Incremental LIDAR Pipe Inspection for Faster 3D Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video and LIDAR-based inspection probes for pipes in sewer systems face issues with data accuracy due to water flow and vapors, leading to slow data acquisition and inclusion of irrelevant data, and require high computational resources.
Innovation Solution
A system using incremental scanning LIDAR sensors with sequential laser pulses, combined with video cameras and advanced data processing to create precise 3D point clouds, filters out irrelevant data, and is compatible with low-computing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional LIDAR sensors are used to scan pipe interiors, then three-dimensional data can be obtained, but the data acquisition becomes slow and cumbersome due to simultaneous and repeated acquisition of all points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using sequential laser pulses instead of continuous scanning. The LIDAR sensor emits laser pulses at regular intervals along the pipe, with each pulse capturing a cross-sectional profile. This periodic pulsing method maintains measurement precision while dramatically reducing data acquisition time compared to traditional continuous scanning that repeatedly scans all points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pipe inspection process into discrete cross-sectional measurements taken at intervals along the pipe length. Instead of continuously scanning the entire pipe interior, the system divides the inspection into separate pulse-based cross-sectional snapshots, which are then reconstructed into a three-dimensional model. This segmentation approach improves productivity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If video cameras are used for inspection, then real-time visualization is possible, but detection accuracy is reduced due to irregular water flow and vapors affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical-mechanical video camera system with a laser-based LIDAR measurement system. Instead of using light reflection captured by video cameras that are sensitive to water flow and vapors, the system uses laser pulses to directly measure distance and geometry. This substitution maintains ease of operation through automated data collection while significantly improving measurement precision by being less susceptible to interference from flowing water and atmospheric conditions.
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
The system provides faster, accurate data acquisition, excluding irrelevant data, and generates lightweight 3D models compatible with GIS and BIM technologies, enabling efficient fluid dynamics simulations.
Implementation Method 1
Each point is acquired by emitting a sequential plurality of laser pulses, whose time of flight is calculated in order to measure the three-dimensional position of a respective point-like physical portion
Implementation Method 2
The sensor head contains at least one incremental scanning LIDAR sensor for the emission of a sequential plurality of laser pulses, whose time of flight is calculated
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for the deep inspection of a pipe (T) and/or another installation (C) intended for the transport of fluids is described. The system comprises a probe (10) which comprises a detection head (12), provided with a first sensor (20) for the collection of the data regarding the internal physical structure of the pipe (T) and/or installation (C), a rod (14), on which the detection head (12) is positioned, a local electronic control unit (16), which is provided with at least one second sensor (22) for the collection of the data regarding the geolocation of the pipe (T) and/or installation (C) and/or the surface environment, and at least one remote electronic control unit (18), which is capable of receiving, storing and processing the data coming from the first sensor (20) and the at least one second sensor (22). The first sensor (20) consists of at least one incremental scanning LIDAR sensor, which is configured to incrementally acquire three-dimensional data regarding the internal physical structure of the pipe (T) and/or the installation (C) and/or all the installations pertaining to the pipe (T), such as (but not limited to) chambers, connections, breakages, deformations, curves and planimetric-altimetric route. A method for the deep inspection of a pipe (T) and/or another installation (C) intended for the transport of fluids by using a probe (10) of the type illustrated above is also described.