Handheld Probe Positioning via Video and Depth Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for surveying surface contamination, particularly in enclosed environments like nuclear facilities, are inefficient due to manual data collection, high costs, and limitations in positional accuracy, making it difficult to accurately map and dispose of contaminants like radioactive materials.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a handheld probe, video camera, and depth sensing device that captures video data and distance measurements to identify the probe's position relative to the surface, allowing for automated data recording and transmission of physical or chemical property measurements, enabling detailed surveys even in environments without conventional positioning systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual data collection methods are used to survey surface contamination, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the process is expensive, time-consuming, and subject to transcription errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data collection with an automated system using video cameras to capture probe positions, depth sensors to measure distances, and processing circuitry to automatically correlate measurements with locations. This eliminates manual transcription errors and accelerates the survey process while maintaining equipment accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated self-recording of survey data by having the probe itself tracked via video identification and depth sensing, with automatic correlation of measurement data to spatial positions. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces human error in the surveying process.
2Measurement precision
If a measurement instrument is moved close to the surface to detect contaminating materials, then measurement precision is improved, but it becomes difficult to automate the process due to the need for human flexibility and dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a video camera as an intermediary to track the probe's position and a depth sensor to measure its distance from the surface. This intermediary system captures the probe's spatial information automatically, eliminating the need for direct human manipulation while maintaining the ability to detect contaminants at close range with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces human dexterity and flexibility in manipulating the probe with an automated tracking system using video cameras and depth sensors. These optical and electronic systems automatically capture the probe's position and orientation, enabling automation while maintaining measurement precision through continuous visual and depth-based tracking.
3Ease of operation
If conventional positioning systems like GNSS are used for surveys, then position measurements can be obtained easily, but they are not accessible in enclosed environments like buildings or nuclear facilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses video cameras and depth sensors as intermediary systems to establish positioning in enclosed environments where GNSS is unavailable. The video camera captures visual information to identify and track the probe, while the depth sensor provides distance measurements, together creating a positioning system that works independently of satellite signals and is adaptable to any enclosed space.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from three-dimensional satellite-based positioning (GNSS) to a combination of two-dimensional video tracking and one-dimensional depth sensing. This dimensional approach uses visual identification from video frames combined with distance measurements to accurately determine probe position in enclosed environments where conventional GPS positioning is impossible.
4Measurement precision
If expensive and bulky infrastructure like robotic total stations or laser ranging systems is deployed, then positional accuracy can be improved, but the cost and complexity prohibit routine use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs relatively simple, inexpensive components such as standard video cameras and depth sensors instead of expensive robotic total stations or laser ranging systems. These affordable components are used to create a positioning system that achieves sufficient accuracy for contamination mapping without requiring bulky, costly infrastructure, enabling routine deployment in various facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multi-functional components where video cameras serve both to capture the survey environment and to track probe position, while depth sensors provide distance measurements for both safety monitoring and positioning. This universal use of standard components eliminates the need for specialized expensive equipment, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision.
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
This system allows for quick, accurate, and safe surveys of contaminated environments, reducing radiation exposure for operators and enabling precise mapping of contaminant concentrations, facilitating effective disposal and reducing the need for expensive infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a depth sensing device for measuring the distance from the device to the handheld probe being used to survey the surface
Implementation Method 2
a video camera for capturing a sequence of frames of video data of a user holding the handheld probe
Data Source
AI summary
A system for surveying a surface (2) to measure a physical or chemical property associated with the surface. The system includes a handheld probe (4) measuring a physical or chemical property at locations over a surface (2). The video camera (12) captures video data of a user (6) using the handheld probe (4) to survey the surface. The depth sensing device (14) measures the distance to the handheld probe (4). Processing circuitry identifies the handheld probe from the video data and determines the position of the handheld probe (4) relative to the surface (2). A data recorder and/or a data transmitter records and/or transmits data representative of the physical or chemical property measured by the handheld probe (4) and data representative of the associated position of the handheld probe, when the handheld probe (4) is determined to be less than a threshold distance from the surface (2) being surveyed.