Remote debugging method and system for detectors in multiple types of pipelines

Abstract

The invention discloses a remote debugging method and system for detectors in multiple types of pipelines. The system comprises a debugging computer, debugging software, an embedded controller, a power protection and filtering assembly, a power distribution and switching device, a data switching device and a data gateway. An original method that a special debugging software is used by one debugging computer to debug the in-pipeline detector of a specific brand is changed into a method that the debugging software is used by one debugging computer, and the in-pipeline detectors of a plurality of pipelines (the same brand or different brands) can be debugged. The debugging system disclosed by the invention is simple in structure, small in size and convenient to operate, automatic combined debugging of the detector in the pipeline can be realized, the operation difficulty is reduced, the field is saved, and the debugging efficiency and precision are improved; the debugging system is additionally provided with multiple functions of debugging personnel management, debugging data record export, report issuing and the like, and data support is provided for tracking management and control of the whole detection implementation process of the detector in the pipeline.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of in-pipe detector debugging, and particularly relates to a remote debugging method and system for multi-type in-pipe detectors. Background Art

[0002] Pipe robots are the products of modern technology, and their main use is to detect and maintain inside pipes. Compared with manual maintenance, such robots are very safe and efficient, and can reduce labor costs and human-based safety hazards.

[0003] For in-pipe detectors, during the actual operation process, various problems will inevitably occur. Therefore, subsequent debugging means should be considered during the design to ensure the reliable and efficient operation of the in-pipe detectors.

[0004] The existing remote debugging methods and systems mainly have the following problems:

[0005] (1) The debugging efficiency is low. One person cannot debug multiple devices simultaneously. Only one device can be debugged by one person, and a dedicated debugging software system is required. If joint debugging is needed, one person needs to be proficient in multiple debugging softwares or multiple people need to operate simultaneously, which cannot meet the requirements of joint debugging and joint testing.

[0006] (2) The external power supply is complex. A large number of mains conversion modules and battery compartments need to be configured for each set of equipment, resulting in a high investment cost and poor economy. At the same time, the power connection will bring the risk of wrong connection and cause equipment damage; power supply instability such as undervoltage, overvoltage, and overcurrent is likely to occur, leading to damage to the debugging equipment.

[0007] (3) There are various specifications, models, and performance types of in-pipe detectors. For in-pipe detectors of the same specification, model, and performance type, there are also multiple manufacturers. Different types of pipe detectors and different manufacturers use different communication media and protocols, and multiple debugging softwares and corresponding power supply and network equipment need to be configured. Debugging personnel and maintenance personnel need to be proficient in the use, operation, maintenance management, and fault handling capabilities of equipment from multiple manufacturers, which requires high technical requirements for debugging and maintenance personnel.

[0008] (4) The debugging software does not have a historical record function, and cannot realize the unified management function of debugging records. It is difficult to summarize and export the debugging records of multiple devices, which is not conducive to the evaluation of the debugging workload and debugging effect.

[0009] (5) The debugging personnel hold a signal detector close to the in-pipe detector, and then export data offline to confirm that the in-pipe detector normally sends signals externally. One device is tested at a time, with low work efficiency; at the same time, it is also impossible to confirm whether the signal strength meets the requirements.

[0010] In summary, there is still room for improvement and perfection in the remote debugging of in-pipe detectors in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0011] To overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a remote debugging method and system for multi-type in-pipe detectors, which can perform power supply switching and communication switching, use different communication protocols and media conversion, and can also flexibly select wired or wireless debugging methods. Moreover, it can realize the automated joint debugging of in-pipe detectors, significantly improve the debugging efficiency and accuracy, and at the same time can also ensure a substantial reduction in debugging costs and site requirements, playing an important role in the research and development of remote debugging systems for in-pipe detectors.

