Confined Space Mapping With VSLAM for Remote Defect Inspection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inspecting confined spaces such as pipes and manholes is hazardous, slow, and costly due to the need for manual or tethered CCTV methods, which lack efficiency and accuracy in data analysis.
Innovation Solution
A modular remote inspection system with a camera module, light module, and sensors that can float through subterranean environments, using image processing and VSLAM algorithms to map and analyze the space, providing geolocated data and defect detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection methods are used, then inspection can be performed, but the process is slow and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated robotic inspection system equipped with cameras, sensors, and AI-powered image processing. The robot navigates subterranean spaces autonomously, capturing images and data that are processed by machine learning algorithms to detect defects, eliminating the need for human inspectors to physically enter hazardous environments while maintaining high inspection speed through automated operations
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system performs self-navigation, self-data-capture, and self-analysis through integrated sensors, processors, and AI algorithms. The robot autonomously moves through the confined space, captures images and sensor data, and processes this information onboard to identify defects and generate inspection reports without requiring constant human intervention or control
2Measurement precision
If tethered CCTV rovers are used, then inspection data can be collected, but the method is expensive and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: navigation, image capture, sensor data collection, onboard processing, and defect detection. The modular design allows the same robotic platform to perform various inspection tasks in different environments by adjusting software parameters and sensor configurations, reducing the need for multiple specialized systems while maintaining high detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the tether and surface control equipment from the inspection system, creating an autonomous robot that operates independently in subterranean environments. This eliminates the complexity of tether management, surface control systems, and associated infrastructure while improving inspection efficiency through autonomous operation and reducing costs by eliminating the need for surface support equipment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables safe, efficient, and accurate remote inspection and mapping of subterranean infrastructures, reducing risks and costs while improving data analysis and feature detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a camera configured to capture image data depicting a transit of the confined space by the mapping device
Implementation Method 2
The processing the image data to determine the first set of locations of the mapping device may include providing the image data as input to a visual simultaneous localization and mapping algorithm
Implementation Method 3
a light module removably attached to the mapping device, the light module including an array of lights disposed about the mapping device
Implementation Method 4
The at least one hull may include a bore extending through the at least one hull, wherein the bore is configured to cool and stabilize the mapping device
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a system for mapping a confined space. The system includes a mapping device comprising a camera configured to capture image data depicting a transit of the confined space by the mapping device. The system includes an image processing system comprising a processor and a memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute instructions stored on the memory to perform the operations of processing the image data to determine a first set of locations of the mapping device as it transits the confined space; and processing the image data to determine a second set of locations of one or more features or one or more defects associated with the confined space.