Orientation-Adapted Image Processing for Remote Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote inspection systems with flexible tubes or arms face challenges in orientation, leading to user confusion when the image-capturing unit is arbitrarily oriented, especially during rotations or when the image-presenting unit is suspended, making it difficult to understand the generated images and navigate the system effectively.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an orientation sensor to generate orientation-adapted images by overlaying orientation data onto captured images, physically rotating parts of the system to align with a reference coordinate system, and processing images to correct for orientation offsets, thereby improving user understanding and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the image-capturing unit is allowed to be oriented in an arbitrary direction to enable flexible inspection in confined spaces, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the user's understanding of the generated image deteriorates due to orientation confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that receives images from the arbitrarily oriented image-capturing unit and automatically rotates/transforms them to match the user's perspective. This intermediary processing layer decouples the physical orientation freedom from the visual understanding problem, allowing both arbitrary orientation and clear image interpretation to coexist.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the image-presenting unit is suspended in a non-rigid arrangement to improve flexibility, then the adaptability is improved, but the image orientation stability deteriorates causing user confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where orientation sensors continuously monitor the actual orientation of the image-presenting unit, and this orientation data is fed back to the image processing system. The system then automatically compensates for any orientation deviations by rotating the displayed image to maintain correct orientation, thus stabilizing the image composition despite physical suspension flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If physical rotation of the image-capturing unit is performed to align with reference coordinate system, then the image orientation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical rotation mechanisms with software-based image processing. Instead of physically rotating the image-capturing unit or the display using mechanical components, the system uses computer algorithms to rotate and transform the image data itself, achieving precise orientation alignment through digital processing rather than mechanical means.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for generating orientation-adapted images in a remote inspection system are disclosed, wherein said remote inspection system comprises an image-capturing unit, an image-presenting unit, an orientation sensor, a processor, and an imaging system comprised in said image-capturing unit. The method comprises capturing an image of a real world scene, wherein said image comprises a frame of image data values, obtaining orientation data values from an orientation sensor, and generating an orientation-adapted image based on said image data values and said orientation data values.