[0012] For this reason, the present invention proposes a remote debugging system for multi-type in-pipe detectors, including:

[0013] A debugging computer with debugging software installed therein, and the debugging software is used to display the status information of each unit to be debugged;

[0014] An embedded controller, which is responsible for receiving the instructions sent by the debugging computer and performing power supply switching and data transceiver switching of the devices to be debugged;

[0015] A power protection and filtering component, which is used to manage the external commercial power and battery compartment, and ensure stable and reliable electrical energy for the devices to be debugged;

[0016] A power distribution and switching device, which is responsible for executing the power supply switching instructions of the controller and providing the required electrical energy for the units to be debugged; and

[0017] A data switching device and a data gateway, which convert the instructions of the debugging computer through Ethernet, including protocol conversion and media conversion, and transfer them into the data interface type and protocol type that the devices to be debugged can receive.

[0018] Furthermore, the debugging software has a full-automatic debugging mode and a manual debugging mode, and can be freely switched.

[0019] Furthermore, the debugging software has a personnel authorization and authentication module, which can perform authorization and authentication management of debugging personnel.

[0020] Furthermore, the embedded controller, the power protection and filtering component, the power distribution and switching device, and the data switching device and the data gateway form a baseline detector debugging box.

[0021] Furthermore, the power protection and filtering component includes a DC+ terminal and a DC- terminal connected to an external power supply.

[0022] Furthermore, the power protection and filtering component also includes a device power supply port connected to the battery compartment of the baseline detector.

[0023] Furthermore, the data switching device and the data gateway include a network cable interface connected to the debugging computer.

[0024] Furthermore, the data switching device and the data gateway include an aviation plug female connector connected to the baseline detector.

[0025] The present invention also proposes a remote debugging method for multiple types of in-pipeline detectors, comprising the following steps:

[0026] S1: Set up the debugging system in the working debugging area of ​​multiple pipeline detectors, and connect the adapter communication cables to the debugging ports of different pipeline detectors respectively;

[0027] S2: Connect the external power supply to multiple pipeline detectors respectively, and use a resistance measuring instrument to measure whether each pipeline detector is short-circuited;

[0028] S3: Turn on the external power switch and use a voltage measuring instrument to confirm whether the voltage between the power supply line and each detector in the pipeline is within the accurate voltage value;

[0029] S4: Connect the debugging line to the timing port plug to perform the timing test, and open the debugging software program corresponding to the current pipeline detector on the debugging computer to complete the electronic function debugging of the pipeline detector;

[0030] S5: Test other in-pipe detectors in sequence according to step S4;

[0031] S6: After completing the functional debugging of multiple in-pipe detectors, disconnect the communication cable of each in-pipe detector and install a switch or a plug;

[0032] S7: Multiple pipeline detectors that have completed testing and are on standby are transported to each project site for testing.

[0033] The present invention relates to a method and system for remote debugging of multiple types of in-pipeline detectors. The debugging system has a simple structure, a compact size, and is easy to operate. It can realize automated joint debugging of in-pipeline detectors, reduce operational difficulty, save costs and space, improve debugging efficiency and accuracy, and ensure stable power supply to debugging equipment. The debugging system adds multiple functions such as debugging personnel management, debugging data record export, and report issuance, providing data support for tracking management and control of the entire process of in-pipeline detector detection implementation.

[0034] In addition to the above-described purposes, features and advantages, the present application also has other purposes, features and advantages. The present application will be further described in detail with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 Structural schematic of the baseline detector debugging box of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 2 Structural schematic of the baseline detector debugging box of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0038] Figure 3 Working flowchart of the multi-type in-pipe detector remote debugging system of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4 Step sequence diagram of the multi-type in-pipe detector remote debugging method of the present invention;

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals

[0041] 1. DC+ terminal; 2. DC- terminal; 3. Female aviation plug; 4. Equipment power supply port; 5. Network cable interface. Detailed implementation manners

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0043] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the multi-type in-pipe detector remote debugging system of the present invention includes a debugging computer, debugging software, an embedded controller, a power protection and filtering component, a power distribution and switching device, as well as a data switching device and a data gateway. The debugging computer and the debugging software complete the remote debugging work of the in-pipe detector.

