Infrastructure Condition Monitoring With Overview and Detail Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inspecting large infrastructure such as high-voltage power lines and wind turbines are inefficient, lacking continuous and verifiable documentation, and unable to detect subtle surface defects due to insufficient image resolution and economic feasibility of aerial surveys.
Innovation Solution
A method combining a laser scanning device for overview data acquisition with a high-resolution camera system for detailed imaging, using a swivel and tilt mechanism to align cameras, and GPS/RTK for precise positioning, allowing automated detection and documentation of infrastructure defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single camera is used for aerial image acquisition, then the entire system can be captured in one view, but the surface resolution is insufficient to detect subtle defects
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple cameras with different functions: an overview camera for capturing the entire system and detail cameras for high-resolution surface inspection. This segmentation allows each camera to be optimized for its specific purpose, resolving the contradiction between wide field of view and high surface resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection process is extended from a single temporal moment to multiple time points. The overview camera captures images at one time point, and detail cameras capture images at subsequent time points after equipment positions are determined. This temporal dimension allows the system to achieve both comprehensive coverage and detailed inspection without requiring all cameras to capture simultaneously.
2Productivity
If automated image acquisition is implemented, then inspection efficiency increases, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overview camera performs preliminary action by capturing images of the entire system first, allowing the evaluation unit to determine equipment positions before detail cameras perform high-resolution imaging. This preliminary action simplifies the overall system control by separating the positioning task from the detailed inspection task.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit processes images from the overview camera to determine equipment positions, then uses this information to control the detail cameras for targeted high-resolution imaging. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adapt its inspection strategy based on the captured data, maintaining high productivity while managing complexity through intelligent control.
3Measurement precision
If manual inspection by trained personnel is used, then detailed assessment is possible, but continuous and verifiable documentation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing, processing, and documenting inspection data through the camera array and evaluation unit. This eliminates the need for manual inspection while providing continuous, verifiable digital documentation, resolving the contradiction between assessment accuracy and documentation reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical inspection process is replaced with an automated optical-electronic system consisting of cameras, image processing algorithms, and digital documentation. This substitution maintains assessment accuracy through high-resolution imaging while ensuring continuous and verifiable documentation through automated digital recording.
4Measurement precision
If high-resolution detail cameras are used, then surface defects can be detected, but the field of view is limited and multiple time points are required
Solution Approach 1:
The overview camera performs preliminary action by capturing images of the entire system first, allowing the evaluation unit to determine equipment positions before detail cameras perform high-resolution imaging. This preliminary action enables the detail cameras to focus only on relevant areas, reducing the total inspection time despite requiring multiple time points.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by seamlessly transitioning from overview imaging to detailed inspection. The evaluation unit continuously processes data and directs detail cameras to capture images at subsequent time points, ensuring that the inspection process flows without interruption and minimizing total inspection time.
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
Enables cost-effective, automated monitoring of infrastructure with high-resolution detail capture, reducing downtime and eliminating the need for manual inspections by providing precise, real-time or near-real-time detection of subtle defects.
Implementation Method 1
aerial surveying of high-voltage power lines or other installations using laser scanning devices (so-called LIDAR, in particular 'Airborne Laser Scanning' (ALS))
Implementation Method 2
image acquisition (aerial photogrammetry)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for condition monitoring of a system with equipment (7), in which overview data is acquired by means of a first vehicle (9) with an overview sensor arrangement (17, 18) for optical detection of the system, and the equipment is identified in the overview data by means of an evaluation unit (20), and the positions of the equipment are determined taking into account the position of the first vehicle. Detailed images of the equipment are generated by means of a detail camera (19) on board a second or the first vehicle, which is directed towards the respective positions of the equipment. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a corresponding arrangement for carrying out the method according to the invention. One embodiment relates to the condition monitoring of high-voltage pylons (1) with high-voltage overhead lines (29) that are strung between the pylons.Insulators (7) are suspended from the cross members (4, 5, 6) as operating equipment.