Video Inspection Insertion Tube Steering Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Video inspection devices face challenges in precisely steering the insertion tube to center anomalies within the video image, leading to suboptimal illumination and potential missed anomalies during inspections.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a pointing device to detect precise steering requests by monitoring displacement and elapsed time, allowing the video inspection device to move the insertion tube a fixed distance based on the direction of displacement, improving the positioning of the camera head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pointing device is used to steer the insertion tube, then the camera head can be positioned proximate to the anomaly, but precise positioning to center the anomaly in the video image is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the steering mode based on the displacement magnitude and duration. For small, brief displacements (precise positioning mode), the insertion tube moves a fixed small distance in the direction of displacement. For larger or longer displacements (coarse positioning mode), the system adjusts the steering magnitude accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the same pointing device to achieve both coarse and precise positioning without requiring different devices or complex procedures.
2Productivity
If the anomaly is not centered in the video image, then the inspection can be completed, but the quality of reporting and analysis is compromised due to suboptimal illumination and potential missed anomalies
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically centers the anomaly in the video image by detecting the displacement of the pointing device and autonomously adjusting the insertion tube position accordingly. When the inspector displaces the pointing device, the system calculates the required adjustment and executes the positioning automatically, eliminating the need for manual fine-tuning. This self-service capability ensures consistent centering and optimal illumination without adding extra steps to the inspection process, thereby maintaining productivity while improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for steering an insertion tube of a video inspection device is disclosed for detecting a precise steering request made by displacing a pointing device from its stationary position and then returning the pointing device to or near its stationary position within a short interval of time. This precise steering request is then used by the video inspection device to steer the insertion tube a fixed distance in a direction based on the direction of the displacement of the pointing device for precise positioning of the camera head of the insertion tube.