[0044] Specifically, the debugging software is installed in the debugging computer, can display the status information of each debugged unit, can switch between debugging modes such as fully automatic debugging and manual debugging, and the debugging software has a personnel authorization and authentication module, which can perform debugging personnel authorization and authentication management, and can also export debugging historical data;

[0045] The embedded controller: responsible for receiving instructions sent by the debugging computer, and performing power switching and data transceiver switching of the device under test. The embedded controller is an intelligent controller that can be measured without being paired with a PC, which can save resources and time costs to a great extent.

[0046] The power protection and filtering component is used to control the external commercial power and battery compartment, ensure stable and reliable electrical energy is provided to the device under test, and prevent device damage caused by external power supply under-voltage, over-voltage, over-current, etc.

[0047] The power distribution and switching device is responsible for executing the power switching instruction of the controller and providing the required electrical energy for the unit under test.

[0048] The data switching device and data gateway convert the instructions of the debugging computer through Ethernet, including protocol conversion and medium conversion, and transfer them into the data interface type and protocol type that the device under test can receive.

[0049] According to the multiple functional modules of the multi-type in-pipe detector remote debugging system disclosed above, the remote debugging system can achieve the following functions: (1) Change the method of using a dedicated debugging software on an original debugging computer to debug an in-pipe detector of a specific brand to using a debugging software on a debugging computer, which can debug multiple (the same brand or different brands) in-pipe detectors; (2) Through the power switching device and data switching device, power supply switching and communication switching can be performed; (3) Through the data gateway, different communication protocols and medium conversions can be used; (4) Expand the local wired debugging method to local or remote, wired or wireless debugging methods; (5) Optimize the single-device debugging to multi-device debugging or multi-device (joint) linkage debugging, and the device can be debugged individually or in linkage, providing a verification test for application expansion research; (6) Include functions such as recording all process data and results of system debugging, supporting debugger management, and exporting debugging results, which can provide data support for performance management.

[0050] In this embodiment, the above test system can be integrally designed as a dedicated debugging box for baseline detector debugging, and the baseline detector debugging box includes an embedded controller, a power protection and filtering component, a power distribution and switching device, and a data switching device and data gateway.

[0051] The data switching device and the data gateway include a network cable interface 5 connected to the debugging computer, and also include a female aviation plug 3 connected to the baseline detector; the power protection and filtering component includes a DC+ terminal 1 and a DC- terminal 2 connected to an external power supply, and also includes a device power supply port 4 connected to the battery compartment of the baseline detector; it is possible to choose to use an external power supply or the battery compartment to supply power to the baseline detector, enabling the debugging box to have overcurrent protection function and baseline detector debugging function.

[0052] The DC+ terminal 1 and the DC- terminal 2 are respectively connected to the positive and negative poles of the external power supply; the network cable interface 5 of the debugging-computer is connected to the network port of the debugging computer; the female aviation plug 3 of the debugging-device is connected to the baseline detector; the device power supply port 4 is connected to the battery compartment of the baseline detector.

[0053] Among them, the interfaces in the in-pipe detector conform to the technical parameters in Table 1

[0054] Table 1: Technical parameters of the interfaces in the in-pipe detector

[0055]

[0056] The indicator lights in the in-pipe detector conform to the technical parameters in Table 2

[0057] Table 2: Technical parameters of the indicator lights in the in-pipe detector

[0058]

[0059]

[0060] The rotary switches in the in-pipe detector conform to the technical parameters in Table 3

[0061] Table 3: Technical parameters of the rotary switches in the in-pipe detector

[0062]

[0063] Other technical parameters of the in-pipe detector:

[0064] ① Power supply voltage: 9 - 36V DC;

[0065] ② Power switch: three-position rotary switch;

[0066] ③ Debugging-computer: RJ45;

[0067] ④ Debugging-device: 55-core plug;

[0068] ⑤ Device power supply: 55-core socket;

[0069] ⑥ Protection current: 5A;

[0070] ⑦ Operating temperature range: -20°C to +80°C;

[0071] ⑧ Protection level: IP66;

[0072] ⑨ Dimensions: 163mm * 110mm * 91mm;

[0073] ⑩ Weight: 400g.

