Cavity Inspection System with Automated Structure Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cavity inspection systems for sewer pipes and shafts require manual initiation and operation, which is time-consuming and may not ensure consistent observation accuracy for detecting and processing damaged areas or structures.

Innovation Solution

A cavity inspection system equipped with a sensor device, such as a camera, and a structure recognition module that automatically identifies structures within the cavity, allowing for partially automated inspection and processing operations. The system includes a control device that can initiate actions based on recognized structures, such as adjusting the camera's position or activating processing tools, using image evaluation and potentially self-learning algorithms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual initiation and operation of cavity inspection systems is used, then the system can be operated with simple control, but the inspection process becomes time-consuming and observation accuracy may be inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection speedVSAvoidsystem automation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cavity inspection system performs self-service through automated structure recognition and self-learning algorithms. The sensor device automatically captures images, the evaluation unit processes the data to detect structures and anomalies, and the system initiates actions without continuous manual intervention, enabling the system to serve itself in the inspection process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the sensor device to capture images at regular intervals or when specific conditions are met. The evaluation unit is pre-programmed with structure recognition algorithms that automatically process images and detect anomalies, preparing the system to respond immediately without waiting for manual commands

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If automated structure recognition is implemented, then observation accuracy is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobservation accuracyVSAvoidevaluation unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical inspection with automated optical and computational systems. The sensor device uses optical sensors to capture images, and the evaluation unit uses computer-based image processing and self-learning algorithms to detect structures, substituting human visual inspection and manual analysis with automated electronic systems that provide consistent high-accuracy observations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor device creates optical copies (images) of the cavity structures, which are then analyzed by the evaluation unit. This copying process allows multiple analyses of the same structure without physical contact, enabling precise measurement and detection while maintaining a simple physical inspection probe

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3599510B1Hollow area inspection system
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 IBAK HELMUT HUNGER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3599510B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3599510B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3599510B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a cavity inspection system with an inspection unit (4) designed for insertion into a cavity (2), which has at least one camera (12), and a control device (10) for controlling the inspection unit (4), which has an image evaluation device (30) connected to the camera (12), wherein the image evaluation device (30) has a structure recognition module (32) which is designed in such a way that it recognizes certain structures (24, 26, 28) in an image taken by the camera (12), and the control device (10) is designed in such a way that, when a certain structure (24, 26, 28) is recognized by the structure recognition module (32), it initiates at least one action of the cavity inspection system.