detect dimensions of reinforcement bars of the property. The GPR works by emitting high-frequency radio waves into the surface, and then detecting the waves that are reflected back from the as reinforcement bars. The GPR sensor sends out pulses of electromagnetic energy, which travel through the concrete. When these waves encounter the bars are reflected back to the sensor. The time it takes for the waves to return allows the GPR to calculate the depth, location, and size of the reinforcement bars within the property. This data is then transmitted to the microcontroller where it analyse to detect the dimensions of reinforcement bars. Further, the imaging unit 103 detects flaws in constructed properties and the laser sensors with the GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) sensors detect dimensions of the flaws that is saved into the database.

[0035] Simultaneously, based on data of the dimensions of reinforcement bars, flaws, and property, a Radar sensor integrated with the gripper detects the wirings in the reinforcement bars. The radar sensor works by emitting electromagnetic waves, typically in the radio frequency range, into the material surrounding the reinforcement bars. These waves travel through the material and reflect back when they encounter the wires within the reinforcement bars. The radar sensor detects these reflected signals and measures the time it takes for the waves to return. By analysing the reflected signals, the sensor determine the location of the wirings within the structure. This information is then processed to identify and map the wirings used in the used in the property.

[0036] Based on the dimensions of the constructed property, reinforcement bars and wirings used in the property, the inspection unit is able to create a result of construction flaws and upload the details into the database. After that the microcontroller actuates a holographic projection unit 107, mounted on the base to display a 3D (three dimensional) map highlighting reconstruction areas of the surveyed property for reference of user. The projection unit 107 comprises of a shutter, beam splitters, diverging lenses and a mirror utilized to project laser beams. Firstly, the projector emits the laser beam and passed through the shutter to impact on the beam splitter. After the impact of laser beam, the splitter splits the laser beam into two directions.

[0037] First part is passes through a diverging lens where it scatters to impact on the mirror and produce reflected beam and another part is passed to another mirror directly where it reflects the beam and pass through another diverging lens. After then, the reflected beam from first part falls on the surrounding to generate holograms to display a 3D (three dimensional) map reconstruction of the surveyed property for reference of user to visual representation of the property’s layout, dimensions, and structural details, offering the user an interactive and detailed reference for analysis, planning, or documentation purposes. Further, based on geolocation data, the projection unit 107 projects locally available materials such as specific types of bricks, sand, and cement, helping users save on transportation costs. The users interact with the computing unit to bookmark preferred materials for future reference.

[0038] For on-site users, the projection unit 107 showcases high-resolution images of materials like bars and wooden panels, providing insights into material’s quality and durability. Herein, a machine learning protocols encrypted with the microcontroller compares the displayed materials and generates a detailed report in the computing unit to assist the users in selecting the most suitable option. Additionally, the holographic projection unit 107 presents information on the risks and reliability associated with the selected materials and construction techniques, delivering a comprehensive value engineering report. Further, a centralized database supports the device by storing critical information, including the device’s movement data, construction site monitoring records, and user profiles, ensuring efficient data management and accessibility for informed decision-making.

[0039] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0040] The present invention works best in following manner that includes cuboidal housing 101 having the pair of tracked wheels 102 for a locomotion of the housing 101 as per input given in the computing unit regarding survey an unconstructed property by the inspection unit and the imaging unit 103, to determine feasibility, quantity of construction material, and cost of construction on the property in accordance with blueprints uploaded by user via the user interface, location of the property, wherein the cost is calculated based on prices of the material to activate the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 in synchronisation with a GPS (global positioning system) unit to actuate the wheels 102 to navigate the housing 101 through the property to survey capture details of the property and record in the database linked with the microcontroller where the details include facilities within a radius of the property as inputted by a user. Based on that the inspection unit inspects construction quality of a constructed property by assistance of the GPR (Ground Penetration Radar) to detect dimensions of reinforcement bars and wirings used in the property detected by the radar sensor to upload the details into the database where the details also include construction flaws detected by the inspection unit in synchronisation with the imaging unit 103. After that the microcontroller actuates the holographic projection unit 107 to display a 3D (three dimensional) map reconstruction of the surveyed property for reference of user.

[0041] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A property surveying device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal housing 101 having a pair of tracked wheels 102 installed underneath said housing 101 for locomotion of said housing 101;

ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103, installed on said housing 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said housing 101, in synchronisation with a GPS (global positioning system) unit mounted in said housing 101, to trigger a microcontroller to actuate said wheels 102 to navigate said housing 101 through said property to survey by capturing details of said property and recording in a database linked with said microcontroller, wherein said details include facilities within a radius of said property as inputted by a user;

iii) an inspection unit mounted with said housing 101 for inspecting construction quality of a constructed property, said inspection unit comprising a pair of articulated telescopic grippers 104, mounted on a pair of lead screws 105 which are mounted at a front portion of said housing 101, said grippers 104 joined with said lead screws 105 via motorised lead nuts 106 coupled with said screws 105 for raising and lowering of said grippers 104, wherein one or more laser sensors, GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) sensors are embedded in said grippers 104 for measuring dimensions of said constructed property and dimensions of reinforcement bars along with wirings used in said property detected by a radar sensor embedded in front portion of said housing 101, to upload said details into said database, wherein said details also include construction flaws detected by said inspection unit in synchronisation with said imaging unit 103;

iv) a holographic projection unit 107, mounted on said base, to display a 3D (three dimensional) map highlighting reconstruction required in said surveyed property for reference of user; and

v) a user interface configured to be installed on a computing unit to enable said computing unit to remotely connect with said microcontroller to actuate said wheels 102 to navigate said housing 101 based on location detected by said GPS unit, to survey an unconstructed property by said inspection unit and said imaging unit 103, to determine feasibility, quantity of construction material, and cost of construction on said property in accordance with blueprints uploaded by user via said user interface, location of said property, wherein said cost is calculated based on prices of materials fetched from said database.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wireless communication unit, disposed in said housing 101 and linked with said microcontroller, to enable users to access said database, wherein construction details and ownership details of all scanned properties are accessed from said database.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said imaging unit 103 detects flaws in constructed properties and said laser sensors with said GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) sensors detect dimensions of said flaws and save into said database.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said user interface is provided with a user profile module, enabling users to create personalised profiles for accessing list of properties in said database and uploading property related data onto said database.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grippers 104 are provided with three-fingers end effectors to enable turning of said housing 101 by gripping of surfaces while navigating narrow sites of properties.