[0074] After completing the drawing check and ensuring the correct wiring, power on the system and conduct power supply inspection and communication detection for each unit to be debugged. Then, the detector operates on the slide rail according to the debugging instructions to detect the signals emitted by the in-pipe detector, to confirm that the power supply wiring of the in-pipe detector is correct and the signal reflection device is installed correctly, meeting the factory requirements.

[0075] The debugging system disclosed by the present invention has a simple structure, a small volume, and convenient operation, can realize the automated joint debugging of the in-pipe detector, reduces the operation difficulty, saves costs and space, improves the debugging efficiency and accuracy, and ensures the stable power supply of the debugging equipment; the debugging system adds multiple functions such as debugging personnel management, debugging data recording and export, and report issuance, providing data support for the tracking management and control of the whole process of the in-pipe detector detection.

[0076] Combined with Figures 1 to 4 , the present invention also discloses a remote debugging method for multi-type in-pipe detectors, which is characterized by including the following steps:

[0077] S1: Set up the debugging system in the working debugging area of multiple in-pipe detectors, and connect the adapter communication cables to the debugging ports of different in-pipe detectors respectively;

[0078] S2: Connect the external power supply to multiple in-pipe detectors respectively, and use a resistance measuring instrument to measure whether each in-pipe detector is short-circuited;

[0079] S3: Turn on the external power supply switch, and use a voltage measuring instrument to confirm whether the voltage between the power supply line and each in-pipe detector is within the accurate voltage value;

[0080] S4: Unscrew the plug cock switch, turn on the switch, conduct time calibration test by connecting through the debugging line and the time calibration port plug, open the debugging software program corresponding to the current in-pipe detector on the debugging computer, and supply power to the in-pipe detector to complete the electronic function debugging of the in-pipe detector, and turn off the power of the in-pipe detector;

[0081] S5: Test other in-pipe detectors in sequence according to the steps of S4;

[0082] S6: After completing the function debugging of multiple in-pipe detectors, disconnect the communication cable of each in-pipe detector, and install the switch or socket plug.

[0083] S7: Transport multiple in-pipe detectors in the completed detection standby state to each project site for detection implementation.

[0084] Specifically, during the debugging of four in-pipe detectors of a certain brand of equipment A, a certain brand of equipment B, a certain brand of equipment C, and a certain brand of equipment D, the debugging system is set up within the working debugging area of the four in-pipe detectors. First, use a 16-core wrench to unscrew the 16-core plug of the in-detector electronic package, and connect the adapter communication cables of the debugging system to the debugging ports of equipment A, B, C, and D respectively.

[0085] Connect the power supply of the debugging system to the AC-to-DC conversion external power supply, then connect the Ethernet cable of the debugging system to the upper computer. It is also possible to supply power to the baseline detector through the battery compartment, which is the power supply method for the equipment. Use a resistance measuring instrument to measure whether equipment A, B, C, and D are short-circuited. The normal resistance of the circuit is less than 1 ohm. Turn on the external power supply switch, and use a voltage measuring instrument to confirm whether the voltage between the power supply line and A, B, C, and D is within the accurate voltage value.

[0086] Unscrew the plug, turn on the switch, and connect the debugging line to the time calibration port plug for time calibration. Open the debugging software program of equipment A on the computer side, and power on equipment A to complete the electronic function debugging of equipment A. Power off equipment A.

