Hovering Camera Control for Bridge Underside Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inspecting structures like bridges require manual scaffolding, lane closures, and significant resources, which are costly and disruptive, especially when accessing hard-to-reach areas like bridge undersides.
Innovation Solution
A control system and method using a hovering camera equipped with an imaging device that performs automatic flights based on pre-set flight paths, allowing for efficient inspection without the need for manual scaffolding or lane closures, utilizing a control terminal to generate and transmit flight information and display combined images for intuitive user operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual scaffolding and lane closures are used for structure inspection, then inspection safety and accessibility are improved, but inspection cost and disruption to traffic increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection systems (scaffolding, lane closures) with an automated aerial inspection system using a hovering camera that can access bridge undersides and other hard-to-reach areas without physical infrastructure setup
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (photograph) of the inspection target area and transmits it to a terminal device, allowing operators to view and assess the inspected area remotely without physically being present in dangerous locations
2Productivity
If a hovering camera is used for inspection, then inspection cost and setup time are reduced, but ease of operation for unaccustomed users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a terminal device as an intermediary between the hovering camera and the user, providing an intuitive interface for designating inspection areas through photograph selection and automatic flight path generation, making the system accessible to users without specialized training
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically generates flight paths and controls the hovering camera based on user-selected inspection areas, eliminating the need for users to manually control complex flight parameters while maintaining high inspection efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle control system includes at least one imaging device attached to a vehicle and that captures multiple images, and a control circuit that generates a composite image from the multiple images and displays the composite image on a display unit. The vehicle is operated according to a user operation on a portion of the display unit on which the composite image is being displayed.