Autonomous Inspection Imaging for Consistent Structural Re-Photography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection systems face challenges in maintaining accuracy and efficiency due to the limited ability of autonomous inspection robots to consistently photograph structures at the same angle, leading to potential inspection mistakes and decreased efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An inspection support system that utilizes a self-traveling apparatus equipped with a photographing unit, image processing, identification information processing, and command generation units to compare and correlate inspection images, allowing the apparatus to autonomously travel and shoot targets at precise positions, even if initially captured at different angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If autonomous control of the inspection robot is implemented, then inspection efficiency is improved, but photographing accuracy at the same angle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a three-dimensional model (copy) of the inspection target based on initially captured images. This model serves as a reference for generating travel commands that enable the robot to return to exact same positions for periodic re-inspection, thereby achieving consistent photographing angles while maintaining autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing initial inspection images and generating a three-dimensional model before periodic inspections. This preliminary modeling enables subsequent autonomous robots to navigate to precise positions without manual intervention, ensuring consistent photographing angles in future inspections.
2Speed
If the self-traveling apparatus autonomously travels to capture images, then inspection speed increases, but the ability to photograph at consistent angles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the generated three-dimensional model as feedback to continuously correct and refine the robot's travel positioning. By comparing real-time position data against the model, the system ensures the robot returns to precise locations for consistent photographing angles, maintaining accuracy while enabling autonomous high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated system that uses three-dimensional modeling and computer-generated travel commands. This substitution eliminates human error in positioning while maintaining the ability to achieve consistent photographing angles through digital reference data.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an inspection support system capable of improving work efficiency or work accuracy in inspection of structures. A self-traveling apparatus autonomously travels in response to a first travel command based on a first inspection image to a target position, and shoots photographing targets captured in the first inspection image to acquire a second inspection image; and an information processing apparatus extracts, from among the photographing targets captured in the second inspection image, a matched target that matches the photographing target captured in the first inspection image, and correlates the identification information that identifies, in an identifiable manner, the photographing targets that are captured in the first inspection image and are matched to the matched target, with the matched target.