[0087] Unscrew the switch plug, turn on the switch, and connect the debugging line to the time calibration port plug for time calibration. Open the debugging software program of equipment B on the computer side, and power on equipment B to complete the electronic function debugging of equipment B. Power off equipment B.

[0088] Unscrew the switch plug, turn on the switch, and connect the debugging line to the time calibration port plug for time calibration. Open the debugging software program of equipment C on the computer side, and power on equipment C to complete the electronic function debugging of equipment C. Power off equipment C.

[0089] Unscrew the switch plug, turn on the switch, and connect the debugging line to the time calibration port plug for time calibration. Open the debugging software program of equipment D on the computer side, and power on equipment D to complete the electronic function debugging of equipment D. Power off equipment D.

[0090] After completing the function debugging of equipment A, B, C, and D, disconnect the communication cables of equipment A, B, C, and D, and install the switch or socket plug. At this time, the detection standby state of equipment A, B, C, and D has been set, and they can be transported to each project site for detection implementation. The debugging system needs to be disassembled and cleaned after use, and can be assembled and tested according to subsequent requirements.

[0091] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that: they can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements for some of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A remote debugging system for multi-type pipeline in-line detectors, characterized in that, Including: A debugging computer with built-in debugging software for displaying the status information of each unit under debugging. An embedded controller responsible for receiving instructions sent by the debugging computer and performing power switching and data transceiver switching for the device under debugging. A power protection and filtering component for controlling the external commercial power and battery compartment to ensure stable and reliable electrical energy supply for the device under debugging. A power distribution and switching device responsible for executing the power switching instruction of the controller and providing the required electrical energy for the unit under debugging. And A data switching device and a data gateway for converting the instructions of the debugging computer through Ethernet, including protocol conversion and medium conversion, and transposing them into the data interface type and protocol type that the device under debugging can receive.

2. The remote debugging system for multi-type pipeline in-line detectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The debugging software has a full-automatic debugging mode and a manual debugging mode and can be freely switched.

3. The remote debugging system for multi-type pipeline in-line detectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The debugging software has a personnel authorization and authentication module for authorizing and managing the authentication of debugging personnel.

4. The remote debugging system for multi-type pipeline in-line detectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The embedded controller, the power protection and filtering component, the power distribution and switching device, and the data switching device and the data gateway form a baseline detector debugging box.

5. The remote debugging system for multi-type pipeline in-line detectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power protection and filtering component includes a DC+ terminal (1) and a DC- terminal (2) connected to an external power supply.

6. The remote debugging system for multi-type pipeline in-line detectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power protection and filtering component further includes a device power supply port (4) connected to the battery compartment of the baseline detector.

7. The remote debugging system for multi-type pipeline in-line detectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data switching device and the data gateway include a network cable interface (5) connected to the debugging computer.

8. The remote debugging system for multi-type pipeline in-line detectors according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data switching device and the data gateway include a female aviation plug (3) connected to the baseline detector.

9. A remote debugging method for multi-type pipeline in-line detectors, characterized in that, Including the following steps: S1: Set up the debugging system in the working debugging area of multiple in-pipe detectors, and respectively connect the adapted communication cables to the debugging ports of different in-pipe detectors. S2: Connect the external power supply to multiple in-pipe detectors respectively, and use a resistance measuring instrument to measure whether each in-pipe detector is short-circuited. S3: Turn on the external power supply switch, and use a voltage measuring instrument to confirm whether the voltage between the power supply line and each in-pipe detector is within the accurate voltage value. S4: Conduct a time calibration test by connecting the debugging line to the time calibration port plug. The debugging computer opens the corresponding debugging software program of the current in-pipe detector to complete the electronic function debugging of the in-pipe detector. S5: Test other in-pipe detectors in sequence according to step S4. S6: After completing the function debugging of multiple in-pipe detectors, disconnect the communication cable of each in-pipe detector and install a switch or a plug for the socket. S7: Transport multiple in-pipe detectors in the standby state after completion of detection to each project site for detection implementation.

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