AR Pipe Inspection Visualization for Underground Network Context
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe inspection data visualization in 2D formats is difficult for end users to interpret, especially when trying to understand the context and location of pipe segments within extensive networks, making decision-making challenging for city managers.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality (AR) system combines 3D pipe inspection data from robots with real-time visual image data from above-ground surfaces, allowing users to interactively view pipe conditions and locations through a mobile device, using sensors and computer vision for alignment and user input-driven updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pipe inspection data is presented in 2D format, then data collection is simple, but user interpretation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms 2D pipe inspection data into 3D visual representations that can be rotated, zoomed, and explored from multiple angles. This dimensional transformation allows users to intuitively understand pipe conditions, defects, and spatial relationships without sacrificing the simplicity of data collection methods.
2Quantity of substance
If extensive pipe network data is displayed in 2D format, then data storage is efficient, but context understanding becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses 3D visualizations to preserve spatial context and relationships within extensive pipe networks. Users can navigate through virtual representations of pipe segments, maintaining an understanding of location and context that flat 2D displays cannot provide, while the underlying data storage remains efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical navigation system where users can zoom from overview maps of entire pipe networks down to detailed views of specific pipe segments and defects. This nested structure allows efficient data organization at multiple scales, preserving context at each level while maintaining storage efficiency.
3Loss of information
If pipe inspection data is made more detailed, then information completeness improves, but visualization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic visualization where users can interactively adjust the level of detail, rotate views, and explore different aspects of pipe data on demand. This dynamic approach allows comprehensive information to be presented in a controlled manner, maintaining completeness while managing perceived complexity through user-controlled exploration.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a method of providing an augmented reality (AR) scene of pipe inspection data, including: obtaining, using a processor, pipe inspection data derived from a pipe inspection robot that traverses through the interior of an underground pipe, the pipe inspection data including one or more sets of condition assessment data relating to an interior of the underground pipe; obtaining, using a processor, real-time visual image data of an above-ground surface; combining, using a processor, the pipe inspection data with the real-time visual image data in an AR scene; and displaying, using a display device, the AR scene. Other examples are described and claimed.